TCL Alto 5+
Score: 76/100
Bose TV Speaker
Score: 74/100Rankings
The TCL Alto 5+ is a budget 2.1-channel soundbar with a wireless 5-inch subwoofer, providing strong bass and multiple connectivity options. Its boomy bass and distortion at high volumes can detract from dialogue clarity. It's a good fit for cost-conscious movie fans with TCL Roku TVs.
The Bose TV Speaker is an ultra-slim 3-channel soundbar delivering clear dialogue with a dedicated tweeter and simple HDMI ARC/optical setup. Its lack of a built-in subwoofer and absence of Wi-Fi or Dolby Atmos limit bass depth and future-proofing. Ideal for small rooms and budget-conscious users needing basic TV audio enhancement.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
3best | 3best | |
5 inbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 9.5 lb | 8.2 lbbest |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
— | 3best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 4.2 |
Build & Design(2) | ||
System Weight (lb) | 9.5 lb | 8.2 lb |
System Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm) | 2.6 in H × 31.5 in W × 3.3 in D cm | 5.6×59.4×10.2 cm cm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers highlight the Alto 5+ as an affordable way to add noticeable bass and louder sound to a TV, appreciating its easy installation and Roku integration. However, they caution that the bass is excessively boomy and that distortion emerges at high volumes, making it less suitable for dialogue-heavy content.
Direct consumer reviews are not available in the provided data, but the expert feedback suggests that everyday users who prioritize bass‑heavy movies or music are likely to appreciate the system, while those seeking neutral or dialogue‑clear sound may be disappointed.
Professional reviewers praise the Bose TV Speaker for its ultra-slim profile, straightforward HDMI ARC/optical setup, and strong dialogue enhancement, positioning it as the top budget soundbar for 2025. They acknowledge its expandability with a wired subwoofer but note the lack of built-in bass, Wi-Fi, and Dolby Atmos as clear limitations compared to higher-end Bose models.
Everyday users consistently highlight the ease of Bluetooth pairing and the clear speech improvement for everyday viewing, while repeatedly mentioning confusion over listed dimensions and a desire for deeper bass. Overall sentiment is positive for basic TV audio upgrades but tempered by expectations for more robust low-frequency performance.
“Best budget sound bar for 2025”
“Easy pairing and music streaming via Bluetooth from phones”
