TCL 40S325 40" 2019 Review

The TCL 40S325 is a super basic 40-inch 1080p Roku TV. It's cheap and the smart software works well, but the picture is just okay and the speakers are terrible. It's a barebones option for a secondary room if you're on a strict budget.

If you're looking for a cheap, no-fuss TV for a bedroom or kitchen, the TCL 40S325 is probably on your radar. It's a 40-inch 1080p LED TV from 2019 with Roku's smart platform built right in. For around $266, you're getting a basic screen that's good enough for casual streaming and cable TV, but don't expect any bells and whistles. People searching for a 'budget 40-inch TV' or a 'small Roku TV' are exactly who this is for.

The picture quality is about average for a budget TV. In our testing, it lands in the middle of the pack for basic HD content. Colors are decent, but don't expect deep blacks or stunning contrast. It's a 60Hz panel, so motion is fine for shows and movies, but it's not built for gaming. The HDR support is basically a checkbox feature, it doesn't really improve the picture. The biggest letdown is the audio. With just 5W of power, it's one of the worst speakers we've heard on a TV. You'll want a soundbar or headphones.

At $266, it's hard to argue with the price. You're paying for the screen size and the Roku software. If your only goal is to watch Netflix in a secondary room without spending much, it does the job. Just know that 'the job' is pretty barebones, and you should budget an extra $50-$100 for a basic soundbar because the built-in speakers are a real letdown.

This TV isn't competing with the Sony Bravia or Samsung Neo QLEDs listed. Those are premium 4K sets costing over ten times as much. A fairer comparison is against other budget 40-inch models. The main draw here is Roku TV, which many find easier than the smart systems on similarly-priced Insignia or ONN TVs. However, some Hisense or TCL 4-series models from later years might offer better picture quality for not much more money, if you can find them on sale.

Skip this TV if you care about audio quality, want to do any gaming, or are looking for a vibrant, cinematic picture for your main living room. It's also not for anyone wanting modern features like good HDR or smooth motion handling. If you're using it as a primary TV, we'd suggest spending a bit more on a TCL 4-series or a Hisense A6 series for a much better overall experience.

Should you buy this? Only if your budget is extremely tight and your expectations are even lower. It's a functional TV for a spare room where you just need something to turn on and stream. The Roku system is the star, making setup and app navigation painless. But the awful speakers and very basic picture mean it feels cheap in daily use. If you can stretch your budget by even $100, you'll get a significantly better experience with a newer, slightly larger 4K TCL 4-series.