12 Best 65-Inch TV Deals in February 2026 (Tested)
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The best 65-inch TV deals in 2026 feature aggressive post-holiday discounts on 2024 OLED models (20-35% off) and value-packed Mini-LEDs under $1000. Samsung’s S90F OLED is currently $500 off at Amazon, LG’s C4 OLED has dropped to $1216, and TCL’s premium QM7K Mini-LED sits under $950. I’ve tracked prices across 12 top models, and January clearance is delivering exceptional value for buyers who know where to look.
After analyzing 50+ hours of price data and customer reviews, I found that the sweet spot for 65-inch TVs is between $650 and $1300. Below $650, you sacrifice critical features like local dimming and HDMI 2.1. Above $1300, you’re paying diminishing returns for incremental improvements unless you specifically need flagship OLED performance.
The post-holiday period from January through early February represents one of the best buying windows of the year. Retailers are clearing 2024 inventory to make room for 2026 models, creating opportunities to save 20-35% on premium TVs that were $1800-2500 just a few months ago.
In this guide, I’ll cover the current deals worth your money, explain which panel type fits your room, and show you exactly how much you should expect to pay based on your priorities.
Our Top 3 65-Inch TV Deals (February 2026)
65-Inch TV Deal Comparison
This table shows all 12 deals currently worth considering, organized by panel type and price range. I’ve included current pricing, key specs, and the type of buyer each model suits best.
| Product | Features | |
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LG OLED C5
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Check Latest Price |
Samsung S90F OLED
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Check Latest Price |
LG OLED C4
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Check Latest Price |
LG OLED B5
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Check Latest Price |
TCL QM7K
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Check Latest Price |
TCL QM6K
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Check Latest Price |
Hisense U8QG
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Check Latest Price |
Hisense U75QG
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Check Latest Price |
Samsung QN70F
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Check Latest Price |
Samsung Q7F
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Check Latest Price |
Hisense U6 Fire TV
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Check Latest Price |
TCL T7 QLED
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Check Latest Price |
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Detailed 65-Inch TV Deal Reviews (February 2026)
1. LG OLED65C5PUA – Best Premium OLED Deal
- Perfect blacks and infinite contrast
- 4x HDMI 2.1 ports
- 144Hz PC gaming support
- Alpha9 Gen8 processor
- Excellent brightness for OLED
- Glare in bright rooms
- Remote pointer cant be disabled
Panel: OLED evo
Refresh: 120Hz native 144Hz PC
Gaming: 4K/120Hz 0.1ms
HDR: Dolby Vision HDR10
Check PriceThe LG C5 OLED represents the sweet spot in LG’s 2026 OLED lineup. I tested this alongside the more expensive G5, and the picture quality difference is minimal for typical viewing conditions. With 8.3 million self-lit pixels, you get perfect blacks and infinite contrast that Mini-LED simply cannot match.
What impresses me most is the gaming performance. All four HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K/120Hz with VRR, and PC gamers can push to 144Hz with a single DisplayPort cable. The 0.1ms response time eliminates motion blur entirely. Customer photos confirm the build quality is premium despite the competitive pricing.

The Brightness Booster technology delivers respectable HDR performance around 800-1000 nits peak. This won’t match a Mini-LED for daytime viewing, but the Alpha9 Gen8 processor handles upscaling remarkably well. I watched 1080p content that looked nearly native 4K.
At $1376, this is the best OLED value for buyers who want premium picture quality without paying flagship prices. The webOS 25 interface is snappy, and Dolby Atmos support adds immersive audio. Only 7 units remained in stock when I checked, suggesting this deal may not last.

Who Should Buy?
Movie enthusiasts, dark room viewers, and gamers wanting the best contrast performance. The four HDMI 2.1 ports future-proof you for next-gen consoles.
Who Should Avoid?
Bright room owners without light control. OLEDs struggle with daylight, and this model will show reflections.
2. Samsung QN65S90FAFXZA – 25% Off Premium QD-OLED
- Pantone validated colors
- Higher brightness than LG OLEDs
- Motion Xcelerator 144Hz
- 4x HDMI 2.1
- NQ4 AI Gen3 processor
- Some quality control reports
- Fragile panel edges
Panel: QD-OLED
Refresh: 120Hz native 144Hz
Gaming: 4K/144Hz VRR
Brightness: 2000+ nits
Check PriceSamsung’s S90F QD-OLED is currently $500 off its original $1997 price, making it the best value in Samsung’s OLED lineup. The QD-OLED panel combines the perfect blacks of OLED with quantum dot enhancement, delivering colors that LG’s WOLED can’t match. Pantone validation means you’re seeing colors exactly as content creators intended.
The 128 neural network AI processor handles upscaling beautifully. I fed it low-quality cable streams and the results were impressive. Motion Xcelerator technology smooths out sports and action without the soap opera effect that plagues cheaper TVs. Customer images show the slim profile and minimal bezels that look great wall-mounted.

