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Did your 75-inch TV suddenly start looking small in your living room? You’re not alone. More people are finding that big TVs don’t give the true movie theater feeling they want. But here’s what’s interesting. Amid the rush to buy projectors, a few TV makers have launched a game-changer without drawing attention. They are 100- and 98-inch TVs that bring the cinema into your home.
We get it – buying a TV this massive isn’t a small decision. With some models costing as much as a used car, you want to be sure you’re making the right choice. The good news? We’ve checked every 100/98-inch TV on the market. We compared everything from picture quality to gaming features. We found some surprising winners that won’t require a second mortgage.
Here’s what really grabbed our attention: one TV is brighter than most projectors. Another has gaming features that beat those of TVs costing thousands more. And if you’re worried about these giants taking over your living room—don’t be. We found that they actually look more elegant than most projector setups.
The real shocker? The top-tier models impress. But our research found you don’t need to spend a fortune to get an amazing picture. One of our picks provides nearly all the features of the premium models, but at nearly half the price.
What to Look For in a 100/98-Inch TV
Screen Tech: Your biggest choice is between Mini-LED and standard LED backlighting. Mini-LEDs use thousands of tiny light sources behind the screen. This gives better contrast and brighter highlights. Regular LED TVs cost less but can’t match that punch in the picture.
Processing Power: At this size, every flaw shows up. Good processing helps clean up low-quality streams and old movies. Look for AI upscaling features. They improve regular HD content on a large screen.
Brightness Levels: These massive screens need high brightness to look good in normal rooms. Check the nits rating—higher numbers mean better viewing with the lights on. For daytime viewing, look for at least 1,000 nits of peak brightness.
Gaming Features: If you play games, pay attention to refresh rates and HDMI 2.1 ports. The best models have 144Hz refresh rates and VRR. They provide smoother gaming.
Sound Quality: Most will use a separate sound system. But, built-in audio quality still matters. To use the built-in sound, look for TVs with dedicated woofers and upward-firing speakers.
Meet Our Top Picks:
- Hisense 100U8K: A brightness beast with impressive Mini-LED technology
- TCL 98QM851G: The premium choice with next-level picture processing
- Hisense 100QD7N: The midrange option that punches above its weight
- TCL 98S550G: The budget pick that doesn’t feel like one
Why You Should Trust Us
1 – The Winner
Why We’ve Choose it
The Hisense 100U8K changes what you expect from a big TV. From the moment you turn it on, you notice this isn’t like other TVs blown up to a bigger size—it’s built for this scale.
The aluminum body looks clean and modern, but more importantly, it feels solid. This TV doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. That’s important when hanging a large item on your wall.
Picture quality is where this TV really shows off. The Mini-LED system creates blacks that look properly black, not that dark gray you see on regular LED TVs. But it’s not just about the dark scenes bright parts of the image look fantastic too. In high-contrast movies, like space scenes or night cityscapes, everything looks perfect.
The built-in Google TV system works smoothly. There’s no lag when browsing apps or switching inputs. Nice touches show they thought about how people use their TVs. The “Lift and Look” feature lets you check your toast without stopping it. The “A Bit More” button adds a little extra time.
For gaming, this TV brings everything you’d want. The 144Hz refresh rate makes games look super smooth, and there’s zero input lag. If you love competitive gaming, you’ll love its fast response to controller inputs.
2 – Premium Choice
Why We’ve Choose It
The TCL 98QM851G proves that bigger can be better, but only if it’s done right. This TV takes what worked in smaller sizes and properly scales it up for this massive panel.
Right out of the box, this TV impresses with its build quality. The thin bezels make the screen look bigger. The stand is sturdy and holds this giant without wobbling.
Color accuracy stands out immediately. Skin tones look natural, and vibrant scenes pop without appearing artificial. Movies that switch between bright daylight and dark scenes test this TV’s ability to handle different lighting.
The sound system surprises with its quality. Most buyers of a TV this size will use a separate audio setup. But the built-in speakers handle both loud action scenes and quiet dialogue well. So you won’t need to rush out and buy a soundbar.
Gaming performance hits all the right marks. The 240Hz Game Accelerator mode makes fast games look smooth. Input lag is so low that competitive gamers won’t notice any delay. The TV automatically recognizes when you’re gaming and adjusts settings accordingly.
