Best Time to Buy a TV in 2026
The best time to buy a TV in 2026 is Black Friday or Super Bowl season — when 50"+ TVs hit annual lows and OLEDs finally go on sale.
Buying a TV at the wrong time can cost you hundreds of dollars. Prices on televisions follow predictable seasonal patterns — tied to manufacturer release cycles, major sporting events, and retail holiday calendars. Knowing when to buy (and when to hold off) can save you 20–40% off the same model, with zero compromise on quality.
The Short Answer
The absolute best times to buy a TV in 2026 are Black Friday/Cyber Monday (November) and Super Bowl season (late January – early February). If you can wait, those two windows consistently produce the deepest discounts.
Why TV Prices Drop When They Do
TV manufacturers release new models in the spring (typically March–May), which means last year's models get heavily discounted to clear inventory. Retailers also slash prices during major shopping events to drive foot traffic and online sales.
When Should You Buy a TV in 2026?
January – February — Super Bowl Season
Retailers know millions of Americans want a new TV for the big game. Expect 15–25% off mid-range and large-screen TVs from mid-January through early February.
March – April — New Model Releases
New lineups hit shelves and previous-generation TVs drop 10–20%. A 2025 model in March 2026 is often nearly identical to the new model at a fraction of the price.
May — Memorial Day
A solid secondary sale event with 10–15% off. Worth watching if you need a TV now.
June – September — The Slow Season
Prices stabilize. Avoid buying during this period unless you find a clearance deal on a specific model you've been tracking.
October — Early Black Friday Previews
Retailers increasingly start Black Friday deals in early October. If you see a price that looks like a Black Friday deal, it probably is.
November — Black Friday / Cyber Monday
The biggest TV sale event of the year. 50"–75" TVs frequently hit their annual price lows. OLED TVs often see their only significant discounts here (15–25% off).
December — Holiday Sales
Prices creep back up after Black Friday but remain below MSRP. Good for gifts, but not ideal if you can wait until January.
How to Avoid Overpaying for a TV
- Track the specific model number, not just the size. A 65" TV "on sale" might be a lower-tier panel than the model you were comparing last month. Always compare model numbers exactly.
- Don't buy a new TV model in its first 3 months. Early production pricing is at its highest. Wait for the first reviews to land and the first price cut.
- OLED and QLED panels hold their price longer than budget LCDs. If you're buying premium, patience saves the most — Black Friday can knock $300–$500 off high-end sets.
- Watch for open-box deals at Best Buy and Costco. Returned TVs with no visible damage frequently sell for 20–30% less than new.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Black Friday or Super Bowl better for TV deals?
- Black Friday has the deepest overall discounts. Super Bowl season is more predictable for large-screen sizes (65"–85") and targets mid-range models. If you want an OLED, wait for Black Friday.
- Do TV prices drop after the Super Bowl?
- Yes — but the drop is smaller than before. If you miss the Super Bowl window, the next meaningful sale is March–April when new models push prior-year stock to clearance pricing.
- Should I wait for new 2026 TV models?
- New models launch in spring. If you can wait until March–May, you can often buy a 2025 model for 20–30% less than it sold for in November — and the picture quality difference is minimal.
- Are OLED TVs worth waiting for?
- Yes. OLED prices are sticky most of the year. Black Friday is virtually the only time 65" OLEDs drop significantly — often the only $300–$500 discount of the year.
Track Live TV Prices
TimeYourBuy monitors price history and shows a buy signal for each TV below. See whether today's price is near the historical low — or if a better deal is coming.