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The TCL 98-inch TV lineup is one of the most affordable ways to get a giant screen, and in 2026 the 98-inch QM7L offers the best balance of price and performance for most buyers. A 98-inch TV used to cost as much as a used car. TCL changed that in 2022 with the 98R754 XL Collection, which launched at $7,999.99 and later sold for around $4,000. Today, TCL sells several 98-inch models, and the cheapest cost less than many 85-inch TVs did a few years ago. This TCL 98-inch TV review looks at the 98R754 that started the trend, then explains which TCL 98-inch TV makes sense to buy in 2026 and how they compare with rivals on Amazon.
Quick verdict: The original 98R754 is now discontinued, and TCL’s current 98-inch Mini LED models beat it in brightness, local dimming, and gaming. For most buyers, the 98-inch QM7L offers the best balance of price and performance, while the QM6K is the value pick and the X11L is the flagship. Check TCL 98-inch TV prices on Amazon.
Key takeaways
- What it is: TCL’s 98-inch lineup spans Mini LED models from the value QM6K to the flagship X11L, all with 144Hz panels, while the original 2022 98R754 is discontinued.
- Best overall: The 2026 QM7L offers up to 2,100 dimming zones and a claimed 3,000 nits, according to CGMagazine, and typically sells for $2,200 to $2,500 at 98 inches.
- Best budget pick: The QM6K typically costs $1,500 to $2,200 at 98 inches, and RTINGS named it its budget 98-inch pick.
- Price: TCL’s 98-inch models ranged from about $1,500 (QM6K) to about $8,000 (X11L) in fall 2026. Prices change often.
- Who it’s for: Buyers with a large room who sit at least 8 feet from the screen; most viewers are comfortable at 8 to 12 feet.
TCL 98R754 at a glance
| Spec | TCL 98R754 (2022) |
|---|---|
| Panel | 4K quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) liquid crystal display (LCD) |
| Backlight | Direct-lit light-emitting diode (LED) with up to 192 local dimming zones |
| Refresh rate | 120 hertz (Hz) native |
| High dynamic range (HDR) formats | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) |
| Inputs | Four High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) ports, two with 4K at 120Hz; one with enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) |
| Smart platform | Google TV with Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos support |
| Weight | 131 pounds without the stand |
| Launch price | $7,999.99 |
Specs come from P.C. Richard & Son’s 98R754 listing and What Hi-Fi.
Why buy a 98-inch TV?
A 98-inch screen offers nearly twice the area of a 70-inch TV, which gets you close to a home theater experience without a projector. Unlike most projectors, a modern 98-inch LED TV stays bright and punchy in a sunlit room, supports Dolby Vision, and doesn’t need a dark room or a separate screen. It also works as a statement piece in a large living room or basement.
Size does bring tradeoffs. A 4K image spread across 98 inches has fewer pixels per inch, so you’ll notice softness if you sit too close. Most viewers will be comfortable at roughly 8 to 12 feet away, and anything closer than about 6 feet usually feels overwhelming. For more context on sizes this large, see our guide to 100-inch TVs.
TCL 98R754 review: what it got right and wrong
Design and connectivity
The 98R754 featured thin bezels and a mix of metal and plastic, with a thicker lower section that housed the electronics and speakers. Its side-facing ports stayed reachable on a wall mount. Two of its four HDMI ports supported 4K at 120Hz for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, and one handled eARC for a soundbar.
Google TV
Google TV gave the R754 a huge app library, Google Assistant voice control, and smart home controls, plus AirPlay 2 for Apple devices. Like every major platform, it shows ads and recommendations on the home screen, though most owners find them less intrusive than on some rivals.
Picture quality
The R754 used a vertical alignment (VA) panel with a full-array backlight and up to 192 dimming zones. That gave it deep blacks and solid contrast for its price, but 192 zones is a small number for a screen this big, so bright objects on dark backgrounds can show blooming. The VA panel also has narrow viewing angles, which matters on a TV that often entertains a whole room. Today’s TCL Mini LED models use thousands of zones instead; our explainer on local dimming explains why that helps.
