When Is the Best Time to Purchase TVs? A Month by Month Guide
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A month by month calendar of TV sales, model release cycles and deal tactics, plus what to check before you buy.
TV prices move more than almost any other electronics category, and the same set can cost hundreds of dollars less just a few weeks later. Timing your purchase around sales events and model release cycles is the easiest way to get more screen for your money. The best time to purchase tvs is the stretch from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, but several other windows during the year deliver strong deals too.
This month by month guide explains when prices typically drop, why they drop and how to tell a real deal from a fake one.
Quick Answer: When Is the Best Time to Buy TVs?
The best time to buy a TV is late November, from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, when discounts on popular 4K, Mini LED and OLED models are usually the deepest of the year. The weeks before the Super Bowl in late January and early February, plus spring when new models arrive and previous models are cleared out, are the next best windows.
Prices fall at these times for different reasons. Holiday sales are about volume and competition between retailers. Super Bowl sales target sports fans who want a bigger screen for the big game. Spring and early summer discounts happen because manufacturers launch new lineups, so stores need to clear last year's stock.
TVs That Often See Big Discounts
These three TVs from the product table above represent the types of models that regularly see strong seasonal deals.
Best Time to Purchase TVs: Months and Sales Events to Watch
TV deals follow a fairly predictable calendar each year. Knowing it lets you plan ahead instead of buying at full price.
Holiday Sales Calendar
| Month | Event | Typical Discount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January to early February | Super Bowl sales | around 10 to 30 percent | Strong deals on large screens, 65 inches and up |
| February | Presidents Day | around 10 to 25 percent | Clearance of previous year models begins |
| March to May | New model launches, Memorial Day | around 15 to 30 percent on old models | Great time for last year's flagships |
| July | Prime Day, July 4th | around 15 to 35 percent | Best for Amazon Fire TVs and select brands |
| September | Labor Day | around 10 to 25 percent | Good midyear deals before the holidays |
| October | Fall Prime sale and early holiday deals | around 15 to 30 percent | Preview of Black Friday pricing |
| November | Black Friday, Cyber Monday | around 20 to 50 percent | Deepest discounts of the year |
| December | Holiday and post Christmas sales | around 10 to 30 percent | Leftover deals and open box bargains |
Discount ranges are general patterns rather than guarantees. Entry level and store brand TVs often see the largest percentage drops, while premium OLED models tend to see smaller percentages but larger dollar savings.
New Model Release Cycles
Most major brands announce new TVs at CES in January, then release them between March and June. When new models arrive, previous year models drop in price to clear inventory. Because year over year changes are often small, last year's flagship can be the best value, delivering nearly the same picture quality for far less money. Premium OLED and Mini LED TVs from LG, Samsung, Sony, TCL and Hisense follow this pattern closely.
Off Season Buying
Late summer and early fall can be quiet for TV sales, which sometimes leads to unadvertised price cuts as retailers balance stock before the holidays. Late December and early January can also bring open box and returned units at steep discounts. If you are flexible on the exact model, watching for these off season drops can deliver savings close to Black Friday levels.
How to Get the Best Deal on TVs
Timing is only part of the strategy. Use a price tracker or browser extension to see a TV's price history, which tells you whether a sale price is genuinely low or just back to normal after an inflated list price. Set alerts for the models you want so you are notified as soon as prices drop.
Consider open box, refurbished and Amazon Renewed TVs, which often come with warranties and can save around 15 to 30 percent. Compare bundles carefully; free soundbars or streaming credits can add value, but only if you would have bought them anyway. Check return policies, since holiday purchases often get extended return windows. Finally, be wary of special derivative models made just for Black Friday, which may use cheaper panels or fewer HDMI 2.1 ports than similar looking models.
When It Makes Sense Not to Wait
Waiting for the perfect sale is not always worth it. If your current TV has failed and you rely on it daily, buying now at a fair price is reasonable, especially since frequent smaller sales happen year round. If repair costs exceed half the price of a comparable new TV, replacing it usually makes more sense.
It also makes sense to buy when a specific model you want hits its historical low price, regardless of the month. Price trackers make this easy to spot. Finally, if you want a TV for a specific event, such as a big game or a holiday gathering, buy early enough to set it up and calibrate it.
What to Check Before You Buy
A great deal is only great if the TV suits your needs. Check these key features before you buy.
