TCL QM5K Series 65QM5K 65"

The TCL QM5K is a Mini-LED masterpiece at a price that feels like a typo. Buy it for the stunning HDR and smart features, skip it only if you need 120Hz gaming.

The Mini-LED backlight with up to 500 dimming zones is the star here. Blacks get properly dark without that annoying blooming you see on cheaper full-array sets, and the HDR brightness makes Dolby Vision content genuinely pop. Our HDR score lands in the 96th percentile, which is wild for a TV at this price. The TCL AIPQ processor does solid work with upscaling too, so even older 1080p content looks respectable on the 4K panel. What surprised us most? The built-in 2.1 channel audio. It's not going to replace a proper soundbar, but it's far better than the tinny speakers most TVs ship with. Dolby Atmos support helps, and the audio score sits comfortably in the top tier. The 60Hz refresh rate is the one spec that feels dated, especially since TCL markets this with 'Game Accelerator 144' language that's a bit misleading. VRR helps smooth things out, but you're not getting true 144Hz here.

The QM5K's most natural rival is the Hisense U8 Series 65U8QG, which also packs Mini-LED tech and aggressive pricing. The Hisense typically offers a 120Hz panel, which gives it an edge for gaming, but the TCL counters with better smart features and that 98th percentile smart ranking. Against the LG OLED C5 and Sony A95L, the TCL can't match the per-pixel contrast of OLED, but it costs a fraction of the price and gets surprisingly close on HDR punch. The Samsung QN70F sits in a similar price bracket but doesn't offer the same dimming zone count at this size. For pure picture quality per dollar, the TCL is the one to beat in this group.

Here's where the QM5K really shines. Prices across US retailers range from $458 to $855, and at the lower end of that spread, this TV is an absolute no-brainer. Even at the higher end, you're still getting a Mini-LED panel with this level of HDR performance for less than most mid-range OLEDs. The value proposition is so strong that our user sentiment data shows 'value for money' as one of the top recurring themes from actual owners. If you can find it near that $458 mark, stop reading and go buy it. At $855, it's still competitive but the gap narrows considerably.

The TCL QM5K is the kind of TV that makes you wonder why you'd spend twice as much on a big-name brand. For under $900 at its best price, you're getting a 65-inch QD Mini-LED panel with up to 500 local dimming zones, Dolby Vision, and a picture that punches way above its price class. The headline here is simple: this is one of the best value TVs on the market right now, and our smart features ranking puts it in the absolute top tier at the 98th percentile. The catch? It's a 60Hz panel, so hardcore competitive gamers should look elsewhere. But for everyone else, especially streamers and movie watchers, this thing is a steal.

If you're a serious gamer who wants 120Hz or higher refresh rates for competitive play, this isn't your TV. The 60Hz panel and single full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 port will frustrate you. Go grab the Hisense U8 Series 65U8QG instead, it gives you the Mini-LED goodness with a proper 120Hz panel. Also, if you're planning to mount this in a bright sunroom or outdoor space, the outdoor performance score is a weak spot, so look for something with higher peak brightness and better reflection handling.

The TCL QM5K is the TV to buy if you want flagship-level HDR and smart features without the flagship price tag. The 60Hz panel is the only real compromise, and for most people streaming movies, shows, and sports, it's a non-issue. The picture quality, especially with Dolby Vision content, is genuinely impressive, and the built-in audio means you might not even need a soundbar right away. If you're a competitive gamer who needs 120Hz or more, look at the Hisense U8 or step up to a gaming-focused set. For everyone else, this is one of the easiest recommendations we've made all year.