Gaming
With a native 120Hz panel, variable refresh rate (VRR), and auto low-latency mode (ALLM) through TCL’s Game Studio Pro features, the R754 handled console gaming well. Current TCL 98-inch models raise the ceiling to 144Hz.
Sound
Built-in speakers on a TV this large rarely match the picture, and the R754 was no exception. A Dolby Atmos soundbar makes a big difference at this size; a Dolby Atmos soundbar on Amazon pairs well with any of these TVs.
TCL 98-inch TVs you can buy in 2026
TCL now sells a 98-inch version of almost every Mini LED series. Here’s how the current and recent models stack up. Prices are typical retailer prices seen in fall 2026 and change often.
| Model | Year | Backlight | Refresh rate | Typical 98-inch price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCL QM6K | 2025 | Quantum dot (QD) Mini LED | 144Hz | $1,500 to $2,200 |
| TCL QM7K | 2025 | QD Mini LED | 144Hz | About $2,000 to $2,500 (being replaced) |
| TCL QM7L | 2026 | Super Quantum Dot (SQD) Mini LED | 144Hz | $2,200 to $2,500 |
| TCL QM8K | 2025 | QD Mini LED | 144Hz | About $3,000 (being replaced) |
| TCL QM8L | 2026 | SQD Mini LED | 144Hz | $3,000 to $3,500 (list price $5,999.99) |
| TCL QM9K | 2025 | QD Mini LED | 144Hz | About $4,500 to $5,000 |
| TCL X11L | 2026 | SQD Mini LED | 144Hz | About $8,000 |
Prices and specs come from P.C. Richard & Son, CGMagazine, and SlashGear.
TCL QM6K: the value pick
The 98-inch QM6K is TCL’s most affordable Mini LED option at this size, and RTINGS named it its budget 98-inch pick. The 98-inch model uses a matte screen that tames reflections, and it supports Dolby Vision and 144Hz gaming. Its HDR brightness trails the step-up models, though.
TCL QM7L: the sweet spot
The 2026 QM7L uses TCL’s new Super Quantum Dot technology, a native 144Hz panel, up to 2,100 dimming zones, and a claimed 3,000 nits of peak brightness, according to CGMagazine. Tom’s Guide gave it a 2026 Mini LED award. RTINGS found reflections and out-of-the-box HDR accuracy to be weak points on its 65-inch test unit, so plan for some picture tuning and avoid placing it opposite bright windows.
TCL QM8L: the premium choice
The QM8L steps up to a claimed 6,000 nits, about 4,000 dimming zones, four HDMI 2.1 ports, and a wide-angle panel with a 178-degree viewing angle, according to SlashGear. CNET called it the best TV it tested in 2026. Its 98-inch model carries a $5,999.99 list price but has sold for about $3,000 during sales.
TCL X11L: the flagship
The X11L packs up to 20,736 dimming zones and is RTINGS’ top 98-inch pick. It also won a European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) award for 2026 to 2027. At around $8,000, it’s for buyers who want the best picture at this size regardless of cost. TCL also sells a 98-inch RM9L that uses red, green, and blue (RGB) Mini LED backlighting at about $6,000.
If you’re coming from a smaller TCL TV like the TCL Q77K, any of these Mini LED models will look dramatically brighter and more contrasty.
Installation tips for a 98-inch TV
- Measure your doorways, hallways, and elevator before you order. The box for a 98-inch TV is often more than 7 feet long.
- Plan for two or more people to unbox and lift it; these TVs weigh well over 100 pounds.
- Use a heavy-duty mount rated for the TV’s weight and Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) pattern, and anchor it into studs. Our TV wall mount guide explains what to look for, and you can shop 98-inch TV wall mounts on Amazon.
- If you use the feet, make sure your media console is nearly as wide as the TV, since the feet sit close to the edges on many large TVs.
