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TCL S55H S Class Sound Bar vs Sonos Ray Soundbar

The TCL S55H is the better pick for movie and gaming sound in a main room. It adds a wireless subwoofer, Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, and HDMI eARC, so it delivers real bass and spatial effects that the Sonos Ray cannot match. The Sonos Ray is the cleaner choice for a bedroom or small living room where dialogue clarity and a compact footprint matter more than rumble. Owners praise the Ray's speech clarity and easy setup, but several report app and optical-remote quirks; TCL owners rate its bass and value highly, though it has no center channel and takes more space.

  • Choose the TCL S55H if you want a subwoofer, Dolby Atmos and HDMI eARC for movies, games and a larger room.
  • Choose the Sonos Ray if you want a compact, dialogue-focused bar for a small room and already use or plan to use Sonos multiroom audio.

Prices

  • TCL S55H S Class Sound Bar: $89.99 at Bargain Outlet & More (checked today)
  • Sonos Ray Soundbar: $189.95 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the TCL S55H S Class Sound Bar is $99.96 cheaper than the Sonos Ray Soundbar at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 12)
TCL
TCL S55H S Class 2.1 Channel Sound Bar

TCL S55H S Class Sound Bar

TCL S55H S Class 2.1 Channel Sound Bar

4.5(352 ratings)
$89.99at Bargain Outlet & MoreChecked 45 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit Bargain Outlet & More
Pros
  • Wireless subwoofer gives deep bass without extra wiring
  • Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X for height and surround effects
  • HDMI eARC single-cable hookup with TV remote volume
  • Ai Sonic auto calibration tailors sound to the room
  • Wall-mountable bar with Bluetooth music streaming
Cons
  • No dedicated center channel, so dialogue can be less anchored
  • Separate subwoofer takes floor space
  • No Wi-Fi, AirPlay or multiroom audio
  • Plastic cabinet build
Sonos
Sonos Ray

Sonos Ray Soundbar

Sonos Ray

4.2(1,051 ratings)
$189.95at eBayChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Clear speech enhancement for TV dialogue
  • Compact single bar fits shelves and small rooms
  • Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 and Sonos multiroom streaming
  • Trueplay tuning and Night Sound mode
  • Expandable with Sonos surrounds and Sub
Cons
  • No subwoofer in the box and limited bass
  • No Dolby Atmos and no HDMI port
  • No Bluetooth audio input
  • Trueplay needs a compatible iOS device
  • Some owners report app setup and optical remote issues

What separates them

TCL S55H S Class Sound BarSonos Ray Soundbar
SubwooferWireless 5.5-inch down-firing subwoofer includedNo subwoofer; can add a Sonos Sub later
Spatial audioDolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:XDolby Digital stereo only, no Atmos
TV connectionHDMI eARC plus opticalOptical only, no HDMI
Room calibrationAi Sonic auto room calibrationTrueplay tuning, requires a compatible iOS device
Music streamingBluetooth, no Wi-Fi or multiroomWi-Fi, AirPlay 2 and Sonos multiroom, no Bluetooth
FootprintBar plus separate tower subwooferSingle compact bar, about 1.95 kg
Dialogue handlingSound modes but no dedicated center channelSpeech Enhancement and center-oriented processing
ExpandabilityStandalone systemAdds Sonos surrounds and Sub

Price history

$219.00$94.00
Oct 28Nov 12
  • TCL S55H S Class Sound Bar: lowest $94.00 on Nov 12 at oboxliquidation.com.
  • Sonos Ray Soundbar: lowest $181.00 on Nov 1 at Walmart; $218.99 on Nov 12.

Prices at every store

TCL S55H S Class Sound Bar

  • Bargain Outlet & MoreNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $89.99Checked 45 min ago
    Visit Bargain Outlet & More
  • Cowboy MaloneyNew

    In stock

    $109.98+ $149.00 shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Cowboy Maloney
  • oboxliquidation.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $94.00Checked 16 h ago
    Visit oboxliquidation.com
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $99.99Free shippingChecked 16 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • TCL North AmericaCheck price at TCL North America

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All 23 stores and price history →

Sonos Ray Soundbar

  • EMiUZEKNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $208.05Checked 1 h ago
    Visit EMiUZEK
  • Bear Security ShopNew

    In stock

    $218.99Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Bear Security Shop
  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $219.00Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by northpoint-supply (100% positive, 471 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $189.95+ $12.86 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