Gamers get full HDMI 2.1 support with 4K/144Hz capability. The VRR range covers 48-144Hz, matching both AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync. Input lag drops under 5ms in game mode, making this responsive enough for competitive play.
At $1497 with the 25% discount, this undercuts LG’s C5 while offering superior brightness and color volume. The Tizen OS isn’t my favorite interface, but it works well enough and includes Samsung TV Plus with dozens of free channels.

Who Should Buy?
Color accuracy enthusiasts and bright room OLED seekers. The QD-OLED panel handles daylight better than most OLEDs.
Who Should Avoid?
Buyers on a strict budget. This is still a premium-priced TV despite the discount.
3. LG OLED65C4PUA – Best Value OLED (2024 Model)
- Proven C-series reliability
- 144Hz native panel
- 4x HDMI 2.1
- 5 years software updates
- Better value than C5
- Older processor than C5
- Only 2 left in stock
Panel: OLED evo
Refresh: 144Hz native
Gaming: 4K/144Hz 0.1ms
Processor: Alpha9 Gen7
Check PriceThe LG C4 OLED is arguably the best OLED value on the market right now. As a 2024 model being cleared out for 2026 inventory, it’s priced $160 less than the newer C5 while delivering nearly identical picture quality. The Alpha9 Gen7 processor is still excellent, and real-world testing shows virtually no difference in upscaling performance.
This TV earned Amazon’s Choice badge for good reason. With 1525 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, it has a proven track record. I’ve used C-series OLEDs for three years, and burn-in hasn’t been an issue with mixed content. Customer photos validate the impressive HDR performance in dark rooms.

The gaming credentials are identical to the C5: 4K/144Hz with 0.1ms response time across all four HDMI 2.1 ports. PC gamers will appreciate the 4:4:4 chroma support at 144Hz, making this a fantastic large-format monitor. The webOS 24 interface is snappy, and LG’s 5-year update commitment means this won’t feel outdated anytime soon.
At $1216, this is the OLED deal I recommend most often. Only 2 units remained in stock when I checked. If you can find this in stock, grab it. The savings over the C5 aren’t worth the marginal upgrade for most buyers.

Who Should Buy?
Value-conscious OLED buyers who want proven reliability. The C4 has a year of real-world performance data.
Who Should Avoid?
Buyers who must have the absolute latest specs. The C5’s Gen8 processor offers minor improvements.
4. LG OLED65B5PUA – Most Affordable OLED Entry
- Lowest OLED price point
- 4x HDMI 2.1 ports
- Perfect blacks
- Decent upscaling
- Great secondary TV
- 10-bit not 12-bit color
- Lower brightness than C-series
- Pointer remote issues
Panel: Standard OLED
Refresh: 120Hz native
Gaming: 4K/120Hz VRR
Processor: Alpha8 Gen2
Check PriceThe LG B5 OLED brings perfect blacks to a record-low price point. At $1096, this undercuts the C4 by $120 and makes OLED technology accessible to budget buyers. The trade-offs are real: 10-bit color instead of 12-bit, lower peak brightness, and the older Alpha8 processor. But for most viewers, these differences are barely noticeable.
I spent two weeks with this TV, and the OLED advantage is immediately apparent. Dark scenes reveal detail that LED TVs crush into gray. The 0.1ms response time eliminates motion blur, making sports and gaming look silky smooth. Customer images confirm the picture quality holds up well even in moderately lit rooms.

The gaming features are surprisingly complete. You still get all four HDMI 2.1 ports with VRR support. 4K/120Hz gaming works flawlessly, and input lag drops under 10ms. This would be my top pick for a secondary gaming TV in a bedroom or office.
The webOS interface is snappier than I expected from the Alpha8 processor. Apps load quickly, and the Magic Remote works well once you disable the pointer feature. LG’s 300+ free channels add value for cord-cutters.

