When shopping for an affordable yet high-performing television, two brands often top the list – Chinese manufacturers Hisense and TCL. While budget-friendly, both companies are investing heavily in screen technologies and smart capabilities that rival high-end models.
But which is the better pick in 2023? This comprehensive guide compares key factors like picture quality, gaming features, sound, smart functionality, design, and price between Hisense and TCL. Read on for a detailed side-by-side analysis to help you determine the ideal brand for your next TV purchase.
Picture Quality
While specific models vary, Hisense televisions generally edge out TCL in overall image quality, with brighter, more vivid colors and better contrast.
According to Rtings.com testing, mid-range Hisense TVs like the U7G QLED achieve a peak brightness over 700 nits, enabling rich high dynamic range (HDR). Reviewers praise its vibrant, saturated colors that make movies and games pop. In contrast, equivalent TCL 6 series QLED models measure under 600 nits peak brightness, with image quality that still impresses but doesn‘t quite match Hisense.
What makes the difference? Higher-end Hisense TVs utilize ULED and Quantum Dot technologies for pure color reproduction and precision backlight control. The brand also leverages thousands of dimming zones to achieve inky blacks beside brilliant highlights. TCL integrates Mini-LED backlighting on select premium models for improved contrast with deeper shadows – but tests show Hisense currently does this better.
For shoppers prioritizing stellar picture quality with HDR support, Hisense brings superior technology to its price point. But TCL still delivers pleasing 4K images at an affordable cost.
Gaming Performance
Serious console or PC gamers require a television capable of fast response times and variable refresh rates (VRR) for smooth, tear-free visuals. Here, TCL holds a slim advantage.
Many new TCL TVs feature dedicated Game Mode settings with sub-15ms input lag to minimize controller delay. Support for popular VRR standards like AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync matches the TV‘s refresh rate to the game‘s frame rate for seamless action. While some high-end Hisense models boast under 5ms response times, they currently lack VRR capabilities seen in equivalent TCL sets.
For casual players, both brands provide excellent large-screen gaming at their prices. But competitive online gamers may favor TCL for its VRR support and faster refresh rates up to 144Hz for 4K. Hisense peaks at 120Hz.
Sound Quality
Reviewers note that neither Hisense nor TCL televisions offer exceptional out-of-box audio, especially compared to premium brands. Viewers looking for an immersive cinematic experience may want to pair either brand with a quality soundbar.
However, between these two budget-tier companies, Hisense delivers clearer, better-sounding built-in speakers on select models like the U7H. Many reviewers praise its Dolby Atmos implementation and decent bass response without a subwoofer. Mid-range TCL TVs tend to sound somewhat metallic and tinny by comparison.
Audiophiles will still require a dedicated home theater setup with either brand. But movie watchers who don‘t plan on adding external speakers may prefer the audio quality edge found on specific Hisense models.
Smart Features and UI
When evaluating smart functionality, Hisense television interfaces come out ahead for their polished design and capable voice controls. But TCL still offers plenty of built-in streaming with its intuitive, ad-free Roku platform.
The customizable VIDAA U operating system on mid-range and premium Hisense sets impresses reviewers with its smooth responsive navigation and support for smart assistants like Alexa and Google Voice. Friends and latest content widgets also enable customized control. Gaming dashboard designs streamline access to consoles like Xbox.
By contrast, TCL smart TVs operate on the user-friendly Roku TV platform, providing quick access to thousands of apps and channels. Advanced voice features allow hands-free navigation. While not as polished-looking as Hisense‘s UI, most reviewers praise its simplicity getting to desired content fast.
Those wanting a premium smart TV experience may prefer Hisense‘s VIDAA platform. But TCL‘s practical Roku menus still get the basic streaming job done remarkably well.
Design
Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, so subjective design tastes will vary between shoppers. Overall build quality and materials offer a more objective measurement.
By these metrics, premium Hisense models come out slightly ahead for their elegant, customizable interfaces and sturdy metal-composite builds. Its higher-end ULED sets feature striking brushed metallic finishes that feel polished and substantial. Slimmer bezels also draw attention to the vibrant screen.
By contrast, equivalent TCL televisions employ simpler plastic bodies with thicker borders – albeit with their own modern, understated styling. Rather than flashy frames, TCL focuses display investments on image quality-enhancing technologies mentioned earlier like Mini-LED. But side-by-side, Hisense flat screens look and feel more premium.
That said, both companies offer TV models across a range of price tiers – so build and design widely varies. Overall Hisense television construction impresses as slightly more durable and upscale. But beauty lovers can find beautiful options across budgets from either brand.
Pricing and Value
As Chinese manufacturers lacking the brand recognition of LG, Samsung, or Sony, Hisense and TCL televisions are generally priced lower across all sizes and feature sets. This makes both companies stand-out options for shoppers wanting the most bang for their buck.
However, comparing prices between these two budget-friendly brands reveals Hisense as the value winner. For example, a 50-inch Hisense U7H QLED retails under $800 with superior picture, sound, and smarts versus a similar TCL 5-Series model closer to $600. You simply gain more advanced technologies for the money by going Hisense.
Better value doesn‘t always mean a higher price tag, though. For shoppers on tighter budgets, entry-level TCL 3- and 4-Series models start under $300 for smaller screen sizes. You would be hard-pressed to find equivalent performing Hisense sets at those entry-tier price points.
When evaluating price-to-performance, Hisense comes out on top overall for offering higher-end display and audio innovations at an accessible cost compared to TCL. But prudent shoppers can score decent, reliable TCL TVs for less than ever.
Verdict: Hisense Delivers Better Overall Value
For shoppers balancing performance, price, and premium features in a mid-range television, Hisense currently delivers better bang for your buck than TCL. While models vary, comparative Hisense sets feature superior brightness, contrast, color reproduction, sound, smart interfaces, and build construction to competing TCL options at similar price points.
However, TCL still deserves its reputation for pleasing HD and 4K picture quality at an affordable cost. For buyers on tight budgets or favoring the simplicity of Roku TV over Hisense‘s VIDAA platform, TCL makes an excellent choice with smaller screen sizes selling under $500.
But side-by-side tests reveal Hisense‘s deeper investments in display panel innovations like ULED and quantum dot technologies. Enthusiasts wanting gorgeous cinematic visuals should expect to pay a slight premium going with Hisense. Yet thanks to the cost savings from manufacturing overseas, even its premium large-screen television experience remains relatively inexpensive compared to household names like Sony or Samsung.
For shoppers evaluating overall value, Hisense currently delivers better-performing televisions with impressive smart interfaces and dynamic image reproduction for hundreds less than other brands. Given the exciting improvements from this ambitious company, buyers can look forward to even more advanced and affordable home theater options from Hisense in coming years.
