Finding a good TV with a suite of decent features at an affordable price can be tricky due to the diverse options on the market. Fortunately, TCL has established itself as a trustworthy brand for shoppers who want abudget TVthat offers great value for money.
TCL 55-inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV with Fire TV (55S450F, 2023 Model)
TCL 75-inch Q6 QLED 4K Smart TV with Google (75Q650G, 2023 Model)
TCL has several TV models that are relatively affordable. Whether you’re looking for a decent TV to stream movies or play games, this guide to the best TCL TVs will aid your search. Although TCL’s sound quality doesn’t offer anywhere close to a cinematic experience, with their extremely low prices, it’s easy to add anaffordable soundbaror surround sound system while staying under budget.
Game Rant’s Picks for the Best TCL TVs in 2024
The TCL Q7 is a perfect example of a TV that balances performance with affordability without skipping on some high-end features. If you’re looking for an affordable TV to stream shows and play games at 4K resolution, the Q7 should be on your radar. Beyond crisp images, the TV sports a QLED display that delivers better viewing angles for groups, as well as more life-like colors throughout. With the ability to reach 1,000 nits of peak brightness, you should still see characters clearly while watching shows in a well-lit room. Running on Google TV OS, buyers get treated to a wide variety of streaming services.
Despite its classification as a budget TV, the Q7 has the makings of a premium TV. It comes with a 120Hz refresh rate, which lets you watch movies and play games on a super smooth display. The Q7 ensures that motion blur won’t be an issue for you either, with Game Accelerator taking things up a notch and bringing you 240 VRR, which makes gaming extra-fast and enjoyable for long sessions. Not many budget TVs offer advanced gaming specs, but the Q7 makes a remarkable exception. Equipped with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, get ready to game without the inconveniences of high input lag.
TCL 32-inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Google TV (32S350G, 2023 Model)
The TCL S3 is an incredibly affordable TV that allows users to stream content at 1080p resolution. Selling for under $150, this is a terrific option for shoppers who simply want to watch their favorite shows or movies without spending too much. It supports voice commands via Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit, allowing you to do things like launching apps using voice commands. There’s also Bluetooth personal audio which allows you to enjoy a private viewing experience by connecting Bluetooth headphones to the TV.
The TCL S3 is an ideal option for shoppers who simply want a TV that allows them to conveniently stream movies and shows at a decent resolution. For under $150, you get a 32-inch TV that can render content up to 1080p (FHD display). While this pales in comparison with thesuperior picture quality of a 4K display, 1080p is still a respectable quality. To further sweeten the deal, the S3 ships with HDR10 and HLG, two of the most reliable HDR formats that help the TV deliver great contrast and color.
Equipped with Google TV OS, you get access to diverse content across different streaming platforms. By pressing the Google Assistant button on the remote, get ready to experience the ease of performing tasks like launching apps or lowering the volume with voice commands. This cheap TV’s smart home integration extends to Alexa and Apple HomeKit, so you can feel free to control your TV through voice commands. One downside is that its 60Hz refresh rate means that it does not qualify as a premium display for gaming. Additionally, it does not come with any advanced gaming features. It should handle casual gaming just fine, though. If you simply want a budget TV for streaming your favorite shows at a decent resolution, then the TCL S3 won’t be a regrettable purchase.
TCL 55-inch Q7 QLED 4K Smart Google TV (55Q750G)
The 55-inch TCL Q7 stands out as a terrific choice for shoppers who want to experience gaming and streaming at a high 4K resolution. The QLED display panel makes it possible for you to enjoy content with improved color and contrast. Running on Google TV OS, you also get to perform several tasks using voice commands. Gaming on this TV is also a thrilling experience thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate and FreeSync Premium Pro.