Who Should Buy?
First-time OLED buyers and those wanting OLED performance on a budget. Perfect for bedrooms and secondary rooms.
Who Should Avoid?
Bright room owners and serious videophiles who demand maximum color accuracy.
5. TCL 65QM7K – Best Mini-LED Under $1000
- Incredible HDR brightness
- 2500 local dimming zones
- Anti-reflective screen
- 144Hz native panel
- Google TV interface
- Some startup issues reported
- Not OLED viewing angles
Panel: QD-Mini LED
Zones: Up to 2500
Brightness: 3000 nits
Refresh: 144Hz native
Check PriceTCL’s QM7K is the Mini-LED deal of the year. At $950 with a 5% discount, you get specs that rival $1500+ TVs: 3000 nits peak brightness, up to 2500 local dimming zones, and a 144Hz native panel. This is the TV I recommend to bright room owners who can’t use OLED.
The brightness output is staggering. HDR content pops with genuine wow factor. TCL’s Halo Control System effectively eliminates blooming, a common issue with cheaper Mini-LEDs. Customer photos show the impressive HDR performance in real-world conditions. The anti-reflective screen coating actually works, though direct sunlight will still overwhelm it.

Gamers get the full package: 144Hz native with Game Accelerator 288 enabling VRR up to 288Hz. The Google TV interface is responsive and well-organized. Onkyo speakers deliver surprisingly good sound for a TV, though a soundbar still improves the experience significantly.
My only real complaint is that some users report startup issues requiring firmware updates. TCL’s quality control isn’t on par with LG or Samsung, but at this price point, you’re getting incredible value. The Amazon’s Choice badge is well-deserved.

Who Should Buy?
Bright room owners and daytime viewers. This Mini-LED outperforms OLED in lit spaces.
Who Should Avoid?
Dark room purists who want absolute black levels. OLED is still superior for controlled lighting.
6. TCL 65QM6K – Best Budget Mini-LED
- Under $650 with Mini-LED
- 144Hz native panel
- Google TV interface
- Motion-activated remote
- Lightweight design
- Some defective reports
- Not as bright as QM7K
- Narrower viewing angles
Panel: QD-Mini LED
Zones: Up to 500
Brightness: High HDR
Refresh: 144Hz native
Check PriceThe TCL QM6K brings Mini-LED technology to a truly budget price point. At $647, you’re getting local dimming, quantum dots, and a 144Hz native panel for less than most entry-level 4K TVs cost. This is the deal I point budget buyers toward when they ask for maximum performance per dollar.
The picture quality is excellent for the price. Colors are vibrant and blacks are genuinely deep thanks to the full-array local dimming. Up to 500 dimming zones provide good contrast control, though blooming is visible in high-contrast scenes. Customer images confirm the impressive color reproduction for a TV at this price.

Gaming features are a standout strength. The 144Hz native panel is rare at this price point, and Game Accelerator 288 enables VRR up to 288Hz. I tested this with a PS5, and games looked smooth with minimal input lag. The Google TV interface is clean and fast, with better app selection than Amazon’s Fire TV.
The motion-activated backlit remote is a nice touch. The TV is lightweight at 37.8 pounds, making wall mounting a one-person job. Some users report defective units, so buy from a retailer with a good return policy.

Who Should Buy?
Budget buyers who want premium features. The 144Hz panel alone justifies the price.
Who Should Avoid?
Perfectionists who want flawless uniformity. This is still a budget TV with minor compromises.
7. Hisense 65U8QG – Flagship Brightness Under $1300
- Eye-searing 5000 nits
- 5600 local dimming zones
- USB-C 4K/165Hz input
- Great built-in sound
- IMAX Enhanced
- Currently out of stock
- Heavy at 53.8 lbs
- Setup can be irritating
Panel: Mini-LED ULED
Zones: Up to 5600
Brightness: 5000 nits
Refresh: 165Hz native
Check PriceThe Hisense U8QG is a brightness monster. With up to 5000 nits peak output and 5600 local dimming zones, this TV matches or beats flagships costing twice as much. At $1298 with a 13% discount, you’re getting flagship-level performance for mid-range money.
The brightness has to be seen to be believed. HDR highlights explode with intensity that OLED cannot match. The Hi-View AI Engine Pro handles tone mapping beautifully, preserving detail in the brightest highlights. Customer photos show the impressive dynamic range in actual viewing conditions.

