TCL Q85H
Score: 82/100
Sonos Arc Ultra Black
Score: 82/100Rankings
The TCL Q85H is a flagship 7.1.4-channel soundbar system delivering up to 860 W peak power and immersive Atmos with a wireless subwoofer and rear speakers. Its basic EQ presets and reliance on subwoofer placement can limit fine-tuning and consistency. Ideal for home-theater enthusiasts and gamers who need high output and low-latency features.
The Sonos Arc Ultra provides premium 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos sound with 14 drivers, Bluetooth 5.3, and integrated voice assistants. Its premium price and lack of detailed EQ may deter budget-focused buyers. Perfect for Sonos users wanting high-end performance in a single bar.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
7best | — | |
860 Wbest | — | |
16.5 cmbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 5.76 kgbest |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
105.4 cm | 117.4 cmbest | |
12.4 cmbest | 7.95 cm | |
6.8 cm | 11.05 cmbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(3) | ||
Audio Channels | 7 | 9.1.4 |
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, PCM | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, DTS compatible |
Wireless Subwoofer | true | false |
Design(3) | ||
Soundbar Width (cm) | 105.4 cm | 117.4 cm |
Soundbar Height (cm) | 12.4 cm | 7.95 cm |
Soundbar Depth (cm) | 6.8 cm | 11.05 cm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Q85H for its powerful 860W output, immersive Atmos height effects, low-latency gaming support, and sleek design, noting its full-bodied stereo response and minimal compression at high volumes. However, they point out that the EQ presets are simplistic and the processing can fall short in complex scenes compared to premium rivals.
Everyday users appreciate the immersive surround sound, deep bass, and straightforward wireless setup, often highlighting the dramatic improvement over older TCL models. Common themes include praise for easy installation and strong performance across media, while a few note the need for manual room calibration and wish for more advanced app controls.
Professional reviewers praise the Arc Ultra as a clear step up from the original Arc, highlighting its richer driver array, Sound Motion bass technology and the ability to deliver high volume without noticeable compression. The soundbar's support for Dolby Atmos and a wide range of wireless protocols, combined with TruePlay room correction, earns it high marks for versatility. However, critics note the lack of any graphic EQ or granular tone controls and the limited low-frequency output of the built-in subwoofer as notable drawbacks.
“Major improvement over my previous TCL Alto 8i”
Select the Q85H if you need higher power and full 7.1.4 surround; choose the Sonos Arc for premium processing and ecosystem integration.
