What is the best time to buy a TV?
For most buyers, the best time to buy a TV is during the November sales period, or in spring when last year's models are cleared. November often brings the lowest prices on popular sets. Spring often brings the best value on older models that are still excellent.
That is the short answer. The longer answer depends on what you want. If you want the lowest price on a good set, shop when stores clear old stock. If you want a specific new model, you may pay more, but you can still avoid the worst prices. If your TV has just broken, the best time is usually now, with a few careful checks.
This guide gives you a calendar, explains why prices move, and shows you how to tell a real sale from a fake one. It also covers hidden costs and the cases where waiting does not help. Dates and habits differ by country, so treat the calendar as a pattern to check, not a promise.
When do TV prices usually drop during the year?
TV prices follow a rhythm. New lineups are shown early in the year. They reach shops in spring and early summer. Stores then need space for the next wave, and sales events pull prices down across the year. Here is a general pattern. It is not exact for every market.
- January to February: New models are shown at trade events. Some stores start to clear old stock. In some countries, big sports finals bring promotions on large screens.
- March to May: New models arrive. Last year's models often fall in price, sometimes a lot. This is a strong time for buyers who do not need the newest features.
- June to July: Mid-year sales and store events appear in many markets. Dates vary by retailer and country. Some are strong. Some are mostly marketing.
- August to October: Often quieter. Early holiday offers begin. Stock of older models may be thin, so your choice can be smaller.
- November: Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the best known events. Singles' Day on 11 November is big in Asia and also appears online in other regions. Many stores cut prices on popular sizes.
- December: Year end clearance and Boxing Day sales appear in the UK, Canada, Australia and other places. Some deals match November. Some are weaker.
Two points matter here. First, the lowest price for a given model is often in its second year, after the next model is out. Second, a big event does not mean a good price. It means more discounts, and more fake ones too.
Why do TV prices fall when new models arrive?
Brands release a new range each year. Stores do not want to hold last year's range once the new one is in stock. They lower the price to clear shelves. Often the new range is only a small step up. The picture may look almost the same in a shop.
This is the main reason last year's model is a smart buy. You get most of the quality for less money. The gap in price can be larger than the gap in picture quality.
A few things to know about model cycles:
- Model names often include a year code or series code. Look up what it means for that brand.
- Stock runs out. The best clearance prices can disappear when the last units sell.
- Prices on new models usually fall slowly over their first year. They rarely crash at launch.
- Entry level sets move differently. They get cheap all year, so timing matters less.
If you want the newest model, expect to wait several months for a real drop. If you can accept last year's model, you can often buy sooner and save more.
How can you tell a real TV sale from a fake one?
A real sale means the price is lower than what the same TV normally sells for. A fake sale compares the price to a number that was never real. The way to check is simple. Compare the sale price to the price history, not to the crossed out "was" price.
Use these six checks before you buy:
- Check the price history. A price history tool or a saved record of past pages shows what the TV cost over recent months. If it was the same price three weeks ago, the sale is not new.
- Question the "was" price. A high list price that few stores charge is a warning sign. Look at what two or three other stores charge for the exact same model.
- Match the full model number. Some stores sell versions made only for them. The name looks the same, but the number differs. This makes price comparison hard. It can also hide a weaker spec.
- Distrust timers and stock warnings. A countdown that resets, or a "only a few left" message with no proof, is pressure. Real deals do not need it. Close the page and come back later to see whether the timer restarted.
- Read what "up to" means. "Up to 40% off" usually means one model has that discount. Your model may have far less.
- Look at who sells it. On a marketplace, the seller may be a third party. Check returns, warranty and whether the set is new, open box or refurbished.
No single check is perfect. Two or three together give you a clear picture. If a deal fails more than one, skip it.
Worked example: is this Black Friday TV deal actually good?
These numbers are an example. They are not real prices.
A store shows a 55 inch TV as "was 1,000, now 700. Save 30%." You look at the price history. The set sold for 750 in the spring and 720 for most of the autumn. You check two other stores. They sell the same model for 740 and 730.
- Advertised saving: 300 off the "was" price.
- Real saving against the usual price of about 720: about 20.
- Real saving against other stores today: about 30 to 40.
The deal is fine, but it is not a 30% saving. It is a small saving of around 3% to 5%. Now suppose last year's model with the same panel type is at 650 in a clearance. That may be the better buy, if the specs you care about match.
The lesson is simple. Judge the deal by the real price you would otherwise pay, not by the number the store shows you.
What hidden costs and mistakes can wipe out a TV discount?
A low sticker price does not always mean a low total cost. Check these before you pay:
- Delivery and installation. Large TVs may cost extra to ship or set up.
