(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
When you buy a TV, you're buying more than just a screen — you're buying into a brand's entire philosophy. For better or worse, over the course of the next several years, that brand will be at the center of your living room.As professional TV-reviewers, no one understands the relationship between a viewer and their TV better than us. That's why we're passing out report cards to the biggest names in the TV industry this week, grading everything from price to performance.Previously, we doled out report cards to both LG and Sony. Today, we’re taking a look at TCL, makers of some of the most popular QLEDs on the market. In 2026, TCL's proprietary Super Quantum Dot (SQD) technology is up against some fierce competition, too.
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)PricingIn recent years (including 2026), TCL TVs have played the part of value-forward alternatives to pricier analogues from brands like Samsung and Sony. They’re not always budget friendly, but outside of a handful of exceptions, TCL sets are typically priced lower than the competition while still offering many of the same benefits and features.On the lower end of the spectrum, TVs like the four-star TCL QM6K offer a taste of premium hardware for a price most people can justify. Backed by Mini-LEDs, a 65-inch QM6K launched at just $799 and eventually fell even further throughout its shelf life.TCL sets are typically priced lower than the competition while still offering many of the same benefits and features.The Best Buy-exclusive TCL QM5K offers a modest array of Mini-LEDs for even less. The 65-inch QM5K is still available for $499.You don’t have to stick to entry-level and mid-range models to see the inherent value in most TCL TVs in 2026. The top-shelf TCL QM8L — which recently earned our four-star rating — is equipped with the brand’s best display technology, but still comes in at a relatively low price compared to some of its competitors.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.Just a few months (and price drops) after its release, the 65-inch TCL QM8L is just $1,499. For all intents and purposes, it’s a direct competitor of the Sony Bravia 9 II True RGB TV and the Samsung R95H Micro RGB TV, but those sets are currently $3,599 and $3,199, respectively.TCL is no stranger to the concept of a flashy, big-screen luxury TV. The TCL X11L is a prime example of this. But when it comes to its mainline QLEDs, its TVs are usually more affordable than alternatives from LG, Samsung and Sony — and they tend to go on sale fast and frequently.Grade: A-Design
