TCL QM9K vs TCL QM8L
Get the TCL QM9K. Unless you need four HDMI 2.1 ports or want the newest colour tech: then the 2026 QM8L.
TCL QM9K
TCL's 2025 flagship: dazzling brightness, deep blacks and very little blooming, now sold for far less.
TCL QM8L
TCL's brightest mainstream TV: huge HDR punch, very little blooming and four HDMI 2.1 ports. 65 inches and up.
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RTINGS scores them almost the same: both are incredibly bright with deep blacks and very little haloing. The QM8L adds Super Quantum Dot colour and HDMI 2.1 on all four ports, but at 65 inches the discounted QM9K costs about $200 less.
- —You want the most picture for the money.
- —One console and a soundbar are all you plug in.
- —You have two consoles or a gaming PC.
- —You want the newest model.
- —You love vivid colour.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Extremely bright, even in a sunny room
- +Deep blacks with very little blooming
- +Superb HDR highlights
- −Only two of the four HDMI ports do 4K at 144Hz.
- −Shadow detail is crushed in HDR, and colours are a little off before calibration.
- −The glossy screen does little against lamps facing it.
- −Fast games blur a little at 60Hz and 120Hz.
- +Extremely bright for HDR and sunny rooms
- +Very little blooming around bright objects
- +Four HDMI 2.1 ports, up to 144Hz
- −HDR isn't accurate out of the box and can't be fully calibrated.
- −Reflections from lamps and windows are noticeable.
- −Chunkier than most high-end TVs, on a centre pedestal stand.
Ready to choose?
- Is the TCL QM9K worth it?
- Is the TCL QM8L worth it?
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, TechRadar, Tom's Guide, Expert Reviews, Trusted Reviews, manufacturer specifications.