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All 31 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecTCL S55H S Class Sound BarSonos Ray Soundbar
ModelTCS55HRAY1G1US1BLK
BluetoothYesNo
Connectivity TechnologyBluetooth, WirelessWi-Fi, Wireless
Ports And InterfacesHDMI eARC, Digital Optical Audio InputEthernet, Optical
Wi-FiNoYes
Assistant SupportGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple SiriNo voice assistant features
Smart FunctionsRoku TV Ready, TCL Home AppMulti Room Audio
Speaker PlacementWall mountableShelf Mount
Design HighlightsWall MountableCompact
MaterialPlasticPolycarbonate/(PC)
StyleTower design (subwoofer)Soundbar Only
Driver Size5.5” (subwoofer)2.76 in (7 cm) (tweeter diameter)
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecTCL S55H S Class Sound BarSonos Ray Soundbar
Driver ConfigurationDown-firing (subwoofer)Forward-facing acoustics
Driver TypeWooferTweeters
Number Of Drivers3 (Total Speakers)Two tweeters
Max Output Power220W10 Watts
Nominal Output Power70 W (Subwoofer RMS power)Not specified
Max Wattage220 wattsNA (RMS Power)
Weight2.05 kg (soundbar)1.95 kg
Depth3.86 in (Sound Bar)3.74
Height2.36 in (Sound Bar)2.79

What reviewers say

TCL S55H S Class Sound Bar

  • 4.5 / 5352 ratings

Owner feedback on the S55H centers on strong bass for the money and simple setup, with some noting dialogue clarity is not its strength.

What people mention
  • BassPraisedOwners say the wireless subwoofer delivers noticeably deeper bass than TV speakers or bars without a sub.
  • SetupPraisedHDMI eARC and the wireless sub make it a fast, single-cable install.
  • DialogueMixedSome listeners find voices less crisp than on 3-channel bars with a dedicated center speaker.
  • BuildMixedThe bar and sub are plastic, which owners accept at this price but note as basic.

Sonos Ray Soundbar

  • 4.2 / 51,051 ratings

Owners rate the Ray 4.2 out of 5 across 1,051 ratings and mostly praise the dialogue clarity and small footprint for the price. Complaints center on limited bass and the optical-only connection.

What people mention
  • Dialogue clarityPraisedOwners say voices are easier to follow, especially with Speech Enhancement on.
  • BassCriticisedReviewers find low end thin and say action scenes lack punch without a subwoofer.
  • SizePraisedBuyers like that it fits narrow media stands and small rooms.
  • Connectivity
Reviews
  • Sonos Ray Soundbar (Black) - The Professional's Source Since 1973
  • Best Soundbars of 2026: Latest Picks From Sonos, Bose, Yamaha
  • Best Cheap Soundbar 2026: Enjoy cinematic sound on a budget - Advertisement
  • The Sonos Ray was the perfect new soundbar to upgrade my older TV – and its lack of modern connections is actually just what new cheap TVs n

Questions and answers

Which is better for movies?
The TCL S55H. Its subwoofer, Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X produce bass and overhead effects the Ray lacks. The Ray is stereo only and has no subwoofer unless you add one.
Which sounds clearer for TV dialogue?
The Sonos Ray. Its Speech Enhancement and center-oriented processing target voices, and reviewers consistently praise its speech clarity. The TCL has no dedicated center channel.
Can I use either with a TV that has no HDMI port?
Both work over optical. The Ray is optical-only, so it suits older TVs. The TCL adds HDMI eARC but still includes an optical input as a fallback.
Which is better for music streaming?
The Sonos Ray. It streams over Wi-Fi with AirPlay 2 and fits a Sonos multiroom setup. The TCL streams over Bluetooth only and has no Wi-Fi.
Is the Sonos Ray worth stepping up to over the TCL?
Only if you value a compact bar, Sonos multiroom and dialogue clarity over bass and Atmos. For a main-room movie setup, the TCL offers more hardware for the job.
Which lasts longer?
Both are built to last, but the Ray's polycarbonate cabinet and simpler optical design have fewer parts to fail. The TCL adds a separate powered subwoofer, which is one more component over time.

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Buying guides that pick them

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  • Best budget soundbars with optical input
Width
31.89 in (Sound Bar)
22
colorBlackBlack
Peak Power220W Peak Power—
Channel Configuration2.1Ch—
Subwoofer TypeWireless Subwoofer—
Audio FormatDolby Atmos—
Virtual SurroundDTS Virtual:X—
HDMI VersionHDMI 2.0 with eARC—
Bass SystemDual Bass System—
Bluetooth StreamingBluetooth Music Streaming—
Sound ModesSpecialized Sound Modes—
Voltage110V—
Frequency Response40 Hz to 22 kHz—
Output Level (SPL)98 dB—
Amplifier Power220 Watts (Total Power)—
Outdoor—No
Audio Configuration—2-way
Audio Highlights—Speech Enhancement, Dolby Digital
Audio Channels—Stereo
Criticised
The optical-only input and lack of Bluetooth are common complaints.