Why March Is the Best Time to Buy a New TV (and How to Get 25–50% Off)

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your TV, you’re probably waiting for Black Friday. Most people do. But here’s something the big-box stores don’t advertise: the best deals on TVs don’t happen in November — they happen right now, in late February and March.

Every year, the same cycle plays out. Manufacturers announce their new TV lineups at CES in January. By March and April, those new models start hitting store shelves. And that means last year’s inventory — brand-new, still sealed in the box — needs to go. Fast.

The result? Prices drop 25 to 50% on TVs that were full retail just a few months ago.

The TV Release Cycle Most People Don’t Know About

Here’s how the calendar works in the TV industry. Samsung and LG are usually first, releasing new models in March and April. TCL and Hisense follow in June and July. Sony has shifted to a longer release cycle, but still refreshes most of its lineup by mid-year.

When those new models arrive, retailers and distributors have a problem: warehouse space. They can’t stock both the 2025 and 2026 lineups at the same time. So the previous year’s models get clearance pricing to move them out the door.

This isn’t leftover junk or open-box returns. These are the exact same TVs that earned five-star reviews and “best of the year” awards throughout 2025 — just at a fraction of the original price.

What’s Coming in 2026 (and Why You Don’t Need to Wait)

At CES 2026 in January, every major manufacturer showed off their new lineups. The big story this year is RGB MiniLED technology — Samsung calls it “Micro RGB,” LG is doing “RGB MiniLED Evo,” and Sony trademarked “True RGB.” These new panels promise wider color and better brightness than traditional backlighting.

Sounds exciting, right? Here’s the catch.

These flagship models will start at premium prices. Samsung’s first Micro RGB TV, the 115-inch model from 2025, launched at $30,000. The new, smaller sizes coming in 2026 will be more accessible, but you can still expect flagship pricing when they first arrive.

Meanwhile, the 2025 models that reviewers loved all year — the Samsung S95F OLED, the LG C5, the TCL QM8K, the Hisense U8N — are being cleared out right now. The technology difference between a 2025 and 2026 TV is typically incremental. The price difference can be hundreds, sometimes over a thousand dollars.

For most people watching Netflix, streaming sports, or gaming on the weekend, a 2025 model at 40% off is a far better deal than a 2026 model at full price.

Real Numbers: What Clearance Pricing Looks Like

To give you a real sense of what’s happening in the market right now:

• The LG C5 OLED (65″) launched at $2,699. It’s been spotted at $1,249 — over 50% off.
• The Samsung QN1EF QLED (75″) Mini LED launched at $2,199 and is now down to $1,149 — a $1,050 drop.
• The Samsung S84F OLED (77″) has been available as low as $1,499.
• The Hisense U8N (65″) dropped from $1,100 to under $700.

These aren’t off-brand TVs. These are the models that tech reviewers gave their highest ratings to last year. The only thing that changed is the calendar.

Why Buying from a Local Pro Beats the Big-Box Store

Here’s where it gets interesting — especially if you’re in the Kansas City area.

When you buy a TV from Best Buy or Walmart, you’re on your own. You drive it home, you figure out the mount, you deal with the wiring, you set up the apps, and if something looks wrong, you Google it. For a 75-inch TV that weighs 60+ pounds, that’s not a casual Saturday project.

When you buy through a local installer like SmartHome Connect, the experience is completely different:

• The TV shows up at your door. No loading a 75-inch box into your SUV.
• It gets mounted properly the first time. Level, secure, at the right height for your room.
• All cables are concealed inside the wall. No wires dangling behind the TV.
• It’s set up and ready to watch. WiFi connected, apps loaded, streaming configured.
• You deal with one person, not a call center. If something needs adjusting, you call the same guy who installed it.

And the pricing? Because the TVs come direct from clearance inventory, you’re getting the same 25–50% below retail — often better than what’s on the shelf at a store.

The Buying Window Is Short

This clearance window doesn’t last all year. Once the 2025 inventory sells through — usually by late April or May — it’s gone. Manufacturers don’t produce more of last year’s models. Retailers don’t restock them.

If you’ve been thinking about a bigger screen, a sharper picture, or finally replacing that old TV in the bedroom or basement, March is the move.

Ready to See What’s Available?

I’m Dan, the owner of SmartHome Connect here in Lenexa, Kansas. I’ve been mounting TVs and setting up home entertainment systems across the KC metro for over 12 years, and every spring I help customers get incredible TVs at clearance prices — delivered, mounted, and set up in a single visit.

Right now I’ve got 2025 models from Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, and Hisense in stock. Brand new, sealed in box, at 25 to 50% off retail.

If you want to know what’s available in your size and budget, just reach out:

• Call or text: (913) 674-9723
• Email: info@smarthomeconnectllc.com
• Or visit: smarthomeconnectllc.com/contact-us

Tell me what size you’re looking for, what brands you prefer, and whether you need mounting — I’ll send you back options with pricing the same day.

Serving Lenexa, Overland Park, Olathe, Shawnee, Leawood, and the entire Kansas City metro area.