In late 2024, the premium soundbar market saw two significant releases - the TCL Q85H Q Class System at $599 and the Sonos Arc Ultra at $999. Both aim to deliver immersive home theater audio, but take notably different approaches. Let's explore how these systems compare and which might be right for your setup.
Today's high-end soundbars have evolved far beyond simple TV audio enhancement. They now incorporate spatial audio technologies like Dolby Atmos (which creates a three-dimensional sound sphere around you) and up-firing drivers (speakers that bounce sound off your ceiling for height effects). These advances allow them to simulate or recreate a full surround sound experience that previously required complex speaker installations.
The key factors to consider when choosing a premium soundbar include:
The TCL Q85H represents an "all-in-one" approach, providing a complete 7.1.4 system out of the box. The numbers refer to seven surround channels, one subwoofer, and four height channels. You get the main soundbar, a wireless subwoofer, and two wireless surround speakers with up-firing drivers - everything needed for true surround sound.
The Sonos Arc Ultra takes a modular approach. The bar itself processes 9.1.4 channels through advanced virtualization technology, but achieving full surround requires purchasing additional Sonos surrounds ($458) and sub ($749). This flexibility lets users expand over time but significantly impacts total cost.
The TCL's included wireless subwoofer delivers immediate full-range sound with its 6.5" driver. While it may not match the precision of more expensive systems, it provides satisfying impact for movies and games right away.
The Sonos Arc Ultra features impressive built-in bass for a standalone bar, thanks to its new SoundMotion woofer technology. However, for true home theater impact, most users will want to add the Sonos Sub - pushing the total investment over $1,700.
Here's where system architecture really matters. The TCL's physical rear speakers create true directional surround effects - when a helicopter flies behind you in a movie, you'll hear it from actual speakers behind you.
The Sonos bar uses advanced processing to create virtual surround from its side-firing drivers. While impressive for a single bar, it can't fully match physical speaker placement. However, adding Sonos surrounds (at additional cost) provides excellent rear channel performance.
Both systems support Dolby Atmos, but handle it differently:
TCL Q85H:
Sonos Arc Ultra:
While both systems handle music well, the Sonos shows its heritage here. Its neutral tuning and precise driver array deliver exceptional stereo imaging and vocal clarity. The TCL tends toward a more movie-oriented sound signature, though it's perfectly capable for casual music listening.
The TCL offers basic smart features through its app, plus Bluetooth and AirPlay connectivity. It's designed primarily as a home theater solution with straightforward controls.
Sonos provides a significantly more advanced ecosystem:
The TCL Q85H better suits larger rooms (15x20 feet or bigger) where its physical speakers can create a proper surround field. Its subwoofer also helps fill larger spaces.
The Sonos Arc Ultra excels in small to medium rooms where its processing can better control the sound field. Its single-bar design also works well in space-constrained settings.
TCL provides basic room calibration through its app, while Sonos offers its advanced Trueplay tuning system (now available for both iOS and Android). Trueplay can make a significant difference in optimizing sound for your specific room.
This is where Sonos shines - the ecosystem allows seamless expansion to whole-home audio, while the TCL remains primarily a home theater solution.
The TCL Q85H delivers tremendous value at $599 for a complete Atmos surround system. For pure home theater use, especially in larger rooms, it's hard to beat the price-to-performance ratio.
The Sonos Arc Ultra justifies its premium through superior build quality, advanced processing, and ecosystem benefits. While more expensive, especially when fully equipped, it offers broader functionality and upgrade potential.
