The TCL S45H S Class 2.0 Channel Sound Bar offers a wallet-friendly way to upgrade the often “tinny” audio of modern flat-screen TVs. Priced attractively for a 2.0-channel system, this compact bar punches above its weight with premium features like Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X.

Connectivity is versatile, ensuring broad compatibility across TV brands. While the system is optimized with features like “TCL TV Ready,” it connects seamlessly to most sets via HDMI eARC, optical, or auxiliary inputs, and also supports Bluetooth for music streaming.

Note: This analysis synthesizes hundreds of customer reviews on Amazon and community feedback to provide a balanced verdict on what this soundbar delivers and where its budget price tag is evident.

Related: Budget 2.1 Soundbar Showdown: TCL S55H vs. Hisense HS2100

Table of Contents

• TCL S45H 2.0ch Specifications
• Is the TCL S45H Worth Buying?
  • Pros and Cons
    • Pros
    • Cons
• Value & Price
• How Does the TCL S45H Sound? Clarity, Volume & Bass
• Is the TCL S45H Easy to Set Up and Connect?
• Key Features at a Budget Price: Spatial Audio and Calibration
  • 1. Virtualization vs. Physical Drivers
  • 2. Other Notable Features
• TCL S45H Design: What Are the Usability Issues?
• Included Accessories
• Should You Buy the TCL S45H Soundbar?

TCL S45H 2.0ch Specifications

• Sound Bar Size (WxHxD) (inches): 31.89″ x 2.36″ x 3.86″
• Speaker Maximum Output Power: 100 Watts
• Connections: Auxiliary, Bluetooth, HDMI, Optical, USB

Is the TCL S45H Worth Buying?

The TCL S45H 2.0 Channel S Class Sound Bar is an entry-level soundbar that provides strong value for its price. It delivers a clear improvement over standard TV speakers, offering better voice clarity and adequate volume.

However, expectations must be managed. After all, this is a simple 2.0-channel system. Its compromises, mainly weak bass, a flawed indicator light design, and occasional software quirks, are typical trade-offs for a soundbar at this price point. If you need an affordable boost in volume and dialogue clarity, this soundbar is a solid budget choice.

Pros and Cons

Value & Price

The overwhelming majority of users agree that the TCL S45H is an incredible value. It is frequently praised as performing at a level comparable to, or sometimes better than, more expensive systems. For those seeking an affordable audio upgrade, this soundbar can improve TV audio without draining the bank account.

You receive a good amount of technology for the price, including a sleek design and features like eARC and Dolby Atmos. While some advanced audio features or quality of life aspects (like the indicator light) show the cost cutting, this is justified by the lower price.

How Does the TCL S45H Sound? Clarity, Volume & Bass

For many, the TCL soundbar delivers a robust and noticeably improved sound. Voices and dialogue are consistently described as loud, clear, and crisp, ideal for those who struggle to hear dialogue in movies. The volume capability is also high, with many users noting they never need to push the bar beyond half volume.

A common complaint is the weakness of the bass. While the built-in reflex port provides some punch, it is not quite the room-shaking thump of a dedicated 2.1 system. Users expecting a massive low-end presence will likely be disappointed. A few mentioned that adjusting the bass and treble controls made little to no noticeable difference in voice tone or quality.

Some users have also found that the sound occasionally stopped working, and in rare instances, dialogue suddenly fell out of sync with actors’ lips or disappeared entirely while background music continued playing.

That said, the high-end features like Dolby Atmos are impressive for the price, even if they deliver an “enhanced stereo” experience rather than true object-based surround sound.

It should be noted that a few users felt the soundbar was barely an improvement over their existing TV speakers. This outcome is common when pairing a $100 soundbar with a new, high-end TV (especially premium OLEDs/QLEDs). While almost any soundbar will be an upgrade over a basic, budget TV, modern premium TVs often feature complex, multi-driver acoustic systems that can, in some cases, offer superior sound quality, detail, and tonal balance than a very cheap, dedicated speaker bar.