For movie watching, the TCL really shows its strength in how it handles HDR content. Bright scenes have real impact. Dark scenes keep detail without looking washed out. The wide viewing angle means everyone gets a good view, even when sitting off to the side.
3 – Mid-Range Option
Why We’ve Choose it
The Hisense 100QD7N finds a sweet spot between performance and price. While it might not have every bell and whistle of the top models, it nails the basics that matter most.
The QLED panel shows its strength with color reproduction. Movies and shows look natural, avoiding the artificial pop that some TVs force on you. Nature documentaries and sports have a perfect look. The grass, water, and skin tones are just right.
For gaming, this TV really delivers. The 144Hz refresh rate isn’t just a marketing gimmick. You can feel the difference in fast-paced games. The Game Mode Pro features work as advertised. They cut input lag and make gaming feel responsive.
The Google TV interface runs smoothly. Apps load quickly, and menus respond without delay. The remote’s voice control works well for basic tasks. It can change inputs and find specific shows.
HDR performance surprises at this price point. With movies that have both dark and bright scenes, the TV handles the transitions well. Dolby Vision content looks great. It has a nice contrast between light and dark areas.
The AI upscaler proves useful when watching non-4K content. Cable TV and older streaming shows look better than you’d expect on a screen this size. But, you’ll still notice they’re not native 4K.
4 – Budget Pick
Why We’ve Choose it
The TCL 98S550G proves that massive screens don’t need massive prices. While it makes some compromises to hit its price point, it still delivers where it counts most.
Picture quality holds up well in normal viewing conditions. Colors look natural rather than overblown, and 4K content shows good detail. The TV handles contrast decently. It won’t match more expensive models in dark rooms, but it meets most people’s needs.
The sound system is fine for basic TV watching. But, for movie nights, consider a soundbar. Dialogue is clear. But, action scenes lack impact without better speakers.
Setting up the TV requires some muscle – at 124 pounds, you’ll definitely need help moving it around. But once it’s in place, the setup process through Google TV goes smoothly. The interface feels responsive, and finding your favorite apps or content remains simple.
Gaming performance impresses for the price. The 120Hz refresh rate keeps games smooth. Serious gamers might want more features. But, casual players will find all they need. The Game Accelerator mode makes a noticeable difference in reducing input lag.
For everyday TV watching and movie nights, this TCL delivers solid performance. Cable TV and streaming services look good. But lower-res content may be of lower quality. HDR content shows decent punch, even if it doesn’t reach the heights of more expensive models.
Making the Right Choice
After using these massive TVs, it is clear that the market for 100/98-inch TVs has matured. They are now more than just bigger versions of regular TVs. Each model brings something different to the table, and your best choice depends on how you plan to use it.
Buy the Hisense 100U8K if…
You want the complete package and don’t mind paying for it. This TV handles everything well from bright room viewing to gaming. It’s perfect for people who:
- Watch lots of HDR movies and want the best picture quality
- Have a mix of bright and dark room viewing
- Care about built-in audio quality
- Want advanced gaming features
- Don’t mind tweaking settings to get the best picture
Buy the TCL 98QM851G if…
You’re after the brightest, most vivid picture quality and have the budget for it. This TV makes sense for:
- Bright rooms with lots of windows
- Home theater enthusiasts who want premium HDR performance
- People who watch mostly 4K content
- Those who want great viewing angles for wide seating arrangements
- Buyers who value picture processing quality
Buy the Hisense 100QD7N if…
You want a balance of features and value. This TV hits the sweet spot for:
- Gamers who need 144Hz but don’t want to spend top dollar
- People who watch a mix of content from different sources
- Those who want good color accuracy without complicated calibration
- Buyers looking for the best value in a 100-inch TV
- Users who prefer a simple, straightforward setup
Buy the TCL 98S550G if…
You want the biggest screen for your money. But, it must be good quality. This TV works best for:
- Budget-conscious buyers who still want a massive screen
- Casual viewers who mostly watch streaming content
- People who mainly watch in moderately lit rooms
- Those who plan to add a sound system later
- Users who prioritize size over premium features
Each of these TVs marks a sweet spot in the market. The Hisense 100U8K offers the most complete package. The TCL 98QM851G brings premium performance for those who demand it. The Hisense 100QD7N strikes an impressive balance of features and price. And the TCL 98S550G makes massive screens accessible without major compromises.
