Prime Day TV deals: Best buys and what to skip

Amazon Prime Day arrives on June 23, and if a new television is on your shopping list, the event promises a wide range of discounts. However, not every markdown is a smart buy. I test televisions year-round, so I can pinpoint which models are genuinely worth your attention and which ones you should skip.

Prime Day TV deals are expected to be especially strong on 2025 models, as manufacturers clear out inventory. These older sets often deliver performance nearly identical to their 2026 successors but at significantly lower prices. That makes them a fantastic value right now. While you will also find deals on 2026 televisions, those typically see deeper discounts later in the year, so patience may pay off.

Exact pricing remains under wraps until Prime Day begins, but based on historical trends, I have a solid sense of what will be worth waiting for. Below, I have highlighted the top models to watch, along with key shopping tips to help you avoid common pitfalls.

Prime Day TV Deals Worth Waiting For

These are the televisions I am tracking most closely. Most are 2025 models likely to hit all-time lows, though a few standout 2026 sets are also expected to get their first significant discounts. Where applicable, I have linked to the 65-inch size, but other screen sizes are available on each Amazon listing.

Samsung S90F OLED TV The Samsung S90F OLED remains my top pick for the best television overall. Its combination of deep contrast, vibrant brightness, rich colors, and wide viewing angles is nearly unmatched at its price point. The 65-inch model typically sells for around $1,400, with a previous low of $1,248. Expect it to potentially drop under $1,200 on Prime Day.

LG C5 OLED TV The LG C5 OLED is an excellent alternative for those who prefer LG. Its contrast and viewing angles are top-notch, and while its color performance trails the Samsung S90F slightly, it remains a superb choice. The 65-inch version hit $1,248 on Black Friday, and I anticipate Amazon will match or beat that price.

TCL QM6K QLED TV For shoppers seeking an affordable television without sacrificing picture quality, the TCL QM6K QLED is my go-to budget recommendation. It offers an impressive feature set at a surprisingly low price and comes in sizes from 50 to 98 inches. The 65-inch model was $498 in November, and a similar discount is likely for Prime Day.

LG G5 OLED TV The LG G5 OLED sits at the top of LG’s lineup, delivering exceptional brightness for an OLED alongside precise pixel-level contrast. It is one of the best televisions for picture quality. The 65-inch model usually hovers around $2,300, with a low of $1,800. While premium sets don’t always see huge Prime Day discounts, this one is worth monitoring.

Samsung LS03F Frame TV The Samsung LS03F is the best frame television for most people, blending a stylish design with solid performance. The 65-inch size has already dropped to $998 multiple times this year, making a similar or better Prime Day deal very possible. Its picture quality isn’t aimed at enthusiasts, but its art-like appearance is perfect for style-conscious shoppers.

TCL QM8K QLED TV The TCL QM8K QLED delivers flagship-level performance for less than comparable models from Samsung, LG, and Sony. It gets exceptionally bright, maintains impressive contrast, and is available in a massive 98-inch configuration. The 65-inch model has dropped to $898, and with TCL’s history of major discounts, Prime Day could push it even lower.

Hisense U8QG QLED TV The U8QG QLED is one of the brightest televisions on the market and my top pick for the best Hisense model. While not as color-accurate as some rivals, it offers impressive pop and rich colors. The 65-inch size dropped to $800 in April, a steal, and Amazon is likely to offer similar pricing on Prime Day.

LG C6H OLED TV The LG C6H OLED is a new 2026 submodel in LG’s popular C-Series, available only in 77- and 83-inch sizes. It uses the advanced panel typically reserved for the pricier G-Series, making it much brighter than most OLEDs. The 77-inch size was $700 off in May, but otherwise, it hasn’t seen major deals. Prime Day will likely be the next opportunity to snag a discount.

TCL X11L SQD TV The TCL X11L SQD TV is a premium 2026 model that delivers some of the best color and brightness I have seen, but it comes with a hefty price tag. The 85-inch size retails for $8,000, though it has already seen $2,000 off for the last couple of months. Given TCL’s track record, holding out for a record low on Prime Day is a smart strategy.

Tips for Smart TV Shopping on Prime Day

Understand list price versus typical price. Amazon often crosses out a TV’s full retail price and replaces it with a deal price, but that list price can be misleading. It rarely reflects what the TV has been selling for. I use price trackers to verify the actual selling price and ensure a deal is genuine.

Know which TV type fits your needs. The market includes LED, QLED, OLED, Mini LED, and RGB LED televisions. Here is a quick guide:

• OLED TVs offer the best picture quality with perfect black levels and wide viewing angles, ideal for movie lovers. They cost more, don’t get as bright as top QLEDs, and carry a slight burn-in risk.
• QLED TVs use quantum dots for vivid colors and high brightness, making them great for sunny rooms. They lack OLED’s contrast and viewing angles, and picture quality depends heavily on Mini LED local dimming.
• LED TVs are the cheapest option, best for casual viewing or large screens at low prices. They lack quantum dots and often local dimming, so contrast and color are limited.
• RGB LED TVs use separate red, green, and blue LEDs for purer color, but the technology is new, options are limited, and contrast still lags behind OLED.

Don’t buy a 2026 TV just because it’s newer. Year-over-year upgrades are usually minor, so a discounted 2025 model often offers better value. Only pay extra for a 2026 set if it brings a meaningful improvement, like the LG C6H’s brighter panel.

Big screen size doesn’t guarantee good picture quality. A large, cheap television will often have weaker contrast, duller colors, and poorer viewing angles than a smaller, higher-end model. Focus on the display type and features, not just the screen size.

For more savings, check out our roundup of all the best Prime Day deals or browse Amazon’s full selection.