When Is the Best Time to Buy a TV? Key Trends & Savings Strategies
Buying a new TV is a significant investment, and timing your purchase can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. With new models launching annually and retailers offering seasonal discounts, knowing the best time to buy a TV can help you get the best deal.
In this 2025 TV buying guide, we’ll break down:
- The best months and sales events for TV discounts
- How new technology impacts pricing
- Smart shopping tips to maximize savings
- The best places to buy a TV
By the end, you’ll know exactly when and where to buy a TV for the lowest price in 2025.
Best Times of the Year to Buy a TV (2025 Guide)
1. January – Post-Holiday Clearance Sales
After the holiday rush, retailers aim to clear out old inventory to make room for new models. January is one of the best months to buy a TV because:
- Post-Christmas sales offer deep discounts on last year’s models
- Retailers reduce prices before new TVs debut at CES (Consumer Electronics Show)
- Expect price drops of 20-40% on high-end 4K, OLED, and QLED TVs
Pro Tip: Check for open-box deals at Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon for additional savings.
2. February – Super Bowl Sales
The Super Bowl is the biggest TV-buying event of the year after Black Friday. Retailers slash prices to attract viewers upgrading their home theaters.
- Best discounts on mid-range and large-screen TVs (55” to 85”). 65″ is a generous size for most, and we’ve shared our top picks for the Best 65-inch Smart TVs.
- Look for bundled deals (e.g., free soundbars or streaming subscriptions)
- Sales peak 2-3 weeks before the game
Top Brands on Sale: Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL
3. May – June – Spring & Early Summer Discounts
Late spring and early summer are slower sales periods, leading to unexpected TV deals.
- Retailers discount older models before new releases in late summer
- Memorial Day sales often include TV promotions
- Best for budget shoppers looking for cheap 4K TVs
4. Black Friday & Cyber Monday (November)
Black Friday remains the #1 day for TV deals, with record-low prices on:
- Budget TVs (TCL, Hisense, Vizio)
- High-end OLED & QLED TVs (LG C3, Samsung QN90C)
- Gaming TVs (with 120Hz refresh rates)
Cyber Monday extends discounts online, with exclusive web-only deals on Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.
5. December – Holiday & Year-End Clearance
If you miss Black Friday, December still offers strong discounts:
- Pre-Christmas sales (competing retailers lower prices)
- After-Christmas clearance (open-box and returned TVs at steep discounts)
- New year model anticipation drives down older TV prices
How TV Technology Affects Pricing (2025 Trends)
1. New TV Releases Drive Down Older Models
TV manufacturers (Samsung, LG, Sony) release new models in spring (March-April) and fall (September-October).
- Best time to buy last year’s model: Right before new releases (February & August)
- Example: LG OLED C3 prices drop when the LG C4 launches
2. 8K vs. 4K TVs – Is the Upgrade Worth It?
- 8K TVs are still niche (limited content, high prices)
- 4K TVs offer the best value (most streaming & gaming content is 4K)
- Best budget 4K TVs: TCL 6-Series, Hisense U8K
3. OLED vs. QLED – Which Should You Buy?
| Feature | OLED | QLED |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Dark room viewing, perfect blacks | Bright rooms, vibrant colors |
| Price Range | $$$ (Premium) | $$ (Mid-range) |
| Best 2025 Models | LG G4, Sony A95L | Samsung QN90D, TCL QM8 |
OLED prices drop significantly during Super Bowl and Black Friday sales. We’ve gone into a lot more details on this in our OLED vs QLED comparison.
Smart Shopping Tips to Save on a New TV
1. Consider Refurbished & Open-Box TVs
- Best Buy Open-Box: Often like-new with 15-30% discounts
- Amazon Renewed: Certified refurbished with warranty
- Manufacturer Refurbished: Direct from Samsung, LG, etc.
2. Wait for Flash Sales & Unadvertised Deals
- Prime Day (July) – Amazon’s summer sale event
- Walmart’s Rollbacks – Frequent unannounced discounts
- Target Circle Week – Member-exclusive TV deals
3. Negotiate at Local Retailers
- Smaller electronics stores may price-match or offer free accessories
- Ask about floor models (often sold at a discount)
Final Verdict: When Is the Best Time to Buy a TV in 2025?
| Best Time | Why Buy Then? | Expected Discounts |
|---|---|---|
| January | Post-holiday clearance | 20-40% off last year’s models |
| February | Super Bowl sales | Best deals on big-screen TVs |
| Black Friday | Lowest prices of the year | 50%+ off on select models |
| December | Year-end clearance | Last-minute holiday deals |
For the absolute best deal:
✅ Wait for Black Friday if you want the deepest discount
✅ Buy in January or February for high-end TVs at lower prices
✅ Check refurbished/open-box options for extra savings
Where to Buy a TV in 2025?
- Best Overall Retailer: Best Buy (price matching, open-box deals)
- Best Online Retailer: Amazon (fast shipping, frequent sales)
- Best Budget Options: Walmart (TCL, Hisense, Onn)
- Best for High-End TVs: Crutchfield (expert advice, premium brands)
Final Thoughts
Timing is everything when buying a TV. By targeting post-holiday sales, Super Bowl promotions, and Black Friday, you can secure a top-tier TV at a fraction of the retail price. Keep an eye on new model releases and use price tracking tools to ensure you never overpay.
Ready to upgrade? Bookmark this guide and check back for the latest 2025 TV deals!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is the cheapest time to buy a TV?
The cheapest times to buy a TV are:
Black Friday & Cyber Monday (November) – Deepest discounts
January & February – Post-holiday clearance & Super Bowl sales
July (Prime Day) – Amazon’s mid-year sale event
2. Are TVs cheaper before or after Black Friday?
TV prices drop significantly on Black Friday itself, but some early November deals may appear. However, the best prices are usually on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
3. Do TV prices drop when new models come out?
Yes! When new TV models launch (typically March-April & September-October), last year’s models get discounted by 20-40%.
4. Is Super Bowl weekend a good time to buy a TV?
Absolutely! Retailers offer big discounts on large-screen TVs (55” to 85”) in the 2-3 weeks before the Super Bowl.
5. Should I wait for 8K TVs to become cheaper?
Most experts say stick with 4K TVs in 2025 because:
8K content is still rare
4K TVs offer better value with more affordable pricing
6. Are OLED TVs worth the extra cost?
If you want perfect blacks and cinematic quality, OLED is worth it (especially for dark rooms). For bright rooms, QLED is a better (and cheaper) alternative.
7. Where is the best place to buy a TV?
Best Buy (price matching, open-box deals)
Amazon (fast shipping, frequent sales)
Walmart (best budget TVs)
Costco (extended warranties on select models)
8. Do stores negotiate TV prices?
Some retailers (like local electronics stores) may price-match or offer discounts if you ask. Big-box stores (Best Buy, Walmart) rarely negotiate.
9. Are refurbished TVs a good deal?
Yes, if bought from trusted sellers like:
Best Buy Open-Box (tested & certified)
Amazon Renewed (with warranty)
Manufacturer-refurbished (Samsung, LG, Sony)
Last update on 2025-05-09 at 05:28. Disclosure