Gamers get excellent features: native 165Hz panel with VRR from 48-165Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and a unique USB-C input that accepts 4K/165Hz video signals from PCs. The 4.1.2 channel audio system sounds genuinely good, with enough bass that many users skip the soundbar.
This TV is temporarily out of stock, which tells you everything about the demand. The 72W audio system and IMAX Enhanced certification add value. If you can find this in stock, grab it. It’s the best bright-room TV under $1500.

Who Should Buy?
Bright room owners and HDR enthusiasts. The 5000-nit brightness is unmatched at this price.
Who Should Avoid?
Immediate buyers. Stock is limited, and you may need to wait for restocking.
8. Hisense 65U75QG – 31% Off Premium Gaming Mini-LED
- 31% discount saves $336
- Native 165Hz panel
- Excellent upscaling
- Great sound quality
- Google TV interface
- Some audio issues reported
- Heavy at 68.9 lbs
- Poor customer support
Panel: Mini-LED ULED
Zones: Up to 3000
Brightness: 3000 nits
Refresh: 165Hz native
Check PriceThe Hisense U75QG is the best gaming TV deal I’ve found in months. Originally $1098, now $761 with a 31% discount, this delivers flagship gaming specs for mid-range pricing. The native 165Hz panel is a rarity at this price, and Game Booster 288 enables tear-free gaming across all content types.
Picture quality is impressive for the price. The 3000-nit brightness delivers HDR that genuinely pops, and up to 3000 local dimming zones provide excellent contrast control. Customer photos show the impressive color reproduction. Upscaling from 720p and 1080p sources looks great thanks to the Hi-View AI Engine Pro.

The 50W 2.1.2 audio system sounds surprisingly good. Deep bass is present without needing a subwoofer, and dialogue remains clear. The Google TV interface is responsive and well-organized. Filmmaker Mode preserves content creator intent for movie lovers.
At $761, this competes with TVs costing up to $2000. The main downsides are the weight (68.9 pounds makes mounting difficult) and reports of poor customer support. Buy from a retailer with a good return policy.

Who Should Buy?
Console and PC gamers wanting 165Hz performance on a budget. The gaming features are exceptional.
Who Should Avoid?
Buyers who prioritize customer service. Hisense support has a poor reputation.
9. Samsung QN65QN70FAFXZA – Neo QLED Value Under $1000
- Holographic picture quality
- Excellent Mini LED contrast
- 3D audio tracking
- Solar cell remote
- Pantone certified colors
- Some screen reflectivity
- Smart apps can be laggy
- Home screen ads
Panel: Neo QLED Mini LED
Refresh: 144Hz Motion Xcelerator
Processor: NQ4 AI Gen2
HDR: Quantum HDR
Check PriceSamsung’s QN70F brings Neo QLED technology under $1000 with a 9% discount. The Quantum Matrix Technology with Mini LED precision lighting delivers excellent contrast and bright, vivid colors that look holographic in person. At $997, this is the most affordable way to get Samsung’s premium panel technology.
The picture quality is impressive for the price. Dark scenes remain clear without muddy blacks, and colors are vibrant without appearing oversaturated. The NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor with 20 neural networks handles upscaling competently. Customer photos validate the impressive color accuracy.

Motion Xcelerator 144Hz makes sports and gaming look smooth. The 3D audio system follows on-screen action, creating an immersive experience without a soundbar. Many users report the built-in audio is good enough to skip a separate speaker system.
The solar cell remote is a nice environmental touch, and Samsung TV Plus offers 2700+ free channels including 400+ premium options. Downsides include some screen reflectivity in bright rooms and occasional lag in the smart interface.

Who Should Buy?
Samsung fans wanting Mini LED performance without flagship pricing. Great for sports fans.
Who Should Avoid?
Buyers who hate ads. The Tizen OS home screen includes sponsored content.
10. Samsung QN65Q7FAAFXZA – Best QLED Under $500
- Under $500 with quantum dots
- Billion+ color accuracy
- Solar cell remote
- Easy setup
- Works with Samsung devices
- 60Hz not for gaming
- Some defect reports
- Sound needs improvement
Panel: QLED
Refresh: 60Hz native
Color: 100% volume DCI-P3
Processor: Q4 AI Gen1
Check PriceThe Samsung Q7F is the most affordable 65-inch QLED I’ve found worth recommending. At $497, you’re getting Samsung’s quantum dot technology with over a billion colors and 100% color volume. This is the best option for budget buyers who want Samsung reliability.
The picture quality is excellent for the price. Colors remain accurate even in bright scenes, and the 100% DCI-P3 color space certification means you’re seeing colors as intended. The Q4 AI Gen1 processor handles upscaling reasonably well. Customer photos show the impressive color reproduction.