- Wall mount and cables. A mount can cost a noticeable amount. Check the size and the wall type.
- Sound. Thin TVs often have weak speakers. A soundbar may be a second purchase.
- Extended warranty. Check what your local consumer law and credit card already cover before paying for more.
- Returns. Some stores charge a fee or shorten the return window during big sales. Read the policy.
- Import taxes and local tuners. If you buy from abroad, check duties, warranty coverage and whether the TV supports your local broadcast standard and power supply.
- Running costs. Larger and brighter sets use more power. Check the energy label where it is shown.
These are the most common buying mistakes:
- Buying a "doorbuster" set without checking its specs. It may have fewer ports, a weaker panel or a lower refresh rate than the model you saw in reviews.
- Choosing by screen size alone. Panel type, brightness and how it handles a bright room matter too.
- Skipping a measurement. Measure your space and your stand before you order.
- Comparing the sale price to a different model. Always match the full model number.
- Buying in a rush because of a timer.
- Ignoring the return window. Test the set in the first days. Check for dead pixels, uneven lighting and sound.
When does this timing advice not apply?
Timing helps most for mainstream sets from big brands. There are cases where it helps less.
- Your TV has failed. Waiting months costs you more in lost use than you may save. Buy a sensible set now and use price checks to avoid a bad deal.
- You want a brand new model. Early prices stay high. Waiting can save money, but only if you can live without it.
- You buy a budget set. Small, cheap TVs are discounted often. The gap between a sale price and a normal price can be small.
- Your market has a different calendar. Some countries have no Black Friday effect. Local holidays, new year sales or festival sales may matter more. Check what your local stores do.
- Stock is limited. In some places, popular sizes sell out during events. If a good price on the right model appears, a fair deal now can beat a hoped for better deal later.
- Prices are affected by outside shocks. Supply problems, exchange rates and taxes can change the usual pattern. Past years are a guide, not a rule.
A good rule: if the price is fair, the specs fit and the return policy is clear, do not lose sleep over saving a little more.
What is a simple plan to buy a TV at the right price?
Follow these steps. They work in any month.
- Set your needs. Decide on size, room light, budget and use, such as films, sport or gaming.
- Make a short list. Pick two or three models from independent reviews. Write down the full model numbers.
- Track prices. Check the price history and watch for a few weeks if you can.
- Know your target. Set a price you would be happy to pay. Base it on the real recent low, not the "was" price.
- Compare stores. Include delivery, returns and warranty. Add the cost of a mount or sound if you need them.
- Look at last year's model. If the difference in features is small, the older set may be better value.
- Buy and test. Check the picture and sound in the return window.
A note on codes and coupons. A coupon only helps if it applies to the TV you want and lowers the final price. On 2026-11-06, the offers we had on file were from HTVRONT and covered craft tools such as heat presses and a temporary tattoo printer. For example, the code MAF90 offered €90 off an A100 Auto Heat Press in the EU store. None of them applies to TVs, so we do not suggest them here. Offers may have changed since that date. When you find a TV coupon elsewhere, check the code's terms, the product it covers and the final price at checkout.
We may earn a commission if you use a link on DealPortal. It does not change the advice in this guide.
FAQ: Buying a TV at the right time
Is Black Friday really the best time to buy a TV?
It is often a good time, but not always the best for every model. Stores cut prices on many popular sets, and some reach their lowest of the year. Others are cheaper in spring clearance. Always compare against price history, and check that the sale model matches the one in reviews.
Is it better to buy a TV in spring or in November?
Spring is often better for last year's models, as new ranges arrive and stores clear stock. November is often better for current popular models, because of the wide range of sales. If you are flexible on the model, spring can give strong value. If you want the widest choice of deals, November is the main event.
Do TV prices drop after the Super Bowl or other big sports events?
Prices often fall before big sports finals, as stores promote large screens. After the event, some stores keep prices low and some do not. The pattern is mostly seen in certain markets, so check what your local stores do in the weeks around major events.
Should I buy last year's TV model?
Often yes. Last year's model usually costs less and looks similar to the new one. Check that the specs you care about are the same, such as ports, brightness and sound. Also check the warranty and return terms, since clearance stock can vary.
How do I know if a TV discount is fake?
Compare the sale price to the price history and to other stores. If the "was" price is higher than anyone has charged, the saving is not real. Match the full model number too, since some stores sell versions that only look the same.
Is it worth waiting for a better price?
Only if you can live without a TV or if your current one works. Waiting can save money, but it is not guaranteed. If you find a fair price on the right model with a good return window, buying now is a reasonable choice.
