The TCL S45H is a 2.0-channel soundbar with 100 watts of total output, designed as a lower-cost alternative to soundbars that ship with a separate subwoofer. The internal design uses dual-horn echo chambers to boost bass response within the soundbar’s body, delivering low-end punch that TCL rates as equivalent to a 50-watt subwoofer. Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X add virtual surround processing. Connection options include HDMI eARC, optical, AUX, and Bluetooth 5.2.
A soundbar to enhance the way your home audio for movies and TV shows
Standalone soundbars without a separate subwoofer usually run out of bass at some point. TCL’s approach to the S45H addresses that limitation with dual-horn echo chambers built into the soundbar’s body. The chambers use forward and rearward sound-wave interaction to amplify the low end, delivering more bass than a standard 2.0 soundbar. UKP diaphragm speakers also carry the mid and high frequencies with the vocal clarity that comes from upgrading your TV speakers.
Dolby Atmos processing on the S45H simulates height effects from just the two front speakers, creating a sense of vertical sound movement without any upfiring drivers or ceiling speakers. DTS Virtual:X does similar processing for content encoded in DTS formats. TCL’s AI Sonic Auto Room Calibration also runs a room analysis through the TCL Home app on your phone, adjusting the soundbar’s output to fit your specific room shape, seating position, and wall materials.
HDMI eARC is the primary connection for the latest TVs, delivering both audio and control over a single cable. Volume changes through the TV remote also work through HDMI eARC on the S45H. An optical input works as a backup for older TVs without HDMI eARC. AUX input takes a 3.5mm cable from a phone, laptop, or turntable, and Bluetooth 5.2 lets you stream music wirelessly.
Setting up the S45H takes about 10 minutes from unboxing to first sound. TCL includes an HDMI cable, a power cord, a remote with batteries, and a wall-mount kit in the box, so you don’t need to buy additional cables or hardware separately. The soundbar measures just over 2 inches tall, which fits under most TVs on a stand without blocking the TV’s IR sensor.
Bass response has been the trade-off buyers have accepted for years when picking a 2.0 soundbar over a 2.1 with a separate subwoofer. The S45H narrows that trade-off with the dual horn echo chambers built into the soundbar body, delivering more low-end than most 2.0 setups at this price range. At $70, down from $130, the discount cuts the price nearly in half. This is a reasonable pick if you don’t have space for a separate subwoofer or want to upgrade TV speakers without cluttering a room.
