Is Black Friday a Good Time to Buy a TV? Experts Weigh In

When I moved in with my now-husband, one of the first things I did was send him to buy us a new TV on Black Friday. The discounts were great, and I was tired of using his projector (may it rest in peace). He came home that evening with a new Samsung that we saved hundreds of dollars on and held onto for years.

During my time as a product tester and analyst for the Good Housekeeping Institute Tech & Engineering Lab, I continuously review the latest TVs, whether at home or at annual trade shows like CES. I’m also familiar with standard pricing on popular models and can decipher a good deal from a bad one (because a big markdown isn’t always worth the hype).

Here’s what you need to know before you invest in a new TV, from deciding which features matter to how to tell whether a price is worth it.

Is Black Friday the best time to buy a TV?

Yes, Black Friday is one of the best times to buy a TV at a lower price. You can expect discounts at major online and in-store retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart and Target, across a range of models, sizes and feature sets.

But before you rush into a purchase, know that Black Friday isn’t the only time of year to find fantastic TV deals. If the model you’ve had your eyes on isn’t on sale, consider waiting until late January or early February, which is when new TV models typically roll out, and retailers try to clear remaining inventory from the previous year.

Also, not every TV will hit its lowest price exactly on Black Friday. Retailers often launch promotions earlier in November, and some early holiday prices are comparable to those offered during the big shopping weekend. If a TV you’ve been watching reaches a price you’re comfortable with, I wouldn’t hesitate.

How to get the best TV deal on Black Friday or Cyber Monday

1. Choose a select few models before you shop

Instead of getting swept up by the best discount and ending up with a huge TV you don’t actually have room for, the key is to choose a few models that suit your space, viewing habits, and budget before you start shopping. A smaller discount on a well-reviewed model may offer better value than a bigger markdown on the wrong TV.

2. Don’t wait too long

TV deals often run through Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and some start earlier. Prices can change as inventory sells out, though, and there’s no guarantee Cyber Monday will bring a lower price. If you find a strong deal on the TV you want, check its price history (more below) and the retailer’s return or price adjustment policy. That can help you decide whether to buy now or wait.

3. Double-check price history and key specs

Retailers can sometimes be sneaky. A sale label doesn’t tell you whether a price is unusually low, and the original list price may not reflect what the TV typically sells for. We like to use CamelCamelCamel to look at prices from earlier months and years. Google Shopping can also help you compare prices across retailers.

Be sure to also compare model numbers and specifications: TVs with similar names can have different features, and some sale models may be exclusive to a retailer.

Finally, remember to factor in delivery and installation costs, as well as warranty coverage. A TV with a more complicated installation, like an art TV, can increase your overall expenditure.

How to choose the right TV for your space

• Pick a screen type: OLED TVs are known for deep blacks and strong contrast, which can suit movie watching in a darker room. QLED and Mini LED TVs can get bright, making them worth considering for rooms with lots of daylight. They can also offer great performance at a lower price than you’d find with a premium OLED.
• Consider an art TV: If you want a screen that blends into your décor, look for an art TV with a matte display. The finish helps reduce glare and reflections, so artwork can look more natural when the TV is in art mode.
• Choose a screen size: Measure the space where the TV will go and consider how far you’ll sit from it. Go larger for a more immersive view, as long as it fits comfortably in your room. If you ask me, you won’t regret a TV that’s “too big” (as long as it fits!).
• Look for 4K resolution: For most shoppers, 4K is a practical choice for streaming and everyday viewing with clear and detailed picture quality.
• Check gaming features: If you play video games, look for a higher refresh rate, HDMI 2.1 ports, and variable refresh rate (VRR) support.
• Check the smart-TV platform: Make sure it supports the streaming apps you use and is easy to navigate. Some of the most common interfaces are Samsung’s One UI Tizen, LG’s webOS, and Google TV.
• Review the connections and sound: Check HDR support, the number and placement of HDMI ports, and whether the built-in speakers will work for your space or you’ll need the addition of a soundbar.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Senior Reviews Writer and Analyst Olivia Lipski covers everything from tech to home, travel, auto, and more for GH. She regularly tests home theater essentials like the Samsung The Frame TV (and the Frame Pro), TVs for bright rooms, and other top-performing mdoels to understand how well they perform. She also attends trade shows like CES annually to stay abreast of the latest technologies and trends in the TV industry.