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TCL Alto 8i vs Vizio M Series M215a-J6

Which Soundbar Is Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Design
      Style - BarStyle - SubwooferStyle - SatellitesDimensions - BarDimensions - SubwooferDimensions - SatellitesMountingBuild QualityIn The BoxBack - BarBack - SubwooferBack - Satellites
    Sound
      Stereo Frequency ResponseStereo Frequency Response With Preliminary CalibrationStereo SoundstageStereo DynamicsStereo Total Harmonic DistortionCenterSurround 5.1Height (Atmos)Sound Enhancement Features
    Connectivity
      Inputs/Outputs - BarAudio Format Support - ARCAudio Format Support - Full HDMI InAudio Format Support - OpticalLatencyWireless PlaybackOther Input SpecificationsConnectivity - SubwooferConnectivity - Satellites
    Additional Features
      InterfaceBar ControlsRemoteVoice Assistants SupportAppOther Features
    Comments

Products

TCL Alto 8i
Vizio M Series M215a-J6

Tested using Methodology v1.1

Updated Sep 24, 2024 02:05 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.0

Updated Nov 11, 2022 05:00 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
TCL Alto 8i Picture
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Picture
Channels
Locked
Channels
Locked

Our Verdict

TCL Alto 8i

Vizio M Series M215a-J6

The TCL Alto 8i and the Vizio M Series M215a-J6 are both budget-friendly setups with Dolby Atmos support; however, the Vizio is better overall. Since it comes with a dedicated subwoofer, it can reproduce more low-bass, so you feel more rumble in action-packed scenes. There are more sound enhancement features on hand to customize it, as well as DTS support, which the TCL lacks. Neither bar offers a stellar Atmos performance, but they're an affordable alternative to more premium options on the market.

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Variants

  • Alto 8i (Black)
  • M215a-J6 (Black)

Review

See TCL Alto 8i Review
See Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Review
1 
0 

Check Price

Black
Alto 8i
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
M215a-J6
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
Alto 8i
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
M215a-J6
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
Alto 8i
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
M215a-J6
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
Alto 8i
SEARCH
B&H
Black
M215a-J6
SEARCH
B&H
Black
Alto 8i
SEARCH
TCL
Black
M215a-J6
SEARCH
Vizio
Read more

Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 
 

0.0
0.0
GET INSIDER ACCESS  to see main differences

Full Comparison

Design

Style - Bar  

Style photo - bar 
 

TCL Alto 8i Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Show Text 

Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub 
 

TCL Alto 8i Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sub Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Enclosure 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Style - Satellites  

Style photo - satellites 
 

TCL Alto 8i Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Satellite Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Dimensions - Bar  

Dimensions photo - bar 
 

TCL Alto 8i Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Width  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Subwoofer  

Dimensions photo - sub 
 

TCL Alto 8i Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Width  

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

N/A
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Satellites  

Dimensions photo - satellites 
 

TCL Alto 8i Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Width  

N/A
N/A

Height  

N/A
N/A

Depth  

N/A
N/A

Mounting 
 

Bar Mounting Holes  

TCL Alto 8i Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Satellite Mounting Holes  

TCL Alto 8i Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Mountable Bar 
 

Locked

Bar Brackets Included 
 

Locked

Mountable Satellites 
 

Locked

Satellite Brackets Included 
 

Locked

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Build quality photo 
 

TCL Alto 8i Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Show Text 

In The Box 
 

In The Box photo  
 

TCL Alto 8i In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

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To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

HDMI Cable Length 
 

Lock m (Lock ft)

Digital Optical Cable Length 
 

Lock m (Lock ft)
Show Text 

Back - Bar  

Back photo - bar  

TCL Alto 8i Back photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Back photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Bar Mounting 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Back - Subwoofer  

Back photo - sub  

TCL Alto 8i Back photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Back photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Enclosure 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Back - Satellites  

Back photo - satellites  

TCL Alto 8i Back photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Back photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Mounting 
 

Locked
Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

N/A
N/A

Stereo Setup 
 

TCL Alto 8i Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Raw Frequency Response  

TCL Alto 8i Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Frequency Response Small  

TCL Alto 8i Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Tested Preset 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Channels 
 

Locked
Locked

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock kHz
Lock kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration 
 

N/A
N/A

Frequency Response Calibrated  

TCL Alto 8i Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Suggested Preset 
 

Locked
Locked

Suggested Bass Setting 
 

Lock
Lock

Suggested Treble Setting 
 

Lock
Lock

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock kHz
Lock kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Soundstage 
 

