Sanus VLT7-B2 review: a sturdy, premium tilting wall-mount for TVs of nearly every size
Sanus VLT7 review: Two minute review
The Sanus VLT7 is a premium tilting TV wall-mount bracket with swivel functionality designed to cover a range of TVs from 42-90-inch sizes, holding up to 150 bls (68Kg) in weight. The Sanus VLT7 is almost identical in spec, but is cheaper. For our tests, however, we used the VLT7.
Installation of the VLT7 is incredibly easy, with a simple three-step process suggested by Sanus taking close to the 30 minutes suggested. The instructions provided are easy to follow and the construction and installation process ran smoothly. You'll need your own tools (mainly a screwdriver and socket wrench) and two people to carry out installation.
The VLT7's build quality is strong, with both the brackets and wall plate feeling reassuringly sturdy and robust. Most of the materials are made from a quality black metal which again feels premium and tough. The covers used to help hold the bracket hooks to the wall plate feel a little cheap and plasticky in comparison to the rest of the bracket, but this is the one complaint in an otherwise solid wall mount.
The VLT7 carries 15 degrees of tilt, and even with the weighty 20kg of the 65-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED feels comfortable at full tilt. A useful 15-degree swivel and 6.8 inches of extension means connections such as HDMI are easily accessible and changeable. Even when not in tilt mode, the VLT7 sits snug to the wall at 2.1 inches distance.
The VLT7 is priced at roughly $189.99 / £89 / AU$225, meaning its decent value for money in the UK, but pricey elsewhere. Although it caters to a large range of sizes, more affordable options are available such as the Mounting Dream MD2268-LK-02, one of the best TV wall-mounts, which also caters to a similar range 37-82 inch TVs, and is priced at $35 / £35 – a quarter of the price.
Sanus VLT7 review: Prices and release date
- Priced at $189.99 / £89 / AU$225
- First available 2021
- Available from major online retailers
The Sanus VLT7-B2 is a tilting and swivel wall mount that fits 42-90-inch TVs. Available from online retailers for $189.99 / £89 / AU$225, it sits at the more premium end of the tilting TV bracket market.
The version we tested from Amazon is referred to as the VLT7. It's the same product but pricier in the UK and Australia, retailing for $189.99 / £129.99 / AU$269.99, so you're best getting the VLT7 if you're in those regions.
Sanus VLT7 review: Specs
Sanus VLT7 review: Ease of installation
- Easy installation process
- Two people recommended
- Simple instructions
Sanus says that the installation for the VLT7 takes 30 minutes and uses a 3-step process, and during my testing, this was pretty accurate. For our setup, we placed a wooden board onto a stud wall and used the four included lag bolts to hold the back plate in place. A clear template for how to measure is provided.
Installation of the lag bolts and back plate uses a 0.5-inch (13mm) socket wrench and was easy. Two people were required during installation – one to hold the back plate in place, while the other tightened the lag bolts.
The brackets are easily installed onto the back of the TV, with varying height options for different sizes in its vast 42-90 inch range. Included in the box were a large number of M6 and M8 screws (compatibility will vary from TV to TV). For our tests, we used the 65-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED, which worked with the provided M6 12mm screws. Spacers are also included in the box if required.
It’s worth noting that you will require your own tools for installation, with the most vital being the socket wrench and screwdriver. Within the instructions, Sanus recommends other tools including a tape measure, pencil and various drill bits depending on the wall type.
- Ease of installation score: 4.5 / 5
Sanus VLT7 review: Build quality
- Premium metal materials
- Solid, sturdy feel
- Cover on back plate feels cheap
Straight out of the box, the VLT7 feels weighty and premium. Its two brackets and back wall plate are made of a black metal that feels solid when held. Although the rear brackets were light, they still felt reassuringly sturdy during the installation process.
When installed on the wall, the 65-inch Omni QLED, which weighs 45 lbs (20 kg), felt secure on the VLT7 bracket. At full downward tilt, the Omni QLED didn’t feel like it was moving anytime soon. One thing I did notice, however, was that the plastic cover on the back plate (designed to cover the rear hooks) felt a little on the cheap side in comparison to the rest of the metal materials, but this was the only complaint I really had.