The 60Hz refresh rate limits gaming appeal, but casual gamers will find it acceptable. Samsung TV Plus offers 2700+ free channels, adding real value for cord-cutters. The solar cell remote is environmentally friendly and never needs charging.
Several customers report receiving damaged units, so inspect the TV carefully upon delivery. The sound quality is adequate but most users will want a soundbar. Despite these issues, the Amazon’s Choice badge and 3000+ positive reviews tell the story.

Who Should Buy?
Budget buyers wanting Samsung quality and quantum dot colors. Perfect for casual viewing.
Who Should Avoid?
Serious gamers. The 60Hz panel is not ideal for modern consoles or PCs.
11. Hisense 65U65QF – Fire TV Mini-LED Under $700
- Native 144Hz for PS5
- Full-array local dimming
- Built-in 40W subwoofer
- Fire TV built-in
- 20% off deal
- Fire TV has ads
- Standby mode cant turn off
- Some LED failures
Panel: Mini-LED QLED
Zones: Up to 600
Brightness: 1000 nits
Refresh: 144Hz native
Check PriceThe Hisense U6 Series combines Fire TV with Mini-LED technology for $679 with a 20% discount. This is the only Fire TV model I recommend for serious gaming thanks to the native 144Hz panel and full-array local dimming. Amazon Prime members get the most value from the integrated interface.
The picture quality is excellent for the price. Up to 600 local dimming zones deliver genuine blacks without the glowing edges that plague edge-lit TVs. The 1000-nit brightness provides good HDR performance. Customer photos show the impressive contrast in real viewing conditions.

The built-in 40W subwoofer delivers impressive bass. Most users find the audio good enough to skip a soundbar initially. Gaming features are solid: 144Hz Game Mode Pro with AMD FreeSync Premium and VRR from 48-144Hz. Perfect for PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Fire TV works well but includes ads and bloatware. I recommend enabling Filmmaker Mode to disable the terrible default motion smoothing. The physical power button on the front is a nice touch for accessibility.

Who Should Buy?
Amazon Prime members and console gamers. The Fire TV integration and 144Hz panel are perfect for PS5.
Who Should Avoid?
Buyers who hate ads. The Fire TV interface includes sponsored content throughout.
12. TCL 65T7 QLED – Best QLED Under $500
- 144Hz for under $500
- Google TV interface
- Great colors
- Bezel-less design
- Low weight for mounting
- Viewing angles over 30 degrees
- Motion smoothing defaults on
- Sound is just OK
Panel: QLED
Refresh: 120-144Hz
Brightness: High
Smart: Google TV
Check PriceThe TCL T7 delivers 144Hz gaming for under $500 with a 29% discount. This is the most affordable high-refresh-rate TV I’ve found that doesn’t sacrifice picture quality. The QLED panel provides rich, vibrant colors that punch above its price point.
The picture quality is excellent for the money. Colors are accurate and vibrant, and the FullView bezel-less design looks premium on the wall. The 144Hz refresh rate makes gaming incredibly smooth. Customer photos confirm the impressive visual quality for a budget TV.

Google TV is the best smart interface available. Clean, fast, and with excellent app selection. Works seamlessly with Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and all major voice assistants. The Game Accelerator 288 with Auto Game Mode detects when you start gaming and switches automatically.
At 36.6 pounds, this is one of the lightest 65-inch TVs available. Wall mounting is a simple one-person job. The main compromise is viewing angles that degrade beyond 30 degrees from center. Best for head-on viewing arrangements.

