Soundbar
Products
In The Lab
Forums
Newsletters
 Insider access
Notice: Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available.
Best
Soundbars Subwoofer Samsung Dolby Atmos Bose LG All-In-One Sonos Music Under $200 Small Under $500 Vizio Dialogue Sony 5.1 Under $300 Under $100 Movies Budget
Tools
Compare Table Review List Review Index Graph Custom Ratings
Popular
Samsung HW-Q990D Hisense AX5125H Samsung HW-Q800D Samsung HW-Q930D Sonos Arc Ultra Samsung HW-Q600C/Q60CC Samsung HW-B750D Samsung HW-S60D Sonos Beam (Gen 2) LG S95TR Samsung HW-B650 LG S90TR LG S80TR Samsung HW-Q990C Bose Smart Soundbar Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc Ultra JBL Bar 500 TCL Q85H Sonos Arc Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad with Bass Module
219
Soundbars bought and tested
Supported by you via insider access, and when you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Driven by data, run by a passionate team of engineers, testers, technical writers, developers, and more.
We are hiring!
  1. Home
  2. Soundbar
  3. Compare
  1. Table of Contents
  2. Top
  3. Main Differences
  4. Design
    1. Style - Bar
    2. Style - Subwoofer
    3. Style - Satellites
    4. Dimensions - Bar
    5. Dimensions - Subwoofer
    6. Dimensions - Satellites
    7. Mounting
    8. Build Quality
    9. In The Box
    10. Back - Bar
    11. Back - Subwoofer
    12. Back - Satellites
  5. Sound
    1. Stereo Frequency Response
    2. Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration
    3. Stereo Soundstage
    4. Stereo Dynamics
    5. Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion
    6. Center
    7. Surround 5.1
    8. Height (Atmos)
    9. Sound Enhancement Features
  6. Connectivity
    1. Inputs/Outputs - Bar
    2. Audio Format Support - ARC
    3. Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In
    4. Audio Format Support - Optical
    5. Latency
    6. Wireless Playback
    7. Other Input Specifications
    8. Connectivity - Subwoofer
    9. Connectivity - Satellites
  7. Additional Features
    1. Interface
    2. Bar Controls
    3. Remote
    4. Voice Assistants Support
    5. App
    6. Other Features
  8. Comments

Samsung HW-Q70T vs TCL Alto 8i

Side-by-Side Comparison

Products

Samsung HW-Q70T
TCL Alto 8i

Tested using Methodology v1.0

Updated Apr 17, 2024 03:00 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.1

Updated Sep 24, 2024 02:05 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Samsung HW-Q70T Picture
TCL Alto 8i Picture
Channels
3.1.2
Channels
2.1

Variants

  • HW-Q70T (Black)
  • Alto 8i (Black)

Review

See Samsung HW-Q70T Review
See TCL Alto 8i Review
0 
0 

Our Verdict

Samsung HW-Q70T

TCL Alto 8i

The Samsung HW-Q70T is a better soundbar than the TCL Alto 8i. The Samsung is a 3.1.2 setup, unlike the 2.1 TCL, and it comes with a dedicated subwoofer. The Samsung is better built and has a more balanced default sound profile. It's also more customizable, thanks to its graphic EQ.

0 

Check Price

Black
HW-Q70T
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
Alto 8i
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
HW-Q70T
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
Alto 8i
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
HW-Q70T
SEARCH
B&H
Black
Alto 8i
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
HW-Q70T
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
Black
Alto 8i
SEARCH
B&H
Read more

Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 

7.5
6.8

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

7.9
7.3

Center 
 

8.2
6.2

Dialogue Enhancement 
 

Yes
No

Auto-Volume/Night Mode 
 

No
Yes

Full Comparison

Design

Style - Bar  

Style photo - bar  

Samsung HW-Q70T Style photo - bar
TCL Alto 8i Style photo - bar
Show Text 

Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub  

Samsung HW-Q70T Style photo - sub
TCL Alto 8i Style photo - sub

Sub Wireless 
 

Yes
No

Enclosure 
 

Ported
Integrated
Show Text 

Style - Satellites  

Style photo - satellites  

Samsung HW-Q70T Style photo - satellites
TCL Alto 8i Style photo - satellites

Satellite Wireless 
 

No
No
Show Text 

Dimensions - Bar  

Dimensions photo - bar  

Samsung HW-Q70T Dimensions photo - bar
TCL Alto 8i Dimensions photo - bar

Width  

38.6" (98.0 cm)
39.0" (99.0 cm)

Height  

2.4" (6.0 cm)
2.6" (6.5 cm)

Depth  

4.5" (11.5 cm)
5.2" (13.3 cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Subwoofer  