The VLT7 may be at the premium end of the wall-mount market, but its durability and solid, secure design make it worth it.
- Build quality score: 4.5 / 5
Sanus VLT7 review: Design
- Good level of tilt and swivel
- Wide back plate gives more installation freedom
- Fairly snug to the wall
The VLT7 is designed to support larger, weightier TVs. Despite this, it hits a sweet spot of good extension and tilt, and can also fit snug to the wall when not in tilt mode.
With 15 degrees of downward tilt available, the VLT7 will prove useful to those who need to install their TVs high up on the wall. As we’ve already said, you can feel safe knowing that the VLT7 is ready to take the full weight of a TV even at full tilt. When not in tilt mode, the TV will only sit 2.1 inches from the wall and during my testing, that was the case with the 65-inch Omni QLED (although with a large depth overall it did stick out a little more). Another design advantage of the VLT7 is that its tilt function is more ‘automatic’ and doesn’t require manual adjustments each time, something that a budget tilting or full-motion wall-mount such as the Perlesmith PSSFK1 requires.
The VLT7 can also extend by 6.8 inches, giving plenty of access to the rear of the TV to swap any cables or manage connections. With the VLT7 extended and swiveled (again 15 degrees available here), the Omni QLED felt solid. I also tested whether moving a larger TV was doable on my own and thankfully the Omni QLED never felt unsecured.
Another useful design feature is the VLT7’s larger back plate. Although it initially looks cumbersome, the larger design is made with freedom of installation in mind, allowing enough room to accommodate any in-wall plug sockets or devices.
- Design score: 4.5 / 5
Sanus VLT7 review: Value
- Premium design and materials
- Somewhat pricey
- Cheaper alternatives available
As the VLT7 is a tilting bracket with swivel that holds 42-90-inch TVs, it requires a robust design and as such sits at the more premium end of the TV wall-mount market. While its design and build quality justify the price to an extent, it’s hard to ignore that there are cheaper alternatives.
The VLT7 retails for $189.99 / £89 / AU$225. Compare that with the Mounting Dream MD-2268, one of the best TV wall-mounts available, and its price becomes a bitter pill to swallow. The MD-2268 doesn’t offer the same features as the VLT7, with a 32-80-inch size range, 8 degrees of tilt, and no swivel, but it’s priced at $35 / £35 – a quarter of the VLT7's price in some regions.
Despite its more premium price, it’s hard to overlook just how sturdy and solid the VLT7 felt, even with the weightier 65-inch Omni QLED attached, and how easy it was to use.
- Value score 4 / 5
Sanus VLT7 review: Should you buy it?
Buy it if...
You have a large or heavy TV
The VLT7 is compatible with a large range of TV sizes – up to 90 inches – and when tested with a heavier 65-inch set felt reassuringly solid.
You want a good range of tilt
With 15 degrees of downward tilt, the VLT7 will be useful in several situations, whether placed up high or compensating for glare in brighter viewing environments.
Don't buy it if...
You’re on a budget
The VLT7 is a premium tilting TV wall mount and as such comes with a higher price tag – even higher than some full-motion TV brackets.
You need a full-motion bracket
Although the VLT7 can tilt and swivel, it doesn’t have the same level of movement as a full-motion wall-mount for angled viewing.
How I tested the Sanus VLT7
- Tested with 65-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED
- Tested on a wooden stud board on drywall
- Two-person installation
The Sanus VLT7 was installed on a wooden stud board placed over drywall, with holes made using a drill. The back plate was held to the board using a set of lag bolts installed with a socket wrench and the back brackets were installed using a basic Philips screwdriver.
For our testing, we opted to use the Amazon Omni QLED 65-inch to test the build quality and functionality of the VLT7. The Omni QLED is on the heavier side for a 65-inch TV, weighing 45 lbs (20kg) and sits roughly at the midway point of the VLT7's support range.
The VLT7 comes with screws and spacers to attach the bracket to the TV. For the Omni, the relevant sizes were M6 screws12-15mm in length, but this will vary from TV to TV. We had two people work on this installation as this is the safest approach, regardless of TV size.
- First reviewed: August 2024
- Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee
0 comments:
Post a Comment