N/A
N/A

Crosstalk  

TCL Alto 8i Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Crosstalk Error 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Dynamics 
 

N/A
N/A

Dynamic Range Compression  

TCL Alto 8i Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

DRC @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion 
 

N/A
N/A

THD  

TCL Alto 8i THD Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 THD Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Center 
 

N/A
N/A

Center Setup 
 

TCL Alto 8i Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Frequency Response  

TCL Alto 8i Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Surround 5.1 
 

N/A
N/A

Surround Setup 
 

TCL Alto 8i Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Frequency Response  

TCL Alto 8i Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock

7.1 Rears 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Height (Atmos) 
 

N/A
N/A

Height Setup 
 

TCL Alto 8i Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

H Frequency Response  

TCL Alto 8i H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Sound Enhancement Features 
 

N/A
N/A

Room Correction 
 

Locked
Locked

Dialogue Enhancement 
 

Locked
Locked

Auto-Volume/Night Mode 
 

Locked
Locked

Subwoofer Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Bass Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Treble Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

EQ 
 

Locked
Locked

Surround Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Rear Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Height Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Virtual Surround 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Connectivity

Inputs/Outputs - Bar 
 

Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 
 

TCL Alto 8i Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 
 

TCL Alto 8i Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Optical Audio In 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI ARC 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI Out 
 

Locked
Locked

Full HDMI In 
 

Locked
Locked

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux) 
 

Locked
Locked

RCA In 
 

Locked
Locked

USB for Files 
 

Locked
Locked

Ethernet 
 

Locked
Locked

Subwoofer Output 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support - ARC 
 

N/A
N/A

eARC 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Atmos 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS:X (eARC only) 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby TrueHD (eARC only) 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS-HD MA (eARC only) 
 

Locked
Locked

5.1 PCM (eARC only) 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Atmos 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS:X 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS-HD MA 
 

Locked
Locked

5.1 PCM 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support - Optical 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Latency 
 

N/A
N/A

Latency Video  

TCL Alto 8i Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see product videos

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see product videos

ARC 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Optical 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Full HDMI In 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms
Show Text 

Wireless Playback 
 

N/A
N/A

Bluetooth 
 

Locked
Locked

Wi-Fi Playback 
 

Locked
Locked

Chromecast built-in 
 

Locked
Locked

Apple AirPlay 
 

Locked
Locked

Spotify Connect 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Other Input Specifications 
 

4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

HDR10 Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Connectivity - Subwoofer 
 

Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1  

TCL Alto 8i Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Physical controls subwoofer photo 1  

TCL Alto 8i Physical controls subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Physical controls subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sub Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Connectivity - Satellites 
 

Physical inputs satellites photo 1  

TCL Alto 8i Physical inputs satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Physical inputs satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Physical controls satellites photo 1  

TCL Alto 8i Physical controls satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Physical controls satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Sat Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Additional Features

Interface 
 

Interface photo 
 

TCL Alto 8i Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Display 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo 
 

TCL Alto 8i Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Show Text 

Remote  

Remote photo 
 

TCL Alto 8i Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Universal Remote 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Voice Assistants Support 
 

Amazon Alexa 
 

Locked
Locked

Google Assistant 
 

Locked
Locked

Apple Siri 
 

Locked
Locked

Microphone Mute 
 

Locked
Show Text 

App 
 

App image  

TCL Alto 8i App image Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

Vizio M Series M215a-J6 App image Sample

SAMPLE

GET INSIDER ACCESS

To see pictures and test results

App Name  

Locked

iOS  

Locked

Android  

Locked

Acts As A Remote 
 

Locked

Controls Soundbar's Settings 
 

Locked

Casts Device Files 
 

Locked

Other Features 
 

Power Saving 
 

Locked

HDMI CEC (TV Remote Control) 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Check Price

Black
Alto 8i
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
M215a-J6
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
Alto 8i
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
M215a-J6
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
Alto 8i
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
M215a-J6
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
Alto 8i
SEARCH
B&H
Black
M215a-J6
SEARCH
B&H
Black
Alto 8i
SEARCH
TCL
Black
M215a-J6
SEARCH
Vizio
Back to Top

TCL Alto 8i

Vizio M Series M215a-J6

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 2 years ago

TCL Alto 8i vs Vizio M Series M215a-J6: Main Discussion

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