You’re set to pop popcorn, grab a beverage and stream a flick when you realize your television could use an upgrade. But is this the ideal moment to buy a TV?
Like many electronics, televisions have peak periods during the year when discounts are more common. Whether it’s because manufacturers release new lines or retailers run holiday promotions, this guide will help you determine the best time to purchase a new TV.
We’ll also share a few tips to save cash while shopping and highlight the features to consider on your next set.
What’s the Best Time to Buy a TV?
Why do certain times of year tend to yield better bargains?
Generally, manufacturers reduce prices when new models arrive, and retailers push promotions around shopping events like Cyber Monday, Black Friday or Labor Day.
That makes January—when manufacturers roll out new models—and November—when major shopping holidays occur—some of the best months to score TV deals.
Below are several times of year when you might want to shop for a television from your preferred electronics retailer.
January — Super Bowl and Consumer Electronics Show
The Super Bowl is the nation’s biggest televised sporting event—and retailers know fans want sharp, immersive viewing. That’s when TV discounts typically appear.
With the Super Bowl usually airing in February, stores begin advertising deals in January. Keep tabs on major electronics sellers in the weeks before the game to catch bargains.
Another reason for attractive TV discounts at this time is the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas each January. Makers unveil their newest televisions there, which often pushes older models onto sale shortly afterward.
November and July — Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Amazon Prime Day
There are regular holidays, and then there are shopping-specific events. You know the trio—Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Prime Day. Retailers and brands prepare all year for the promotions they launch on these dates.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday historically deliver steep savings, with Black Friday typically presenting the year’s strongest TV bargains. The only downside is braving post-feast shopping—though Cyber Monday lets you shop from home.
These two major holiday shopping days make November one of the top months to buy a TV.
Amazon’s Prime Day in July also showcases numerous deals, TVs included. The bonus is you can usually shop from your couch, similar to Cyber Monday.
Year-Round — National Holidays
Many stores also roll out solid electronics offers on various holiday weekends. While these discounts might not match Black Friday’s extremes, they can still net you meaningful savings.
Monitoring retailers ahead of each holiday is a smart strategy. If you find a TV you want, check back periodically—surprising price drops can appear.
Some holiday sales you might watch for include:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Presidents Day
- St. Patrick’s Day
- Easter
- Memorial Day
- Mother’s Day
- Father’s Day
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day
3 Tips to Save on a New TV
When shopping for a television, a few strategies can help you find bargains. Your ideal TV could be more affordable than you expect.
1. Don’t Chase the Newest Technology
It’s tempting to buy the latest model, but that often carries a premium. Early generations of tech are frequently pricey and sometimes under-refined.
Choosing mid-range models instead of the flagship options can save you significant money while still delivering excellent performance.
When HD first hit the market, initial units carried shocking price tags. Prices fell quickly as the tech matured, showing that paying top dollar for first-run hardware is rarely necessary.
2. Consider a Refurbished or Open-Box TV
Refurbished electronics can be a great value. Buying a refurbished TV might feel risky, but purchasing from a trustworthy seller that includes at least a one-year warranty reduces that concern.
Open-box TVs are another way to cut costs. Returned items in nearly-new condition are often resold at a discount because retailers can’t list them as brand-new. Just verify the original warranty comes with the purchase.
3. Be Patient
Patience often pays off. Ask yourself if you need a new TV immediately or if you can wait for a sale. Retailers regularly run promotions, so prices frequently fluctuate.
You can use tools like camelcamelcamel to track product prices over time. These services can help you gauge whether now is a smart time to buy—or if a better deal will likely appear.
How to Find the Perfect TV for You
When selecting a television, which characteristics matter most? Cutting-edge features tend to cost more, and a pricier TV doesn’t always equate to better value.
Keep the following factors in mind while shopping for a new set.
- Screen Size: Larger isn’t always better. Measure the space where the TV will sit to ensure a proper fit. Often, opting for a slightly smaller screen in the same price range delivers superior color and resolution.
- Resolution: Today, 4K is a smart choice for new sets. Although many broadcasters still use 1080p, streaming services commonly offer 4K content. Hold off on 8K for now—there’s limited content available.
- Refresh Rate: Don’t get overly fixated on refresh rates unless gaming is a priority. Modern consoles can support up to 120 Hz for smoother gameplay, so consider higher refresh rates if you need that performance.
- Color: Color reproduction is critical yet often overlooked. For vibrant pictures, look for LED-backlit models and TVs with HDR support, which noticeably enhance image quality.
- Connectivity: You don’t need to rely on a TV’s built-in “smart” platform. External streaming devices—such as Roku, Amazon Fire Stick or Apple TV—often provide a better experience. Focus less on whether the TV is smart and more on buying a reliable external box if needed.
Also consider checking resources about the best time to buy appliances for planning larger household purchases alongside your TV shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The prime month to buy a TV is typically November, due to strong deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. You can also find excellent discounts in January before the Super Bowl and during sales tied to national holidays.
If you want a new TV, the top strategy is patient vigilance. Track sales around holidays when retailers are most likely to slash prices, and consider refurbished or open-box options that come with warranties.
TVs go on sale frequently. If the model you want isn’t discounted now, it likely will be soon—especially around major shopping events like Thanksgiving weekend.
Lauren Mitchell is a senior writer for Savinly covering consumer tech.
