I test new TVs all the time, and I'm always on the lookout for great budget options. Though there are plenty of cheap TVs out there, budget models are often missing important display features, which leads to dim images and washed-out contrast when you turn the lights off for movie night. But the TCL QM6K bucks this trend completely.
When I reviewed the QM6K earlier this year, I was impressed by its use of advanced panel technology despite it being TCL's entry-level QLED. However, my main complaint was that its launch price was just a bit too high. Well, Prime Day is here to fix that. The QM6K is down to its lowest price yet for Amazon's massive sale, and it's one of the best deals I've seen. The 65-inch model, in particular, is a steal at just $548, but smaller and bigger sizes are also seeing great discounts, including a massive 98-inch model for $500 off.
If you're wondering what makes the QM6K so special for the money, keep reading for more details. I've also rounded up more fantastic Prime Day TV deals from other brands, with picks covering a range of sizes and performance levels. And if you're looking for discounts on other products, check out our full Prime Day deals hub with live updates throughout the sale.
The QM6K is an excellent entry-level Mini LED TV with solid contrast, vibrant colors, and decent black levels. However, its HDR brightness capabilities are limited compared to step-up models.
The QM6K has higher contrast than other cheap TVs. Contrast is one of the most important aspects of good picture quality, and it's an area where most budget-friendly TVs cut corners. Many entry-level QLEDs have low contrast with noticeably elevated black levels that give dark scenes a cloudy look when you watch TV with the lights off. The QM6K, however, uses a feature called local dimming to control its contrast across multiple zones. This allows it to produce deeper black levels, and this set does an excellent job of minimizing halos around bright objects.
Colors are rich, and brightness is good for such an affordable TV. The QM6K's backlight is able to get brighter than a lot of budget sets. It also uses a technology called quantum dots to produce a wide range of vivid colors. This makes it easier to watch TV in rooms with ambient light and gives high dynamic range (HDR) videos more impact when displaying highlights like explosions. Of course, the QM6K's brightness is still limited compared to more expensive midrange and high-end TVs, but for this price, this is solid performance.
The QM6K's Google TV interface is a breeze to use. Navigation between menus and apps is quick, and the platform includes access to all of the most popular streaming services. It also integrates seamlessly with an existing Google account and has a remote that supports Google Assistant voice search. I also love that the remote is backlit, which is something that brands like Samsung and LG don't offer on their models.
It's also an excellent gaming TV. Unlike most models in this price range, the QM6K supports a 120Hz refresh rate with a PS5 or Xbox and up to a 144Hz refresh rate with a PC. This enables smoother motion when playing compatible games. It also works with VRR (variable refresh rate) to minimize screen tearing and stuttering.
You can get a massive screen size for a reasonable price. The QM6K is available in sizes ranging from 55 to 98 inches. And though not exactly cheap, the 98-inch model is down to $1,800 for Prime Day. For such a large TV with these specs, that's a fantastic value.
Shopping for more discounts today? Check out our roundup of all of the best Prime Day deals, or browse Amazon's website for the full selection.
You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.
