While TVs continue to be more affordable, getting a good deal on your first purchase or when you’re due for an upgrade can be tough. However, I use several strategies to save money, which you can emulate.
1
Understanding the Features I Need
The first tip I use to save money is to understand what I need from the upgrade in terms of features. But first, you must understand the basic TV terms used by manufacturers so that you can understand what your needs are. For instance, when purchasing a new TV in 2025, you don’t need 8K resolution since there’s far less 4K content available, let alone 8K.
Other features on high-end TVs, like a high refresh rate (e.g., 120Hz or 144Hz), are nice to have, but if you’re not into gaming, then it doesn’t make sense to pay more to have them as they’re unnecessary for casual watching. Therefore, it doesn’t make sense to splurge on an 8K TV with all the bells and whistles like the Samsung Neo QLED QN800D when you won’t fully utilize it. Go for something that meets your needs and skip all the unnecessary features.
2
Choosing the Right TV Size Based on Viewing Distance
TVs are getting bigger and bigger, but it’s important to remember that for the best viewing experience, there’s a screen size sweet spot based on where your TV is placed. Because of this, you might not need as big a TV as you think. TV prices vary based on screen size, even for an identical model released the same year, as you’ve probably seen on e-commerce sites or retail stores. And this difference can be huge.
For example, if you want to buy TCL’s QM85 QLED TV, the 65-inch version has an MSRP of $1,699, the 75-inch version $2,299, while the 85-inch and 98-inch are priced at $2,799 and $11,999, respectively. So don’t just buy big; you can save cash by picking a smaller yet more fitting size based on your placement rather than just going for a larger screen. If you need help picking the right size, there are different tools to determine what TV size you need.
3
Wait Until the Right Time
Getting a good deal on a TV also depends on when you purchase it. As someone who reads and writes about technology, I have taken note of the cycles in the TV market to ensure that I always get a good discount when it’s time for an upgrade. The holiday season in November is one such time, as all kinds of products are typically discounted on Black Friday and Cyber Monday (but watch out for fake Black Friday deals and scams!).
Fortunately, you don’t have to wait for the holiday season to upgrade, as there are several other windows throughout the year when TVs are massively discounted. I’ve written about the best times to purchase a new smart TV; you read the article for more details.
4
Skipping Extended Warranty
Warranty is good but costly, especially if you’re focused on saving massively on your TV upgrade. When you buy a new TV, you get a manufacturer’s warranty (typically one to three years) included with the purchase. Additionally, paying a one-off fee or a fixed amount of money per month is common to get a warranty extension. Depending on the TV model, a warranty extension can cost $500 or even more.
However, it’s far less likely that your TV will fail immediately after the manufacturer’s warranty ends. In most cases, defects surface immediately after purchase or far beyond the coverage period. For this reason, I skip buying an extended warranty when upgrading, which saves me money. However, because I don’t buy a warranty extension, I avoid cheap TVs and only buy from reputable and reliable brands with a strong track record of durability, reducing the risk of failure.
5
Opting for Last Year’s Model
Just like buying any other electronic gadget, you can always save money by skipping the latest model and going for the predecessor. In the TV market, this tip works like a charm since manufacturers commonly offer steep discounts after or before releasing new models to the market to clear out their old stock.
So when new models are on the market, opt for last year’s model because you can save as much as half the retail price relative to the launch price. And don’t forget the timing, because it matters in the TV market.
6
Considering Refurbished or Open-Box Deals
Opting for refurbished and open-box deals is also a good way to save money on your TV purchase. They are always discounted, unlike new TVs, thus providing a chance to save a good amount of money. You can shop for certified refurbished TVs directly from manufacturers like Samsung, Sony, and LG or retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy. The best part about these products is they come with a warranty (albeit it might be limited, unlike what you get with new TVs), which should give you peace of mind.
Open-box deals are also pretty common these days, thanks to the lenient return policy offered by manufacturers and retailers alike. For open-box TVs, you’ll get something slightly used for a discounted price. You can find such deals online and in retail shops, although you’ll more likely find them in physical stores.
7
Comparing Prices Across Different Retailers
Once you identify a given TV model that you want, take your time and check prices across online and physical stores. This will ensure that you get the best price before splurging. Additionally, you can use the best money-saving extensions like CamelCamelCamel to track the price of any model to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Purchasing your first TV or upgrading your TV can be costly. But you can save money on your purchase by leveraging the strategies I’ve shared. Whether you want a brand-new, refurbished, or open-box TV, remember that timing the buy is typically more important, so above all, make sure you get it right.
