TCL S55H vs TCL S45H
Get the TCL S55H. Unless there's no room for a subwoofer: then the S45H on its own.
TCL S55H
A cheap bar and wireless sub that makes TV much louder and fuller. Atmos is in name only.
TCL S45H
A simple, cheap stereo bar that's louder and clearer than TV speakers, but thin on bass.
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They share the same tools, but the S55H adds a wireless sub, so films and music get real bass. RTINGS rates the S45H thin and unremarkable for films without one.
- —It's for a small room or bedroom.
- —There's no space for a sub.
What verified owners report
Only reviews from checked buyers count, and every 1–3 star review is read by us. How we do this
Owners love the clear sound and the subwoofer's bass for the price, especially in small and mid-sized rooms. A few found the bass and mids weak.
- ✓Clear, room-filling sound, far better than TV speakers
- ✓Great value for the money
- ✓Easy to set up and connect
- −Bass and mid-range sound weak
Most owners say it sounds clear and is a big step up from TV speakers for the price. Some found it thin, with little bass, or awkward to connect.
- ✓Clear sound, a big step up from TV speakers
- ✓Great value for the money
- ✓Easy to set up: plug into HDMI eARC and go
- −Sounds thin, with little bass, or not loud enough
- −Confusing to connect, especially to other TV brands or Alexa
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Wireless sub for real bass
- +Clear, balanced dialogue
- +Loud with little distortion
- −Sound lags over HDMI eARC, and there's no AV sync setting.
- −Atmos height effects are weak, and surround is downmixed.
- −Highs are slightly muffled.
- −No HDMI input for a console.
- +Louder and clearer than TV speakers
- +Room correction and EQ
- +Small and cheap
- −Thin bass, even with the bass turned up.
- −Atmos and surround are downmixed to stereo.
- −Voices are clear but a little uneven.
- −The sound is barely wider than the bar.
Ready to choose?
- Is the TCL S55H worth it?
- Is the TCL S45H worth it?
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, What Hi-Fi, What Hi-Fi, manufacturer specifications.
Owner reports for the TCL S55H: 85 verified buyer ratings at Currys and Otto (Germany), read October 2026.
Owner reports for the TCL S45H: 66 verified buyer ratings at Target (US) and Otto (Germany), read October 2026.