Updated 21 Oct 2026
Is the TCL QM8L worth it?
Yes — if you want the most punch for the money.
It's extremely bright, so it shrugs off glare and makes HDR highlights pop, and its Mini LEDs keep halos to a minimum. All four HDMI ports do 4K at up to 144Hz, with very low input lag. It starts at 65 inches. HDR isn't accurate even after calibration, fast motion blurs and the picture fades from the side.
Good to know
- 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.
- Extremely bright for HDR and sunny rooms
- Very little blooming around bright objects
- Four HDMI 2.1 ports, up to 144Hz
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Get it if…
- You want the brightest picture you can get for under OLED money.
- You have more than one console.
- You want 65 inches or bigger.
Skip it if…
- You want a 55-inch TV: get the QM7L.
- People sit wide around the room.
- Accuracy matters more to you than punch.
More on the TCL QM8L
How we reached this verdict
RTINGS calls it great for most uses: incredibly bright, deep blacks from excellent local dimming, very accurate SDR out of the box and HDMI 2.1 on all four inputs. It loses points for poor HDR accuracy, mediocre reflection handling and blur in fast action. Tom's Guide's lab found it clearly brighter than the QM7L, with better backlight control.
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, Tom's Guide, TCL (specs), RTINGS, TechRadar, Tom's Guide, Expert Reviews, Trusted Reviews, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 21 Oct 2026How we decide