TCL TVs are made by TCL Technology Group Corporation, a Chinese electronics company headquartered in Huizhou, Guangdong Province, China. The current US TV lineup is available at TCL’s official US website.
TCL is known for producing large-screen televisions at highly competitive prices, its QLED and Mini LED display technology, and a rapid rise to become one of the top three TV brands by global shipment volume.
TCL is a publicly traded Chinese company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, founded in 1981, and one of the few television manufacturers that produces its own display panels rather than sourcing them from external suppliers.
Knowing who makes TCL TVs helps buyers understand the brand’s Chinese ownership, its manufacturing model, and why a TCL set can offer significantly more screen size and features per dollar than competing brands.
This article covers TCL’s ownership, founding history, where its TVs are made, its current lineup, and how it compares to Samsung and LG.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns TCL?
TCL Technology Group Corporation is a publicly traded Chinese company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange under ticker 000100.
TCL Electronics Holdings Limited, the subsidiary that handles consumer electronics including TVs, is separately listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under ticker 01070.HK.
The company is not state-owned. Its largest individual shareholder is founder and chairman Li Dongsheng, who launched the company in 1981 and continues to lead it today.
When Was TCL Founded?
TCL was founded in 1981 in Huizhou, Guangdong, initially producing audio cassette tapes before expanding into telephone sets, TVs, and electronics manufacturing.
The TCL name originally stood for “The Creative Life,” though the company has since evolved the brand to stand independently without a spelled-out abbreviation.
TCL acquired the rights to the RCA brand name for television sets in North America from GE in 2003, giving it an established brand to use in the US market alongside its own TCL label.
Where Are TCL TVs Made?
The majority of TCL TVs are manufactured in China, where the company operates large scale production facilities in Huizhou and several other locations across Guangdong Province.
TCL also operates manufacturing in Mexico, at a plant in San Luis Potosí, which produces TVs specifically for the North American market. This reduces shipping times and costs compared to importing directly from China.
For European markets, TCL has production capacity in Poland. This regional manufacturing approach helps TCL meet local content requirements and respond more quickly to regional demand changes.
Does TCL Make Its Own Display Panels?
Yes, and this is one of TCL’s key competitive advantages. TCL owns CSOT (China Star Optoelectronics Technology), one of the world’s largest display panel manufacturers.
Because TCL makes its own panels, it can control costs and supply in ways that competitors who buy panels from Samsung or LG Display cannot. This vertical integration is a major reason TCL can sell large TVs at lower prices than many rivals.
CSOT panels are used in TCL’s own TV sets and also sold to other TV brands, giving TCL an additional revenue stream alongside its consumer electronics business.
What TVs Does TCL Currently Offer?
TCL’s US TV lineup spans several technology tiers. Entry-level 4K TVs use standard LED backlighting. Mid-range QLED models use quantum dot technology for improved color. The premium QM series uses Mini LED backlighting for superior contrast and brightness.
Screen sizes range from 43 inches up to 98 inches, with 75-inch and 85-inch models representing some of the most popular large-screen value options in the US market.
TCL uses the Google TV platform on most of its current US models, providing access to the full Google app ecosystem, Google Assistant, and Chromecast built in.
TCL vs Samsung vs LG: Who Makes Each?
All three are major TV brands but from very different companies. TCL is owned by TCL Technology, a Chinese company. Samsung TVs are made by Samsung Electronics, the South Korean giant that is part of the Samsung Group conglomerate. LG TVs are made by LG Electronics, another South Korean company and a subsidiary of LG Group.
Samsung and LG are the two largest TV brands globally by revenue and have historically commanded premium prices due to their proprietary display technologies. TCL has rapidly closed the quality gap while maintaining significantly lower prices.
TCL now ranks as the second or third largest TV brand globally by unit shipments, a remarkable position for a brand that was barely known outside China a decade ago.
What Is Next for TCL?
TCL is investing heavily in Mini LED and QD-Mini LED technology, positioning its premium sets to challenge OLED TVs from Samsung and LG at a more competitive price.
The brand is expanding beyond TVs into smartphones, air conditioners, and other consumer electronics in markets outside North America, growing into a full consumer electronics brand.
In North America, TCL continues to expand its retail presence at major chains and has signed NBA sponsorship deals to raise brand awareness among a younger demographic alongside its core value-focused audience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Who Makes TCL TVs
Is TCL a good TV brand?
TCL is widely considered one of the best value TV brands in the market. Its mid-range and premium sets regularly earn strong reviews from publications including Rtings.com and Wirecutter. The brand delivers picture quality that competes with sets costing significantly more, making it a popular choice for buyers who prioritize value.
Is TCL a Chinese company?
Yes. TCL Technology Group Corporation is a Chinese company founded in 1981 in Huizhou, Guangdong Province. It is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange and is not state-owned.
Does TCL own the RCA brand?
TCL holds the license to use the RCA brand name for television sets in North America, acquired from GE in 2003. RCA is not an independent company. It is a brand name that TCL licenses and uses on a separate line of TVs sold alongside its own TCL-branded models.
Where are TCL TVs sold in the USA?
TCL TVs are sold at most major US retailers including Walmart, Best Buy, Target, Costco, and Amazon. The brand has widespread distribution across both physical stores and online channels, making it one of the most accessible TV brands in the country.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.