Best Speakers for TCL TV: Enhance Your Audio Experience
By Robert Jones · 2026-03-09
improve your home cinema experience with our expert guide to the best speakers for TCL TVs, featuring top picks for every budget and room size.
TCL has rapidly become a household name in the UK, offering stunning 4K HDR displays and Google TV integration at prices that often leave the big-name competitors blushing. However, as is the case with almost all modern ultra-slim televisions, there is one area where these sets consistently fall short: the audio. Physics is a cruel mistress; you simply cannot fit high-fidelity drivers into a chassis thinner than a pound coin. If you’ve found yourself squinting your ears to catch dialogue during a gritty drama or feeling underwhelmed by the "explosion" in an action blockbuster, it’s time to upgrade. A dedicated soundbar or speaker system doesn’t just make things louder; it adds depth, clarity, and that cinematic 'thump' that makes movie night feel like an event. In this guide, we’ve tested and curated the best speakers for TCL TVs, ranging from budget-friendly compact bars to high-end Dolby Atmos systems that will transform your living room into a private theatre. ## The Top 5 Speakers for TCL TVs in 2024 ### 1. The Best Overall: TCL TS8132 3.1.2 Channel Soundbar If you want perfect synergy, staying within the TCL ecosystem is a smart move. The TS8132 is a powerhouse that supports Dolby Atmos through dedicated up-firing drivers, ensuring that sound doesn't just come *at* you, but happens *around* you. The inclusion of a wireless subwoofer provides a deep, textured bass that punches well above its weight class. Because it’s a TCL product, the HDMI ARC/eARC integration is flawless, allowing you to control the volume using your standard TCL TV remote without any tedious setup. **Pros:** * Native Dolby Atmos support with up-firing drivers. * smooth integration with TCL TV software. * Wireless subwoofer is easy to hide in the room. **Cons:** * Design is a bit "plasticky" compared to premium rivals. * Surround sound is simulated (3.1.2 rather than true 5.1). ### 2. The Premium Choice: Sonos Beam (Gen 2) For those who own a high-end TCL Mini-LED model like the C845, you need a speaker that matches that premium picture. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a compact, elegant soundbar that delivers some of the best dialogue clarity in the industry. While it doesn't have a separate subwoofer, the bass is surprisingly punchy for its size. The real selling point here is the Sonos ecosystem; you can easily add Sonos One surrounds later for a true 5.1 setup. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, making it a fantastic music speaker when the TV is off. **Pros:** * Exceptionally crisp dialogue and vocal reproduction. * Compact footprint fits under almost any TV size. * Exceptional build quality and app support. **Cons:** * No dedicated subwoofer included (expensive to add). * Only has one HDMI port (no passthrough). ### 3. Best for Home Cinema: Samsung HW-Q600C Samsung soundbars are famous for their wide soundstages, and the Q600C is a perfect middle-ground for TCL owners. Using Samsung’s Acoustic Beam technology, it manages to make the sound feel much wider than the bar itself. It supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing a versatile platform for 4K Blu-rays and high-end streaming. The physical 3.1.2 setup ensures that the centre channel is dedicated to voices, solving the common "mumbled dialogue" issue found in built-in TV speakers. **Pros:** * Very wide soundstage for an immersive feel. * solid build quality. * Great balance between bass and mids. **Cons:** * Large footprint; check your TV stand measurements. * Display on the bar is tiny and hard to read. ### 4. Best Budget Option: Roku Streambar Many TCL TVs in the UK (particularly those sold in Currys or Argos) run on the Roku OS. If you have a Roku-powered TCL TV, the Streambar is a no-brainer. It serves two purposes: it’s a high-quality compact speaker and a 4K streaming player. While it lacks the earth-shaking bass of a dedicated subwoofer system, it vastly improves the "tinny" sound of budget TCL models. It’s the perfect choice for a bedroom or a small flat where space and budget are the primary concerns. **Pros:** * Incredible value for money. * Simplifies your setup by combining audio and streaming. * Greatly