Buying a TV is a little like buying airline tickets: you can pay full price… but why do that to yourself?
The good news is that TV pricing follows a pretty predictable rhythm. The even better news is that once you learn
the rhythm, you can swoop in like a bargain-hunting hawk and leave the store with a bigger screen (and your dignity)
intact.
This guide breaks down the best times of year to buy a TV, what kinds of deals to expect, when you should not
buy, and how to avoid “too-good-to-be-true” models that look identical until you realize one is missing a key feature
(kind of like ordering a burger and discovering the “bun” is actually two napkins).
The Short Answer: The Best Times to Buy a TV
If you want the simplest cheat sheet, here it is:
- Late November (Black Friday/Cyber Monday): Usually the lowest prices and the widest variety.
- Mid-January through early February (Super Bowl season): Big-screen discounts ramp up fast.
- Spring into early summer (new-model rollout): Last year’s models get discounted as new ones arrive.
- July (Prime Day season): Strong mid-year deals and lots of competitor price-matching.
Why TVs Go on Sale When They Do
TV prices aren’t random. They’re tied to two things: the retail calendar (major sales holidays) and
the TV release cycle (when new models arrive and old ones need to move out). In plain English:
retailers discount TVs when they know people are shopping, and manufacturers discount TVs when they want to clear
space for the next lineup.
Best Time to Buy a TV by Season
1) Black Friday & Cyber Monday (Late November): “Peak Deal Season”
Black Friday season is the heavyweight champion of TV deals. Retailers compete aggressively, and you’ll see major
price cuts across sizes and technologiesbudget LED, bright QLED, and premium OLEDplus bundles with soundbars or
extended services. Consumer-focused deal tracking has long found Black Friday to be among the deepest discount periods
for TVs.
The main advantage here is selection. If you want a specific size (say, a 65-inch OLED) and you’re
picky about brand, panel type, or gaming features, Black Friday usually gives you the most options at the best prices.
Best for: Shoppers who want the lowest price, the most choices, and the least drama.
Watch out for: “Special” Black Friday model numbers that are hard to compare (more on this below).
2) Super Bowl Season (January to Early February): “Big-Screen Energy”
If Black Friday is the main event, Super Bowl season is the rematchespecially for larger screens. Retailers know
people want a better viewing setup for sports (and increasingly for major streaming releases), so sales ramp up in
January and often peak right before the game.
In 2026, Super Bowl Sunday falls on February 8, 2026, which means the deal window starts in January
and intensifies as the calendar flips toward early February. If you’re shopping in late January, you’re not “late to
the party”you’re usually right on time.
What kinds of deals show up? Often last year’s models at sharp discounts, plus aggressive promos on
75-inch and larger TVs. For example, deal coverage in January 2026 highlighted major markdowns on big sets and even
entry-level OLED pricing dropping into surprisingly approachable territory during Super Bowl promotions.
Best for: Anyone who wants a big screen soonespecially for sports, parties, or “movie night became a lifestyle.”
Watch out for: Shipping/install timelines if you’re cutting it close to game day.
3) Spring (March–May): “New TVs Arrive, Old TVs Panic”
Spring is when many new TV lineups start hitting shelves. That’s great if you want the latest processing upgrades,
brighter panels, or the newest gaming features. But if you’re focused on value, spring is also when the previous
year’s models begin getting discounted so retailers can make room.
Think of it like a closet clean-out: new season, new clothes, and suddenly last season’s perfectly good stuff is on a
clearance rack with a neon sign screaming, “PLEASE TAKE ME HOME.”
The trade-off is that the absolute newest models can be pricey at first. If you want the newest tech, spring can be a
great time to buybut you’ll usually pay more for cutting-edge models right after launch.
Best for: Shoppers who want last year’s premium TV at a discount, or early adopters who want the newest features.
Watch out for: If you buy brand-new releases right away, deals may be limited early in the season.
4) Summer Holiday Weekends (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day): “Sneaky Good Sales”
If you didn’t find what you wanted during Black Friday or Super Bowl season, summer is your second chance. Long holiday
weekends often bring electronics promos, including TV discounts. These sales can be especially good for mid-range sets
and remaining stock of older model-year TVs.
The selection may be narrower than November, but the discounts can still be meaningfulespecially if you’re flexible
on brand or you’re upgrading a secondary TV for a bedroom, office, or game room.
Best for: People who missed the big deal windows and still want a smart buy.
5) Prime Day Season (Usually July): “The Mid-Year Price War”
Prime Day has become a major TV deal moment because it pushes other retailers to compete. That means you may see price
matching and rival sales events at big-box stores and online competitors. July can also be a sweet spot for discounted
last-year modelsgood prices without waiting until November.
Best for: Mid-year shoppers who want a deal without holiday crowds (or holiday stress).
Best Time to Buy a TV Based on Your Goal
If you want the lowest price
Target late November first, then January–early February. Those windows tend to deliver
the biggest cuts and the broadest selection of deals.
If you want the best TV for the money (the “smart value” pick)
Aim for Super Bowl season or spring closeouts. You’re often buying a TV that’s been
reviewed, tested, and price-droppedwithout paying the early-adopter premium.
If you want the newest tech
Shop in spring when new models arrive. Just accept that you’re paying more for being first. That’s not
“bad”it’s just a different strategy. (Some people collect sneakers. Some people collect peak brightness.)
