According to an expert review from CNET, which tested most prominent TVs in 2026, the TCL QM8L stands out as the best TV of the year. The review involved lab-based head-to-head comparisons focusing on picture quality, size, and price across a range of market-leading brands like LG, Samsung, and TCL.
- Top pick for brightness, color, and gaming at a competitive price
- OLED models offer better contrast but often at higher cost
- Recommended size varies: 43+ inches for bedrooms, 55+ inches for main rooms
Product angle
The expert review from CNET presents the TCL QM8L as the standout TV of 2026 based on comprehensive lab testing against its peers. This evaluation focused on technical performance factors like brightness, color reproduction, and gaming capabilities. CNET’s team tested multiple high-profile models and brands, ensuring an impartial comparison beyond marketing narratives. The QM8L’s improved QLED technology leverages enhanced quantum dots to deliver vivid colors and adaptable video format compatibility, which contributes to its top score.
While OLED TVs such as LG’s C5, C6, and the G5 models are acknowledged for delivering superior contrast ratios and color accuracy, the TCL QM8L excels in scenarios demanding superior brightness and value for money. The review emphasizes the trade-offs between technologies, noting that TCL’s QLED approach holds significant appeal for buyers prioritizing brightness and budget without sacrificing overall visual quality.
Best for / avoid if
The TCL QM8L is best suited for consumers who want a bright, colorful display with excellent gaming features and strong value. It is ideal for users who watch content in well-lit rooms or who prioritize performance in esports or fast-action gaming. Its compatibility with future video formats also makes it a forward-looking choice for media enthusiasts who want a versatile TV that can handle evolving standards.
Conversely, viewers seeking the deepest blacks and the utmost contrast might prefer OLED alternatives from LG or Samsung’s OLED series. Those with smaller budgets aimed strictly at basic TV functions might also consider entry-level models, as the QM8L tends to compete in the mid-to-high price segment. People with a strong preference for ultra-thin TV designs or with specific anti-reflection needs might look into Samsung’s S95F, noted for its reflection handling.
Pricing and alternatives to check
The reviewed TVs span a broad price range from around $100 for basic models to over $2,000 for premium offerings like the TCL QM8L and high-end OLEDs. The QM8L offers a competitive price point relative to the enhanced picture quality and technical improvements it delivers. According to the review, spending more generally correlates with better image quality and features like mini-LED technology or superior anti-glare screens, which are found on premium Samsung and LG models.
Alternatives highlighted include LG’s OLED G5, which commands about $800 more than mid-tier OLED models but excels in color accuracy and brightness, as well as Samsung’s S90F and S95F, which excel in gaming and reflection handling respectively. The Hisense QD7QF offers outstanding contrast for a more budget-conscious buyer, featuring full-array local dimming typically found in pricier units. Buyers should weigh these options depending on budget constraints and desired feature priorities.