Hunting for a big-screen TV that delivers bang for your buck without emptying your wallet? The TCL Q77K QLED 4K TV (starting at ~$330 USD for 55-inch at Costco) is a budget-friendly powerhouse, serving up vibrant 4K visuals, gamer-ready features, and Google TV smarts. Whether you’re binge-watching Stranger Things, battling it out on a PS5, or turning your living room into an art gallery, this QLED TV is a steal for cost-conscious buyers in 2025. But what makes it a must-have in a crowded market of budget TVs? Drawing from Josh Kenyon’s hands-on YouTube review, insights from RTINGS, Tom’s Guide, TechRadar, and chatter on X (@TechDropsDeals) and Reddit, we’ve expanded the top 10 reasons to grab the TCL Q77K, packed with detailed bullet points to highlight why it shines. From its unbeatable price to its gaming chops, let’s dive into why this TV is a wallet-friendly winner—or if you should look elsewhere.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy the TCL Q77K QLED 4K TV
1. Unbeatable Price for QLED Quality
The TCL Q77K starts at ~$330 for the 55-inch model, with larger sizes at ~$430 (65-inch), ~$550 (75-inch), ~$850 (85-inch), and ~$1,800 (98-inch), per Josh Kenyon and Costco’s listings. This QLED TV delivers vibrant 4K visuals at a fraction of premium competitors like the Samsung QN90D (~$1,600 for 55-inch) or LG C4 OLED (~$1,200). It’s a dream for budget shoppers wanting big-screen quality without breaking the bank. X posts (@TechDropsDeals) and Reddit users rave about its value, especially for students or families. Compared to the Hisense U6N (~$400), it’s cheaper while offering similar HDR performance, making it a top pick for cost-conscious buyers, per Tom’s Guide.
- Affordable Range: Prices from ~$330 (55-inch) to ~$1,800 (98-inch) fit various budgets, per Costco.
- QLED Advantage: Quantum dots deliver richer colors than non-QLED budget TVs like the TCL Q6 (~$300), per RTINGS.
- Costco Exclusivity: Bundled deals make it cheaper than Amazon or Best Buy, per X post @TechDropsDeals.
- Value Over Premium: Matches ~80% of pricier QLEDs’ visual quality for half the cost, per TechRadar.
2. Vibrant 4K Picture with Dolby Vision
The Q77K’s HVA QLED panel pumps out sharp, colorful 4K visuals, perfect for movies like Dune: Part Two or sports broadcasts, per Josh Kenyon. It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, offering dynamic contrast and vivid colors that pop, especially in animated content, per Tom’s Guide. While it lacks the mini-LED and local dimming of the TCL QM7K (~$600), its ~400–500 nits brightness is decent for dimly lit rooms, per RTINGS. Multiple picture modes (Vivid, Intelligent, Movie, Filmmaker, Sports) let you tweak settings, with Movie mode nailing color accuracy, per Reddit feedback.
- HDR Support: Dolby Vision and HDR10+ enhance contrast and brightness, per TCL USA.
- Poppy Colors: Quantum dots ensure vibrant hues, ideal for animation or sports, per Josh Kenyon.
- Picture Modes: Five modes, plus Dolby Vision Bright/Dark, cater to varied content, per Tom’s Guide.
- Brightness Caveat: ~400–500 nits suits dim rooms but struggles in bright settings, per RTINGS.
3. Gamer’s Paradise on a Budget
The Q77K is a budget gamer’s dream, boasting a 144Hz native refresh rate and 240Hz Game Accelerator (at 1080p), per Josh Kenyon. It supports 4K @ 120Hz on PS5/Xbox and 144Hz on PCs, with VRR and ALLM ensuring tear-free, low-lag gameplay (~13.1ms input lag), per Tom’s Guide. The Game Master overlay offers aiming aids, FPS counters, and modes (FPS, RPG, Original), rivaling pricier TVs like the Hisense U7N (~$650), per TechRadar. Reddit users note minor VRR hiccups at ~65Hz, but it’s a steal for casual gamers.
- High Refresh Rate: 144Hz (240Hz at 1080p) ensures smooth visuals, per Josh Kenyon.
- Gaming Features: VRR, ALLM, and Game Master mode enhance responsiveness, per TechRadar.
- HDMI 2.1 Ports: Two 4K @ 144Hz ports support next-gen consoles, per RTINGS.
