I test TVs for a living, and these are the Prime Day deals I'd wait for - Business Insider

Amazon Prime Day is almost here, which means now's the time to get your shopping list in order. If you're hoping to save on a new TV, you'll have plenty of options to choose from. But not every TV deal will be worth considering. I test TVs year-round, so I know exactly which models are worth keeping an eye on and what you're better off avoiding. I anticipate strong discounts on 2025 TVs as manufacturers aim to clear inventory. These older models are typically much cheaper than their 2026 counterparts but often offer similar performance. With that in mind, I recommend snagging them on sale while you still can. Those who prefer a 2026 TV should also find solid Prime Day deals, but keep in mind that these newer sets usually get lower prices later in the year. Exact deal pricing won't be known until Prime Day officially kicks off on June 23, but based on past deal trends, I have a good idea of what's worth waiting for. To help you prep for Prime Day TV shopping, I've rounded up a few models you should keep on your short list, along with a few general tips on what to avoid when shopping for TV deals. As we head into Prime Day, these are the TVs I recommend keeping a close eye on. Most of these are 2025 models that are likely to be on sale for all-time low prices. I've also included a couple of particularly impressive 2026 TV models that are expected to get their first big discounts. In most cases, I've linked out to the 65-inch size of each model, but you can choose other sizes on each Amazon listing. Samsung's S90F OLED is the reigning champ in my guide to the best TVs. What makes it so impressive is its nearly unmatched combination of high contrast, solid brightness, vivid colors, wide viewing angles, and reasonable pricing. The 65-inch model usually goes for around $1,400, and the lowest I've seen it sell for was $1,248. With that in mind, there's a good chance the S90F could dip under $1,200 on Prime Day. The C5 OLED is one of the best LG TVs available. Its contrast and viewing angles are top-notch. And though its color performance isn't quite as good as the Samsung S90F, it's a perfect alternative for people who prefer the LG brand. The 65-inch model was on sale for $1,248 on Black Friday, and I expect Amazon to match or beat that price on Prime Day. If you want an affordable TV that doesn't skimp on picture quality, the TCL QM6K QLED is my go-to recommendation. It's the top pick in my guide to the best budget TVs, and it delivers an impressive feature set at a surprisingly low price. It's also available in a range of sizes, from 50 to 98 inches. The 65-inch model was on sale for $498 in November, and I'm hoping it gets a similar discount on Prime Day. LG's G5 OLED sits at the top end of the brand's TV lineup, and its performance helps justify its high price. It delivers exceptional brightness for an OLED alongside precise pixel-level contrast, making it one of the best TVs for picture quality you can buy. The 65-inch model typically hovers around $2,300, though I've seen it fall as low as $1,800. Premium TVs don't always see huge Prime Day discounts, but this is one worth watching in case a new deal surfaces. The Samsung LS03F is the best frame TV for most people, and it's already seen some strong markdowns this year. The 65-inch version has dropped to a low of $998 several times in recent months, making a similar or even better Prime Day deal a real possibility. Its picture performance isn't aimed at enthusiasts, but its unique design is perfect for shoppers who want a style-first TV that looks like a piece of art hanging on the wall. TCL's QM8K QLED delivers flagship-level performance for less than comparable models from Samsung, LG, and Sony. It gets exceptionally bright, maintains impressive contrast, and even comes in a huge 98-inch configuration. It's the best TCL TV overall, and the 65-inch model has dropped to $898. Since TCL TVs often see major discounts, Prime Day could bring that price back or push it even lower. The U8QG QLED is one of the brightest TVs on the market and my pick for the best Hisense TV overall. It's not quite as accurate as some rivals, but it delivers impressive pop and rich colors. It's also known to get great discounts. The 65-inch size dropped to $800 in April, which is a steal. It's likely that Amazon will offer similar pricing on Prime Day. LG's C6H OLED is a new submodel in the brand's popular C-Series. This 2026 TV is only available in 77- and 83-inch sizes, but it offers a notable upgrade over the 2025 C5. It uses the same kind of advanced panel that LG usually reserves for its pricier G-Series, so it gets much brighter than most OLEDs. The 77-inch size was $700 off for a couple of weeks in May, but otherwise, it hasn't gotten any major deals. Prime Day will likely be the next chance to snag it at a discount. You can learn more in my full LG C6H TV review. TCL TVs are known for their incredible value, but the X11L SQD TV takes a slightly different approach. This premium 2026 TV model delivers some of the best color and brightness performance I've seen, but it's also priced accordingly. The 85-inch size retails for a whopping $8,000. However, the X11L has already received some notable discounts. It's been $2,000 off for the last couple of months. Given TCL's track record with big deals, I recommend holding out for Prime Day to see if it hits a record low. When browsing Prime Day deals on Amazon, you'll sometimes see a TV's list price crossed out and replaced by a deal price. However, this "list price" is often deceiving. Generally, the list price Amazon uses is the TV's full retail price, but that doesn't mean it's the price the TV has typically been selling for. When I recommend TV deals, I use price trackers to see what the usual selling price has been, so I can ensure the deal is actually worthwhile. You can learn more in our guide to vetting and tracking Prime Day deals. There are several types of TVs on the market, including LED, OLED, QLED, Mini LED, and RGB LED. With so many acronyms to sort through, figuring out which type is best for your needs can get tricky. Here's a quick overview to help you make a smart purchase. Though it can be tempting to grab the latest 2026 model, many 2025 TVs are still the better buy. TV upgrades from one year to the next are usually pretty small, so newer models are rarely worth paying extra for if last year's version is still available at a lower price. Some 2026 TVs do bring more meaningful upgrades, and I'll call those out when they matter. But for most shoppers, a discounted 2025 TV still offers the best value. A large screen can make movies, sports, and games feel more immersive, but size alone doesn't guarantee better image quality. A big, cheap TV will often have weaker contrast, duller colors, poorer viewing angles, and lower brightness than a smaller, higher-end model. When shopping for TV deals, it's important to consider the display type and included features, not just the screen size. Shopping for more discounts today? Check out our roundup of all of the best Prime Day deals, or browse Amazon's website for the full selection.