TCL S5 43-Inch Class S5 43" 2024 Review

A solid, no-fuss 43-inch 4K TV with great Fire TV integration. HDR support is surprisingly good for the price, but the speakers are weak. Best for casual viewers and Amazon ecosystem fans. Worth it on sale.

The TCL S5 is a 43-inch 4K smart TV that's all about getting you into the Fire TV ecosystem without breaking the bank. It's got the basics covered: 4K resolution, support for major HDR formats like Dolby Vision, and a built-in Fire TV interface that puts streaming front and center.

Our data shows it's a solid pick for smart home integration, landing in the 82nd percentile. That means it's a good little hub for your Alexa routines. But it's not trying to be a flagship. Think of it as a capable, no-fuss screen for a bedroom, kitchen, or small apartment.

The picture is decent for the price, with HDR support that hits the 77th percentile. That's better than you'd expect from a budget set. Colors are vibrant, and the Motion Rate 240 tech helps with motion clarity for sports or movies. The Auto Game Mode is a nice touch for casual gaming, but at a 60Hz refresh rate, it's not built for high-end console gaming. The real weak spot, according to our benchmarks, is the audio. It's in the 39th percentile, so the built-in speakers are just okay. You'll probably want a soundbar.

For the price, it's hard to complain. You're getting a 4K HDR smart TV with a well-established platform. It's not going to blow your mind with black levels or brightness, but it delivers a perfectly watchable picture for everyday streaming. If you find it on sale, it becomes an even easier recommendation.

Compared to other budget sets, the S5's strong HDR support gives it an edge over basic Roku TVs or older Fire TV editions. It's a step above a bare-bones Hisense U6 Series in smart features. But if picture quality is your top priority, you'll want to look at a TCL Q Series with Mini-LED or spend more for a Sony BRAVIA. Those will have better local dimming and brightness. The S5 is the pick if you're deep in the Amazon ecosystem and just want a reliable screen.

Skip this if you're a serious cinephile or gamer. The 60Hz panel and mediocre audio won't cut it for a dedicated home theater. Also, if you hate ads, know that Fire TV's home screen has them. Look at a TCL Q Series or a basic Roku TV instead.

Buy this if you need a secondary TV for a smaller room, you're all-in on Amazon's Alexa and Fire TV, and you don't want to fuss with settings. It's a plug-and-play streamer that gets the job done without any drama.