Choose the TCL Q85H if:
Choose the Sonos Arc Ultra if:
Both systems represent significant advances in home audio technology, but they serve different needs. The TCL Q85H provides immediate home theater immersion at an attractive price, while the Sonos Arc Ultra offers superior sound quality and ecosystem benefits for those willing to invest in a premium audio solution.
| TCL Q85H Q Class 7.1.4 | Sonos Arc Ultra |
|---|---|
| System Configuration - Determines overall immersion and sound coverage | |
| Complete 7.1.4 with included sub and surrounds | 9.1.4 processing (bar only, sub/surrounds optional) |
| Price - Total cost for full surround experience | |
| $599 complete system | $999 bar only ($2,100+ with sub/surrounds) |
| Bass Performance - Critical for movie impact and music depth | |
| Included 6.5" wireless subwoofer | Built-in woofers (separate sub $749) |
| Surround Sound - Affects positional audio accuracy | |
| True surround via physical rear speakers | Virtual from bar (physical optional +$458) |
| Atmos Height Channels - Creates overhead sound effects | |
| Up-firing drivers in main bar and surrounds | Premium up-firing drivers in bar only |
| Room Size Suitability - Impacts system effectiveness | |
| Best for larger rooms (15x20'+ optimal) | Ideal for small/medium rooms (<15x20') |
| Smart Features - Affects ease of use and streaming | |
| Basic app, Bluetooth 5.1, AirPlay | Advanced app, voice control, multi-room audio |
| Audio Processing - Influences sound quality and clarity | |
| Standard Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | Enhanced Atmos with proprietary SoundMotion |
| Calibration Features - Optimizes sound for your space | |
| Basic room calibration | Advanced Trueplay tuning (iOS/Android) |
| Ecosystem Integration - Future expansion potential | |
| Limited to included components | Extensive Sonos ecosystem compatibility |
| Primary Use Case Optimization - Best suited for specific content | |
| Movies and gaming focused | Balanced for both movies and music |
For movies, the TCL Q85H at $599 offers better value with its included surround speakers and subwoofer. While the Sonos Arc Ultra produces excellent sound, achieving true surround requires spending over $2,100 for additional speakers.
The TCL Q85H includes a wireless subwoofer in its package. The Sonos Arc Ultra can work without one but performs best with the optional Sonos Sub ($749) for full home theater impact.
The TCL Q85H performs better in large rooms thanks to its physical surround speakers and subwoofer. The Sonos Arc Ultra is more suited to small and medium-sized spaces where its virtual surround processing works most effectively.
Yes, both soundbars can be wall mounted. Each includes mounting hardware and clear instructions for proper placement, especially important for Dolby Atmos performance.
The TCL Q85H offers simpler initial setup since all components are pre-paired. The Sonos Arc Ultra has a more involved setup process but provides superior room calibration through its Trueplay technology.
Both soundbars work with standard HDMI cables, but for best performance, use HDMI 2.1 cables to support advanced features like eARC for highest-quality Dolby Atmos audio.
The TCL Q85H provides more consistent Atmos effects through multiple up-firing speakers in both the bar and surrounds. The Sonos Arc Ultra offers more precise height effects but from the main bar only.
Both support music streaming, but Sonos Arc Ultra offers superior music integration with its extensive streaming service support and multi-room capabilities. The TCL Q85H provides basic Bluetooth and AirPlay streaming.
The TCL Q85H's physical surround speakers provide better positional audio for gaming. Its lower latency and included subwoofer also enhance gaming experience compared to the standalone Sonos Arc Ultra.
Yes, both soundbars work with any TV that has HDMI-ARC or optical connections. However, for best performance, use a TV with HDMI-eARC to get full-quality Dolby Atmos audio.
The TCL Q85H offers better immediate value with its complete surround system for $599. The Sonos Arc Ultra at $999 requires additional investment for full surround but offers superior build quality and future expandability.
The Sonos Arc Ultra offers extensive expansion options within the Sonos ecosystem. The TCL Q85H is designed as a complete system and doesn't support additional speakers beyond its included components.
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 - shopjetson.com - youtube.com - ign.com - crutchfield.com - dowtechnologies.com - sonos.com - appleinsider.com - pcrichard.com - clefdesol.com - sonos.com - businessinsider.com - audioadvice.com - en.community.sonos.com