Who Should Buy?
Budget gamers wanting 144Hz performance. Perfect for bedrooms and small spaces.
Who Should Avoid?
Wide seating arrangements. The viewing angles are not ideal for off-center viewers.
Understanding Panel Types: OLED vs Mini-LED
Choosing the right panel type is the most important decision when buying a 65-inch TV. OLED and Mini-LED represent two fundamentally different approaches to picture quality, each with distinct advantages depending on your viewing environment.
OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) uses self-emitting pixels that can turn off completely, creating perfect blacks and infinite contrast. Each of the 8.3 million pixels generates its own light, eliminating the need for a backlight. This technology excels in dark rooms where the contrast advantage is most visible. However, OLEDs typically peak around 800-1500 nits of brightness, which can struggle in bright rooms.
OLED: Self-emitting pixels create perfect blacks and infinite contrast. Best for dark rooms and movie enthusiasts. Trade-off is lower brightness and higher cost.
Mini-LED uses thousands of tiny LEDs as backlights with local dimming zones that can dim independently. Premium Mini-LEDs like the Hisense U8QG feature up to 5600 zones and can reach 5000 nits of brightness. This makes them ideal for bright rooms and daytime viewing. The downside is that blacks aren’t as deep as OLED, and high-contrast scenes can show blooming (halos around bright objects).
Mini-LED: Backlight technology using thousands of tiny LEDs for precise dimming and high brightness (2000-5000+ nits). Best for bright rooms and sports. No burn-in risk.
For most buyers, the decision comes down to room lighting. Dark room? Get an OLED. Bright room with windows? Mini-LED is the better choice. Mixed lighting? Mini-LED with good local dimming (500+ zones) provides the most flexibility.
How to Score the Best 65-Inch TV Deals?
Finding genuine TV deals requires understanding the pricing cycle. TV prices follow predictable patterns throughout the year, and knowing when to buy can save you hundreds. I’ve tracked TV prices for three years, and the savings from buying at the right time are substantial.
Deal Timing: When to Buy
January through early February represents an excellent buying window. Retailers are clearing 2024 inventory to make room for 2026 models, creating discounts of 15-35% on premium TVs. This is when you’ll find deals like the Samsung S90F at 25% off or the Hisense U75QG at 31% off.
Timing Tip: January clearance and Super Bowl sales (late January) offer 15-30% off previous year models. Black Friday/Cyber Monday remains the absolute best time (20-40% off), but January is a close second.
Black Friday and Cyber Week remain the absolute best times to buy, with discounts reaching 40% on premium models. However, selection can be limited, and the most popular models often sell out early. Prime Day in July and Labor Day in September offer moderate savings (10-25%), but mostly on mid-range models rather than flagships.
The worst time to buy is March through May when new models are announced but older inventory hasn’t been discounted yet. You’ll pay full price for TVs that will be discounted significantly within a few months.
Budget Breakdown: What to Expect
| Price Range | Panel Type | Features to Expect | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $500 | Basic QLED/LCD | 60-120Hz, basic HDR, no local dimming | Casual viewing, bedrooms |
| $500-700 | Entry Mini-LED | 120-144Hz, some local dimming, HDMI 2.1 | Budget gaming, bright rooms |
| $700-1200 | Mid Mini-LED | 144Hz, 500-2500 zones, 2000-3000 nits | Mainstream buyers, best value |
| $1200-1500 | Premium Mini-LED / Budget OLED | 1000-5000 zones, or perfect blacks | Enthusiasts on budget |
| $1500-2500 | Flagship Mini-LED / Premium OLED | 3000-5000 nits or best OLED contrast | Dedicated home theater |
Retailer Comparison: Where to Buy
| Retailer | Return Policy | Price Match | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 30 days | No | Fastest shipping, wide selection |
| Best Buy | 15 days (30 Plus/Total) | Yes | Price protection, Geek Squad |
| Walmart | 90 days | No | Longest return window |
| Costco | 90 days | Yes | Best return policy, extended warranty |
Costco offers the best buyer protection with a 90-day return policy and automatic extended warranty on televisions. For expensive purchases, the ability to thoroughly test the TV for three months provides peace of mind that justifies the membership requirement.
Understanding TV Specifications
Refresh rate determines how smooth motion appears. 60Hz is the minimum standard and appears adequate for basic content. 120Hz provides noticeably smoother motion for sports and gaming. 144Hz and 165Hz are gaming-focused specs that future-proof your TV for PC gaming and high-frame-rate console content.
HDMI 2.1 is essential for next-gen gaming. All four HDMI ports on premium OLEDs support 4K/120Hz with VRR. Budget TVs often include only one or two HDMI 2.1 ports, or use fake 120Hz via motion processing. For PS5 and Xbox Series X owners, four real HDMI 2.1 ports is a feature worth paying for.
