The best time to buy a TV: A month-by-month guide
When TV prices are lowest, why, and how to time a purchase around new model launches.
The best time to buy a TV is Black Friday through Cyber Monday, when most TVs hit their lowest prices of the year. The next best times are January to early February, before the Super Bowl, and spring, when new models launch and last year's models are cleared out. Early October sales now come close to Black Friday prices too.
TV prices through the year
| Month | What happens | Good time to buy? |
|---|---|---|
| January | CES announces new models; post-holiday sales | Yes, on last year's models |
| Late Jan.–early Feb. | Super Bowl sales on big screens | Yes |
| March–May | New models launch at full price; older models discounted | Yes, on outgoing models |
| June–August | Few big sales; July Prime Day | Sometimes |
| September | New-model prices start to fall | Fair |
| October | October Prime Day and early holiday sales | Yes, close to Black Friday |
| November | Black Friday and Cyber Monday | Best |
| December | Prices hold, then drift up after Cyber Monday | Fair |
Why Black Friday is usually best
By November, TVs launched in the spring are six to nine months old, and retailers want to clear stock before next year's models arrive. That's why OLED and mini-LED TVs often hit their lowest prices of the year then. This year the LG 55-inch B6 OLED was already down to $699 at Best Buy in late October, matching its October Prime Day low. See our Black Friday TV deals for current prices.
Super Bowl sales
In the weeks before the Super Bowl, retailers discount big screens, usually 65 inches and up. Prices are often close to Black Friday on the same models. If you missed November, late January and early February are the next best window.
Spring: new models vs. last year's
Most TV makers launch new lines between March and May. New models start at full price and drop over the following months. At the same time, last year's models get cleared out, often at good prices, though popular sizes can sell out. The year-to-year picture improvements are usually small, so last year's model is often the better buy.
When not to buy
- Right after a new model launches, unless you need a specific new feature.
- In summer, outside Prime Day, when there are few big sales.
- In December after Cyber Monday, when most deals have ended.
How to know you're getting a good price
Check the price history, compare the exact model number and look at two or three stores. Our guide on how to tell if a Black Friday deal is real walks through each check. For Black Friday dates and store hours, see When is Black Friday 2026?.
Picking the right TV
For gaming, look for HDMI 2.1 and a 120Hz panel; for bright rooms, mini-LED or a glare-resistant OLED; for movies in dark rooms, OLED. LG and Sony TVs are on our LG and Sony deal pages. Don't forget sound and setup: our TV and soundbar bundles and TV wall mounting cost guides cover both.
Questions
What month are TVs cheapest?
November, around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Late January and early February are next.
Should I wait for new TV models?
Usually not. Last year's models are often a better value once new ones launch in the spring.
Are TVs cheaper before the Super Bowl?
Yes. Retailers discount big screens in late January and early February.
Is October Prime Day as good as Black Friday for TVs?
Close. Many October lows were matched, not beaten, in early Black Friday sales.
- 2026 TV sale prices: Tom's Guide (Oct. 25, 2026)
- Seasonal price patterns based on retailer sale calendars and published price histories
Jean founded ShopHighSpeed after trying to find one straight answer about business internet in his own town. He has been a Comcast and Verizon Fios customer, and ranks providers on what they actually deliver, not on what they advertise.