TCL 65S425 vs Insignia NS-55F501NA26
These two budget 4K LED sets are aimed at cost-conscious buyers but land in very different places. The TCL 65S425 gives you a 65-inch screen, a 120 Hz panel, and the Roku smart platform for $499.95. The Insignia NS-55F501NA26 undercuts it sharply at $179.99 for a 55-inch Fire TV set built around Alexa. With 44,400 ratings averaging 4.6 stars, the TCL carries significantly more buyer confidence than the Insignia, which holds 4.4 stars across 9,600 ratings. The choice comes down to how much screen size and refresh rate matter versus how tight your budget is.
Quick winner
The TCL 65S425 wins for most buyers: a larger 65-inch screen, confirmed 120 Hz refresh, a cleaner Roku interface, and one of the strongest review records in its class, all for about $320 more than the Insignia.
Key differences, measured
- The Insignia NS-55F501NA26 is 64% cheaper ($179.99 vs $499.95).
- The TCL 65S425 is 10" larger (65.0" vs 55.0").
- The TCL 65S425 is 26.7 lb heavier (39.7 lb vs 13.0 lb).
- Amazon buyers rate the TCL 65S425 0.2 stars higher across 54,000 combined reviews.
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | TCL 65S425 Tv | Insignia NS-55F501NA26 Tv |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.95 | $179.99 |
| Rating | ||
| Screen size | 65.0" | 55.0" |
| Resolution | 4K Uhd | 4K Uhd |
| Display | Led | Led |
| Smart platform | Roku | Firetv Alexa |
| Connectivity | Hdmi, Usb, Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Dimensions | 11.8 X 57.3 X 36 In | 10.39 X 48.35 X 30.09 In |
| Weight | 39.7 lb | 13.0 lb |
The two contenders
TCL 65S425 Tv
The TCL 65S425 is a 65-inch, 4K UHD LED TV running Roku with a 120 Hz refresh rate, priced at $499.95. It connects via HDMI, USB, and Wi-Fi and weighs 39.7 lb. The Roku platform is straightforward to use, with strong app support and no mandatory account required for basic cable or antenna use. At 4.6 stars across more than 44,000 ratings, it sits among the most reviewed budget large-screen TVs on Amazon. The 120 Hz panel is a genuine advantage for sports, gaming, and fast-motion content compared with 60 Hz alternatives at the same price tier.
Buy this if: Buy the TCL 65S425 if you want the largest practical screen for a main living room on a mid-range budget and care about smooth motion at 120 Hz for sports or gaming. It also suits anyone who prefers Roku's clean, ad-light interface over Fire TV.
Check price on AmazonInsignia NS-55F501NA26 Tv
The Insignia NS-55F501NA26 is a 55-inch, 4K UHD LED TV with Fire TV and Alexa voice control built in, priced at $179.99. It connects via Wi-Fi only, and its refresh rate is not published in the listed specs. At 13.0 lb, it is noticeably lighter than the TCL, making it easier to mount. The Fire TV interface gives access to Prime Video, Netflix, and other major services, though it is more ad-forward than Roku. With 9,600 ratings at 4.4 stars, buyer satisfaction is solid for the price, and $179.99 for a 55-inch 4K set is a genuine bargain for a secondary room or first TV.
Buy this if: Buy the Insignia NS-55F501NA26 if your budget is tight and a 55-inch 4K picture in a bedroom, guest room, or office is all you need. It is also a strong pick for Prime subscribers who want Alexa voice search built directly into the remote.
Check price on AmazonFrequently asked questions
Which TV has the better picture for everyday viewing?
Both are 4K UHD LED sets, so resolution is equal at normal viewing distances. The TCL 65S425 has a listed 120 Hz refresh rate, which reduces motion blur during sports and action movies. The Insignia NS-55F501NA26 does not publish a refresh rate in its spec sheet, so it is likely 60 Hz. For everyday streaming and broadcast TV the difference is minor, but the TCL has the edge for anything with fast motion.
Is the Insignia NS-55F501NA26 really a good TV at $179?
For a secondary screen it is hard to argue with the value. Insignia is an Amazon house brand, and the NS-55F501NA26 backs its $179.99 price with 4.4 stars across nearly 10,000 ratings. The Fire TV interface covers all the major streaming apps, and 55-inch 4K panels at that price are rare. The tradeoffs are a likely 60 Hz refresh, Wi-Fi-only connectivity with no ethernet port listed, and an interface that surfaces ads more than Roku does.
Can the TCL 65S425 handle gaming?
The 65S425 lists a 120 Hz native refresh rate, which is a meaningful advantage over 60 Hz budget sets for console gaming. It runs Roku, which passes through game signals without processing overhead you cannot disable. That said, it does not advertise HDMI 2.1 or a dedicated game mode with published input lag figures, so competitive players after the lowest possible latency should weigh those gaps before buying.
Which smart platform is easier to live with, Roku or Fire TV?
Roku is widely regarded as the simpler, more neutral platform. Its home screen puts your apps front and center with minimal advertising, and it does not require an Amazon account to set up. Fire TV on the Insignia surfaces Prime Video and sponsored content more prominently, which some users find distracting, though it integrates seamlessly with Alexa voice search and Amazon smart-home devices. If you are already in the Amazon ecosystem, Fire TV is a natural fit. For everyone else, Roku is generally the easier daily experience.