Is TCL 5-Series (S555) 65-inch Worth It? Honest Review (2026)

1. 60Hz Panel Limits Game Performance

The S555 has a native refresh rate of 60Hz, which means it cannot display 120Hz content— a feature that many modern gamers expect when connecting a PS5, Xbox Series X, or gaming PC. While it supports ALLM (auto low-latency mode) and 4K 60Hz input, the TV is not capable of showing the 120fps modes that many games offer in performance settings.

For casual players, this is rarely a problem, but for competitive multiplayer gamers or those who have invested in high-end consoles, the lack of 120Hz makes the S555 feel dated. If you're into fast-paced shooters or want to experience the smoothness of high frame rates, you'll need to look at the TCL 6-Series or other sets with 120Hz panels, which cost more.

2. Limited Brightness for HDR

With a peak brightness of around 300 nits in HDR, the S555 produces HDR images that simply don't pop the way they do on brighter TVs. In a dark room, you'll see more detail and better contrast than a dynamic-range-less SDR set, but highlights that should be blazing—like explosions or sunlight—will appear muted. The panel also falls short of the 1000 nits that many HDR productions are mastered for.

This limitation is most noticeable in well-lit living rooms, where the screen's modest output struggles against ambient light. To get truly impactful HDR, the TV would need to be in a pitch-black room and the user content a good stand-in for a bright OLED or a high-end LCD. For most budget buyers, it's acceptable, but it's a clear downgrade from pricier TVs and a major drawback for any kind of home theater use.

3. Poor Viewing Angles

The S555 uses a VA LCD panel, which suffers from color fading and loss of contrast when viewed from off-center positions. The image starts to wash out when you shift by more than 20 degrees from the center, and colors become inaccurate. This is a common issue with VA panels, but the effect is more pronounced on this TCL than on some rivals.

If you plan to host family movie nights where people sit on a wide sofa or watch from the side, the picture quality will noticeably degrade for those on the edges. A TV with an IPS panel or OLED would deliver better off-angle performance, but those cost more or have other trade-offs. If your seating is directly in front of the TV, you won't have an issue.

4. Weak Built-in Speakers

Like most TVs in this price class, the S555's audio quality is underwhelming. The speakers are low-powered external ones that are rear-facing, and they lack any kind of bass response. Dialogue can sound tinny for a large room, and explosions in action movies lack punch. The maximum volume is also not high enough for larger living areas, so you'll likely find yourself turning on the closed captions.

There's no built-in subwoofer or mid-range driver, so the sound feels distant and flat. A budget soundbar, even a $100 one, will drastically improve the experience and is strongly recommended if you buy this TV. For users who plan to use headphones or an external audio system, the weak speakers are less of a concern.

5. Only 3 HDMI Ports (Only One eARC)

While 3 HDMI ports are standard for many budget TVs, you'll find that one is labeled as the eARC port, which is used for connecting a soundbar or AV receiver. If you have multiple devices—such as a cable box, game console, and streaming stick—you'll have to juggle the inputs, and if you also want to use an audio system, you'll lose one port.

For instance, a typical setup might use one for a PS5, one for a cable box, and one for streaming; that's all three filled, leaving no room for a soundbar without using HDMI—which then requires an HDMI switcher. The port arrangement is also not very convenient, with ports lying horizontally on the right side, which might be against a wall. This is a minor annoyance but can be a deal-breaker for someone with numerous devices.

6. No ATS 3.5, 4K 120Hz, or VRR Support

In addition to the 60Hz limitation, the S555 does not support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which means the TV won't adjust its refresh rate to match the frame rate of a game. This can lead to screen tearing and stuttering in games when the frame rate dips below the TV's fixed 60Hz. For gamers on the latest consoles, VRR is a highly desired feature that this TV lacks.

It also means that if you're playing a game that runs at, say, 45fps, the TV will continually switch between 30Hz and 60Hz, causing visible judder. While some TVs handle this better than others, the absence of VRR takes away a level of smoothness that you'd get on a 120Hz VRR display. The S555 is simply behind the curve for serious gaming.

7. Plastic Build and Stand Cheaper Than Metal

The build quality of the S555 is typical of budget TVs—the back panel is a thin plastic, and the stand is also plastic. While it's functional, it feels less durable than the metal stands used on more expensive models. It's also worth noting that the stand is not height-adjustable and requires a wide table; the splayed legs make it difficult to place on furniture narrower than the TV's width.

If you're planning to mount the TV, the VESA holes are standard, but the plastic housing can make it feel flimsy when mounting. For most users, this is not a performance issue, but if you're looking for a TV that feels premium in its design, the S555 will disappoint.