- Consider paid installation; many retailers include it free with 98-inch models.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Huge screen for far less than other brands charge
- Bright Mini LED models handle sunlit rooms better than projectors
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and 144Hz gaming on current models
- Google TV with a large app library and AirPlay 2
- Choices from about $1,500 to $8,000
Cons
- The original 98R754 is discontinued and has far fewer dimming zones than current models
- VA panels on most models lose color and contrast at wide angles
- Glossy screens on some models reflect bright windows
- Built-in speakers can’t match the picture
- Heavy and difficult to deliver and install
TCL 98-inch TV vs. other big-screen TVs
Amazon is our main affiliate partner, and it carries most of TCL’s 98-inch lineup alongside big-screen rivals from Hisense. Some listings come from third-party sellers, so check who ships the TV before you order.
Compare similar 98 to 100-inch TVs on Amazon
| TV | Size | Backlight | Refresh rate | Best for | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCL QM6K | 98 inches | QD Mini LED | 144Hz | Lowest-cost TCL Mini LED | Check price |
| TCL QM7L | 98 inches | SQD Mini LED | 144Hz | Best overall value | Check price |
| TCL QM8L | 98 inches | SQD Mini LED | 144Hz | Bright rooms and movie fans | Check price |
| Hisense QD5 | 98 inches | QLED, standard LED backlight | 144Hz | Cheapest possible 98-inch screen | Check price |
| Hisense U8 (100U8QG) | 100 inches | Mini LED | 165Hz | Gamers who want 100 inches | Check price |
- Hisense QD5: It’s one of the cheapest 98-inch TVs you can buy, often selling for about $900 to $1,500, though it skips Mini LED, so expect much weaker HDR. Read our Hisense QD5 review, or see the 98-inch QD5 on Amazon.
- Hisense U8 (100-inch): RTINGS rates it highly, and it adds 165Hz gaming and roughly 5,000 nits of peak brightness for about $3,500 to $4,000. See the 100-inch Hisense U8 on Amazon.
- TCL QM8L: Choose it if you want TCL’s best balance of brightness and price at 98 inches. See the 98-inch QM8L on Amazon.
Still deciding between the two brands? Our TCL vs. Hisense comparison breaks down the differences.
Who should buy a TCL 98-inch TV?
Buy one if you have a large room, sit at least 8 feet from the screen, and want a cinema-sized picture that works in daylight. Gamers and sports fans benefit most from the 144Hz panels and the sheer size. Choose the QM6K if budget matters most, the QM7L for the best value, the QM8L for brighter HDR, and the X11L if you want the best picture TCL makes. If you’re buying a used or clearance 98R754, make sure the price is well under $1,500, because the 98-inch QM6K beats it for not much more.
Frequently asked questions
Is the TCL 98R754 still available?
No, the TCL 98R754 is no longer available. TCL discontinued the 98R754 years ago. Its closest modern replacements are the 98-inch QM6K and QM7L.
How far should you sit from a 98-inch TV?
Most viewers are comfortable sitting about 8 to 12 feet from a 98-inch TV. Sitting closer than about 6 feet usually makes the screen feel too large.
Which TCL 98-inch TV is best?
The TCL X11L is the best TCL 98-inch TV for picture quality, but the QM7L and QM8L offer most of that performance for a fraction of the price.
Do TCL 98-inch TVs use Google TV?
Yes, most TCL 98-inch TVs use Google TV. The QM6K, QM7L, QM8L, and X11L run Google TV. TCL also sells a 98-inch Mini LED model with Amazon’s Fire TV software.
Final verdict
The TCL 98R754 proved that a 98-inch TV didn’t have to cost a fortune, and TCL has improved on it every year since. Its 192-zone backlight now looks dated next to today’s Mini LED models, so skip it unless you find it at a deep discount. For most buyers, the 98-inch QM7L or QM8L delivers a bright, cinema-sized picture at a price that once bought a 75-inch TV. Check current TCL 98-inch TV prices on Amazon.