- Customizable: FPS counters, shadow enhancement, and aiming aids boost gameplay, per Tom’s Guide.
4. Smooth and Smart Google TV Interface
The Q77K runs Google TV, delivering a snappy, app-rich interface with Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, and more via the Google Play Store, per Josh Kenyon. It’s smoother than budget competitors like the Hisense A6 (~$300), with only occasional hiccups, per Reddit. Google Assistant, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, and Alexa/HomeKit integration make it a smart-home hub, syncing with your phone or smart speakers, per TCL USA. X users (@TechDropsDeals) praise its ease of use for streaming fans.
- App Ecosystem: Access thousands of apps, from streaming to live TV, per Josh Kenyon.
- Smart Integration: Google Assistant and AirPlay 2 streamline control, per TCL USA.
- Smooth Navigation: Minimal lag in menus, outperforming budget TVs, per Reddit.
- Region Issues: Some apps may require manual setup in certain regions, per Reddit.
5. 5-Year Costco Warranty for Peace of Mind
Costco’s 5-year Allstate protection plan bundles with the Q77K, covering accidents, defects, and breakdowns, per Josh Kenyon. This outshines standard 1–2-year warranties from Samsung or LG, making it ideal for families, renters, or clumsy folks, per Reddit. X posts (@TechDropsDeals) highlight the warranty’s value, especially for larger sizes like the 85-inch (~$850). It’s a rare perk for a budget TV, ensuring long-term reliability without extra cost.
- Extended Coverage: 5 years vs. 1–2 years for most brands, per Josh Kenyon.
- Comprehensive Plan: Covers accidental damage, unlike basic warranties, per Costco.
- Family-Friendly: Ideal for homes with kids or pets, per Reddit.
- Costco Exclusive: Only available with Costco purchases, per X post @TechDropsDeals.
6. Premium Build with Metal Legs
The Q77K’s slim design and metal legs give it a sturdy, upscale look, avoiding the cheap plastic vibe of older TCL models like the Q6, per Josh Kenyon. At ~28.9 lbs (55-inch) with a 400x300mm VESA mount, it’s easy to set up or wall-mount, per Best Buy. The brushed-metal bezels add a touch of class, making it look pricier than it is, per Business Insider. Reddit users appreciate its durability for frequent moves or busy households.
- Metal Legs: More durable than plastic, per Josh Kenyon.
- Slim Profile: Sleek design fits modern setups, per Best Buy.
- VESA Compatible: Easy wall-mounting with 400x300mm, per TCL USA.
- Premium Aesthetic: Looks high-end despite budget price, per Business Insider.
7. Versatile Connectivity for All Your Gear
The Q77K’s port selection—2 HDMI 2.1 (4K @ 144Hz), 2 HDMI 2.0 (4K @ 60Hz, one with eARC), USB 3.0/2.0, Ethernet, optical audio, and cable/antenna—handles consoles, PCs, and soundbars, per Josh Kenyon. The eARC port supports lossless audio for soundbars, unlike some budget TVs (e.g., TCL Q6), per RTINGS. X users (@TechDropsDeals) note its flexibility for multi-device setups, though only one eARC port limits advanced audio configurations.
- HDMI 2.1: Two ports for next-gen gaming at 4K @ 144Hz, per Tom’s Guide.
- eARC Support: Enhances soundbar audio quality, per RTINGS.
- Multiple Inputs: USB, Ethernet, and optical cover diverse needs, per Josh Kenyon.
- Setup Flexibility: Ideal for consoles, PCs, and streaming devices, per Reddit.
8. T-Exhibition Art Mode for Ambiance
The T-Exhibition mode transforms the Q77K into a 4K art gallery, displaying visuals like spring rain or seasonal landscapes, per Josh Kenyon. It’s a unique feature for a budget TV, perfect for adding a decorative vibe to your living room or office, per Reddit. Load times can be sluggish (~5–10 seconds), but the 4K art quality impresses, rivaling Samsung’s Frame TV (~$1,000), per TechRadar.
- 4K Art Display: High-quality visuals like seasonal scenes, per Josh Kenyon.
- Decorative Appeal: Turns your TV into a stylish centerpiece, per Reddit.
- Budget Unique: Rare for sub-$400 TVs, unlike Samsung’s Frame, per TechRadar.
- Slow Loading: Art mode can take a few seconds to start, per Josh Kenyon.
