TCL Q55K 98Q55K 98"

The TCL Q55K is a 97.5-inch QLED that delivers huge screen real estate, a smooth 144Hz panel, and surprisingly good audio for a very reasonable price. It's not going to beat an OLED on dark scenes, but at $557 from Best Buy, it's one of the best big-screen values out there. If you want maximum size per dollar, this is the one to get.

The picture quality is a strong point, landing in the 83rd percentile, with QLED quantum dots pushing colors across nearly the entire DCI-P3 space. The 144Hz refresh rate, with variable refresh up to 288Hz, makes fast motion look smooth, and gaming feels responsive thanks to ALLM and auto game mode. The audio is also a standout, hitting the 86th percentile, which is rare for a TV this size. But the display itself is middle of the pack, and the HDR performance, while solid at the 77th percentile, won't blow away anyone who's seen a high-end OLED. Dark scenes are where this TV shows its Direct LED roots, and it just can't match the contrast of a mini-LED or OLED panel.

Stacked against the Sony BRAVIA 8, the TCL can't match Sony's processing or upscaling, but it's also way cheaper for a much bigger screen. The Samsung Neo QLED QN70F and LG OLED evo C5 will both beat the TCL on contrast and black levels, no contest, but you're paying a premium for that and getting a smaller panel. The Hisense U8 is probably the closest competitor, with similar value positioning, but the TCL's 98-inch size is hard to beat if you have the wall space. The Roku Plus Series is cheaper, but it's not even in the same league for gaming or audio.

The price on this TV is all over the place. We're seeing it listed anywhere from $557 to $1,101 across US retailers, which is a wild spread. At the low end, this is an absolute steal for a 98-inch QLED. At the high end, you're getting into territory where you could start looking at smaller OLEDs or mini-LED sets. Best Buy has the best deal right now, so if you're buying, that's where to look. For a screen this size with these features, even the higher price isn't unreasonable, but the lower price is where the value really shines.

The TCL Q55K 98Q55K is a 97.5-inch QLED that wants to be the centerpiece of your living room, and honestly, it mostly pulls it off. You get a massive screen, a 144Hz panel, and Google TV built in. It's not trying to be the fanciest TV on the block, but it's aiming for that sweet spot where size and price meet.

TCL packed this thing with their AIPQ PRO processor, Dolby Vision, and an Onkyo-tuned 2.1 speaker system. The social proof is off the charts, sitting in the 98th percentile, which means people who bought it are really happy. But a 54th percentile display ranking tells you there are some compromises under the hood.

If you're a home theater purist who cares about perfect black levels and HDR pop, skip this and look at an OLED or a mini-LED set like the LG C5 or Samsung QN70F. The Direct LED backlight just can't compete in dark rooms, and the HDMI 2.0 ports will frustrate next-gen console owners who want 4K at 120Hz. Also, if you don't have a big wall and a sturdy mount, this 100-plus pound beast is more hassle than it's worth.

If you want a gigantic screen for movies, sports, and casual gaming, and you don't want to spend OLED money, the TCL Q55K is a fantastic choice. It's best for people who prioritize size and value over perfect black levels. The 144Hz panel and low input lag make it a solid pick for gamers, though the HDMI 2.0 limitation is annoying for next-gen consoles. For most people, this TV will feel like a massive upgrade, especially if you're coming from a 55 or 65-inch set.