TCL S45H vs Amazon Fire TV Soundbar

Sound Quality

The TCL S45H earns a 23 out of 30 for sound quality in the supplied breakdown, while the Fire TV Soundbar earns a 20 out of 30. Both are 2.0 channel bars with no dedicated subwoofer, which limits low frequency depth. The TCL lists up to 100 watts of total output, but the Fire TV listing does not publish a power figure. Neither bar publishes driver sizes, so direct driver comparison is not possible from the listings.

The Fire TV Soundbar uses dual full-range speakers, but the exact driver size is not published. Dialogue clarity is a stated focus in the Fire TV listing, while the TCL includes AI Sonic automatic room calibration via the app. That calibration may help tailor sound to a room, giving the TCL a potential advantage in real world use. Without a subwoofer, sound quality on both models will depend heavily on room placement and source material.

Surround, Atmos and Audio Formats

The TCL S45H supports Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X processing. The listing title also mentions DTS:X, but the feature bullet describes DTS Virtual:X, so the implementation appears to be virtual rather than discrete. The Fire TV Soundbar supports DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, but it does not support Dolby Atmos. In the supplied sound format scores, the TCL earns a 10 out of 15 while the Fire TV earns an 8 out of 15.

Both bars produce surround and height effects through digital signal processing from a 2.0 speaker layout, not from physical rear or upward firing drivers. The TCL adds simulated height cues through Dolby Atmos processing, giving it a format advantage for Atmos encoded content. Buyers should treat all of these surround claims as virtual, because neither soundbar has discrete surround or height channels. If your TV sends Atmos over HDMI eARC, only the TCL will accept that bitstream and apply virtual processing.

Subwoofer and Bass

Neither the TCL S45H nor the Fire TV Soundbar includes a dedicated subwoofer. The TCL listing does not mention a subwoofer output, so you cannot easily add a wired subwoofer later. The Fire TV Soundbar listing does not publish any built in subwoofer details, so its bass approach is also unclear beyond the dual full-range drivers.

Bass depth will be limited on both models because there is no separate low frequency driver. The TCL claims up to 100 watts of total output, which may provide some volume headroom, but wattage does not guarantee deep bass. The Fire TV Soundbar does not publish power output at all, so relative bass capability cannot be compared using the listings.

For buyers who prioritize bass heavy music or movie explosions, neither soundbar is likely to satisfy without a separate subwoofer. The TCL S45H's optical and AUX inputs do not change bass output, and the Fire TV Soundbar's compact 24 inch length means less internal cabinet volume for low frequencies. The best use for both is improving dialogue and general TV sound, not recreating a home theater low end.

Connectivity and TV Setup

The TCL S45H offers more wired connection options, including HDMI eARC and ARC, optical, and 3.5mm AUX inputs. The Fire TV Soundbar has one HDMI eARC/ARC port, and the listing does not publish an optical or AUX input. Both bars include Bluetooth, which allows wireless streaming from a phone or tablet. The TCL has an obvious advantage for older TVs that lack HDMI ARC.

Both models include an HDMI cable in the box, which simplifies initial setup. The TCL also includes a power cord, remote with batteries, and a wall mount kit. The Fire TV Soundbar lists an HDMI cable as included, but the listing does not explicitly mention a power adapter or remote, only control via one Fire TV remote. For setup, the TCL has a full function remote and a TCL app that supports AI Sonic auto room calibration, while the Fire TV's remote and app details are absent from the listing.

Features, Apps and Voice Control

Neither the TCL S45H nor the Fire TV Soundbar has built in Wi-Fi, AirPlay, or Chromecast support according to their listings. Both are Bluetooth only for wireless audio, so you must use a phone or tablet as the Bluetooth source for music. Neither bar has a built in voice assistant listed in the supplied features. The TCL's cons explicitly note no voice assistant support.

The TCL S45H includes a full function remote and a companion app for setup and AI Sonic automatic room calibration. The Fire TV Soundbar listing does not publish app details, and remote information is limited to control via one Fire TV remote. The lack of Wi-Fi also means no over the air firmware updates are described. Voice control buyers will need to use a separate Fire TV remote or smart speaker connected to the TV.

Design and Fit Under a TV

The TCL S45H measures 31.89 inches wide, 2.36 inches high, and 3.86 inches deep. Weight is not published in the listing. The Fire TV Soundbar measures 24 inches long and 2.5 inches high, but depth is not published. Both bars have a low profile height of under 2.5 inches, making them unlikely to block the bottom of most TV screens.

The TCL includes a wall mount kit, giving buyers the option to mount it below a wall mounted TV. The Fire TV Soundbar listing does not mention a wall mount kit, so tabletop placement appears to be the primary assumption. The Fire TV Soundbar is made from 18 percent recycled materials, which is not noted for the TCL. For a narrow TV stand or smaller room, the Fire TV's 24 inch length is easier to fit; for a larger TV, the TCL's longer cabinet may look more proportional.

Who Should Buy It

The TCL S45H is best for budget buyers who want a single soundbar with virtual Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, plus more input options and auto room calibration. Its optical and AUX ports make it suitable for older TVs or setups with multiple sources. The included wall mount kit and full function remote add convenience. Buyers who do not want a separate subwoofer but still want a wider soundstage may choose the TCL.

The Fire TV Soundbar is best for buyers who want a very simple, compact stereo bar with virtual surround and Bluetooth. Its 24 inch length fits smaller TV stands and secondary rooms. The HDMI eARC connection with included cable covers modern TVs, and DTS Virtual:X gives a sense of width from a 2.0 bar. Neither soundbar is ideal for home theater enthusiasts who want deep bass or discrete surround channels.

The Deciding Question

The deciding question is whether you need Dolby Atmos simulation and extra inputs, or whether a smaller bar with one HDMI eARC and DTS Virtual:X is enough. The TCL adds optical and 3.5mm AUX, which makes it more versatile for mixed setups. It also lists up to 100 watts of output, while the Fire TV's power is not published. If your TV has HDMI eARC and you only connect one device, those extras may not matter.

Another way to frame the choice is room and TV size. The TCL is 31.89 inches wide, which suits larger TVs and walls, and it includes a wall mount kit. The Fire TV Soundbar is 24 inches long, making it easier to place under smaller screens or on crowded furniture. Neither bar has a subwoofer output, so you cannot add a wired subwoofer later. Consider whether simulated Atmos, app calibration, and extra ports justify the longer TCL cabinet.

Who Should Buy Which

Buy the TCL S45H if you want the highest listed output, Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X processing, optical and AUX inputs, automatic room calibration, and an included wall mount kit. The TCL's 23 out of 30 sound quality score and 10 out of 15 surround score reflect its stronger audio format support on paper. It is the better choice for a small or medium living room where connection flexibility matters.

Buy the Fire TV Soundbar if you want a compact 24 inch bar with DTS Virtual:X, Bluetooth, and one HDMI eARC connection. It suits a simple modern TV setup where optical and AUX are not needed. The Fire TV's 20 out of 30 sound quality score and 9 out of 10 value score make it appealing for basic upgrades, but its power and depth specs are unpublished. The decision hinges on whether simulated Dolby Atmos, extra inputs, and app calibration justify the TCL's longer cabinet, or whether the Fire TV's compact footprint is sufficient.