Buying a new TV can be overwhelming -- the size, the specs, manufacturer-specific jargon, and the expectation that a new set should last at least five years means that your head will be swimming with numbers, even before price gets factored into the equation. To make the buying process easier, the experts at DealNews are always seeking out the best TV deals to share with you. And here we put together helpful information to know before you buy your next TV.
HD: High Definition Television, or a television broadcast with a resolution of at least 720i, although commonly seen at 1080p.
4K/UHD: Commonly refers to a native resolution of 3840x2160, although the professional industry standard is 4096x2160.
HDR: High Dynamic Range. HDR refers to the color gamut and brightness of a display. Many HDR subcategories exist, and the most popular ones include HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. (For more information, see our HDR guide.)
LED LCD/QLED/OLED: Refers to the actual illumination/pixel panel of the TV.
Refresh Rate: This is the speed at which a display refreshes the image. The faster this happens, the less motion blur is observed in quick-moving images. The standard is 60Hz, although 120Hz (and higher) are quickly becoming mainstream. It should be noted, however, that many manufacturers often obscure the actual specs with terms like “motion rate” or “effective refresh rate.”
We’ve listed nearly 500 of the best deals on TVs just this year. Of these, the vast majority of those on sale were smart TVs, although some of the lowest prices we’ve seen per size category have been for non-smart sets. (From a personal perspective, I feel that combined with the lower outright price, the value in having a non-smart TV lies in a hassle-free upgrade as new streaming media players come to market. No need to worry about a manufacturer phasing out the updates for your set!)
While OLED panels are the “cream of the crop” in terms of picture quality, that quality still comes at a premium. However, we've seen deals on new 55” OLED TVs come in around $999, compared to less than $500 for QLED sets and $400 for LED TVs. (Note that these numbers are for new units only. You can find a refurbished TV, for less than $300.)
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Once you’ve figured out the size of TV you’re looking for, consider what resolution and type of panel or display you’d like when reviewing the countless tv sales. (The budget you’ve set aside will also play a large role in determining these features.) Do you want a smart TV, with baked-in streaming apps for your Netflix / Disney+ / Hulu binges? If so, will you need a set with WiFi, or can you hook it up directly to your router? How many HDMI inputs do you need? While HDMI switches are available, having a game console (or two), streaming media player, cable box, and digital TV antenna can add up quickly.
Native resolution refers to the default resolution, or number of pixels, that the display has. It's presented as the number of horizontal pixels by the number of vertical pixels. To simplify this, most resolutions have adopted more common terms, such as 1080p (1920x1080) and 4K (3840x2160 -- roughly four times the pixels of 1080p).
Smart TVs are internet-enabled sets with a manufacturer-supplied operating system. They often include apps for the most popular streaming media platforms, along with web browsers, social networking and chat apps, and future firmware updates from the manufacturer. In short, if you’d like to skip the hassle of hooking up a Roku, Apple TV, or Chromecast device, a smart TV is the way to go. Additionally, many sets now feature AI assistant integration, allowing voice control with your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant devices.
Aim to find TV deals from reputable retailers, such as Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Costco, and Sam's Club. If you're shopping online, be sure to check the return policy before you buy, as you'll want to be able to return the TV if it's delivered with a defect. Additionally, if you find TVs on sale at a retailer you don't want to shop, look into price adjustment policies at stores that you do trust. There's a chance you could end up paying less without having to sacrifice confidence.
It depends on your budget, as well as what kind of model you're looking for and when you want to make your purchase. You might trust more well-known brands, but that doesn't mean lesser-known ones aren't worth checking out.
The best TV brands tend to be the most popular and reliable ones, namely Samsung, LG, and Sony. Even Vizio has come to be considered one of the top-tier TV brands. However, other midtier brands are gaining people's confidence and becoming more popular, as well, including TCL and Panasonic.
TV deals are typically available on Prime Day, but you can't expect all of them to be from Amazon. Look for competitors like Walmart to offer up notable TV deals, as well. In both cases, discounts should be on well-known brands. Expect Amazon to have savings on Toshiba and Insignia Fire TVs, and for Walmart to offer discounts on brands like Vizio and LG.
