When’s the Best Time to Buy a TV? Our Expert Advice for 2026

When’s the best time to buy a TV? Here’s how to save big.

FAQS & Tutorials - Updated 9th January 2026

When’s the Best Time to Buy a TV? Our Expert Advice for 2026

Written By

Elliott Peeters-Vanstone

Should You Buy Last Year's TV Model or Wait for the New?

Buying a new TV can feel a bit like timing the stock market. Prices rise, prices fall and choosing the right moment can save you a serious amount of money. But should you wait for the next big sale, snap up last year’s flagship at a discount, or hold out for the latest models?

At Smart Home Sounds, we see this play out every year. We track release cycles, price drops and real buying behaviour across LG, Samsung, Sony and more. And while there’s no single “perfect” moment for everyone, there are clear patterns that can help you buy smarter.

If you want the best TV for your money, here’s when to buy, when to wait and how to choose the right type of TV once you’re ready.

Jump To:

Best Times of the Year to Buy a TV
Should You Buy Now or Wait?
What TV To Choose If You're Buying Today
Our Verdict

Explore Our Range of TVs

Updated for 2026: This guide reflects the latest TV release cycles, pricing trends and clearance opportunities across current and previous-generation models.

The Best Times of the Year to Buy a TV

TV prices follow a predictable cycle. Knowing where we are in that cycle makes a huge difference to what kind of deal you can expect...

Black Friday & Cyber Monday

If you’re hunting for the absolute lowest prices, Black Friday (November) and Cyber Monday (December) are hard to beat. Discounts tend to focus on popular sizes and mainstream models, with strong deals across OLED, Mini LED and large-screen TVs.

That said, stock can sell out fast, so it’s always good to act quickly when you spot a great deal. It’s also worth knowing that some retailers inflate prices beforehand to make discounts seem bigger. So, we’d recommend doing a bit of research on price history can help ensure you’re getting the best value before you buy.

Best For: Big discounts on the most popular models!

Spring Clearance Sales

If you’re looking for maximum value, spring (roughly March to June) is consistently one of the best times to buy a TV.

This is when new models begin to launch, and retailers start clearing out the previous year’s stock. Flagship TVs that launched at premium prices often see 30–40% reductions once their replacements arrive.

Crucially, TV technology tends to improve incrementally rather than dramatically. Brightness, processing and software get refined each year, but it’s rare for a new model to be 40% better than the one it replaces. That’s why last year’s flagship TVs so often represent the best balance of performance and price.

Best For: Huge savings on previous-generation flagship TVs.

Major Sporting Events

Large sporting events like the Olympics or major football tournaments often trigger TV promotions in the months leading up to kickoff. These sales usually focus on larger screen sizes and mid-range models, making them a good opportunity if you’re upgrading for sport.

Best For: Deals on big-screen and mid-range TVs.

Should You Buy Now or Wait for the Next Models?

Every January, TV brands unveil their latest ranges, promising brighter panels, faster processors and new features. It’s tempting to wait but there are a few realities worth keeping in mind.

New TVs launch at full price
Early buyers often pay 30–40% more for relatively small upgrades
Waiting means missing months (or a year) of enjoyment
Sometimes, replacing a TV isn’t optional... it’s necessary

If you want the latest tech and price isn’t a concern, buying early definitely makes sense. But if value matters most, previous-generation models are often the smarter choice.

More: Watch our Best Time To Buy a TV Guide (focused on 2024/2025 models). While some specifics have aged, the fundamental advice about timing and value still applies and we’ll be updating this playlist with fresh 2026 content soon.

If You’re Buying a TV Today, Here’s How to Choose Smartly

This is where many people get stuck. Timing matters. But choosing the right type of TV matters more than chasing a specific model. Here’s how we recommend thinking about it.

If You Want the Best Value For Money:
Look at previous-generation flagship TVs. These are usually last year’s top models, now discounted heavily as new ranges launch. They offer premium performance at a far lower price.

See Last Year's Best TVs

If Picture Quality Is Your Priority:
OLED TVs remain the go-to choice for films, TV shows and immersive viewing, thanks to perfect blacks and excellent contrast.

Browse OLED TVs

If Your Room Is Bright or You Watch a Lot of Sport:
High-brightness Mini LED TVs often perform better in well-lit rooms and are a great alternative if reflections are an issue.

See Mini LED TVs

If You Want the Latest 2026 TVs:
If you’re an early adopter, it’s worth exploring what’s coming next. Just be aware you’ll be paying a premium early on.

See the Best TVs You Can Buy Right Now

If you’re an early adopter, our first-look video guides break down what’s coming in 2026, what’s genuinely new, and which upgrades are worth waiting for. Learn More About 2026 TVs and watch our first-look reviews

So… When Should You Buy a TV?

Historically, the biggest savings come when new TVs launch and last year’s models need to be cleared. For most buyers, that makes spring the sweet spot for value.

But there’s no universally “wrong” time to buy. The best moment is when you find a TV that: