Club Benefits
Everyone wants to save money, but nobody wants to buy something that ends up being too cheap. This is especially true when it comes to TVs, as ultra-affordable sets often come with such poor performance that they don't even seem worth the sale price.
This is why I recommend shopping strategically — especially when shopping for a big screen. Need an example? The 75-inch TCL QM5K is just $549 at Best Buy right now. This TV already represented one of the most affordable ways to lock down Mini-LED backlighting in an extra-large size point, but this deal catapults it near the top of my list of best TV deals of the year.
What sets the QM5K apart from other affordable options? Its nifty display hardware. Take it from someone who's been testing and reviewing TVs for over a decade: If you're planning on putting a 75-inch screen in your home, you absolutely want Mini-LED backlighting instead of direct- or edge-lit LEDs.
Although the QM5K's array of Mini-LEDs isn't as advanced as what you'll find on higher-end Mini-LED TVs, it still makes a noticeable difference. Compared to garden-variety LEDs, Mini-LEDs typically result in better contrast and higher overall brightness.
75-inch TVs don't go on sale for $549 very often, and 75-inch Mini-LED TVs very rarely get this cheap. This is one of the reasons why I've been recommending this TV to people who want to save money, but who also want to avoid buying a so-so model.
The QM5K is also ready to take on your daily streaming duties, since it comes with the Google TV software suite built right in. Along with Roku, Google TV is one of my preferred smart platforms right now. It offers a relatively easy experience (thanks to a straightforward interface) as well as a ton of downloadable apps.
Having a reliable, built-in smart platform is especially important for the QM5K, too, because it's only equipped with three HDMI ports. With a reliable platform in tow, you won't have to burn one of these ports on a dedicated streaming device.
If you're trying to save money on a new, big-screen TV but don't want to get stuck with a lousy set, I recommend that you avoid scraping the bottom of the barrel for one that doesn't offer Mini-LED backlighting. The QM5K won't blow you away, but it's better than most of the alternatives under $600.
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