On this page
The TV Price Calendar
TVs follow the most predictable pricing cycle of any consumer electronics category. New models are announced at CES in January and start hitting shelves between March and June. That means last year's models need to be cleared out, creating reliable discount windows throughout the year. Understanding this cycle can save you $200-500 on a major TV purchase.
January - March: Post-Holiday Clearance
Retailers are clearing holiday inventory, and CES announcements make current models feel outdated overnight. This is an excellent time to buy last year's high-end models at steep discounts. We've tracked 55-inch OLED TVs dropping 30-40% from their launch price during this window. The downside: selection can be limited since popular models may have sold out during the holidays.
April - June: New Models Arrive
New TV models start appearing on shelves, and retailers aggressively discount remaining prior-year stock. This is arguably the best window for value if you're flexible on the exact model. You'll find last year's mid-range TVs at this year's budget TV prices. Super Bowl sales in early February also offer strong promotions, as TV makers capitalize on the biggest TV-watching event of the year.
July: Prime Day and Summer Sales
Amazon Prime Day (usually mid-July) has become a major TV sales event. Best Buy, Walmart, and Target run competing promotions. We've seen current-year models discounted 15-25% during this period, which is unusual since they're only a few months old. This is the best time to buy if you want the latest technology at a discount.
August - September: The Dead Zone
TV prices plateau and sometimes increase slightly. Retailers aren't running major promotions, and the holiday sales are still months away. Avoid buying a TV during this window unless you find a genuine clearance deal on a discontinued model.
October - December: Black Friday and Beyond
Black Friday remains the single best day to buy a TV, especially if you want the current year's model. Discounts of 20-35% on current-year TVs are common. Cyber Monday typically offers similar deals with more inventory. One warning: some "Black Friday special" TVs are lower-spec models made specifically for the event. Always check the exact model number against reviews.
What Size TV Should You Buy?
The most common regret TV buyers report is buying too small. For a typical living room with 8-10 feet of viewing distance, a 55-inch TV is the minimum you should consider, and 65 inches is ideal. The price-per-inch drops significantly as you go larger. A 65-inch TV is typically only $200-300 more than the same model in 55 inches, but you're getting 40% more screen area.
OLED vs. LED: Is the Premium Worth It?
OLED TVs deliver perfect black levels and superior contrast, but they cost $500-1000 more than comparable LED models. For a dark room where you watch a lot of movies, OLED is worth the premium. For a bright living room with lots of windows, a high-end LED with local dimming zones will look nearly as good at a significantly lower price. Track both options on PriceMirage and buy whichever hits your target price first.
Set Up Price Alerts
The key to getting the best TV deal is patience and preparation. Search for the specific model you want on PriceMirage, review the 365-day price history to understand normal pricing, then set a price alert at 15-20% below the current selling price. When the next sale event hits, you'll get an instant notification if your target price is reached. No more manually checking five different retailer websites every day.