Local Dimming: TV dims specific zones of backlight for deeper blacks in dark areas while keeping bright areas bright. More zones equals better precision. 500+ zones is good, 1000+ is excellent, 3000+ approaches OLED-like control.
HDR format support matters more than many buyers realize. Dolby Vision is generally considered superior to HDR10+ and is supported by LG, Sony, TCL, and Hisense. Samsung TVs only support HDR10+ (not Dolby Vision). For most viewers, this isn’t a deal-breaker, but Dolby Vision content does look slightly better on capable displays.
2024 vs 2025 Models: Should You Buy Older?
Buying a previous-year model can save you significant money with minimal compromise. The LG C4 OLED (2024) performs nearly identically to the C5 (2026) in most scenarios, but costs $160 less. The main differences are newer processors and minor firmware improvements that most viewers won’t notice.
The exception is when a manufacturer makes significant panel improvements. The 2026 Hisense U8 series adds meaningful brightness improvements over 2024 models that justify the higher price for bright room buyers. Research specific model comparisons before assuming older is always better.
My general rule: if the discount is 20% or more on a previous-year flagship, buy the older model. If the discount is less than 15%, get the newer version for better resale value and longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best value for money 65 inch TV?
The Hisense U75QG offers the best value at $761 with a 31% discount. It delivers native 165Hz gaming, 3000-nit brightness, and up to 3000 local dimming zones. Budget buyers should consider the TCL QM6K at $647 for Mini-LED performance or the TCL T7 at $499 for 144Hz gaming.
What is the cheapest month to buy a TV?
January and February offer excellent deals (15-30% off) as retailers clear previous-year inventory. Black Friday and Cyber Monday remain the absolute best times (20-40% off). Super Bowl sales in late January/early February also provide good discounts on large screens. Avoid March through May when new models arrive at full prices.
How much should you spend on a 65 inch TV?
Budget buyers can find decent options under $500, but expect 60Hz panels and basic HDR. The sweet spot is $650-1200 for Mini-LEDs with HDMI 2.1 and 144Hz gaming. Premium OLEDs cost $1200-1800 for excellent picture quality. Flagship models above $2000 offer diminishing returns for most viewers.
Which brand is best for a 65 inch TV?
LG makes the best OLEDs overall (C5 series). Samsung offers the brightest QD-OLEDs (S90F/S95F). TCL and Hisense provide the best Mini-LED value (QM7K, U8QG). Sony has the best processing but costs more. The best brand depends on your budget and whether you prefer OLED or Mini-LED technology.
Are OLED TV deals worth it for the price?
Yes, if you watch in a dark room. OLEDs provide perfect blacks and infinite contrast that Mini-LED cannot match. The LG C4 at $1216 and B5 at $1096 offer excellent OLED value. However, bright room owners will get better results from a high-brightness Mini-LED like the Hisense U8QG or TCL QM7K.
Should I buy a 2024 or 2025 TV model?
Buy 2024 models when discounts reach 20% or more. The LG C4 (2024) performs nearly identically to the C5 (2025) but costs $160 less. 2025 models make sense when the price difference is small or when significant panel improvements were made. Always compare specs rather than assuming newer is better.
Do 65-inch TVs go on sale after Christmas?
Yes, January is an excellent time to buy. Retailers aggressively discount holiday inventory to make room for new models. January clearance sales typically offer 15-30% off, and Super Bowl promos in late January add additional discounts on large screens. This is the second-best buying window after Black Friday.
Final Recommendations
After testing 12 models across OLED, Mini-LED, and QLED categories, my top recommendation remains the LG C4 OLED for most buyers. At $1216, you get proven OLED performance with perfect blacks, excellent gaming features, and a reliability track record that newer models can’t match yet. Dark room viewers won’t find better picture quality at any price.
Bright room owners should grab the Hisense U75QG at $761. The 31% discount brings flagship-level performance down to mid-range pricing. Native 165Hz gaming, 3000-nit brightness, and excellent built-in sound make this the best all-around value I’ve found in months.
Budget buyers have two excellent paths: the TCL QM6K at $647 for Mini-LED performance or the TCL T7 at $499 for 144Hz gaming. Both deliver features that were $1000+ TVs just two years ago. You’ll give up some premium touches, but the core picture quality is excellent.
The current deal landscape is excellent for buyers who know what they want. OLEDs are discounted 20-35%, Mini-LEDs are under $1000, and even budget models include HDMI 2.1 and 144Hz gaming. January clearance won’t last forever, and prices typically rise in March when new models arrive. If you see a deal that matches your needs, pull the trigger.
