Overall, the TCL Alto 9+ will satisfy most budget-conscious buyers, as it offers good sound performance and widespread wireless connectivity for a pocket-friendly price. However, for more immersive audio and in-depth sound customization, consider other higher-end options
The TCL Alto 9+ is an entry-level 3.1-channel sound system first made available in late 2020. The soundbar comes with a wireless subwoofer that is capable of a low bass depth but does not deliver the kind of rumble that movie fans would appreciate.
Its soundstage is not as wide, so its sound projection is hard to pinpoint. The best speakers have a wide soundstage, making it very easy to pick up where the sound is coming from.
Still, the Alto 9+ redeems itself with its support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital Plus content through its HDMI ARC port. In total, the system also boasts an Optical Audio In port, three HDMI ports, and a single AUX port.
Like most highly ranked soundbars, it has impressive wireless connectivity, as owners will be able to stream audio content through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay.
Consensus
our Verdict
The TCL Alto 9+’s sound output lacks a strong bass response, but the vocals are very clear thanks to its center channel, and because it downmixes surround sound into stereo, its surround sound isn’t as immersive.
The soundbar allows for sound customization through 4 Eq presets, but it doesn’t get as loud. Still, its wireless connectivity options, including Bluetooth, WiFi, Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay, are impressive, and its remote is pretty easy to use.
Its input options also include an Optical Audio in, a HDMI ARC, a HDMI Out, and a Full HDMI in.
It has a tested latency of 136ms over ARC, 134ms over Optical, and 83ms over Full HDMI In, which isn’t the lowest, but there won’t be any obvious lags.
Reason to Buy
Offers good capabilities for its price range
Allows for sound customization through its Eq
Enhances sound quality compared to built-in TV speakers
Provides a decent simulated surround sound experience
Good port selection
Many different wireless connectivity options
TV remote can control soundbar volume
Offers various sound modes for different experiences
Reason to Avoid
Does not get as loud
Lacking in low-range bass output
Lack of an on-screen menu and limited remote functionality
Sound quality decreases at lower volume levels
Some users reported overheating problems
TCL Alto 9+ Review Specs
Bluetooth Enabled
Yes
Depth
4.3"
Dialogue Enhancement Feature
Yes
Energy Star Certified
No
HDMI ARC
Yes
Height
2.3"
Number of Audio Channels
3.1
Subwoofer
Included
Surround Sound Supported
Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD
Voice Assistant
Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Wall Mountable
Yes
Weight
6.6 lbs
Width
41.3"
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wireless
Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity
Yes
Works With
Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, Google Assistant, Remote Control, Wi-Fi
All Specs
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Product Comparison
TCL Alto 9+ Review
True Score
64
NR
NR
NR
Ranking
#
140
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149
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Market Context
The TCL Alto 9+ is an entry-level 3.1-channel sound system first made available in late 2020. The soundbar comes with a wireless subwoofer that is…
The TCL Alto 9+ is an entry-level 3.1-channel sound system first made available in late 2020. The soundbar comes with a wireless subwoofer that is capable of a low bass depth but does not deliver the kind of rumble that movie fans would appreciate.
Its soundstage is not as wide, so its sound projection is hard to pinpoint. The best speakers have a wide soundstage, making it very easy to pick up where the sound is coming from.
Still, the Alto 9+ redeems itself with its support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital Plus content through its HDMI ARC port. In total, the system also boasts an Optical Audio In port, three HDMI ports, and a single AUX port.
Like most highly ranked soundbars, it has impressive wireless connectivity, as owners will be able to stream audio content through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay.
The TCL Alto 9+ is superior to the TCL Alto 8+ in terms of surround sound performance since it has a 3.1 channel setup, while…
The TCL Alto 9+ is superior to the TCL Alto 8+ in terms of surround sound performance since it has a 3.1 channel setup, while the 8+ is a 2.1 channel sound system. Also worth noting is that the 9+ ships with a subwoofer, while the 8+ does not include one. However, the 8+ gets slightly louder than the 9+, but in contrast, the 9+ has more HDMI ports than the 8+.
The TCL Alto 9+ has support for Dolby Atmos content while the Alto 7+ does not, however, the 7+ gets significantly louder than the 9+….
The TCL Alto 9+ has support for Dolby Atmos content while the Alto 7+ does not, however, the 7+ gets significantly louder than the 9+. The 9+ also allows for bass and treble adjustment, two settings that are not available with the 7+. Make sure to check out our TCL Alto 7+ review to see what else it has to offer.
The Alto 9+ has a better bass output than the Sonos Arc because it ships with a subwoofer, which the Sonos Arc does not include….
The Alto 9+ has a better bass output than the Sonos Arc because it ships with a subwoofer, which the Sonos Arc does not include. Still, the Sonos Arc can be used with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and in this aspect, it is better than the 9+. The Sonos Arc also offers app support, unlike the 9+.
