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TCL Alto R1 Roku TV Wireless Soundbar Review

Kenn Muguna Avatar
Updated Feb 7, 2024 12:36 PM

True Score

80
81
2

Experts

88
1,876

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

The TCL Alto R1 Roku TV soundbar is a worthwhile budget pick that works great to amplify sound from your TV. It has reliable Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, but it is limited to Roku TVs.

$99.99

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

Announced in late 2021, the TCL Alto R1 Roku TV Wireless Soundbar is an entry-level pick designed for buyers who also own a Roku TV. While it does not ship with a subwoofer, buyers can opt to buy one separately, but it is easy to set up. The soundbar is capable of wireless connectivity through Bluetooth or WiFi, and it delivers stereo sound courtesy of its two 30W and 25W drivers. It also supports Dolby Audio but can’t render Dolby Atmos content (check out our list of the best speakers for alternatives that can).

The TCL Alto R1 soundbar also ships with an easy-to-use remote and measuring only 31.5 inches wide and 2.5 inches tall, it shouldn’t take up much space on most people’s entertainment setup. There are, however, more compact choices to choose from, some of which we have covered in our roundup of the best soundbars.

Consensus

our Verdict

The TCL Alto R1 Roku TV Wireless Soundbar offers reliable Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, and while its sound output isn’t the most impressive or immersive, it is still an upgrade from what most TVs can offer, with clear, well-balanced vocals and instrumentals, and just a hint of bass.

The soundbar also ships with an easy-to-use remote, but owners won’t be able to adjust the sound except through the TV. Another disadvantage is that the soundbar only works with Roku TVs, and it does not have any support for immersive sound formats such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. It also has a poor port selection. Overall, this basic soundbar should cater well to buyers who just want to amplify the sound from their TVs without dealing with too many wires.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Easy to setup
  • Compact and space-efficient design
  • Seamless integration with TCL Roku TVs
  • Minimal latency issues, suitable for casual gaming
  • Adjustable sound settings (bass, treble, voices)

Reason to Avoid

  • Limited port selection
  • Specific compatibility with TCL Roku TVs
  • Limited bass, but can be improved with a separate subwoofer
  • Sound quality, while better than TV speakers, is not top-tier
  • Doesn’t include a subwoofer, which is sold separately

TCL Alto R1 Roku TV Wireless Soundbar Specs

Bluetooth EnabledBluetooth EnabledYes
DepthDepth3.9"
Dialogue Enhancement FeatureDialogue Enhancement Featurena
Energy Star CertifiedEnergy Star CertifiedNo
HDMI ARCHDMI ARCYes
HeightHeight2.5"
Number of Audio ChannelsNumber of Audio Channels2.0
SubwooferSubwooferNo
Surround Sound SupportedSurround Sound Supportedna
Voice AssistantVoice Assistantna
Wall MountableWall MountableYes
WeightWeight5 lbs
WidthWidth31.5"
Wireless ConnectivityWireless ConnectivityBluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityWireless Subwoofer ConnectivityYes
Works WithWorks Withn/a

All Specs

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Product Comparison

TCL Alto R1 Roku TV Wireless Soundbar Review

True Score

80
73
73
83

Ranking

#

39

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151

#

118

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151

#

120

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151

#

12

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151

Market Context

Announced in late 2021, the TCL Alto R1 Roku TV Wireless Soundbar is an entry-level pick designed for buyers who also own a Roku TV….

Announced in late 2021, the TCL Alto R1 Roku TV Wireless Soundbar is an entry-level pick designed for buyers who also own a Roku TV. While it does not ship with a subwoofer, buyers can opt to buy one separately, but it is easy to set up. The soundbar is capable of wireless connectivity through Bluetooth or WiFi, and it delivers stereo sound courtesy of its two 30W and 25W drivers. It also supports Dolby Audio but can’t render Dolby Atmos content (check out our list of the best speakers for alternatives that can).

The TCL Alto R1 soundbar also ships with an easy-to-use remote and measuring only 31.5 inches wide and 2.5 inches tall, it shouldn’t take up much space on most people’s entertainment setup. There are, however, more compact choices to choose from, some of which we have covered in our roundup of the best soundbars.

While neither of these soundbars comes with a subwoofer, the TCL Alto R1 Roku TV Wireless Soundbar has WiFi support for seamless wireless streaming, while…

While neither of these soundbars comes with a subwoofer, the TCL Alto R1 Roku TV Wireless Soundbar has WiFi support for seamless wireless streaming, while the TCL Alto 3 does not. On the other hand, the TCL Alto 3 supports Spotify Connect, which the Alto R1 does not. These two soundbars are also different in that the TCL Alto 3 can render Dolby Digital sound formats while the TCL Alto R1 cannot. Lastly, the TCL Alto 3 is also significantly smaller in size, making it the best alternative for buyers who are short on space, but if you’re looking for a smart speaker that’s even more compact, then you should check out our Amazon Echo Pop review.

The TCL Alto R1 Roku TV Wireless soundbar misses out on Dolby Atmos support, making its sound less immersive than the TCL Alto 8i, which…

The TCL Alto R1 Roku TV Wireless soundbar misses out on Dolby Atmos support, making its sound less immersive than the TCL Alto 8i, which supports Dolby Atmos. However, the Alto R1 Roku TV does have WiFi connectivity, which the Alto 8i does not. Regarding connectivity, the Alto R1 Roku TV is severely limited, as it misses out on an AUX input, a HDMI output, and an S/PDIF Out port, which are all present on the TCL Alto 8i.

While the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is significantly smaller than the TCL Alto R1 Roku TV soundbar, it is also compatible with popular voice assistants…

While the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is significantly smaller than the TCL Alto R1 Roku TV soundbar, it is also compatible with popular voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant, while the TCL Alto R1 soundbar is not. However, the Alto R1 is capable of slightly better wireless connectivity, as it supports both WiFi and Bluetooth connections. Even though both soundbars don’t come with a subwoofer, these can be bought separately, and if you follow our guide on how to connect a subwoofer to a soundbar, you shouldn’t have any issues linking them together.

Bluetooth Enabled

Yes

Yes

Yes

Depth

3.9"

3.7"

5"

3.9"

Dialogue Enhancement Feature

na

Yes

No

Yes

Energy Star Certified

No

No

No

HDMI ARC

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Height

2.5"

2.4"

2.6"

2.7"

Number of Audio Channels

2.0

2.0

2.1

3

Subwoofer

No

No

Build-in

na

Dig Deeper

TCL Alto 3 Review →

TCL Alto 8i Review →

Sonos Beam Gen 2 Review →

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

81

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

88

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

80

Expert Scores

  • PC Mag
    51.6

    Category Trust Rating

    80
    TCL’s wireless soundbar for Roku TVs, the Alto R1, is a simple way to add… Read More

    By:

  • Digital Trends
    48.7

    Category Trust Rating

    80
    I would love to say that the Alto R1 will be a great choice for… Read More

    By:

Customer Scores