Adaptive Sync and Gaming Features
Gamers should look for HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K at 120Hz support, variable refresh rate including FreeSync or G Sync compatibility and auto low latency mode. These features make PS5, Xbox Series X and PC gaming smoother and more responsive.
HDR and Brightness
HDR formats like Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HDR10+ improve contrast and color. Brightness matters for HDR highlights and bright rooms; Mini LED and QD OLED TVs typically reach higher peak brightness than entry level LED models.
Connectivity and Ports
Check the number of HDMI ports, especially HDMI 2.1, and whether one supports eARC for soundbars. WiFi 6 helps 4K streaming stability, and USB ports are useful for storage and accessories.
Panel Technology (LED, Mini LED, OLED)
Standard LED TVs are affordable but have limited contrast. Mini LED TVs use many local dimming zones for better contrast and brightness. OLED TVs deliver perfect blacks and wide viewing angles but cost more and may risk burn in with static images over very long periods.
Size and Viewing Distance
Measure your space and seating distance. For 4K TVs, a common guideline is to sit about 1 to 1.5 times the screen size away, so a 65 inch TV suits seating around 5.5 to 8 feet away.
Smart Deal Strategy by TV Type
Different types of TVs see their best prices at slightly different times. Budget LED TVs and store brand models, such as Insignia and TCL's entry lines, often see their steepest discounts on Black Friday, sometimes dropping to impulse buy prices. If you want an affordable TV for a bedroom or kitchen, late November is usually the best window.
Mid range Mini LED TVs from TCL, Hisense and Samsung see strong deals during Black Friday, Super Bowl sales and Prime Day. Premium OLED and high end Mini LED TVs from LG, Sony and Samsung typically reach their lowest prices in the months after the next generation launches, usually spring through fall, and again during Black Friday. If you want the best possible picture for less, last year's OLED during fall sales is often the sweet spot.
How to Prepare for Black Friday TV Deals
Because late November is the best time to purchase tvs for most shoppers, a little preparation pays off. Start in October by deciding on the size, panel type and features you need, then shortlist two or three models. Write down their full model numbers so you can spot cheaper derivative versions that look similar but use different panels or fewer ports.
Track those models with price alerts during October, since early holiday sales often reveal how low prices may go. Measure your wall or stand space, check the TV's stand width and weight and confirm your entertainment center can support it. If you plan to wall mount, buy a compatible VESA mount ahead of time.
On the day of the sale, compare prices across major retailers and check whether the deal includes extended return windows. Many holiday purchases can be returned into January, which lets you buy with confidence and request a price adjustment or return if an even better deal appears. Finally, inspect the TV for dead pixels and uniformity issues as soon as you unbox it, while the return window is still open.
FAQs
Do prices really drop on Black Friday?
Yes, TV prices genuinely drop on Black Friday, often to the lowest levels of the year. However, some doorbuster models are special versions with fewer features. Use price history tools to confirm a deal is real and compare model numbers carefully.
Is Prime Day better than Black Friday?
Black Friday is usually better for TVs overall, while Prime Day can match it for specific brands. Prime Day often has excellent prices on Amazon Fire TVs and select models, but Black Friday covers more brands and retailers with deeper discounts.
Should I buy last year's model?
Yes, last year's model is often the best value. Year over year improvements are usually small, while discounts on previous models can be substantial. Check that it still receives software updates and has the ports and features you need.
Is 4K worth it?
Yes, 4K is worth it for any TV around 43 inches or larger. Most streaming services, consoles and Blu ray discs support 4K, and prices are now similar to 1080p TVs. 8K remains unnecessary for most people due to limited content.
How long do TVs last?
Most modern TVs last around seven to ten years with normal use. LED and Mini LED TVs often last longer, while OLED TVs can last many years with proper care. Software support may end sooner, but a streaming device can extend a TV's useful life.
What size should I get for my room?
Choose a size based on viewing distance: about 55 inches for 4.5 to 7 feet, 65 inches for 5.5 to 8 feet and 75 inches or larger for 6.5 feet and beyond. Bigger screens feel more immersive, and many people wish they had bought larger after setup.
Final Thoughts
The best time to purchase tvs is Black Friday through Cyber Monday, with Super Bowl sales and spring model changeovers close behind. Track prices, consider last year's models and confirm key features like HDMI 2.1 and HDR before you buy. Compare the TVs in the product table above to see which models fit your room and budget when the next big sale arrives.
