If you’re looking to get a new decent new TV, but not willing to spend big, the TCL brand could offer just the right balance of quality and affordability.
Buying a new TV doesn’t have to break the bank. In our ranking of major TV brands, TCL took the fourth place spot, beaten only by Sony, Samsung, and LG. And yet, it’s among the cheapest of the major brands, with a range of models you can buy for $300 or less. Despite their low prices, these budget TVs aren’t short on features. Since 2023, TCL TV buyers have also been able to pick from a choice of two different operating systems, either Roku TV or Amazon’s Fire TV.
Both Roku and Fire TV have their advantages and drawbacks, but no matter which one you pick, you’ll be able to access all of your favorite streaming platforms alongside a slew of free channels. If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to the big-name brands and only have minimal budget for your next TV, these TCL TVs might be worth considering, since they’re all among the cheapest that the brand has to offer.TCL 40-Inch Class S3 with Roku TV (40S350R)
While there are a few settings that you should probably change on any Roku TV, the setup process for the TCL 40-Inch 40S350R is generally pretty straightforward. Its operating system already features a variety of streaming apps, and the TV can easily be paired with your home assistant of choice if you prefer to control it hands-free. It’s compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant.
If you have an iPhone or iPad, then the hassle of finding a wire to connect to the TV will also be a thing of the past, since TCL’s latest TVs support Apple Airplay 2. The feature allows you to share videos and photos from your camera roll or streaming services straight from your phone. Android users aren’t left out either, as screen mirroring is also supported.
Like most of the cheapest TCL TVs, the 40-inch panel offers 1080p resolution. This is one of the main drawbacks of buying a TV at this price point — most pricier displays offer a 4K resolution, and if you’re already used to 4K, you’ll likely be able to tell the difference.
