When it comes to upgrading your TV's sound, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar ($899) and TCL Q85H Q Class ($599) represent two distinct approaches to delivering immersive Dolby Atmos audio. Let's dive deep into how these systems compare and which might be right for your setup.
Home theater audio has evolved dramatically in recent years. Dolby Atmos, which adds height channels to create a three-dimensional sound field, has become increasingly common. But manufacturers take different approaches to delivering this experience - from single-bar virtual solutions to multi-speaker setups that physically reproduce each channel.
The Bose Smart Ultra, released in October 2023, exemplifies the premium single-bar approach. It uses advanced digital signal processing and carefully positioned drivers to create virtual surround effects without additional speakers. Think of it as acoustic sleight of hand - the soundbar tricks your ears into perceiving sound coming from places where there aren't actually any speakers.
In contrast, the TCL Q85H, launched in early 2024, takes a more traditional home theater approach. Its 7.1.4 configuration means seven surround channels, one subwoofer, and four height channels - all from physical speakers. The ".4" refers to four up-firing speakers (two in the bar, two in the surrounds) that bounce sound off your ceiling to create height effects.
The differences in approach become most apparent with movies. The TCL's physical speakers deliver more precise sound placement - when a helicopter flies overhead or a car passes from left to right, you can track the sound's movement more accurately. The dedicated subwoofer provides deeper, more impactful bass during explosions and action scenes.
The Bose counters with sophisticated processing that creates a surprisingly wide soundstage from a single unit. Its AI-powered dialogue enhancement is particularly impressive - voices remain clear and well-balanced even during complex action scenes. However, the height effects feel more subtle compared to the TCL's physical up-firing speakers.
For music, the Bose shows its refinement. The single-bar design maintains better stereo separation and imaging - crucial for accurately placing instruments in the soundstage. The sound signature is balanced and natural, though bass-heavy tracks reveal the limitations of integrated woofers.
The TCL system's separate subwoofer provides more low-end impact, which works well for electronic music and hip-hop. However, the multi-speaker setup can sometimes make stereo music feel artificially spread out, and the transition between the soundbar and subwoofer isn't always seamless.
Your room layout should heavily influence this decision. The Bose Smart Ultra excels in small to medium rooms where its processing can effectively create virtual surround effects. Its single-bar design means minimal clutter and simple setup - just place it under your TV and run one HDMI cable.
The TCL Q85H needs more space to shine. You'll need room for the wireless surround speakers (ideally placed slightly behind your seating position) and the subwoofer. The upside is more flexibility in fine-tuning your sound - you can adjust surround speaker levels and subwoofer volume independently.
The Bose leads in smart features, offering built-in voice assistants and seamless integration with other Bose speakers for multi-room audio. Its app provides detailed control over sound settings and supports streaming services directly to the soundbar.
TCL focuses more on core audio performance but includes modern essentials like Bluetooth 5.1 and HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel, which allows full-quality audio transmission from your TV). Its room calibration feature uses a microphone to optimize sound for your space.
At $599, the TCL delivers impressive hardware value - you're getting a true Atmos setup with physical surrounds for significantly less than many single-bar solutions. However, this doesn't account for the complexity of setting up multiple speakers or the space requirements.
The Bose's $899 price tag buys simplicity and refinement. While you're getting fewer physical speakers, you're paying for sophisticated processing technology and a more polished user experience.
Choose the Bose Smart Ultra if:
Go for the TCL Q85H if:
It's worth noting how both products reflect recent advances in their respective approaches. The Bose's AI-powered dialogue enhancement represents a significant improvement over previous virtual surround solutions, while TCL's wireless surrounds and room calibration make traditional surround setups more user-friendly than ever.
The gap between virtual and physical surround continues to narrow, but there's still no perfect solution - it's about choosing the right compromises for your situation. Both these systems show how far soundbar technology has come, offering impressive alternatives to traditional receiver-based setups.
