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.
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.
Reason 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 Enabled
Yes
Depth
3.9"
Dialogue Enhancement Feature
na
Energy Star Certified
No
HDMI ARC
Yes
Height
2.5"
Number of Audio Channels
2.0
Subwoofer
No
Surround Sound Supported
na
Voice Assistant
na
Wall Mountable
Yes
Weight
5 lbs
Width
31.5"
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity
Yes
Works With
n/a
All Specs
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Product Comparison
TCL Alto R1 Roku TV Wireless Soundbar Review
True Score
83
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Ranking
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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.
