One of the best TVs we lab-tested this year is still one of the most affordable

• The TCL QM8K (65-inch) is currently on sale for $999 on Amazon.
• It handles HDR content with eye-popping, true-to-life brightness.
• The addition of a soundbar would make its audio more immersive.

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TCL consistently outperforms its competitors, offering impressive TV technology at prices that necessitate a cost-benefit analysis when considering other brands. For that reason, I've recommended a few recent TCL models to readers, friends, and family. 

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After spending several weeks with the 65-inch QM8K in our testing lab, I found out what separates the company's 2025 flagship model from others in its class.

First impressions and setup

Not long ago, I reviewed the step-down QM7K, which is a terrific Mini LED. My primary critique was the issue of installing the base/stand ...