
TCL QM9K Review Score
9 out of 9 reviewers highly recommend this product
Review Sources:
| Publication | Score (100) | Review Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTINGs Entertainment | Oct 24, 2024 | Read Review → | |
"The TCL QM9K is a great TV overall. It gets incredibly bright, making it a fantastic choice for a bright living room, as it can easily overcome daytime glare. It looks just as stunning in the dark, thanks to its very effective Mini LED local dimming" | |||
| TechRadar | Oct 4, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The TCL QM9K is the company’s flagship mini-LED for 2025, and while it's arriving late, it was well worth the wait. An exceptionally bright picture with rich color and strong contrast is enhanced by an anti-reflection screen and an ultra-wide viewing" | |||
| Android Guys | Sep 22, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The TCL 85QM9K is a statement piece of a TV that backs up its ambition with serious hardware. It throws bright, colorful, high-contrast images that make HDR movies and sports feel alive, and it has the gaming chops to match." | |||
| Android Headlines | Nov 10, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The TCL QM9K is the brightest Google TV available with excellent picture quality and smooth performance thanks to the Gemini processor. Its combination of vibrant visuals and smart features makes it a solid choice for those seeking a high-end TV expe" | |||
| Digital Trends | Nov 15, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"I can't quite believe just how good this TV is" | |||
| PCMag | Dec 23, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The QM9K is TCL's brightest TV yet, with strong picture quality, good gaming performance, and advanced smart features." | |||
| Techaeris | Dec 17, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The TCL QM9K is a fantastic flagship TV that is generally more affordable than the competition. But TCL also makes the QM8K, which is so close to the QM9K that it may be worth considering the older model for a savings." | |||
| The Verge | Dec 12, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The TCL QM9K is an excellent flagship TV, but I’m not sure who it’s for. The QM9K takes aim at high-end competitors, but ends up competing against its cheaper sibling." | |||
| CNET | Nov 13, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The TCL QM9K shows what mini-LED TVs are capable of, and it can give OLEDs a run for their money." | |||
| * Price represents starting price. Price can increase based on product options and selection. | |||
🤓 Nerd Verdict
The TCL QM9K is a top contender in the high-end LED TV market, offering exceptional brightness that shines in well-lit rooms and games. However, it faces tough competition from OLED TVs like the LG G5 or Sony Bravia 8 II, which deliver better picture quality overall.
✅ Strengths
- The TCL QM9K is currently the brightest TV on the market, making it ideal for environments with ample light. Multiple reviews, including those from CNET and The Verge, highlight this as a significant advantage.
- The presence sensor can turn on its ambient mode to show artwork, offering an alternative to traditional art displays. This feature was praised by John Higgins at The Verge.
- Backlight blooming is virtually nonexistent, which improves image quality in certain scenarios.
⚠️ Weaknesses
- While the QM9K has a high brightness level, it occasionally crushes shadow detail and doesn't perform as well with deep blacks compared to OLED alternatives. This was noted by both CNET and The Verge.
- The picture quality on the cheaper QM8K is slightly better in terms of shadow detail, suggesting that for those not prioritizing peak brightness, the QM8K might be a preferable option.
- Some reviewers found the TV's motion handling somewhat lacking, which could impact gaming experience.
💡 Bottom Line
While the TCL QM9K excels in bright environments and for gaming enthusiasts, it may not be worth the premium price tag for those who prioritize overall picture quality. If you're primarily interested in brightness and don't mind occasional sacrifices in shadow detail and motion handling, this TV is a solid choice. Otherwise, consider OLED options like the LG G5 or Hisense U8Q for a more balanced viewing experience.







