If you’re planning to upgrade your TV, timing your purchase can save you hundreds of dollars. TV prices fluctuate throughout the year based on product cycles, holiday sales, and major events. Here’s a complete breakdown of the best times to buy a TV — and when to avoid paying full price.
✅ The Best Times to Buy a TV
1. Black Friday & Cyber Monday (Late November)
Best overall time of the year
Black Friday consistently offers the deepest discounts on TVs. Retailers heavily discount older models to make room for new inventory, and doorbuster deals can offer massive savings.
Why it’s great:
- Biggest discounts of the year
- Doorbuster deals on popular brands
- Bundles and financing offers
Tip: Research models ahead of time — some ultra-cheap TVs are lower-tier versions made specifically for Black Friday.
2. Super Bowl Season (January–Early February)
Best time for big-screen TVs
Retailers slash prices on 55-inch and larger TVs leading up to the Super Bowl. This is especially good if you’re shopping for a living room upgrade.
Why it’s great:
- Strong discounts on 65″+ TVs
- Good selection still available
- Excellent for sports-focused buyers
3. Spring (March–May) – New Model Releases
Best time for discounts on last year’s models
Most TV manufacturers (Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, etc.) release new models in spring. Retailers discount previous-year inventory to clear space.
Why it’s great:
- Significant markdowns on high-end models
- Same performance for lower price
- Ideal for OLED and premium TVs
Tip: If you don’t need the newest features, buying last year’s flagship model can save 20–40%.
4. Amazon Prime Day (July)
Prime Day often includes competitive TV deals, especially on:
- Mid-range TVs
- Amazon Fire TV models
- Budget-friendly brands
While discounts aren’t always as deep as Black Friday, it’s a solid mid-year opportunity.
5. Labor Day & Memorial Day Sales
These holiday weekends offer moderate discounts — not the biggest of the year, but worthwhile if you can’t wait until November.
❌ Worst Time to Buy a TV
1. Immediately After New Models Launch (Spring/Early Summer)
New releases carry premium pricing. Unless you want cutting-edge features, waiting a few months can save you significantly.
2. Right Before Major Sales Events
Buying in October (right before Black Friday) or in December (after holiday sales) often means missing better deals.
📉 When Are TV Prices Lowest?
Historically, TV prices are lowest:
- Late November (Black Friday)
- Late January (Super Bowl promotions)
- April–May (clearance on prior models)
OLED and QLED TVs see the biggest discounts during clearance season and Black Friday.
💡 How to Get the Best Deal
- Track prices using tools like price trackers.
- Research model numbers (some sale models differ slightly).
- Compare retailers (Costco, Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart often price-match).
- Consider last year’s flagship model — often 90% of the performance at a much lower price.
🛒 Quick Buying Strategy
| If You Want… | Best Time to Buy |
|---|---|
| Biggest overall savings | Black Friday |
| Large TV for sports | January–February |
| Premium TV at discount | April–May |
| Budget TV mid-year | Prime Day |
Final Verdict
The absolute best time to buy a TV is Black Friday, but if you don’t want to wait, Super Bowl season and spring clearance sales are excellent alternatives.
If you plan ahead and avoid buying right after new releases, you can save anywhere from 20% to 50% on your next TV.
