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TCL S45H specifications and in-depth review

TCL S45H

Manufacturer: TCL

The TCL S45H is a 2-channel soundbar designed to deliver a structured home audio setup with a straightforward feature set. Weighing 3130 g and measuring 810 mm wide, it fits comfortably beneath most displays without dominating the space. It ships with a remote control and includes an on-device control panel, while Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support allow it to decode object-based audio formats from compatible sources.

On the connectivity side, the TCL S45H includes a single HDMI 2.0 output with eARC, an S/PDIF output, an AUX input, and Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX, aptX Adaptive, and AAC codec support. Wi-Fi is not included, and there is no built-in microphone or voice command functionality. Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus are both supported, rounding out a solid range of audio format compatibility for a wired and Bluetooth-oriented setup.

Pros
  • Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for object-based audio format decoding
  • HDMI eARC enables high-quality audio passthrough from a connected TV
  • Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX, aptX Adaptive, and AAC codec support allows flexible wireless audio streaming
  • Includes both an AUX input and an S/PDIF output alongside HDMI, offering multiple wired connection options
  • On-device control panel and included remote provide two physical control methods without relying on an app
Cons
  • No Wi-Fi support limits streaming options to Bluetooth only
  • Lacks a dedicated smartphone app for extended control or customization
  • No voice command support and zero built-in microphones
  • Remote control is not rechargeable, requiring battery replacements
  • No NFC pairing, Chromecast, AirPlay, or Spotify Connect for network-based audio workflows
Who is this for?

The TCL S45H is well suited to users who want a straightforward soundbar for a traditional home theater setup centered around a TV connection. Its HDMI eARC output with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support makes it a practical choice for those who primarily stream content through a compatible display and want object-based audio decoding without complex configuration. Users who prefer Bluetooth audio streaming with high-quality codec support — particularly those with aptX Adaptive-compatible devices — will also find it accommodating for wireless playback alongside wired sources via AUX or S/PDIF.

Who is this NOT for?

This soundbar is not well suited to users who rely on Wi-Fi-based audio ecosystems, as it lacks Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect entirely. Those who prefer managing their audio through a dedicated smartphone app or voice assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri will find no support for any of these features. It is also a poor fit for multi-room audio setups or smart home integrations, given the complete absence of network connectivity and voice command capabilities.

Audio:

number of channels of sound output 2
has aptX ✓
has aptX Adaptive ✓
has AAC ✓

The TCL S45H delivers audio through a 2-channel output configuration. For wireless audio streaming, it supports Bluetooth with aptX and aptX Adaptive codecs alongside AAC, offering a range of options for higher-quality wireless playback depending on the source device.

Features:

HDMI ARC / eARC HDMI eARC
compatible with Google Assistant ✕
works with Alexa ✕
has Spotify Connect ✕
has Dolby Atmos ✓
has DTS:X ✓
has Chromecast built-in ✕
works with Siri/Apple HomeKit ✕
has AirPlay ✕
supports Dolby Digital Plus ✓
supports Dolby Digital ✓
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC ✕

The TCL S45H supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Digital, covering a broad range of audio formats for compatible content. It includes HDMI eARC, enabling high-quality audio passthrough from a connected display. On the smart features side, the soundbar does not support Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri, or Apple HomeKit, and lacks Chromecast built-in, AirPlay, and Spotify Connect. NFC pairing for Bluetooth is also not available.

Connectivity:

has an AUX input ✓
HDMI ports 1
has an HDMI output ✓
HDMI version HDMI 2.0
Bluetooth version 5.2
Has Bluetooth ✓
supports Wi-Fi ✕
RJ45 ports 0
has a microphone input ✕
Has S/PDIF Out port ✓

The TCL S45H offers a focused set of wired and wireless connection options. It includes a single HDMI 2.0 output, an AUX input, and an S/PDIF output for flexible source connectivity, while Bluetooth 5.2 handles wireless audio from compatible devices. There are no RJ45 or microphone input ports, and Wi-Fi is not supported, making this a straightforward wired-and-Bluetooth setup without network streaming capabilities.

General info:

volume 4762.8 cm³
has voice commands ✕
control panel placed on a device ✓
has a remote control ✓
has a rechargeable remote control ✕
Has a dedicated smartphone app ✕
number of microphones 0
thickness 60 mm
weight 3130 g
width 810 mm
height 98 mm

The TCL S45H measures 810 mm wide, 98 mm tall, and 60 mm thick, with a total volume of 4762.8 cm³ and a weight of 3130 g. It includes an on-device control panel and a remote control, though the remote is not rechargeable. There is no dedicated smartphone app, no voice command support, and no built-in microphones. Control is handled entirely through the physical remote and the on-unit panel.

Final Verdict

The TCL S45H is a no-frills soundbar that delivers where it counts for users who want a reliable, wired-centric audio upgrade for their TV setup. Its Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding paired with HDMI eARC gives it a solid foundation for home theater use, and Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive adds a capable wireless dimension. However, the absence of Wi-Fi, smart assistant support, and any network streaming features means it operates within a fairly defined scope. For users who are comfortable with that scope — and simply want dependable audio format support and clean connectivity without the overhead of a smart ecosystem — the TCL S45H is a competent and focused choice.