Maximize your savings and upgrade your home entertainment with this comprehensive guide to finding the best TV deals. A new TV is a significant investment, so smart shopping is key. While Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer deep discounts, savvy shoppers can find great deals throughout the year.
Prime Time for TV Deals:
- Black Friday & Cyber Monday (November): The undisputed champions of TV sales. Expect significant discounts across all price ranges, from budget-friendly options to high-end models. Online retailers like Amazon and brick-and-mortar stores like Best Buy and Walmart participate, offering both in-store and online deals. However, be prepared for competition and limited stock on the best deals.
-
Pre-Super Bowl (Mid-January to Early February): Retailers often restock after the holiday rush, leading to attractive deals on TVs. Older models are frequently discounted more heavily, making room for new spring releases. This is a good time to find larger screen sizes at competitive prices. We're already seeing deals on Samsung OLEDs.
-
Springtime (March - Memorial Day): Manufacturers release new models, creating opportunities to snag deals on last year's models. These often have minimal differences from their successors, offering excellent value.
-
Amazon Prime Day (Mid-July): While not as extensive as Black Friday, Prime Day offers significant discounts, primarily on older models. Other retailers frequently run competing sales during this period.
- Holiday Weekends (Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day): Expect smaller sales events with more limited selection, but still a chance for decent savings. Presidents' Day sales are currently underway at Best Buy.
Understanding TV Release Cycles:
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January previews upcoming models. New TVs typically launch in spring (around March), with discounts on older models appearing then. The best deals on the latest models usually emerge during the fall, culminating in Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Top TV Brands and Their 2025 Offerings:
-
Samsung: Focuses on high-end models with minor upgrades from previous years. Expect improved brightness and gaming features.
-
LG: Offers upgraded OLED evo TVs with AI features and improved "Brightness Booster Ultimate" technology. The G5 gaming TV boasts a 4K 165Hz variable refresh rate.
-
Hisense: Continues to impress with higher-end ULED models featuring 144Hz refresh rates. The 136" MicroLED TV is a standout.
-
Vizio: Made minor improvements to its lineup in 2024, removing the top-line P-series. The M-series and budget-friendly V-series remain.
-
TCL: Made significant changes in 2024, introducing the Q- and S-series, with the QM8 as its flagship. The new QM6K Mini LED TV was announced at CES 2025.
-
Roku: Expanded its own Roku TV lineup in 2024, offering various models focused on streaming.
Top Budget TV Picks for 2025:
- Hisense 65U6N: Excellent color accuracy, contrast, and features at a low price.
- TCL 55Q750G: Impressive QLED TV with great contrast and brightness, capable of 144Hz in 4K with VRR.
- Hisense 50U6HF: Affordable with Amazon Fire TV OS.
Remember to compare prices and features before making a purchase. Happy shopping!
