Walk into an electronics store in May, and then again in November, and you might see the exact same television priced hundreds of dollars apart. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Unlike smartphones or cars, which have fairly predictable pricing, TV prices fluctuate wildly based on a specific annual cycle that the manufacturers rely on to move inventory.
Whether you are a casual viewer just wanting a good deal on a 65-inch screen for the living room, or a pixel-peeping enthusiast waiting for the latest OLED panels to drop in price, timing is everything.
As we kick off 2026, here is the definitive guide to playing the market and saving your wallet.
The “Product Lifecycle” (Or, Why Prices Drop)
To understand when to buy, you have to understand how TVs are released. The TV industry runs like clockwork:
- January (CES): Manufacturers (Sony, Samsung, LG, TCL, etc.) announce their new models at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
- Spring (March–May): These new models actually hit the store shelves.
- The Rest of the Year: Prices slowly erode until the next cycle begins.
This cycle creates distinct windows of opportunity. Here they are, ranked from best to worst.
The Absolute Best Time:
“Spring Cleaning” (March – April)
If you want a high-end TV (like an OLED or a Mini-LED) at the lowest possible price, this is your golden window.
Why?
Right now, in early 2026, the new 2026 models announced at CES are shipping to retailers. Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart need to make physical space in their warehouses for these new boxes. To do that, they have to aggressively clear out the “old” 2025 stock.
The Strategy:
You aren’t looking for the “New Release” sign. You are looking for last year’s flagship model.
Enthusiast Tip:
A top-tier TV from 2025 (like an LG C5 or Samsung S95E) is still an incredible piece of technology. The 2026 replacement might be only 5-10% brighter but will cost 40% more. Buying the previous year’s flagship in April is widely considered the smartest move in the A/V world.
The Runner Up:
Super Bowl Season
(Late January – Early February)
In the U.S., the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl drive a massive spike in TV sales, specifically for large screens (65-inch, 75-inch, and 85-inch).
Why?
Retailers know people want to host parties for the big game. They also know that new models are coming in March, so they combine “clearance” pricing with “event” marketing.
The Strategy:
This is the best time to buy mid-range, large LED/LCD TVs. If you just want the biggest screen possible for your budget, buy two weeks before kickoff.
The “Good, But Be Careful” Time:
Black Friday (November)
Black Friday (and Cyber Monday) is famous for doorbuster deals, but for TVs, it is a minefield. Yes, you will see the lowest absolute prices of the year, but quality often takes a hit.
Why?
While flagship models do see discounts, many of the TVs advertised in big bold letters during the holidays are budget models.
The Strategy:
If you buy on Black Friday, stick to known premium model numbers. If you see a model number that looks slightly different than the one you researched in July (extra letters, slightly different suffix), Google it carefully. It might be a stripped-down version made specifically to be sold cheaply in November.
The Worst Time:
Early Summer (May – June)
This is the “Early Adopter Tax” season.
Why?
By May, the previous year’s stock is mostly gone. The shelves are full of the brand-new 2026 models that just arrived. Because they are new, they are selling at full MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price).
The Strategy:
Unless you are a wealthy tech reviewer or absolutely must have the newest feature (like a specific new gaming processor introduced this year), do not buy a TV in June. You are paying peak prices for technology that will be 20% cheaper by the holidays.
Final Verdict
If you are reading this and your current TV just died, don’t panic. You can find a deal year-round if you look hard enough.
But if you have the luxury of waiting, aim for the Spring Clearance. That is where the smart money goes—getting 95% of the performance of a new TV for 60% of the price.