You can usually get a cheap TV by combining the right retailers with a few timing and deal‑hunting tricks.

Fast answer: where to look

  • Big-box retailers’ deal pages (Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Costco/Sam’s Club).
  • Online marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, local classifieds like Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree).
  • Refurbished/clearance outlets (brand outlets, refurb specialists, open‑box sections).
  • Warehouse/club stores (Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s) if you already have membership.

1. Best places to buy a cheap TV

Major retailers (new + warranty)

These are good if you want low prices and straightforward returns.

  • Amazon – Constant TV deals, lots of budget brands (TCL, Hisense, Insignia, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV). Look for “Today’s Deals” and check reviews carefully.
  • Walmart – Very aggressive pricing on smaller sets (24–50 inch) and big promotional events; you’ll see rollback prices and bundles.
  • Best Buy – Check the “Deal of the Day,” “Clearance,” and “Open‑Box” sections; open‑box TVs can be significantly cheaper with full or partial warranty.
  • Target / Curry’s / similar electronics chains – Often run weekend and seasonal sales; sometimes throw in gift cards with a TV purchase.

Warehouse / club stores

If you or a friend already has a membership:

  • Costco / Sam’s Club / BJ’s – Good for mid‑range and large TVs at less than typical retail pricing, plus generous return policies and extended warranties on some models.

Refurbished and outlet options

  • Brand outlets (Samsung, LG, Sony) often have refurbished or “certified renewed” TVs that are heavily discounted but still have some warranty.
  • Specialist refurb/clearance websites offer returns and graded stock (like “Grade A,” “Grade B”), often 20–50% off comparable new models.
  • Big retailers’ “refurbished” or “renewed” sections (for example, on Amazon) can give you large savings if you’re okay with non‑boxed or lightly used items.

Used / local options (cheapest possible)

If you want the rock‑bottom price and don’t mind used:

  • Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Gumtree, OfferUp, local classifieds – People often dump perfectly good 1080p or older 4K sets cheap when they upgrade.
  • Local buy/sell groups & college classifieds – End of semester or moving season is prime time to snag a bargain.
  • Pawn shops & thrift stores – Hit or miss, but sometimes you’ll find a solid set for very little.

2. Timing your purchase

You can pay dramatically less by buying at the right time.

  • Big sale events :
    • Black Friday / Cyber Monday
    • Amazon Prime‑style events and competing retailer sale weeks
    • New Year and “January sales” when old inventory is being cleared
  • Model‑year changeover :
    • New TV lines usually appear around spring. Last year’s models go on deep discount to make space.
  • End of month / quarter :
    • Salespeople and retailers sometimes discount more aggressively to hit targets.

3. What “cheap but not junk” looks like

Before you chase the lowest tag, decide what’s “good enough” for you:

  • Resolution
    • For 40–50"+, aim for 4K.
    • For a small bedroom/kitchen TV (32" or less), 720p/1080p can be fine and often cheaper.
  • Smart platform
    • Roku TV, Fire TV, Google TV, or built‑in platforms from Samsung/LG are all usable; pick whichever interface you like or already own a streamer for.
  • Ports and basics
    • At least 3 HDMI ports if you have multiple devices.
    • Check for HDMI ARC/eARC if you might add a soundbar.
  • Brand tier
    • Budget brands: TCL, Hisense, Vizio, Insignia, Onn – usually excellent value.
    • Big brands: Samsung, LG, Sony – look for last year’s models on discount rather than their absolute latest.

4. Strategies to drive the price down

Use these tactics wherever you shop:

  1. Stack discounts
    • Combine sale prices with coupon codes, cashback sites, or credit‑card offers.
    • Some stores price‑match each other; if you see a lower price elsewhere, ask.
  2. Open‑box and floor models
    • Ask in‑store about open‑box, display, or returned TVs.
    • Inspect for scratches, check remote/stand, and confirm the warranty.
  3. Refurb over new
    • Certified refurb with a 1‑year warranty is often a better deal than a no‑name new TV with no reviews.
  4. Drop size slightly
    • Going from 55" to 50" or 50" to 43" can cut the price dramatically while still feeling “big enough” in many rooms.
  5. Skip fancy extras
    • Avoid paying extra for 120 Hz, ultra‑advanced gaming features, or premium sound if you don’t need them.
    • Focus on a decent panel, smart system, and the right size.

5. Quick “where to buy cheap TV” checklist

Before you buy, run through this:

  1. Check at least 3 places (for example: Amazon, a big local retailer, and one refurb/used source).
  2. Decide your max budget and minimum size so you don’t get upsold.
  3. Read a few recent reviews for the exact model to avoid lemons.
  4. Consider if a slightly smaller, last‑year model, or refurb would save a lot with minimal trade‑off.
  5. Make sure you know the return policy and warranty in case something’s wrong out of the box.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.