If you need a TV immediately
Even outside major sale windows, there are ways to avoid paying full price:
- Check retailer daily deals and rotating promos.
- Consider open-box from reputable retailers (often inspected/graded and returnable).
- Look at last-year models that are still new-in-box but discounted.
The “Don’t Get Tricked” Section: How to Shop Smarter
1) Watch for “derivative” Black Friday models
During major sale periods, some brands produce special model numbers that look similar to regular models but may have
different specs. A practical way to spot this: if you search the model number and find very few reviewsor it’s only
sold at one retailertreat it like a “compare carefully” situation.
2) Don’t buy only by screen size
Bigger is fun, but a great picture on a slightly smaller screen can beat a massive screen with washed-out contrast.
If you’re deciding between two options at the same price, it’s often smarter to prioritize:
- Panel type: OLED (best contrast), Mini-LED (bright with strong contrast), QLED/LED (varies widely).
- Refresh rate & gaming features: HDMI 2.1, 120Hz/144Hz, VRR if you game seriously.
- Real HDR performance: Not just “HDR compatible,” but actually bright enough to look good.
3) Be realistic about “future-proofing”
New standards appear constantly, but TVs already do a lot. If your budget is tight, it’s usually better to buy a solid
4K TV at a great price than to overspend chasing features you may not use. If you want a smarter platform later, you
can always add a streaming device.
4) Use a simple timing plan
- Pick your size (55, 65, 75 inches are common value sweet spots).
- Pick your must-haves (OLED? 120Hz? Dolby Vision?).
- Set a target price and wait for the next sale window.
- Buy when the price hits your target, not when your cousin texts “THIS DEAL IS INSANE!!!”
So… When Is the Worst Time to Buy a TV?
The worst time is usually when you’re paying full price for a model that will predictably get discounted soon. That
often means early spring for brand-new releasesunless you specifically want the newest TV right away.
If you don’t care about being first, waiting for spring closeouts (or summer promos) can be kinder to your wallet.
A Practical 2026 Example Timeline
Let’s say it’s late January 2026 and you’re shopping right now. Here’s a practical plan:
- Late January–early February 2026: Compare Super Bowl promos across major retailers and brand sites.
- Mid-February 2026: If you can wait, watch for Presidents’ Day-style promotions and lingering post-Super Bowl discounts.
- March–May 2026: New 2026 models arrive; last-year models start clearing out at better prices.
- July 2026: Prime Day season and competitor salesgreat time for mid-year bargains.
- Late November 2026: Black Friday/Cyber Monday returns as the biggest “deal density” moment.
Conclusion
The best time to buy a TV depends on your goal, but most shoppers win by aiming for Black Friday (biggest
overall discounts), Super Bowl season (excellent big-screen deals), or the spring-to-summer
transition (last-year model closeouts). The secret isn’t magicit’s timing plus a little comparison shopping.
Decide what matters most (lowest price vs. newest tech), pick a sale window, and shop with your eyes open for model-number
quirks and feature trade-offs. Do that, and you’ll end up with a TV you loveat a price that doesn’t make you whisper,
“I should not have done that,” into a bag of popcorn.
Real-World Experiences (The 500-Word “You Might Relate” Section)
Experience #1: The “I Need It Before the Big Game” rush. You plan a watch party, your group chat starts
talking snacks, and suddenly your current TV feels like it’s the size of a tablet. This is where Super Bowl season shines:
you’ll see a lot of big-screen discounts, and you can often get delivery or pickup in timeif you don’t wait until the
last second. The classic lesson: the best deal is pointless if it arrives on Monday when everyone’s already arguing
about commercials they “totally predicted.”
Experience #2: The “Black Friday model mystery.” You find a TV with a shockingly low price and a model
number that looks like it was generated by a robot playing Scrabble. You search for reviews… and it’s like the TV doesn’t
exist anywhere else. This is when shoppers learn to slow down and compare specs, not just price tags. Sometimes it’s a
perfectly fine buyespecially for a spare roombut it might not match the performance of a similarly named mainstream model.
Experience #3: The “Spring temptation” trap. New models roll out and suddenly every product description
promises “AI-enhanced everything.” If you love having the latest tech, spring is exciting. But plenty of shoppers discover
that new-release prices are… let’s call them “confident.” The common compromise is waiting a little: either buy last year’s
premium model at a discount, or hold off until summer promos when the new models have their first meaningful markdowns.
Experience #4: The “Bigger isn’t always better” moment. Many people go huge and then realize their room
layout, seating distance, or lighting matters just as much as screen size. A very large budget TV can look underwhelming
in a bright room, while a slightly smaller but better panel can look stunning. The takeaway: match the TV to the room.
Bright room? Consider higher brightness and good reflection handling. Movie cave? Contrast becomes king.
Experience #5: The “I bought a TV… and then the price dropped” heartbreak. It happens. The healthiest
strategy is to check return windows and price adjustment policies before you buy, then stop doom-scrolling deal pages after
your purchase (unless you enjoy emotional turbulence as a hobby). The win here is choosing a buying window where prices are
generally low, so even if you don’t catch the absolute bottom, you still get a strong value. And honestly? The best TV deal
is the one you’re watching happily while everyone else is still researching.