You'll find TV deals on Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, but the question is which day will offer the best TV deals. Usually, select offers carry over from Black Friday and go through Cyber Monday, but that won't always be the case.
These change every year, but we routinely see excellent Black Friday TV deals. They can include 55" sets for around $300 from brands like Samsung and LG, or 65" sets from the same brands for around $500. And we tend to see a 32" set go for around $80, if not less.
Not all Black Friday offers are worth it, but many of the TV deals are unbeatable. We lay out the best prices for the most popular size ranges of sets in our Black Friday previews.
November is typically the best month to find a TV deal, as that's when Black Friday falls. However, it's not the only time you'll find a good price. We've covered the best times to find TV deals outside of Black Friday, and March is the winning month outside of November. There's a chance you could find a good TV deal around the Super Bowl, but those discounts don't usually live up to the great prices we see on Black Friday.
QLED is basically a marketing term devised by Samsung and stands for Quantum dot LED. QLED displays have an LCD panel and an LED backlight, with a nanoparticle filter in between. It's meant to produce more pure and saturated colors. The term applies mainly to Samsung sets, though you can also see it on TVs from brands that have partnered with Samsung, such as TCL.
OLED is a much more common term you'll see when shopping for TVs on sale. It stands for organic light-emitting diode, and these displays don't use LCD panels in their builds. Instead, OLED sets can adjust the luminosity of each individual pixel, providing viewers with pure blacks and an infinite contrast ratio.
There are other technologies that are important to know. Find out more information in our guide to the latest TV technologies.
It really depends on the size of your space and budget. Measure the space you've earmarked for your new TV and make sure that the model you're eyeing will fit, whether you're planning to mount it on the wall or not. If you aren't mounting on the wall, be sure to figure out the optimal size based on how far you'll be sitting from the screen. It's recommended that 4K TVs be put at a viewing distance that's as close as the diagonal measurement of the screen. So a 65" 4K set could be at an optimal viewing distance at 5 feet, 5 inches away.
Before you start shopping for a TV, decide how much you're willing to spend. Having a clear budget in mind will help narrow down your options and prevent overspending.
Measure the space where you plan to place the TV. Ensure that the TV size you choose fits comfortably in the room. A good rule of thumb is to have a TV with a diagonal size that matches your viewing distance.
Learn about different resolutions like 1080p (Full HD) and 4K (Ultra HD). Higher resolution TVs offer sharper and more detailed images. Choose a resolution that suits your viewing preferences and content sources.
There are various panel types, such as OLED, QLED, and LED-LCD. Each has its pros and cons. Research and choose the one that provides the picture quality and features you desire.
Decide if you want a smart TV with built-in streaming apps. Smart TVs offer convenient access to services like Netflix and Hulu. Check for compatibility with your preferred streaming services.
Consider the number of HDMI inputs you need. Ensure the TV has enough ports for your devices, such as gaming consoles, soundbars, and Blu-ray players. HDMI switches are available if needed.
High Dynamic Range (HDR) enhances image quality by offering a wider range of colors and better contrast. Look for a TV that supports HDR formats like HDR10 and Dolby Vision.
Research TV models by reading reviews and user ratings. This can provide insights into real-world performance and reliability. Websites and forums dedicated to home entertainment are valuable resources.
Established brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and Panasonic often offer reliable TVs. However, don't rule out lesser-known brands that may provide good value for your money.
Review the TV's warranty coverage and understand the manufacturer's policy on defects and repairs. Additionally, check the retailer's return policy in case you encounter issues with your purchase.
By following these TV shopping tips, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect TV that meets your needs and budget.
The most reliable brands tend to be those that are top sellers, as well. In this case, the best TV deals to look for if you're concerned with reliability are Samsung, LG, and Sony offers. Not all TVs are created equal, though, so once you choose a brand, be sure to research specific models.