The 55-inch Q7 is another impressive TCL TV and the perfect upgrade for shoppers currently with 1080p TVs. Capable of rendering content at 4K resolution, the Q7 treats you to an impeccable picture quality that makes characters look more life-like than on TVs with FHD displays. You also get QLED display technology which rivals the OLED displays of some Samsung and LG TVs. A QLED display is best for rich colors and viewing angles, so rest assured that watching movies on the Q7 will always be a fun time.
Additionally, the Q7 runs on a strong AI-driven processor which enhances color, contrast, and clarity to deliver a thrilling viewing experience. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos technology enriches the Q7’s sound quality, treating you to a near-cinematic audio experience. The Q7’s 120Hz refresh rate allows you to enjoy gaming and streaming with super smooth motion handling. An Auto Game Mode brings the best of anti-screen tearing thanks to FreeSync Premium Pro, giving you the chance to play games with fluid movements. You also get to enjoy improved visuals and performance through 4K/120Hz gaming, thanks to the availability of HDMI 2.1 ports.
TCL 85-inch QM8 QLED 4K Smart Mini LED TV with Google (85QM850G, 2023 Model)
The TCL QM8 is an 85" TV that features 4K visuals that rival many high-end TV models. Buyers will enjoy better contrast and vivid colors thanks to the TV’s QLED technology and HDR Ultra. With Game Accelerator 240, this TV can get a refresh rate of up to 240 Hz which translates to more responsive gameplay. Compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, you can easily launch apps and manage the brightness levels using voice commands.
The TCL QM8 ticks the box in terms of what you expect to see on a premium TV without leaving anything out. You get to watch shows, enjoy live sports, and play games on a highly responsive 85-inch screen that is ideal for multiple viewers and delivers a more immersive viewing experience than most TCL TVs. With four times the picture quality of a 1080p TV, the QM8 is an excellent option for shoppers looking to upgrade in terms of picture quality. Unlike the TCL Q7, the QM8 doubles the peak brightness by an extra thousand nits by offering 2,000 nits of peak brightness. This translates to super bright images that remain so even in well-lit rooms.
If you’re looking for a TV that can replicate the experience of a cinema, the QM8 fits the bill perfectly with IMAX certification. As an IMAX-certified TV, the QM8 will deliver improved contrast, color, and sound. Although the TV has a native 120Hz refresh rate, Game Accelerator ensures that you can go up to 240Hz VRR and enjoy more responsive gameplay. When gaming, FreeSync Premium Pro reduces the input lag, allowing your in-game characters to be faster than rivals. It’s worth adding that as a premium TV, the QM8 is quite pricey, which may not appeal to users looking not to go overboard on their spending. Users have also noted that the 4K upscaling feature is not as powerful as that ofSony TVs.
The TCL S4 4K follows the path of other TCL TVs and delivers excellent value at a rational price point. Buyers get to experience superior picture quality thanks to the TV’s 4K resolution. With Fire TV OS built-in, users can perform many tasks ranging from launching apps to finding content through Alexa. There is also a wide range of content across diverse streaming services to explore. Gaming on this TV is also great, with Auto Game Mode enhancing the settings to reduce high input lag.
The 55-inch TCL S4 stands out for being an amazing 4K TV worth considering if you want an affordable TV with plenty of exciting offerings. For under $300, you get 55 inches of screen real estate, which is enough for immersive gaming, streaming, and watching live sports. Equipped with Fire TV OS, you get access to many streaming services and tons of content. Whether streaming a show or playing games, HDR Pro, a combination of Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG, ensures the TV renders content with improved color and contrast. Despite being a budget TV, the inclusion of motion rate 120 translates to better motion handling, which makes images look more fluid.
Although the S4 is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, you are assured smooth movement while gaming thanks to the Auto Game Mode which, when enabled, reduces input lag. This allows you to move and react quicker than opponents. The S4 does not lack in terms of sound as Dolby Atmos technology allows you to enjoy a decent audio experience. Some users have noted that the brightness and image quality could be better, though.