Dimensions photo - sub  

Samsung HW-Q70T Dimensions photo - sub
TCL Alto 8i Dimensions photo - sub

Width  

8.0" (20.4 cm)
N/A

Height  

13.9" (35.3 cm)
N/A

Depth  

11.9" (30.3 cm)
N/A
Show Text 

Dimensions - Satellites  

Dimensions photo - satellites  

Samsung HW-Q70T Dimensions photo - satellites
TCL Alto 8i Dimensions photo - satellites

Width  

N/A
N/A

Height  

N/A
N/A

Depth  

N/A
N/A
Show Text 

Mounting 
 

Bar Mounting Holes  

TCL Alto 8i Bar Mounting Holes

Satellite Mounting Holes  

TCL Alto 8i Satellite Mounting Holes

Mountable Bar 
 

Yes

Bar Brackets Included 
 

Yes

Mountable Satellites 
 

No

Satellite Brackets Included 
 

No

Build Quality 
 

8.0
7.0

Build quality photo  

Samsung HW-Q70T Build quality photo
TCL Alto 8i Build quality photo
Show Text 

In The Box 
 

In The Box photo   

Samsung HW-Q70T In The Box photo
TCL Alto 8i In The Box photo

HDMI Cable Length 
 

1.5 m (4.9 ft)

Digital Optical Cable Length 
 

N/A
Show Text 

Back - Bar  

Back photo - bar  

Samsung HW-Q70T Back photo - bar

Bar Mounting 
 

Universal (holes on underside)
Show Text 

Back - Subwoofer  

Back photo - sub  

Samsung HW-Q70T Back photo - sub

Enclosure 
 

Ported
Integrated
Show Text 

Back - Satellites  

Back photo - satellites  

Samsung HW-Q70T Back photo - satellites

Mounting 
 

No
Show Text 
Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

7.9
7.3

Stereo Setup  

Samsung HW-Q70T Stereo Setup
TCL Alto 8i Stereo Setup

Raw Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Frequency Response Small  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Tested Preset 
 

Standard
Music

Slope 
 

-0.22
-1.25

Std. Err. 
 

2.25 dB
3.29 dB

Channels 
 

3.1.2
2.1

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

42.4 Hz
49.0 Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

19.9 kHz
19.9 kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration 
 

7.9
7.4

Frequency Response Calibrated  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Suggested Preset 
 

Standard
Music

Suggested Bass Setting 
 

0
-2

Suggested Treble Setting 
 

0
3

Slope 
 

-0.22
-0.15

Std. Err. 
 

2.25 dB
2.67 dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

42.4 Hz
50.4 Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

19.9 kHz
19.9 kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Soundstage 
 

7.0
7.0

Crosstalk  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Crosstalk Error 
 

2.84 dB
2.82 dB
Show Text 

Stereo Dynamics 
 

7.9
7.3

Dynamic Range Compression  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

95.3 dB SPL
95.1 dB SPL

DRC @ Max Volume 
 

1.88 dB
3.03 dB
Show Text 

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion 
 

7.8
7.2

THD  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.38
0.61

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

1.97
2.64
Show Text 

Center 
 

8.2
6.2

Center Setup  

Samsung HW-Q70T Center Setup
TCL Alto 8i Center Setup

Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Discrete
Phantom

Slope 
 

0.22
-1.55

Std. Err. 
 

3.33 dB
3.96 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

92.0 dB SPL
89.3 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.37
0.46

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

1.78
2.89
Show Text 

Surround 5.1 
 

4.1
3.4

Surround Setup  

Samsung HW-Q70T Surround Setup
TCL Alto 8i Surround Setup

Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Stereo (Downmix)
Stereo (Downmix)

Slope 
 

-0.95
-2.24

Std. Err. 
 

3.30 dB
4.75 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

90.4 dB SPL
87.1 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.42
0.63

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

1.62
2.77

7.1 Rears 
 

No
No
Show Text 

Height (Atmos) 
 

4.8
3.1

Height Setup  

Samsung HW-Q70T Height Setup
TCL Alto 8i Height Setup

H Frequency Response  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Localization 
 

Phantom (Up Firing, Bar)
Stereo (Downmix)

Slope 
 

1.35
-2.55

Std. Err. 
 

7.73 dB
5.08 dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

86.5 dB SPL
81.5 dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

0.70
1.81

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

1.21
0.97
Show Text 

Sound Enhancement Features 
 

5.5
3.8

Room Correction 
 

No
No

Dialogue Enhancement 
 

Yes
No

Auto-Volume/Night Mode 
 

No
Yes

Subwoofer Level Adjustment 
 

Yes
No

Bass Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

Treble Adjustment 
 

Yes
Yes

EQ 
 

Graphic + Presets
Presets

Surround Level Adjustment 
 

No
No

Rear Level Adjustment 
 

No
No

Height Level Adjustment 
 

Yes
No

Virtual Surround 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 
Connectivity

Inputs/Outputs - Bar 
 

Physical Connections Bar Photo 1  

Samsung HW-Q70T Physical Connections Bar Photo 1
TCL Alto 8i Physical Connections Bar Photo 1