Is the TCL S45H Easy to Set Up and Connect?

For most users, setup is simple and quick, often described as true plug-and-play – just connect the power and included HDMI cable. A key benefit is the seamless integration via HDMI eARC, allowing the bar’s volume to be controlled by the existing TV remote, especially for owners of TCL or Roku TVs. It is also compatible with other brands like LG and Samsung.

The user experience is influenced by two factors. First, the Ai Sonic Auto Room Calibration, accessed via the TCL Home app, is important for achieving the best sound; users who skip this step often report poor initial sound quality. Second, while connectivity is smooth for most, a minority of users reported recurring issues: intermittent sound drops and an inability to connect via HDMI (forcing them onto Bluetooth). This suggests that while simple for the majority, the unit may have slight software instability that affects a few setups.

Key Features at a Budget Price: Spatial Audio and Calibration

The S45H’s biggest selling point is the inclusion of Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, features typically reserved for more expensive sound systems.

1. Virtualization vs. Physical Drivers

It’s important to understand that the S45H is a 2.0 channel soundbar, meaning it contains only two forward-facing speaker drivers and no dedicated subwoofer or height drivers. It achieves the overhead and surround effects of Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X through virtualization technology.

• How it Works: Instead of physically bouncing sound off your ceiling (which requires up-firing drivers), the soundbar uses advanced psychoacoustic processing. This technology manipulates how sound reaches your ears, tricking the brain into perceiving sounds as coming from the sides, rear, or above.
• Managing Expectations: This creates a much wider, more immersive soundstage compared to traditional stereo, especially in front of the listener. However, it will not deliver the discrete, object-based height effects (like the distinct pitter-patter of rain overhead or footsteps creaking in an attic) that true multi-speaker Atmos systems provide. This bar offers an enhanced, wide stereo experience.

2. Other Notable Features

The bar also includes Ai Sonic Auto Room Calibration, a sophisticated feature that actively analyzes and adjusts the bar’s sound output to match the unique acoustic properties of your room (note: this requires using the TCL Home companion app for setup). Other valuable features include Bluetooth streaming for mobile devices, a useful Night Mode for late-night viewing, and USB Audio Playback.

TCL S45H Design: What Are the Usability Issues?

The compact, sleek, and minimalist design of the S45H generally receives praise for fitting well under the TV, with many owners appreciating that its size doesn’t compromise performance.

One notable usability flaw emerged in the feedback: the single-row indicator light is located on top of the bar, making it impossible to see from a couch. Users have no visual feedback when changing inputs, volume, or sound modes. This lack of visibility is worsened by the volume control itself, which some users found imprecise – jumping quickly from quiet to loud – making accurate adjustments difficult.

For an entry-level device, the reliance on the TCL Home app for setting confirmation and calibration adds a layer of complexity. Additionally, some wall-mounted users reported the included hardware was slightly poor quality, resulting in the bar not being held tightly against the wall.

Included Accessories

Users appreciate the comprehensive package. The S45H is ready to use immediately as it includes:

• Remote with batteries (2x AA)
• HDMI cable (59-inch / 1.5 m)
• Power cable (59-inch / 1.5 m)
• Wall-mounting kit and template

The inclusion of an HDMI cable is a small but welcome detail that emphasizes the product’s focus on user-friendly, out-of-the-box convenience, further contributing to its value.

Should You Buy the TCL S45H Soundbar?

The TCL S45H S Class 2.0 Channel Sound Bar is a good solution for the most common audio problem: poor TV speakers. For its price, it offers clear dialogue, adequate volume, and a simple setup process for the vast majority of users. It won’t impress serious audiophiles or fill larger rooms well. But for the low price, it brings life, clarity, and immersion to TV shows and movies more effectively than built-in TV speakers.

For another great budget soundbar, check out our Samsung HW-B550F review.