TCL continually punches above its weight, offering impressive TV tech at prices that demand a cost-benefit analysis when considering other brands. For that reason, I’ve recommended a few recent TCL models to readers, friends, and family. After spending several weeks with the 65-inch QM8K 
Once you have the QM8K on its feet — or its one big foot — the setup process is straightforward and fairly quick. Getting my various streaming apps up and running was painless, guided by the familiar Google TV interface. With built-in Chromecast, it offers access to all the usual streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime (it’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit).
Bright, bold, but not perfect
The main event for any TV is picture quality, and this is where the QM8K’s strengths and weaknesses become evident. The QM8K boasts a peak brightness of up to 5,000 nits. Our testing concluded with peak brightness levels just over 4,500 nits at 70% of the screen, which is no joke. Translation: its HDR content can be dazzling. Brightly lit scenes look stunning, and the QM8K is plenty able to overcome glare in a room.
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Brightness is only part of the equation, though. While the QM8K has 35% more dimming zones than its predecessor and a “new halo control system,” it’s not immune to a faint blooming effect around bright objects. For a Mini-LED at $2,200, that’s not a disappointment, but it is a consideration.
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One such component is the panel itself, which TCL calls a CrystGlow WHVA Panel. This panel offers a wider viewing angle and decreased glare compared to the QM7K. The QM8K’s viewing angles, while improved, still show some color and contrast degradation when you move off-center — a noticeable issue for a family spread out on a wide couch.
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But here’s the thing. You can get a 65-inch TCL QM7K at 65 inches for $1,600. Upgrades and all, you likely won’t be dismayed by any visual difference.
Ultimately, though, it’s fair to say the QM8K is a legitimate contender for the best “bright room” TV on the market.
TCL QM8K’s tech specs
- QD-Mini LED
- TCL Halo Control System
- Up to LD3800 Precise Dimming
- High HDR5000 Brightness
- CrystGlow WHVA Panel
- Enhanced QLED
- 4K UltraHD Resolution
- 144Hz Native Refresh Rate
- Game Accelerator 288
- TCL AIPQ PRO Processor
- Motion Rate 480 with MEMC Frame Insertion
- Filmmaker Mode
- HDR ULTRA with Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, & HLG
- Audio by BANG & OLUFSEN
- Dolby Atmos Audio
- DTS Virtual:X
- ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV Digital Tuner
- IMAX Enhanced Certification
- Auto Game Mode (ALLM) with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
- Ultra Slim Design
- Google TV Smart OS with Hands-Free Voice Control and Backlit Voice Remote
- Bluetooth Personal Audio
- 4 HDMI Inputs including one with eARC
- Wi-Fi 6
- Google Chromecast Built-in
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
This story was originally published on June 23, 2025, and was updated on July 18, 2025.