How to Save Money When Upgrading Your Smart TV

Learning how to save money when upgrading your smart TV doesn't have to be complicated. This updated guide presents a clear workflow, practical checks, and troubleshooting advice you can use while completing the process.

1. Understand the Features You Need

The first tip for saving money is to understand what you need from an upgrade in terms of features. But first, you need to understand the basic TV terminology that manufacturers use so you can understand what your needs are. For instance, when buying a new TV in 2025, you don't need 8K resolution because there's very little 4K content, let alone 8K.

Other features on premium TVs, like high refresh rates (like 120Hz or 144Hz), are great, but if you're not into gaming, it doesn't make sense to pay more for them, as they're not necessary for casual viewing. So it doesn't make sense to spend money on a feature-packed 8K TV like the Samsung Neo QLED QN800D when you won't use it to its full potential. Pick something that meets your needs and skip any unnecessary features.

2. Choose the Right TV Size Based on Viewing Distance

TVs are getting bigger, but it's important to remember that for the best viewing experience, there's an ideal screen size based on where you'll be placing the TV. TV prices vary by screen size, even for the same model released in the same year, as you may have seen on e-commerce sites or retail stores. For this reason, you may not need as big a TV as you think. And the difference can be huge.

For instance, if you want to buy a TCL QM85 QLED TV, the 65-inch version has an MSRP of $1,699, the 75-inch version is $2,299, while the 85-inch and 98-inch versions cost $2,799 and $11,999, respectively. So don't just buy a big TV; you can save money by choosing a smaller, more compact size based on where you'll be placing the TV, rather than just going for a large screen. There are a variety of tools to help you determine what size TV you need if you need help choosing the right size.

3. Wait for the Right Time

Getting a good deal on a TV also depends on when you buy it. Take note of the cycles in the TV market to ensure you're getting a good discount when it's time to upgrade. The holiday season in November is a good time to do so, as all sorts of products are often discounted on Black Friday and Cyber ??Monday.

Luckily, you don't have to wait until the holiday season to upgrade, as there are several other times of the year when TVs are heavily discounted. Read more about the best time to buy a new Smart TV.

4. Skip the Extended Warranty

Warranties are good but expensive, especially if you're focused on saving big on a TV upgrade. You'll get a manufacturer's warranty (usually 1 to 3 years) included with the purchase when you buy a new TV. It's also common to pay a one-time fee or a fixed monthly fee to extend the warranty. Depending on the TV model, extending the warranty can cost $500 or more.

However, the chances of your TV breaking down right after the manufacturer's warranty expires are very low. In most cases, the fault will appear soon after purchase or long after the warranty expires. For this reason, not buying an extended warranty when upgrading will save you money. However, since you are not buying an extended warranty, avoid buying cheap TVs and stick to reputable and trusted brands.

5. Choose Last Year's Model

Just like when buying any other electronic device, you can always save money by skipping the newest model and buying an older one. In the TV market, this trick works well because manufacturers often offer steep discounts after or before releasing new models to clear out old inventory.

So when new models come out, go for last year's model because you can save half the retail price compared to the launch price. This is a crucial time in the TV market.

6. Consider Refurbished TV Deals

Refurbished TV deals are also a great way to save money on your TV purchase. You can buy certified refurbished TVs directly from manufacturers like Samsung, Sony, and LG, or from e-commerce sites. They are always discounted, unlike new TVs, so you can save a pretty penny. The best thing about these is that they come with a warranty (although it may be limited, unlike what you get with a new TV), which gives you peace of mind.

7. Compare Prices Between Different Retailers

Once you have decided on the TV model you want, take your time and check prices across both online and physical stores. This will ensure that you get the best price before you spend your money. Alternatively, you can use the best money-saving extensions like CamelCamelCamel to track the price of any model to ensure you get the best deal.

Buying your first TV or upgrading your TV can be expensive. But you can save money on your purchase by taking advantage of the strategies we've shared. Whether you're buying a brand new, refurbished, or used TV, remember that timing is often more important than value, so make sure you spend your money wisely.

Final Thoughts

The most reliable way to handle save money when upgrading your smart TV is to follow the process in order, verify each important setting, and test the result before moving on. Use the guidance above as a practical reference, then adjust the details for your device, software version, or specific goal.