improves dialogue clarity. **Cons:** * Lacks deep bass for action movies. * No Dolby Atmos support. ### 5. Best Active Bookshelf Speakers: Edifier R1280DBs Not everyone wants a soundbar. If you prefer a wider stereo image for music and movies, a pair of active bookshelf speakers like the Edifier R1280DBs is far superior to most entry-level soundbars. These speakers feature an Optical input (standard on all TCL TVs) and a dedicated Sub-out if you want to add a woofer later. The classic wood-grain finish provides a sophisticated look that soundbars often lack. **Pros:** * Superior stereo separation for music. * Subwoofer output for future upgrades. * Multiple inputs (Optical, RCA, Bluetooth). **Cons:** * No HDMI ARC (must use Optical and two remotes). * No virtual surround sound features. ## Comparison Table: Best Speakers for TCL TV | Model | Channels | Subwoofer | Atmos Support | Connectivity | Best For | |-------|----------|-----------|---------------|--------------|----------| | **TCL TS8132** | 3.1.2 | Wireless | Yes | HDMI eARC | Ecosystem Synergy | | **Sonos Beam G2** | 5.0 (Virtual) | No | Yes | HDMI eARC | Premium Audio/Music | | **Samsung HW-Q600C** | 3.1.2 | Wireless | Yes | HDMI eARC | Immersive Movies | | **Roku Streambar** | 2.0 | No | No | HDMI ARC | Small Spaces/Budget | | **Edifier R1280DBs** | 2.0 | No | No | Optical/RCA | Music Lovers | ## Buying Guide: What to Look For in a TCL TV Speaker ### 1. Connection Types: HDMI ARC vs. Optical When shopping for a TCL TV, check the back for an **HDMI (ARC or eARC)** port. This is the gold standard. Using HDMI ARC allows your TV to send audio to the speaker while also allowing the TV remote to control the speaker's volume. Optical cables are great for older equipment but won't allow you to use just one remote. ### 2. Dialogue Enhancement TCL TVs, particularly the 4-Series and 5-Series, can sometimes have "muddy" audio processing. Look for a speaker with a dedicated **Centre Channel** (Look for "3.1" or "3.1.2" in the specs). A dedicated centre channel ensures that voices are separated from background music and explosions. ### 3. Dolby Atmos Capability If you have a TCL TV that supports Dolby Atmos (like the C-Series), you should ideally pair it with an Atmos-capable soundbar. This uses up-firing drivers to bounce sound off your ceiling, creating a 3D audio effect. Even if your TV is a budget model, an Atmos soundbar can still decode Atmos metadata from apps like Netflix or Disney+. ### 4. Size and Placement Measure the distance between your TV's "legs." Many TCL models use wide-set feet, which can make it difficult to fit a long soundbar directly underneath. Ensure the height of the soundbar doesn't block the bottom of the screen or the IR receiver for your remote. ## FAQ **Q: Do I need a TCL brand soundbar for my TCL TV?** **A:** No. TCL TVs use industry-standard connections (HDMI ARC/eARC and Optical). Any brand of soundbar or speaker will work. However, using a TCL soundbar often allows for "Custom TV Sound Modes" directly within the TV's menu. **Q: Why doesn't my TCL remote control my soundbar volume?** **A:** You likely need to enable **CEC (Consumer Electronics Control)** in your TCL TV settings. Go to Settings > System > Inputs > CEC and ensure it is "Enabled." Also, ensure you are using the HDMI port labelled "ARC" or "eARC." **Q: Is it worth getting a 5.1 system for a TCL TV?** **A:** If you have the space, yes. A 5.1 system adds two rear speakers, providing true surround sound that even the best soundbars struggle to replicate through "virtual" processing. **Q: My TCL TV is mounted on the wall; where should the speakers go?** **A:** If using a soundbar, it should be mounted directly below the TV. If using bookshelf speakers, place them on stands or wall brackets at ear level to the listener. ## Final Recommendation For the vast majority of TCL TV owners, the **TCL TS8132** offers the best balance of features, price, and "plug-and-play" simplicity. It unlocks the potential of Dolby Atmos without the headache of brand incompatibility. If you are a hardcore cinephile with a larger budget, the **Sonos Beam (Gen 2)** is our top pick for its sheer audio fidelity and its ability to grow into a larger system over time. For those in smaller rooms or looking for the best "bang for your buck," the **Roku Streambar** remains an unbeatable utility player.