TCL Q77L Series 50Q77L 50"

A 144Hz gaming beast with killer HDR at a budget price. Just don't expect it to wow you during movie night.

The gaming score lands in the top 15% of all TVs in our database, and that tracks with the spec sheet. A 144Hz native panel with HDMI 2.1, VRR, and ALLM means this thing keeps up with a PS5 or Xbox Series X without breaking a sweat. The HDR performance is the real surprise though, sitting in the 95th percentile. Dolby Vision plus HDR10+ on the same set is still weirdly rare, and TCL didn't cheap out here. But picture quality overall is a letdown at the 36th percentile. The HVA panel promises great contrast, but the numbers suggest it's not translating into a consistently strong image. Audio is also rough, landing in the bottom 40% of TVs we've tracked.

The Roku Pro Series 55R8C5 is the obvious alternative if you care more about streaming than gaming. Roku's interface is cleaner than Fire TV, and the picture quality scores higher in our database. The Hisense U7 Series 65U75QG gives you a bigger screen and better overall picture for not much more money, but you lose the 144Hz refresh rate. And if you want the best picture period, the Samsung S90H QN48S90HAEXZA is in another league entirely, though you'll pay for it. The TCL wins on gaming value, full stop.

At $300 USD, this is a steal for a 144Hz gaming display with this level of HDR support. You're getting features that usually cost twice as much. But you're also getting a TV that's mediocre at everything that isn't gaming. If you've got a console hooked up 80% of the time, buy it. If you're mostly streaming shows, your money goes further elsewhere.

The TCL Q77L is a gaming TV wearing a living room disguise. That 144Hz native refresh rate with VRR and ALLM is the headline here, and it's the main reason to buy this over a dozen other 50-inch QLEDs sitting on the same shelf. HDR support is also top of the charts, which is a nice bonus at this size. But the moment you step away from a console, things get a lot more average. Streaming and sports scores are just okay, and the built-in audio is a weak spot. This is a specialist, not an all-rounder.

If you're mostly watching sports or streaming shows in a bright room, this isn't your TV. The picture quality scores are below average, and the outdoor performance is one of the worst we've seen. Go grab a Roku Pro Series or Hisense U7 instead. You'll get a better all-around picture for similar money.

Buy this if you're a gamer on a budget who wants high refresh rates and great HDR without spending $600+. The 144Hz panel and HDMI 2.1 support make it a no-brainer for console players. But if your TV time is mostly Netflix and sports, look at the Roku Pro Series or Hisense U7 instead. This is a gaming monitor that happens to have a TV tuner.