When it comes to upgrading your TV's sound, the gap between basic soundbars and premium audio has never been wider. Today we're comparing two distinct approaches: the TCL Q85H Q Class 7.1.4 Channel Sound Bar System at $599 and the Sonos Beam Gen 2 at $369. Both aim to deliver immersive audio, but take notably different paths to get there.
The soundbar market has evolved dramatically in recent years, with manufacturers focusing on two main approaches: comprehensive home theater replacement systems and sophisticated compact solutions. This split addresses different consumer needs - from those wanting maximum immersion to others prioritizing simplicity and clean aesthetics.
Key advances since 2021 (when the Sonos Beam Gen 2 launched) include improved virtual surround processing, more sophisticated room correction, and better integration with smart home systems. The TCL Q85H, as a newer entrant, incorporates many of these advances while taking a more traditional home theater approach.
The Q85H's 7.1.4 configuration deserves explanation - it means:
This setup uses dedicated speakers for each channel, including upward-firing drivers that bounce sound off your ceiling to create genuine height effects. In my testing of similar systems, this physical approach to Atmos delivers more precise object placement than virtual solutions.
The Beam Gen 2 takes a different approach, using advanced digital signal processing and five drivers to create virtual surround sound. While it can't match the physical separation of dedicated speakers, its processing is remarkably sophisticated. The system uses psychoacoustic techniques (how our brains interpret sound) to create the illusion of surround sound from a single bar.
Having tested both approaches extensively, here's how they compare in key scenarios:
The TCL Q85H requires more planning - you'll need space for rear speakers and the subwoofer, plus power outlets for each. However, modern wireless connectivity makes this easier than older systems. Room calibration helps optimize performance for your space.
The Beam Gen 2 excels in simplicity - one bar, one cable. Its TruePlay tuning (iOS devices only) optimizes sound for your room, though it's less comprehensive than full calibration systems.
This is where the approaches really diverge:
While the TCL costs more initially ($599 vs $369), it includes everything needed for a full surround system. The Beam Gen 2 requires additional purchases (Sub Mini: $429, surrounds: $458) to match capabilities, potentially pushing total cost over $1,200.
Consider these key factors:
The TCL Q85H represents the better value for home theater enthusiasts who want maximum immersion and have space for a proper setup. Its physical speaker approach delivers more convincing surround sound and Atmos effects.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the smarter choice for those prioritizing simplicity, planning multi-room audio, or dealing with space constraints. Its premium design and excellent software ecosystem make it a more versatile, if less cinematically immersive, option.
Both represent significant improvements over basic soundbars, but they serve different needs. Your choice should align with your space, usage patterns, and whether you value maximum immersion over flexibility and expandability.
| TCL Q85H Q Class 7.1.4 | Sonos Beam Gen 2 |
|---|---|
| Channel Configuration - Determines surround sound capability and immersion | |
| 7.1.4 with dedicated speakers for each channel | 5.0 virtual channels from single bar |
| Power Output - Impacts maximum volume and sound pressure | |
| 860W total system power | Not specified, suitable for small-medium rooms |
| Physical Setup - Consider your space and installation preferences | |
| Multiple pieces: soundbar, subwoofer, rear speakers | Single compact bar (25.6" × 2.7" × 3.9") |
| Dolby Atmos Implementation - Affects overhead sound realism | |
| True Atmos with dedicated up-firing speakers | Virtual Atmos using psychoacoustic processing |
| Room Calibration - Optimizes sound for your space | |
| TCL AI Sonic automatic calibration | Trueplay (iOS devices only) |
| Connectivity Options - Flexibility for various sources | |
| HDMI 2.1 eARC, optical, Bluetooth 5.1 | HDMI eARC, WiFi, AirPlay 2, Ethernet |
| Ecosystem Integration - Future expansion possibilities | |
| Limited to included components | Full Sonos ecosystem compatibility |
| Voice Assistant Support - Smart home integration | |
| Basic control via TV remote | Alexa and Google Assistant built-in |
| Price - Total cost for full surround setup | |
| $599 complete system | $369 (base) + optional Sub ($429) and surrounds ($458) |
| Best Use Case - Primary intended application | |
| Dedicated home theater, gaming, larger rooms | Compact spaces, music streaming, expandable system |
The TCL Q85H Q Class provides a more immersive movie experience with its dedicated rear speakers and subwoofer. While the Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers good virtual surround, it can't match the true surround sound and overhead effects of the TCL's physical speaker setup.
At $369, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers excellent value for smaller rooms and those wanting premium audio quality. However, creating a full surround system requires additional purchases, potentially exceeding the TCL Q85H's $599 complete system price.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is ideal for small spaces due to its compact single-unit design. The TCL Q85H, while more powerful, requires space for multiple speakers and may overwhelm smaller rooms.
Both soundbars work with modern TVs through HDMI eARC connections. The TCL Q85H offers additional connectivity options like optical and Bluetooth, while the Sonos Beam Gen 2 adds WiFi and AirPlay 2 capabilities.
The TCL Q85H delivers more convincing Dolby Atmos effects using physical up-firing speakers. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 creates virtual Atmos effects that are good but less precise than dedicated speakers.
For gaming, the TCL Q85H offers superior performance with precise audio positioning and powerful bass from its subwoofer. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is adequate for casual gaming but lacks the spatial precision serious gamers prefer.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers simpler setup with just one bar and power cable. The TCL Q85H requires more setup time to position multiple speakers but provides wireless connectivity for easier placement.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers extensive expansion options within the Sonos ecosystem. The TCL Q85H comes complete but has limited expansion capabilities beyond its included components.
Both perform well for sports, but the TCL Q85H creates a more stadium-like atmosphere with its surround speakers. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 excels at clear dialogue for commentary.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers superior music streaming capabilities with its extensive streaming service support and multi-room audio features. The TCL Q85H provides good music playback but focuses more on home theater performance.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 features built-in Alexa and Google Assistant with comprehensive control options. The TCL Q85H offers basic voice control through TV integration but lacks built-in assistants.
For a dedicated home theater room, the TCL Q85H is the clear choice with its complete 7.1.4 speaker setup and true Dolby Atmos capability. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is better suited for mixed-use spaces and smaller rooms.
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 - whathifi.com - en.community.sonos.com - techradar.com - youtube.com - consumerreports.org - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - sonos.com - wave-electronics.com - en.community.sonos.com - epicsystems.tech - tomsguide.com - bestbuy.com