These soundbars exemplify the current state of home theater audio - powerful, relatively simple to use, and capable of delivering immersive sound. The choice between the Bose Smart Ultra and TCL Q85H ultimately comes down to your room, priorities, and preferences. For those seeking maximum impact and value, the TCL's traditional approach delivers. If simplicity and refinement matter more, the Bose offers an elegant solution that requires minimal compromise in sound quality.
| Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar | TCL Q85H Q Class |
|---|---|
| Price - Base investment required | |
| $899 | $599 |
| Channel Configuration - Determines surround sound capability | |
| 5.1.2 virtual channels from single bar | True 7.1.4 with physical surrounds and subwoofer |
| Power Output - Impacts maximum volume and dynamics | |
| 120W total power | 860W total system power |
| Physical Size - Consider your TV and room space | |
| 34.5" x 4.5" x 3.5" (single bar) | 48" bar + surrounds + 6.5" subwoofer |
| Dolby Atmos Implementation - Affects immersion quality | |
| Virtual height channels via processing | Physical up-firing speakers (4 total) |
| Smart Features - Convenience and ecosystem integration | |
| Built-in Alexa, Google Assistant, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect | Basic voice control, TCL Home App |
| Room Calibration - Optimizes sound for your space | |
| ADAPTiQ automatic calibration | AI Sonic room calibration |
| Connectivity Options - Flexibility for various sources | |
| HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | HDMI eARC, HDMI in, optical, analog, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Additional Speakers - Future expansion options | |
| Compatible with Bose bass modules and surrounds (sold separately) | Includes wireless surrounds and subwoofer |
| Best Use Case - Primary intended application | |
| Smaller rooms, minimalist setups, music focus | Larger rooms, home theater focus, movie emphasis |
| Setup Complexity - Time and effort required | |
| Simple single-bar setup, 10-15 minutes | More complex multi-speaker setup, 30-45 minutes |
| Notable Technologies - Key differentiating features | |
| AI Dialogue Mode, PhaseGuide, TrueSpace | RayDanz with acoustic reflectors, DTS:X support |
The TCL Q85H provides better movie performance with its physical 7.1.4 speaker setup and dedicated subwoofer. While the Bose Smart Ultra offers good virtual surround, physical speakers deliver more precise sound placement and stronger bass for movies.
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar wins for simplicity with its single-bar design and quick setup process. The TCL Q85H requires more time to position multiple speakers and calibrate the system.
The Bose Smart Ultra costs $899, while the TCL Q85H is priced at $599. The $300 difference reflects Bose's brand premium and advanced processing versus TCL's focus on hardware value.
The Bose Smart Ultra is ideal for small rooms due to its compact single-bar design. The TCL Q85H needs more space for its surrounds and subwoofer, making it better suited to larger rooms.
Yes, both support Dolby Atmos, but differently. The TCL Q85H uses physical up-firing speakers, while the Bose Smart Ultra creates virtual height effects through processing.
The TCL Q85H delivers stronger bass with its dedicated wireless subwoofer. The Bose Smart Ultra offers good but less impactful bass from its integrated woofers.
Yes, both support Bluetooth streaming, but the Bose Smart Ultra offers additional options like AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect. The TCL Q85H primarily relies on Bluetooth 5.1.
The Bose Smart Ultra leads in smart features with built-in voice assistants and multi-room audio capabilities. The TCL Q85H offers basic voice control and app integration.
No, neither requires ceiling speakers. The TCL Q85H uses up-firing speakers, while the Bose Smart Ultra creates virtual height effects through processing.
The TCL Q85H offers better gaming immersion with its physical surround speakers and stronger bass. The Bose Smart Ultra provides good virtual surround but less impactful effects.
The Bose Smart Ultra can be expanded with optional Bose surrounds and bass modules. The TCL Q85H comes complete with all speakers included.
The Bose Smart Ultra excels at dialogue clarity with its AI-enhanced dialogue mode. The TCL Q85H offers good dialogue through its dedicated center channel but without advanced processing.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: techradar.com - bose.com - bestbuy.com - tomsguide.com - pcrichard.com - rtings.com - bose.com - boselatam.com - avsforum.com - bose.com - gamerant.com - bestbuy.com - tcl.com - bestbuy.com - tcl.com - tcl.com - nfm.com - tcl.com - electronicexpress.com - tcl.com - tcl.com - digitaltrends.com
