TCL QM8K Review — The Best Value Mini LED TV You Can Buy Right Now
The TCL QM8K is the TV that quietly made every other premium television in its price range harder to justify.
The QM8K is TCL's boldest attempt yet at capturing market share in the premium TV segment and represents a leap forward in both technology and performance over previous models. TCL is coming for everyone's lunch and will compete on price in a way only TCL can. Tech Startups
Called the C8K in Europe and the UK and the QM8K in the US, it is the same television—and it is genuinely exceptional value for what it delivers.
What Is the TCL QM8K?
The TCL QM8K is a high-end model in TCL's 2025 North American QLED lineup, sitting between the TCL QM7K and the flagship TCL QM9K, replacing the TCL QM851G. IBM
It is a QD-Mini LED television—combining Quantum Dot color technology with Mini LED backlighting for brightness and contrast levels that were previously achievable only on significantly more expensive panels.
Available sizes: 65 inch, 75 inch, 85 inch, and 98 inch.
TCL QM8K Key Specs
The TCL QM8K features up to 3,800 local dimming zones and up to 5,000 nits peak brightness. An anti-reflective screen reduces glare when viewing in bright rooms. The ZeroBorder display reduces the distance from the TV's edge to the actual image down to just 3.4 mm, and the Ultra Wide Viewing Angle provides a 40% improvement in off-axis picture uniformity compared to last year's model. TechCrunch
The 65QM8K resolution is 3,840x2,160 with a 144Hz native refresh rate and up to 288Hz VRR. HDR formats supported include Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG. Ports include 2 HDMI 2.1, 2 HDMI 2.0, and 2 USB. The built-in audio system delivers 85W. Smart TV software is Google TV. Tech Startups
At a glance:
- Peak brightness: 5,000 nits
- Local dimming zones: 3,800
- Refresh rate: 144Hz native / 288Hz VRR
- HDR: Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
- HDMI 2.1: Yes (2 ports)
- Audio: 85W Bang & Olufsen tuned, Dolby Atmos
- Smart TV: Google TV
- Processor: AiPQ Pro
Picture Quality — Genuinely Outstanding
The brightness is the headline number — but what matters more is how that brightness is controlled.
The C8K's winning blend of extreme brightness, outstanding backlight control, and aggressive pricing makes it one of TCL's most exciting TVs yet. What's really special about TCL's new TV is how well all that light is used. Rather than causing images to look forced or gaudy, it combines with the Quantum Dot color system and TCL's clearly massively improved image processing to ensure that the screen's gorgeous vibrancy combines with excellent tonal subtleties and blend finesse. Neuralbuddies
TCL's Filmmaker Mode in SDR offers stunning color accuracy straight from the factory. Right out of the box with zero adjustments, it posted an average Delta E of 0.23, well below the visible 1.0 threshold. This means a full calibration is not even necessary for most users. Tech Startups
In practical terms, images look real. HDR content—films, sports, and gaming—looks the way it is supposed to look, with genuine depth between shadow and highlight that cheaper televisions cannot achieve.
Gaming Performance
The QM8K supports a 4K 144Hz ultra-high native refresh rate throughout the entire processing chain, solving the problem of image stuttering and making moving images clearer. With up to 288Hz VRR, it delivers more responsive gameplay without lag. TechCrunch
Two HDMI 2.1 ports support both PS5 and Xbox Series X at full bandwidth. Input lag in Game Mode is competitive with dedicated gaming monitors at this panel size. For console gamers buying a primary living room television that doubles as a serious gaming display, the QM8K handles both without compromise.
Sound — Bang & Olufsen Makes a Real Difference
Most televisions at this price are let down by their built-in audio. The QM8K is a genuine exception.
TCL tapped Danish speaker maker Bang & Olufsen to design the QM8K's built-in speaker system. The 85W system provides plenty of power with zero distortion when pushed to high volume. Loud action scenes are exceedingly crisp, and dialogue is always clear and intelligible. Crescendo AI
The 6.2.2-channel sound system includes left and right front drivers, two bass units, two upward-facing units for Dolby Atmos height, and two side-facing units for DTS:X spatial audio. The home decors
This is not a system that will replace a dedicated soundbar for serious listeners — but it is substantially better than what every competing television at this price delivers from its built-in speakers.
TCL QM8K Price — US and UK
The 65-inch TCL QM8K launched at $2,499 in the US. At Best Buy, the 65QM8K is currently available for $1,299.99 — a significant reduction from its original retail price, representing strong value at its current market price. Tech Startups
The 65-inch TCL C8K costs £1,599 in the UK. The equivalent QM8K in the US launched at $1,600, making the pricing broadly comparable across both markets. Neuralbuddies
Current prices across available sizes:
US (QM8K):
- 65 inch: from $1,299 at Best Buy
- 75 inch: from $1,699
- 85 inch: from $2,799
- 98 inch: from $4,999
UK (C8K):
- 65 inch: from £1,599
- 75 inch: from £1,999
- 85 inch: from £2,799
Available through Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and TCL.com in the US. John Lewis, Amazon UK, Currys, and TCL UK in the United Kingdom.
TCL QM8K vs the Competition
The QM8K's most direct competitors at similar price points are the Hisense U8QG, Samsung QN90F, and Sony Bravia 7.
The Sony Bravia 9 is not as bright or color accurate out of the box as the QM8K, and the 85-inch version retails for a full $1,000 more than the QM8K. Tech Startups
The QM8K's HDR brightness is on par with the new Hisense U8QG and nearly twice what comes from TCL's own QM7K. Tech Startups
Against OLED at similar price points, the QM8K wins on maximum brightness — particularly relevant for watching sports or content in naturally lit rooms. OLED maintains an advantage in absolute black levels and near-perfect off-angle viewing in darker environments.
QLED Mini-LED TVs are coming after OLED with a vengeance, offering higher brightness, excellent color accuracy, and continuing to push the boundaries on contrast ratios for LED panels. Crescendo AI
Who Should Buy the TCL QM8K
The TCL QM8K is the right television for buyers who want premium picture performance—genuine 5,000-nit HDR brightness, accurate color, wide viewing angles, and strong gaming specs—without paying the premium prices that Sony and Samsung charge for equivalent performance levels.
It is particularly strong for bright-room viewing, sports, and gaming, where maximum brightness and fast refresh rates matter more than absolute black levels. The Bang & Olufsen audio system means it delivers a more complete out-of-box experience than most competitors at this price.
Value is perhaps the strongest suit of the QM8K, which offers very solid picture quality, sleek design, and useful features at a lower price than the premium competition. TechCrunch
The Verdict
The TCL QM8K is TCL's new premium flagship and is the TV to beat this year. TCL has built a television that competes with the largest players in the game on picture quality and feature set—while competing on price in a way only TCL can. Tech Startups
For buyers in the US, UK, and Europe looking for the best-value premium mini-LED television available right now, the TCL QM8K earns a straightforward recommendation.
