Best Speakers for TCL TV: Enhance Your Audio Experience
By Robert Jones · 2026-03-09
I've pulled together my top picks for speakers and soundbars to pair with your TCL TV. You've got a great picture, so let's get that sound sorted properly without breaking the bank.
Right then, let's get straight to it. You've gone and bought yourself a cracking TCL television, haven't you? And why not? They're offering some truly stunning 4K HDR pictures and decent smart TV gubbins at prices that, frankly, make some of the old guard look a bit daft. But here's the rub, isn't it? You get it all set up, ready for a proper film night, and then the sound... well, it's a bit pants, isn't it? It's not TCL's fault, mind. It's just the nature of these super-slim TVs. You can't stick a decent speaker driver in something that's barely thicker than a couple of £1 coins. The sound ends up thin, tinny, and you're forever cranking the volume up just to hear what people are saying, only to be blasted out of your seat when a car explodes. Honestly, it takes you right out of the moment. If you're anything like me, you want to *feel* the film, not just see it. That's where a good soundbar or a proper speaker system comes in. It's not just about making things louder; it's about bringing clarity, depth, and that proper cinematic oomph that makes a movie night an *event*. I've been mucking about with speakers and home cinema gear for over two decades now, and I've seen fads come and go. But one thing remains true: decent audio transforms your viewing experience. So, I've rounded up a few of the best options for your TCL TV, from budget-friendly bits to something a bit more substantial. Let's get your telly sounding as good as it looks. **Quick Verdict: Don't suffer bad TV sound; a good soundbar makes all the difference.**  *Best Speakers for TCL TV: Enhance Your Audio Experience — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## The Best Speakers for Your TCL TV in 2024 ### 1. The Best Overall: TCL TS8132 3.1.2 Channel Soundbar Look, sometimes it just makes sense to keep things in the family, doesn't it? If you've got a TCL TV, then a TCL soundbar should be the first place you look for a fuss-free upgrade. The TS8132 is a really strong contender, and frankly, it often gets overlooked because it doesn't have a fancy badge on the front. I've had one of these in my workshop for a good few months now, testing it with various TCL models, and I've been pleasantly surprised. It's a 3.1.2 system, which means you've got three front-firing channels (left, centre, right) for clear dialogue and separation, plus two up-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos. Now, proper Atmos with dedicated ceiling speakers is always going to be better, but these up-firing drivers do a commendable job of bouncing sound off your ceiling to give you that sense of height. Explosions feel like they're above you, rain sounds like it's falling *in* the room. It's not just coming *at* you, but happening *around* you, which is the whole point of immersive audio. The wireless subwoofer is a big bonus. It connects automatically, no faffing about with cables, and you can tuck it away pretty much anywhere in the room. And it provides a lovely, deep rumble. Not a flabby, one-note boom, but a textured bass that genuinely adds weight to action scenes and music. For the money, it punches well above its weight class in the bass department. The best part, for me, is the sheer ease of use with a TCL TV. Plug it into the HDMI ARC/eARC port, and that's it. Your TCL TV remote will control the soundbar's volume without you needing to do a thing. No separate remotes, no complicated menus. It just *works*. That's a huge selling point for anyone who just wants to plug and play. **Who it's for:** * TCL TV owners who want perfect, hassle-free integration. * Anyone looking for genuine Dolby Atmos height effects without breaking the bank. * People who appreciate solid bass without wires trailing everywhere. **Who should skip it:** * Those who value premium build materials above all else (it's a bit plastic-y). * If you're after true discrete surround sound (this is simulated surround). * If you already have a high-end sound system and are just looking for marginal improvements. **Pros:** * Proper Dolby Atmos height channels – a real upgrade. * Seamless integration with TCL TVs via HDMI ARC/eARC. * Wireless subwoofer delivers impactful and clean bass. * Excellent value for the features. * Dialogue is clear and well-projected. **Cons:** * Construction feels a bit budget, especially compared to pricier rivals. * Simulated surround isn't the