The TCL Q6 is an affordable 4K TV that’s good for gaming when paired with the PlayStation 5. Equipped with Game Accelerator 120, gamers can enjoy smooth gameplay thanks to a 120Hz VRR. What’s more, Auto Game Mode aims to deliver the lowest possible input lag for a better gaming experience. The Q6’s sound quality is great thanks to DTS: Virtual X which simulates surround sound, thereby delivering a listening experience that’s on par with a home theater.
The TCL Q6 is solid proof that you’re able to pair a budget TV with the PS5 console and still have a great time gaming for extended periods. One of Game Rant’s best TCL TVs, the Q6 boasts an ultra-wide screen size of 75 inches that’s ideal for gaming and streaming. The Q7 increases its appeal further by offering 4K resolution. The 4K display enhances the picture quality significantly, enabling you to see hidden details and more realistic images. Fortunately, the Q6 follows the line of other TCL TVs by supplementing its native refresh rate with Motion Rate technology. Motion Rate 240 greatly improves the Q6’s ability to handle motion, making content look sharp even during fast-paced moments.
To provide players with fluid gameplay, the Q6 ships with Auto Game Mode and FreeSync, which deliver the lowest possible input lag. This lets your in-game characters move and spot opponents quickly. Although this is a 60Hz TV, it can go up to 120Hz thanks to Game Accelerator 120, thereby giving you the chance to play without worrying about intermittent lag issues. Sound is an important aspect of a TV, so it’s no surprise that the Q6 has DTS Virtual: X, which enhances the audio to make it clearer and feel more immersive.
How to Choose the Right TCL TVs
TCL TVs are popular for being relatively affordable and delivering great value. The brand is an excellent choice for folks looking to save some money on a new TV purchase. To help you choose the right TCL TV, below are some factors that you should consider before making a purchase:
Resolution: Before buying a TCL TV, ensure that you have a great idea of the kind of resolution you prefer. If you’re interested in superb image quality and life-like pictures, it’s preferable to acquire a 4K TV model. If you’re looking not to spend so much and at content with modest image quality, then consider the 1080p TV models. They aren’t as powerful as their 4K counterparts, but they get the job done.
Screen Size: Deciding on the right screen size to go for depends on many factors. Will the TV be in the living room or bedroom? Are you the only viewer or will there be many? Do you like an immersive experience for streaming shows and gaming? Large screens are ideal for multiple viewers with a wide area to install the TV, while small screens are best for people with small spaces.
Budget: Despite being a budget-friendly brand, TCL TVs are priced differently. If you desire a suite of premium features, then you should prepare to spend up to a thousand dollars or more. But if you’re comfortable with only a handful of decent features, then any of its models under the $500 price range should be okay.
Display Technology: TCL does not yet have a lineup ofOLED TVs, so you’ll see QLED and Mini-LED display technologies being used. Both displays are known for being bright enough to ensure that owners can enjoy a great level of visibility even in well-lit areas. Consider the pros and cons of both displays before going with a TCL TV.
Gaming Features: Gamers often like to pair their consoles or PCs with top-tier TVs from premium brands like LG and Samsung. However, we strongly believe that TCL TVs are good for gaming, especially for those looking for a budget-friendly display. Even though most of the TVs are limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, Motion Rate technology allows players to get up to 120Hz VRR, which translates to smooth motion handling. Some TCL TVs go beyond Motion Rate and offer AMD FreeSync, reducing screen tearing. Ensure that the TCL TV you wish to buy comes with the ideal number of gaming features that’ll make gameplay enjoyable.
FAQ
Q: Are TCL TVs better than Hisense TVs?
While they both trade blows in terms of affordability and value, Hisense TVs come out on top regarding motion handling, as they are better optimized for that.
Q: Do TCL TVs last long?
TCL TVs typically last up to 7 years, though the lifespan depends on the user behavior such as frequent cleaning of the TV and using a surge protector.
