Back in 1970, my parents bought a brand-new RCA Console TV with a built-in record player (that’s an old music device for younger readers). The price tag was $500, equivalent to roughly $3300 in today’s dollars. They carefully saved up for this purchase with no intention of “upgrading” anytime soon. That television represented a significant investment — one that faithfully served their family for the next two decades. Just imagine that level of longevity.
While you can still purchase a TV today for $500, it doesn’t represent nearly the same financial sacrifice as it did fifty years ago. Today’s consumers aren’t seeking long-term solutions for the 5 ½ hours of television and video content they consume daily. Instead, they prioritize superior picture quality and the latest model features.
When cutting-edge technology hits the market, consumers rush to Best Buy. But is this approach actually wise? Perhaps not. Let’s explore the optimal timing for television purchases.
The Best Months to Buy a New TV
This comes as no shock to savvy shoppers. November ranks as the ideal month for television purchases, especially during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales events. The entire holiday shopping season offers excellent opportunities, with solid TV deals extending through December.
January brings even better bargains for shoppers wanting to upgrade before the Super Bowl. While these months deliver the steepest discounts, there’s much more to consider beyond timing alone.
Here are essential purchasing guidelines:
- Don’t buy anything under 4K
- Don’t buy 8K just yet
- Make sure it’s HDR Compatible
- Make sure it has at least four HDMI ports
Budget between $500 and $900 for a quality 55″ 4K HDTV. You’ll notice 8K models displayed with price tags exceeding $2000. Skip these for now. Currently, only Japan offers genuine 8K content. These premium TVs will drop below $1000 once content availability matches the technology — a timeline experts predict spans several years.
HDR represents “high dynamic range” technology — essentially an upgrade from Ultra HD. Traditional LCD TVs display colors within the limitations of Rec 709, a standard resolution established in 1990. Today’s top-tier televisions feature HDR capabilities.
When shopping for a new television, prioritize HDR functionality. Select models from LG, Sony, Panasonic, and Phillips offer 4K HDR technology.
HDMI ports serve as the pathway for transmitting uncompressed, high-speed digital audio and video between devices. Your cable or satellite box requires at least one HDMI port.
Gaming systems demand another port. Planning to connect mobile devices, laptops, or tablets for streaming? That’s one more connection. This explains why your new TV needs at least four HDMI inputs.
When and Where to Find the Best Deals on a TV
What if your television dies in March? Must you wait until November for reasonable pricing? Absolutely not.
Remember, Americans consume 5 ½ hours of TV content daily. Nobody’s going six months without their entertainment hub. You’ll need to shop immediately and hunt strategically for the best deals. Fortunately, competitive prices exist year-round.
Begin with Amazon, which typically offers the lowest prices and delivers Smart TVs within one to two days. However, don’t rush your decision. Before clicking that “Buy with One Click” button, verify pricing at Best Buy. Their price-matching policy could secure the identical model with immediate in-store availability. Walmart maintains a similar program.
Consider slightly older models without hesitation. Electronics always carry premium pricing at launch. If you’re in a tight spot, decent options exist under $500. For instance, Best Buy currently offers a 43″ Toshiba Class C350 LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV for $279.99.
The Worst Months to Buy a TV
June and July represent the worst months for TV shopping. Manufacturers release new models in January, making the year’s early months ideal for finding deals on previous year models.
By spring’s end, retailers have cleared their shelves, leaving only newer models available. While these remain purchasable, expect higher prices — and as mentioned earlier, the latest models might not be market-ready.
September offers moderate value due to back-to-school promotions from electronics retailers. Still, waiting until Black Friday proves more advantageous. Both current and previous year models see significant price reductions. Remember that new models debut in January, making Black Friday sales focus on previous year’s inventory.
The distinction between best and worst retail months becomes meaningless when shopping online. Amazon runs frequent sales events. eBay offers older models at substantially lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores. Used and refurbished televisions are available through Wish and Mercari. These represent just a few available alternatives.
What Type of TV Should You Buy?
HDR-compatible televisions represent the sweet spot for current purchases. However, 8K TVs haven’t reached market maturity yet. Regarding size, choose whatever fits your preferences — just measure your room beforehand. Store showrooms dwarf residential spaces. That impressive 85″ display looks fantastic there, but you might need to relocate furniture to accommodate it at home.
For optimal picture quality, seek OLED/LCD TVs offering both UHD and 4K capabilities. OLED technology eliminates backlights, producing true black images without the lighter tints visible on older televisions. QLED TVs can’t match this picture quality. Consumer Reports has consistently rated OLED TVs from LG and Sony highest in recent years. Samsung also manufactures OLED televisions.
Don’t limit yourself to established electronics brands. Emerging manufacturers are producing quality electronics, with many poised to make significant market impacts this year. For example, Walmart’s Onn TV has earned positive reviews. Additionally, various established and emerging TV brands are expected to launch new models in 2022, including TCL TV.
Final Thoughts: Best Time to Buy a TV
You now understand the optimal timing for TV purchases, where to shop, and which television types deliver the best value. Apply this guide to maximize your investment!
Planning to upgrade other home items? You might find our guides to the best time to buy furniture and the best time to buy appliances equally valuable. Happy shopping — at the best prices!