same as dedicated rear speakers. * Limited additional features beyond core soundbar functions. ### 2. The Premium Choice: Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Alright, let's talk about the Sonos Beam Gen 2. If you've gone for one of TCL's rather excellent Mini-LED models, like the C845 or the new C855, you've got a seriously good picture on your hands. It makes sense to match that with some quality audio, doesn't it? The Beam Gen 2 is a compact, understated soundbar that just *works*. I've recommended these countless times for smaller living rooms or bedrooms where space is at a premium but sound quality can't be compromised. What sets the Beam apart, for me, is its sheer clarity, especially with dialogue. Sonos have done something clever with the processing here. Voices just cut through the mix, crisp and clean, even in busy action sequences. You won't be rewinding to catch what someone said, which is a blessing in disguise, especially with some of the mumbling actors out there these days. It doesn't come with a separate subwoofer, which might put some off, but honestly, for its size, the bass it produces is remarkably controlled and punchy. It fills a room surprisingly well. Of course, you *can* add a Sonos Sub Mini or a full-size Sub later if you want serious rumbling, but it's an extra cost, and those aren't cheap. The real beauty of Sonos is the ecosystem. Start with a Beam, and if you later decide you want full surround sound, you can easily add a pair of Sonos One SLs as rear channels. Or stick a Sonos Era 100 in the kitchen for multi-room music. It's incredibly flexible. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, so it's a fantastic music speaker even when the TV's off. My mate Barry, he's got one in his lounge, mostly for music, but says it makes his footie sound much better too. It's built like a tank, too, feels solid and well-made. **Who it's for:** * Owners of premium TCL TVs who want a soundbar to match the picture quality. * Anyone who prioritises crystal-clear dialogue and a refined sound. * People looking to build out a multi-room audio system or add surrounds later. * Those who appreciate elegant design and superb build quality. **Who should skip it:** * Budget-conscious buyers – it's a bit pricey for just the bar. * Bass-heads who *need* a separate subwoofer included from the get-go. * If you need multiple HDMI inputs for other devices (it only has one eARC port). **Pros:** * Unbeatable dialogue clarity, making TV much more enjoyable. * Compact and stylish, fits seamlessly into any room. * Excellent sound quality for music and movies. * Part of the flexible Sonos ecosystem for easy expansion. * Robust build and premium feel. **Cons:** * No included subwoofer, and adding one is expensive. * Only one HDMI eARC port, no passthrough for other devices. * Higher price point than many competitors. ### 3. Best for Cinematic Sound: Samsung HW-Q600C Samsung soundbars, they often do things a bit differently, don't they? And the HW-Q600C is a cracking example of that. It's a solid middle-ground option for TCL owners who want to dip their toes into a more expansive home cinema sound without completely redecorating their living room. Samsung's "Acoustic Beam" technology is the star of the show here; it uses a series of holes in the bar to create a wider, more enveloping soundstage. It's not quite discrete surround, but it really does make the sound feel like it's coming from beyond the physical width of the soundbar. I’ve found this bar particularly good for action films. The wider soundstage means effects aren't just stuck to the screen; they spread out and fill the front of the room. Coupled with the included wireless subwoofer, you get a really satisfying rumble and punch. The sub is pretty decent for a bundled unit, tight enough not to be boomy, but with plenty of impact when needed. Dialogue is clear enough, though perhaps not *quite* as laser-focused as the Sonos Beam. Connectivity is good, with HDMI ARC, optical, and Bluetooth, so hooking it up to your TCL TV is straightforward. You might need to faff with the TV settings a bit more than with the TCL bar, but once it's set, it usually behaves itself. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, though again, it's a virtualised version rather than dedicated up-firing or rear channels. Still, it adds a bit of height and dimension to compatible soundtracks. **Who it's for:** * Those who want a wide, cinematic soundstage without spending a fortune. * Action movie enthusiasts who love impactful bass and enveloping front sound. * Users who appreciate good connectivity options. * Anyone looking for a decent all-rounder with virtual Atmos/DTS:X. **Who should skip it:** * If you demand true, discrete surround sound from the off. * People who prefer a more neutral, reference-quality sound for music. * If you prefer the absolute simplest plug-and-play setup (TCL's own bar is easier). **Pros:** * Impressively wide soundstage thanks to Acoustic Beam technology. * Included wireless subwoofer provides substantial bass. * Supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (virtualised). * Good connectivity options, including HDMI ARC. * Strong performance for action films and blockbusters. **Cons:** * Virtual surround isn't a patch on true discrete setups. * Dialogue clarity is good, but not class-leading. * Design is fairly utilitarian. ### 4. The Budget King: Yamaha SR-C20A Compact Soundbar Sometimes, you just need something simple, effective, and that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. And that's where the Yamaha SR-C20A comes in. This little cracker is perfect for a bedroom, a small living room, or even a kitchen TV where space is tight. Don't let its compact size fool you; Yamaha knows a thing or two about audio, and they've packed a surprising amount of punch into this little bar. I often recommend this to people who are upgrading from purely their TV speakers. The difference is night and day. Dialogue immediately becomes clearer, and there's a proper sense of stereo separation that your TV just can't manage. It's got a built-in subwoofer, which, while not going to shake the foundations, adds a decent amount of low-end warmth that's completely missing from TV speakers. It also has a "Clear Voice" mode, which I find really effective for catching those whispered lines in dramas. Connectivity is simple: HDMI ARC for easy TV connection (though it only has one, no passthrough) and a couple of optical inputs, plus Bluetooth for music streaming. Setting it up with a TCL TV is usually a doddle; plug it into the ARC port, and the TV remote should control it. It won't do Dolby Atmos, of course, or DTS:X, but for basic, solid sound improvement, it's brilliant. If you've got an older TCL TV without eARC, this is a great choice as it doesn't demand the latest connections. **Who it's for:** * Anyone on a tight budget who wants a significant upgrade from TV speakers. * Ideal for smaller rooms, bedrooms, or secondary TVs. * Users who prioritise dialogue clarity and basic sound enhancement. * Those looking for a simple, compact solution. **Who should skip it:** * Home cinema enthusiasts demanding immersive surround sound or Atmos. * Bass-lovers who need a separate, powerful subwoofer. * If you have a large living room that needs to be filled with sound. **Pros:** * Incredibly compact and discreet design. * Remarkable sound quality and bass for its size and price. * "Clear Voice" mode genuinely enhances dialogue. * Easy setup via HDMI ARC. * Fantastic value for money. **Cons:** * No true surround or Dolby Atmos support. * Limited bass compared to systems with separate subwoofers. * Only one HDMI port, no passthrough. ### 5. Best Value Surround: Denon DHT-S517 Soundbar with Subwoofer & Surrounds Alright, if you're properly serious about getting a cinema experience at home with your TCL TV, and you've got a bit more cash to splash, then you really need to be looking at a system with *actual* rear speakers. And for that, the Denon DHT-S517 is a brilliant bit of kit. Denon knows audio, and this package gives you a proper taste of immersive sound without having to buy a full AV receiver and separate speakers. What you get here is a soundbar, a wireless subwoofer, and a pair of wireless rear speakers. That's the magic ingredient. Those rear speakers mean you're getting true, discrete surround sound. When a spaceship flies past on screen, you'll hear it genuinely move from front to back, not just be simulated by clever processing. This makes a massive difference to immersion. It also supports Dolby Atmos, using up-firing drivers in the main soundbar to create that height effect, just like the TCL bar, but now you've got the full 5.1.2 experience. Setting up the wireless sub and rears is usually pretty straightforward; they tend to pair automatically. You just need power for each of them and then somewhere sensible to place them. The sound from the Denon is typically clean and well-balanced, with good detail. The subwoofer is solid, providing a good foundation without being overbearing. It's not going to rattle your fillings out, but it's got plenty of punch for film soundtracks. Connectivity includes HDMI eARC, an optical input, and Bluetooth. It