The best time to buy a TV is right now in April 2026, when retailers are slashing prices on 2025 models to make room for incoming 2026 inventory. New televisions from LG and Samsung are launching this month, followed by TCL and Hisense in June and July. This timing creates a clearance window where you can grab last year’s premium models at prices that rarely drop this low.
Key Takeaways
- April 2026 offers record-low TV prices as retailers clear 2025 inventory before new models arrive
- LG C5 OLED is TechRadar’s top-rated TV and Amazon’s number 1 best-selling OLED display
- TCL QM7K delivers premium picture quality at mid-range pricing during clearance sales
- LG B5 48-inch model drops to under $600 in April clearance events
- Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are running aggressive discounts on flagship 2025 models
Why April 2026 Is Peak TV Buying Season
Retailers typically slash prices on outgoing models when new ones arrive. April 2026 is no exception. As LG and Samsung unveil their 2026 lineups this month, Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are clearing 2025 stock with aggressive markdowns. The 2025 models still contain the features and performance most viewers need—the only difference is they’re last year’s design. For budget-conscious buyers, this timing advantage is massive.
The clearance cycle creates a unique opportunity. Manufacturers and retailers need shelf space for incoming inventory, so they’re willing to accept lower margins on proven, award-winning models. This isn’t a flash sale that lasts 24 hours; it’s a seasonal shift that gives you a window of several weeks to shop.
LG C5 OLED: The Best-Rated TV You Can Buy Right Now
The LG C5 is TechRadar’s best-rated television and Amazon’s number 1 best-selling OLED display. The 42-inch model is available for $999, while the 65-inch sits at $1,399 with an ideal target price of $1,199. This is not a budget TV—it’s a premium OLED panel that delivers exceptional color accuracy and contrast. OLED technology means each pixel produces its own light, eliminating the blooming and glow issues that plague standard LED TVs.
The 42-inch size works for smaller living rooms or bedrooms, while the 65-inch suits most family viewing setups. If you find the 65-inch dropping to $1,199 or below during April’s clearance events, that’s a strong signal to buy. The C5 will handle everything from streaming to gaming with minimal lag.
TCL QM7K: Premium Performance Without Premium Pricing
The TCL QM7K (sold as the C7K in the UK) offers a compelling alternative if you want flagship features at a lower entry point. The 65-inch model is currently priced at $799 in the US or £849 in the UK, with an ideal target of $699 or £699 respectively. This is a significant step down from the LG C5 in price, yet it still delivers strong picture quality and modern features.
TCL and Hisense are launching new models in June and July, which means the QM7K will face clearance pressure in the coming weeks. If you’re hunting for a 65-inch TV that balances performance and affordability, this model is worth tracking during April’s sales cycle.
LG B5: The Compact OLED Option
If you need a smaller screen, the LG B5 48-inch model currently costs $599 in the US or £799 in the UK, with an ideal target price of $499 or £649. A 48-inch OLED is unusual—most manufacturers skip this size—but it’s perfect for bedrooms, offices, or compact apartments. The B5 uses the same OLED technology as the C5, so you’re getting premium picture quality in a smaller package.
The price gap between the B5 and C5 is modest, so consider your actual viewing distance before choosing. A 48-inch TV works best if you sit 4 to 6 feet away; if you’re farther, the 65-inch C5 will feel less cramped.
Samsung S90F OLED: Deep Discount Alert
The Samsung S90F OLED is available with a $1,200 discount during April clearance events. This is Samsung’s flagship OLED from 2025, and that discount level signals serious inventory pressure. If the S90F’s final price lands below the LG C5, it’s worth considering—Samsung’s color processing is excellent, and the S90F has strong gaming features including low input lag.
How to Shop the April 2026 TV Clearance
Focus your search on Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, where the deepest discounts are appearing. Set price alerts on your preferred models so you catch drops in real time. April’s clearance window typically lasts 3 to 6 weeks, but the best prices often appear mid-month as retailers see inventory moving and adjust pricing downward. Don’t wait until late April—the best units sell out first, and you may be left with less popular sizes or colors.
Should I buy a TV in April 2026 if I’m not in a hurry?
Yes. April 2026 offers the lowest prices of the year on 2025 models. Even if you can wait until summer, prices typically rise again as clearance inventory depletes and new models stabilize. If you need a TV anytime in the next 12 months, buying now locks in the best value.
Will 2026 TV models be significantly better than 2025 models?
2026 models will likely add new features and refinements, but the core technology—OLED, LED, brightness, color—changes incrementally year to year. The 2025 LG C5 is an award-winning TV that will perform excellently for years. The real difference is price, not picture quality.
What size TV should I buy during this clearance sale?
Match the TV size to your viewing distance. For a typical 8 to 10-foot viewing distance, a 65-inch TV is ideal. If you sit closer (4 to 6 feet), a 48-inch or 55-inch works better. Sitting too far from a small TV or too close to a large one reduces your viewing experience.
April 2026 is genuinely the best time to buy a TV—the inventory pressure is real, the discounts are substantial, and the models on clearance are proven performers. The LG C5 is the standout choice if you want the best-rated option; the TCL QM7K is your value play. Act within the next few weeks to secure the deepest discounts before new models fully take over shelf space.
This article was written with AI assistance and editorially reviewed.
Source: TechRadar
