TCL 65S525 Tv Review
Our verdict
The TCL 65S525 is a 65-inch 4K LED TV with a 120 Hz refresh rate and built-in Roku, priced at $569.94. The 4,800-review track record at 4.4 stars confirms it is a reliable choice for buyers who want a large, 4K-capable TV with a smooth smart TV experience and minimal setup friction.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Buyers who want a proven 65-inch 4K LED TV with 120 Hz, Roku, and a well-established owner satisfaction record.
Skip if
You are comparing this closely to the TCL 65S425 and want more reasons to distinguish them, or if you need advanced local dimming for a dark-room home theater setup.
- Screen size 65.0"
- Resolution 4K Uhd
- Refresh rate 120 Hz
- Display Led
- Smart platform Roku
- Connectivity Hdmi, Wi-Fi
- Priced 73% above the category median ($329.99 across 127 tracked models)
- Screen size of 65.0" - larger than 81% of the 129 models we track
- Refresh rate of 120 Hz - higher than 84% of the 129 models we track
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.4/5
4.4 average across 4,800 owner ratings
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Popularity4.7/5
4,800 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other LED, QLED and OLED TVs plus TV mounts, streaming media players, antennas, cables and satellite gear we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The TCL 65S525 measures 56.9 x 11.4 x 35.2 inches and weighs 44 lbs, sitting in the typical range for a 65-inch LED TV. It delivers 4K UHD resolution across the 65-inch panel at a native 120 Hz refresh rate. HDMI and Wi-Fi connectivity are included, and Roku provides the smart TV layer.
At $569.94, the 65S525 lands just above the 65S425 in TCL's lineup. The 44 lb weight is moderate and manageable for most wall mount installations. Roku continues to be one of the most user-friendly smart TV platforms, and its channel search across services makes it practical for households with multiple streaming subscriptions.
The 4,800-review count at 4.4 stars is strong validation. That is a large enough sample to confirm consistent quality and satisfaction across a real owner base. If your focus is a straightforward, large-screen 4K Roku TV backed by significant real-world feedback, the 65S525 is a dependable option.
Pros
- 4K UHD at 120 Hz in a 65-inch LED panel
- 4.4-star rating across 4,800 reviews is a meaningful confidence signal
- Built-in Roku is easy to navigate and covers all major streaming services
- 44 lbs is a manageable weight for wall mounting
Cons
- Standard LED backlighting without confirmed local dimming limits dark scene contrast
- No HDR spec confirmed, leaving peak brightness performance unclear
- HDMI and Wi-Fi only, no wired Ethernet listed in specs
Performance notes
The 65S525 runs a 65-inch 4K UHD LED panel at 120 Hz. Dimensions are 56.9 x 11.4 x 35.2 inches with a weight of 44 lbs. Connectivity covers HDMI and Wi-Fi. The 120 Hz panel rate handles fast content more smoothly than 60 Hz alternatives in this price range. Roku is the smart platform, requiring only a Wi-Fi password to get started.
What buyers say
With 4,800 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, the 65S525 sits among the better-rated large-screen TVs in the budget segment. The rating reflects genuine owner satisfaction across a substantial base. Buyers consistently appear to rate the picture quality and smart TV ease of use highly for the price paid.
Specifications
| Screen size | 65.0" |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K Uhd |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz |
| Display | Led |
| Smart platform | Roku |
| Connectivity | Hdmi, Wi-Fi |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 56.9 X 11.4 X 35.2 In |
| Weight | 44.0 lb |
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Frequently asked questions
How does the TCL 65S525 compare to the 65S425?
Both are 65-inch 4K Roku TVs with 120 Hz panels and similar connectivity. The 65S525 sits slightly higher in TCL's lineup and is priced about $70 more. If the current prices are close, the 65S525's slightly stronger rating may tip the balance, but either model delivers a similar core experience.
Does the TCL 65S525 work with a soundbar?
Yes. The HDMI port supports ARC (Audio Return Channel) on compatible models, which lets a soundbar receive audio from the TV over a single HDMI cable. You can also use an optical cable if your soundbar supports that input. Check the back panel for the specific port labeled ARC before purchasing a soundbar.
Is 65 inches too big for a living room?
A general viewing distance guideline for 4K TVs is 1 to 1.5 times the screen size. For a 65-inch TV, that puts the ideal seating range at roughly 5.5 to 8 feet. If your couch is at least 6 feet from the wall, a 65-inch 4K panel at this price is a practical and immersive choice.