William has been a part of the DealNews team since 2014. He started as a content writer, and has worn hats in a myriad of roles ever since - eventually becoming the head of the Travel team. In that role, he researches airfare, cruise, hotel, and vacation deals galore, and keeps tabs on industry trends. When he’s not sharing travel tips, William is the DealNews resident audio expert — often helping coworkers find the perfect set of headphones or speakers.
Preorder any of Samsung's new 2024 TVs at Amazon, and you'll get the Samsung UN65TU690TFXZA TU690T 65" 4K HDR LED UHD Smart TV for free. Plus, Prime members also get $100 off each order. Here are the new TVs, with their starting prices after the Prime discount:
The first 500,000 subscribers in the U.S. can reserve a dual screen smart TV, which will be shipped beginning this summer. The catch is that the second, smaller screen shows ads 24/7. According to Telly, the TV has a retail value of $1,000, but you'll get it absolutely free. Shop Now
We've picked out this Samsung 65" OLED 4K S95C Series Quantum HDR Smart TV for $1,747.99 (best we've seen; most charge above $2,000.) Shop Now at Woot! An Amazon Company
Clip the on-page coupon to get this price, which is a $2 drop since last week. Buy Now at Amazon
Insignia Fire TVs start from $69.99, while Amazon's own Fire TVs start from $119.99. We've pictured the Amazon 4-Series 4K55N400A 55" 4K HDR LED UHD Smart TV for $329.99 ($150 off). Shop Now at Amazon
Many of these refurbs are current models priced hundreds less than new, factory-sealed units. We've pictured the refurbished Samsung Q80C QN65Q80CAFXZA 65" 4K HDR QLED UHD Smart TV for $944.49, which is $253 less than what Amazon charges for a new one. Shop Now at Woot! An Amazon Company
Samsung's 2024 TV and audio line-up is now available to pre-order. Pre-order any of the new TVs (detailed below), and you'll also get a Samsung TU690T 65" 4K HDR LED UHD Smart TV for free. (A savings of around $450 right now.) Pre-order the Samsung Music Frame (a customizable speaker that displays your photos) and you'll get a $50 Samsung.com credit. Here are the new TVs, with their starting prices:
Save on 50" to 75" sets, with prices starting from $300. We've pictured the Hisense 58U6HF 58" Class U6HF Series ULED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV for $419.99. ($130 off) Shop Now at Amazon
Save on TVs starting at $269, high-end projectors starting at $700, speakers from $95, streaming media players from $125, receivers from $149, and accessories including wall mounts, cables, and more. We've pictured the LG UQ7570PUJ 50" 4K HDR Smart LED TV for $326 (a price low by $103). Shop Now at B&H Photo Video
Take at least 33% off select models. We've pictured the Amazon Fire TV 4-Series 43" 4K HDR LED UHD Smart TV for $229.99 ($140 off). Shop Now at Amazon
Refurb Samsung TVs start from $444.99, but you can also save on LG and Sony, as well as TV wall mounts from $23.99, and a Fire TV Stick 4K for $22.99. We've pictured the Samsung QN95B QN55QN95BAFXZA 55" 4K HDR 120Hz QLED UHD Smart TV for $939.99 ($140 less than a new one). Many items carry a 90-day Woot warranty, but warranty length and backer varies – info is available on each product page. Shop Now at Woot! An Amazon Company
That's a great price for a 65" 4K TV and the best price we've seen on this one in a year. Buy Now at Walmart
It's the best price we could find by $502. Buy Now at Amazon
Apply coupon code "6IKKOMHT" for a total savings of $69. Buy Now at Amazon
That's $100 less than the best price we've seen for a new one. A 90-day Woot warranty applies. Buy Now at Woot! An Amazon Company
That's its best-ever price. Buy Now at Amazon
Clip the $17 off on page coupon for a total savings of $27. Buy Now at Walmart
It's $300 off and at the best price we've seen. It's also within striking distance of being an all-time low for any 75" 4K QLED HDTV. Buy Now at Amazon
We've pictured the LG 65" Class UR9000 Series 4K Smart TV w/ Alexa for $546.99, down from $630. Shop Now at Amazon
It's $250 at Best Buy. Buy Now at Amazon