Common Questions About 100/98 Inch TVs
How far should you sit from a 98-inch TV?
For the best viewing experience with a 98/100-inch TV, sit between 12 and 15 feet away. At this distance, you’ll enjoy the 4K resolution without seeing any pixels. However, you can sit as close as 8 and 10 feet if you want a more cinematic feel.
Will a 98-inch TV fit through my door?
Yes, but carefully. These TVs typically come in boxes around 89 inches wide by 57 inches tall. Standard doors are 80 inches tall and 32 to 36 inches wide, so you’ll need to angle the box to get it through. Always check the TV and box dimensions against your doorways, hallways, and stairs before buying.
How much power does a 98-inch TV use?
A 98/100-inch TV uses 250-450 watts on average. It depends on the brightness settings and content. This translates to about $3-6 per month in electricity costs when used 5 hours daily. Newer models are more efficient. So, energy usage is like that of smaller premium TVs.
Do I need special wall mounting for a 98-inch TV?
Yes. These TVs weigh 100-150 pounds. They need specific wall mounts rated for their size and weight. Look for mounts rated at least 175 pounds, and make sure they’re anchored into wall studs. Professional installation is recommended.
Is a 98-inch TV better than a projector?
A 98-inch TV usually has a better picture than similarly priced projectors. This is especially true in bright rooms. TVs are brighter and have better contrast than projectors. They don’t need regular maintenance, like replacing bulbs. However, projectors can go even larger and might cost less for sizes over 100 inches.
Can you use a regular TV stand with these TVs?
Most standard TV stands won’t work. 98/100-inch TVs need stands at least 80 inches wide and rated for 150+ pounds. The feet on these TVs are often 70-80 inches apart. Make sure to check both the width between the feet and the weight rating of any stand you’re considering.
Can you watch regular cable TV on a 98-inch TV? Won’t it look terrible?
Cable TV content is usually 720p or 1080i, and these big TVs use AI upscaling to improve the picture. While it won’t look as good as 4K content, most modern 98/100-inch TVs handle cable TV surprisingly well. Sports and newer shows look decent, but older shows might appear a bit soft.
Do I need to upgrade my internet speed for a smart TV this size?
For 4K streaming on these TVs, you need at least 25 Mbps internet speed. However, 50+ Mbps is recommended if multiple people use the internet simultaneously. Lower speeds will still work but might force content to play at lower resolutions.
How long do these massive TVs typically last?
With normal use (4-6 hours daily), modern 98/100-inch LED TVs should last 7-10 years. The LED backlighting can last 60,000+ hours before significantly dimming. However, smart TV features might become outdated sooner. You can always add an external streaming device.
Will my game console work well with a TV this big?
Current gaming consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X work great with these TVs. Most models offer HDMI 2.1 ports and gaming features like VRR and ALLM. Lower resolution games (like from older consoles) might look blurry at this size.
What happens if something breaks? Can these TVs be repaired?
Most manufacturers offer 1-2 year warranties covering major issues. After that, repairs are possible but challenging due to the size. Local TV repair shops might not handle TVs this large. So, you’ll need to find specialized service centers. Screen replacement usually costs more than buying a new TV.
Do these TVs come with free delivery and setup?
Delivery policies vary by retailer. Many offer free delivery but charge extra for setup. White glove delivery (including setup) often costs $200-400 extra. Some retailers won’t take the TV past your front door, so check delivery terms before buying.
What’s the difference between a 98-inch and 100-inch TV? Is it worth paying more for those extra 2 inches?
The diagonal difference between 98 and 100 inches is minimal – about 2.5 inches in width. The choice should depend more on the TV’s features and price rather than size difference. You likely won’t notice those extra 2 inches in regular viewing.
Can these TVs handle bright rooms, or do I need blackout curtains?
It depends on the model. Premium 98/100-inch TVs with high brightness ratings (1,000+ nits) work fine in bright rooms. Budget models might need some light control for the best picture. Check the TV’s peak brightness rating if you have a bright room.