Physical Connections Bar Photo 2  

Samsung HW-Q70T Physical Connections Bar Photo 2
TCL Alto 8i Physical Connections Bar Photo 2

Optical Audio In 
 

1
1

HDMI ARC 
 

1 (shared)
1 (shared)

HDMI Out 
 

1 (shared)
1 (shared)

Full HDMI In 
 

1
1

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux) 
 

No
1

RCA In 
 

No
No

USB for Files 
 

No
1

Ethernet 
 

No
No

Subwoofer Output 
 

No
Show Text 

Audio Format Support - ARC 
 

10
7.4

eARC 
 

Yes
No

Dolby Atmos 
 

Yes
Yes

Dolby Digital 
 

Yes
Yes

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Yes
Yes

DTS 
 

Yes
No

DTS:X (eARC only) 
 

Yes
No

Dolby TrueHD (eARC only) 
 

Yes
No

DTS-HD MA (eARC only) 
 

Yes
No

5.1 PCM (eARC only) 
 

Yes
No
Show Text 

Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In 
 

10
8.6

Dolby Atmos 
 

Yes
Yes

DTS:X 
 

Yes
No

Dolby Digital 
 

Yes
Yes

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Yes
Yes

DTS 
 

Yes
No

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Yes
No

DTS-HD MA 
 

Yes
No

5.1 PCM 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 

Audio Format Support - Optical 
 

10
6.0

Dolby Digital 
 

Yes
Yes

DTS 
 

Yes
No
Show Text 

Latency 
 

9.7
5.4

Latency Video  

ARC 
 

-1 ms
158 ms

Optical 
 

-10 ms
147 ms

Full HDMI In 
 

-30 ms
94 ms
Show Text 

Wireless Playback 
 

8.0
6.0

Bluetooth 
 

Yes
Yes

Wi-Fi Playback 
 

Yes
No

Chromecast built-in 
 

No
No

Apple AirPlay 
 

No
No

Spotify Connect 
 

No
Show Text 

Other Input Specifications 
 

4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough 
 

Yes
Yes

4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough 
 

Yes
Yes

4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough 
 

Yes
Yes

HDR10 Passthrough 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 

Connectivity - Subwoofer 
 

Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1  

Samsung HW-Q70T Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1

Physical controls subwoofer photo 1  

Samsung HW-Q70T Physical controls subwoofer photo 1

Sub Wireless 
 

Yes
No
Show Text 

Connectivity - Satellites 
 

Physical inputs satellites photo 1  

Samsung HW-Q70T Physical inputs satellites photo 1

Physical controls satellites photo 1  

Samsung HW-Q70T Physical controls satellites photo 1

Sat Wireless 
 

No
No
Show Text 
Additional Features

Interface 
 

Interface photo  

Samsung HW-Q70T Interface photo
TCL Alto 8i Interface photo

Display 
 

Yes
Yes
Show Text 

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo  

Samsung HW-Q70T Controls photo
TCL Alto 8i Controls photo
Show Text 

Remote  

Remote photo  

Samsung HW-Q70T Remote photo
TCL Alto 8i Remote photo

Universal Remote 
 

No
Show Text 

Voice Assistants Support 
 

Amazon Alexa 
 

No
No

Google Assistant 
 

No
No

Apple Siri 
 

No
No

Microphone Mute 
 

No

App 
 

App image  

Samsung HW-Q70T App image

App Name  

Samsung SmartThings

iOS  

Yes

Android  

Yes

Acts As A Remote 
 

Yes

Controls Soundbar's Settings 
 

Some

Casts Device Files 
 

Yes
Show Text 

Other Features 
 

Power Saving 
 

Auto-off

HDMI CEC (TV Remote Control) 
 

Yes
Show Text 

Check Price

Black
HW-Q70T
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
Alto 8i
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
HW-Q70T
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
Alto 8i
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
HW-Q70T
SEARCH
B&H
Black
Alto 8i
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
HW-Q70T
SEARCH
BestBuy.com
Black
Alto 8i
SEARCH
B&H
Back to Top

Samsung HW-Q70T

TCL Alto 8i

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 1 year ago

Samsung HW-Q70T vs TCL Alto 8i: Main Discussion

What do you think of these products? Let us know below.


Looking for a personalized buying advice from the RTINGS.com experts? Insiders have direct access to buying advice on our insider forum.

Follow Discussion0 followingSee All Soundbars & Speakers DiscussionsCopy link
0 
PreviewBack to editorFormat guide
No comments yet, refresh to see new ones
We make money directly from you via insider access (which gives you access to extra features) and when you buy a product after clicking a link to a retailer. Learn more about how we work.
We buy our own products, just like you, mostly from the United States. When a product is discontinued or no longer popular, we sell the review units locally. You can see what products we currently have for sale here.
© 2025 9298-5266 Quebec Inc. All Rights Reserved. Visit our corporate site.