When it comes to improving your TV's audio, today's soundbars offer solutions ranging from simple upgrades to complete home theater replacements. Let's compare the recently released TCL Q85H Q Class Sound Bar System ($599.99) with the established Bose TV Speaker Soundbar ($185.07), exploring how these different approaches might fit your needs.
Modern TVs, despite their incredible picture quality, often struggle with sound due to their thin designs. This has led to two distinct soundbar categories: basic audio enhancers and full home theater replacements. Released in early 2024, the TCL Q85H represents the latest in home theater technology, while the Bose offers a more focused solution for dialogue clarity and basic sound improvement.
The TCL Q85H's 7.1.4 channel configuration (meaning 7 surround channels, 1 subwoofer, and 4 height channels) creates a sphere of sound around viewers. Using Dolby Atmos and DTS:X - technologies that let sounds move freely in three-dimensional space - it can place helicopter sounds above you or footsteps behind you. The addition of dedicated up-firing speakers that bounce sound off your ceiling creates a remarkably convincing height effect.
The Bose TV Speaker takes a different approach, focusing on what most people watch daily: TV shows, news, and sports. Its dialogue enhancement mode specifically targets human voice frequencies, making it easier to understand conversation without increasing overall volume. While it can't create immersive effects, it excels at its primary mission of clear, improved TV audio.
The Q85H's dedicated subwoofer and multiple speaker arrays provide impressive music reproduction. The system's room calibration feature adjusts sound based on your space's acoustics, preventing bass from becoming boomy or treble from being harsh. Recent firmware updates have improved music streaming performance via Bluetooth 5.1, offering better range and stability than older versions.
Bose's legendary audio engineering shows in their TV Speaker's music performance. Despite lacking a subwoofer, it produces surprisingly full sound for its size. However, bass-heavy genres like EDM or hip-hop reveal its limitations compared to the TCL's dedicated subwoofer.
Modern gaming demands precise audio positioning, and here the TCL Q85H shines. Its true surround speakers help players accurately locate enemies in competitive games, while the height channels add immersion to atmospheric titles. The system's low latency mode ensures audio stays synchronized with on-screen action.
The Bose, while capable of improving game audio over TV speakers, can't provide the positional audio that serious gamers might want. It's better suited for casual gaming where immersion isn't critical.
The TCL Q85H offers extensive connectivity:
The Bose TV Speaker provides essential connections:
Room size significantly impacts soundbar choice. The TCL Q85H needs space to work its magic - ideally in rooms larger than 200 square feet where its surround speakers can create proper sound field separation. The wireless subwoofer offers placement flexibility, but you'll need power outlets for the surround speakers.
The Bose's compact design (just 23.4 inches wide) works well in any space, making it perfect for apartments or bedrooms. Its simple setup requires just one cable connection to your TV, living up to Bose's reputation for user-friendly design.
At $599.99, the TCL Q85H represents significant value in the premium soundbar category, where similar systems often cost $800-1200. Its recent release means you're getting the latest audio processing technology and connection standards.
The Bose TV Speaker, priced at $185.07, delivers impressive performance for basic TV audio enhancement. While it lacks advanced features, it focuses on core functionality many users prioritize: better dialogue clarity and improved overall sound versus TV speakers.
Both soundbars excel at their intended purposes, but they serve different audiences. The TCL Q85H represents the latest in home theater technology, offering immersive surround sound that transforms movie and gaming experiences. The Bose TV Speaker focuses on solving the most common TV audio problem - unclear dialogue - while providing overall sound improvement in a simple, compact package.
Your choice should ultimately depend on your specific needs rather than pure specifications. Consider your room size, primary use case, and budget when making your decision. Both products deliver excellent value within their respective categories, making either a worthy upgrade from built-in TV speakers.
| TCL Q85H Q Class 7.1.4 | Bose TV Speaker Soundbar |
|---|---|
| Audio Channels - Determines surround sound capability and immersion | |
| 7.1.4 channels with true surround speakers | 2.0 channels (basic stereo) |
| Power Output - Impacts maximum volume and room-filling capability | |
| 860 watts total system power | Not specified, suitable for small-medium rooms |
| Audio Processing - Affects sound quality and spatial effects | |
| Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X | Basic stereo processing with dialogue mode |
| Subwoofer - Critical for bass performance and movie impact | |
| Included wireless 6.5" subwoofer | None (optional wired connection available) |
| Connectivity - Determines compatibility with various devices | |
| HDMI 2.1 eARC, multiple HDMI in, optical, Bluetooth 5.1 | HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Room Calibration - Optimizes sound for your space | |
| TCL AI Sonic automatic calibration | None |
| Physical Size - Consider your space limitations | |
| Large system with multiple speakers and subwoofer | Compact single unit (23.4" x 2.2" x 4") |
| Advanced Features - Extra capabilities beyond basic audio | |
| Up-firing speakers, wireless surrounds, app control | Dialogue enhancement mode only |
| Price - Value relative to features | |
| $599.99 (premium features at mid-tier price) | $185.07 (budget-friendly basic enhancement) |
| Best Use Case - Primary intended application | |
| Home theater, gaming, large rooms, multi-source setups | TV dialogue clarity, small spaces, simple setups |
The TCL Q85H Q Class Sound Bar System ($599.99) is significantly better for movies due to its 7.1.4 channel configuration and Dolby Atmos support. The Bose TV Speaker ($185.07) provides basic stereo sound only.
While both can be used for gaming, the TCL Q85H offers true surround sound and height channels, making it ideal for immersive gaming. The Bose TV Speaker provides basic audio enhancement but lacks positional audio capabilities.
The Bose TV Speaker is more suitable for small apartments due to its compact size and simple setup. The TCL Q85H requires more space for optimal surround speaker placement and subwoofer positioning.
Both soundbars can be placed on a TV stand or wall-mounted. The TCL Q85H comes with mounting hardware, while the Bose TV Speaker requires an optional bracket purchase.
The TCL Q85H delivers superior bass with its dedicated wireless subwoofer. The Bose TV Speaker has limited bass capabilities but can connect to an optional subwoofer (sold separately).
Both perform well, but differently. The Bose TV Speaker specializes in dialogue enhancement, while the TCL Q85H uses a dedicated center channel for clear dialogue within its surround sound mix.
Yes, both support Bluetooth streaming. The TCL Q85H uses newer Bluetooth 5.1 for better range and stability, while the Bose TV Speaker uses Bluetooth 4.2.
The Bose TV Speaker offers simpler setup with just one cable connection. The TCL Q85H requires more setup time for multiple speakers but includes auto-calibration features.
Both work with any modern TV. The TCL Q85H works best with HDMI eARC-enabled TVs for full features, while the Bose TV Speaker works with any TV with HDMI ARC or optical output.
For dedicated home theater use, the TCL Q85H's additional cost is justified by its surround sound capabilities and Dolby Atmos support. The Bose TV Speaker is better suited for casual TV viewing.
The TCL Q85H comes complete with all speakers needed. The Bose TV Speaker can only add a wired subwoofer, with no surround speaker options.
The TCL Q85H typically maintains better resale value due to its premium features and full surround capability, while the Bose TV Speaker holds moderate value due to brand recognition despite basic features.
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: gamerant.com - bestbuy.com - tcl.com - bestbuy.com - tcl.com - tcl.com - nfm.com - tcl.com - electronicexpress.com - tcl.com - tcl.com - digitaltrends.com - bestbuy.com - projectorscreen.com - forums.audioholics.com - digitaltrends.com - abt.com - crutchfield.com - staples.com - bestbuy.com - pcrichard.com - visions.ca - bose.com - assets.bose.com