9. Backlit Remote with Voice Control
The Q77K’s backlit remote is simple yet effective, with dedicated buttons for Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, and TCL TV, per Josh Kenyon. Google Assistant voice control lets you search or control smart devices hands-free, and the backlight shines in dark rooms, unlike budget remotes from Hisense or Vizio, per TechRadar. Reddit users praise its ergonomic design for long streaming sessions.
- Backlit Design: Easy to use in low light, per Josh Kenyon.
- Voice Control: Google Assistant simplifies navigation, per TCL USA.
- Dedicated Buttons: Quick access to popular streaming apps, per TechRadar.
- Ergonomic: Comfortable for extended use, per Reddit.
10. Massive Size Options for Any Space
Available in 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”, and 98”, the Q77K fits any room, from small apartments to sprawling home theaters, per Josh Kenyon. The 98-inch (~$1,800) is a budget-friendly giant compared to Samsung’s 98-inch QN90D (~$4,000), per X post @TechDropsDeals. Reddit users love the larger sizes for immersive movie nights or gaming, making it a versatile pick for any setup.
- Wide Size Range: 55” to 98” suits diverse spaces, per Josh Kenyon.
- Affordable Big Screen: 98-inch at ~$1,800 undercuts competitors, per Costco.
- Immersive Viewing: Larger sizes enhance movies and games, per Reddit.
- VESA Mounting: Easy setup for all sizes, per Best Buy.
Limitations to Consider
The Q77K shines for the price but has flaws. Its ~400–500 nits brightness struggles in bright rooms, requiring closed blinds, per Josh Kenyon. The lack of local dimming or mini-LED results in weaker blacks compared to the TCL QM7K, per Reddit. Viewing angles fade off-center, so center seating is best, per RTINGS. The 2 x 15W speakers are loud but lack bass, so a soundbar (~$150) is recommended, per Tom’s Guide. Some users report Google TV app region issues, fixable with manual setup, per Reddit.
Comparison Table
| Feature | TCL Q77K QLED | TCL Q7/Q750G (~$600) | Hisense U6N (~$400) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (55-inch, USD) | ~$330 | ~$600 | ~$400 |
| Panel | HVA QLED, no local dimming | VA QLED, 200+ zones | VA QLED, no local dimming |
| Brightness (SDR) | ~400–500 nits | ~836 nits | ~600 nits |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz (240Hz at 1080p) | 120Hz (240Hz at 1080p) | 60Hz |
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ |
| Audio | 2 x 15W, Dolby Atmos | 2 x 15W, Dolby Atmos | 2 x 10W, Dolby Atmos |
| Gaming | VRR, ALLM, Game Master | VRR, ALLM, Game Master | VRR, ALLM |
| Best For | Budget buyers, gamers | Bright rooms, contrast | Budget HDR viewing |
The Q77K is the cheapest but lacks local dimming. The Q7/Q750G offers better contrast, while the U6N has slightly better brightness, per RTINGS.
Buyer’s Guide: Who Should Buy?
- Budget Buyers: Perfect for students or families wanting a big 4K QLED for under $500, per Josh Kenyon and X post @TechDropsDeals.
- Casual Gamers: 144Hz, VRR, and Game Master mode suit PS5/Xbox users, per TechRadar.
- Streaming Enthusiasts: Google TV and Dolby Vision are great for Netflix or YouTube, per TCL USA.
- Avoid If: You need deep blacks or bright-room performance (try TCL QM7K, ~$600) or wide viewing angles (consider LG C4 OLED, ~$1,200), per RTINGS.
- Where to Buy: Costco for the 5-year warranty, Amazon, or Best Buy for deals, per Josh Kenyon and Tom’s Guide.
It’s decent but struggles with glare (~400–500 nits). Close blinds for better viewing,
About the Author
Josh Quiñonez My name is Josh Quinonez. I’m just a guy that loves to review tech and vlog! They are my passion! Subscribe So You Don’t Miss Out! Email for business inquiries only: Joshqproductions@gmail.com
Sources
- YouTube: “TCL Q77K QLED 4K TV Review” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qk_sHmX1Shc
- RTINGS: https://www.rtings.com
- Tom’s Guide: https://www.tomsguide.com
- TechRadar: https://www.techradar.com
- TCL USA: https://www.tcl.com
- Reddit: https://www.reddit.com
- X Post: @TechDropsDeals
[…] Top 10 Reasons to Buy the TCL Q77K QLED 4K TV […]