Best Times to Buy Electronics: A Month-by-Month Guide

Best Times to Buy Electronics: The Concrete Calendar

The best periods to buy electronics are: January (TVs, white goods), August (laptops, tablets), September-October (iPhones and previous Android generations) and November (Black Friday — widest selection across all categories). Amazon Prime Day in July is additionally the best period for smart home devices and Amazon's own brands. The golden rule: never buy in the launch month; wait at least six to eight weeks and always compare multiple online stores. Anyone who follows this pattern consistently pays less without compromising on quality. Below you'll find the complete monthly calendar, a category overview and answers to frequently asked questions.

Also check our guide on smart online shopping and view current discounts on our deals page.

How Do Seasonal Patterns Emerge?

Electronics prices are determined by a combination of factors:

• Product launch schedules: When a new model appears, the price of the previous model drops.
• Retail events: Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day and January sales create discount peaks.
• Supply and demand: Back-to-school in August-September increases demand for laptops; Christmas increases demand for gadgets.
• Stock clearance: Stores need to clear old inventory before new models arrive.

Overview: What to Buy When

Month	Best Buying Opportunities
January	Televisions, large appliances, leftover Christmas stock
February	Laptops (end of Q4 models), components
March	Tablets (often after new iPad announcement)
April	Quiet month — few deals
May	Televisions (new models, previous generation discounted)
June	Smartphones (after launches), promotions ahead of Prime Day
July	Amazon Prime Day, summer sales
August	Back-to-school laptops and tablets
September	Previous-generation iPhones (after new launch), wearables
October	Early Black Friday deals begin
November	Black Friday / Cyber Monday — widest selection
December	Christmas offers, after Christmas: remaining stock

Comparison Table: Best Buying Time by Category

Product	Best Month(s)	Expected Discount	Reason
Smartphone (new model)	Sep-Oct, Jun-Jul	10–20%	After new model launch
Smartphone (previous gen)	Nov, Feb	20–35%	Black Friday, clearance
Laptop	Aug, Nov	15–25%	Back-to-school, Black Friday
Television	Jan, May-Jun, Nov	20–35%	Clearance, new models, Black Friday
Tablet	Mar, Nov	10–20%	After new iPad launches
Headphones/speakers	Nov, Jul	20–40%	Black Friday, Prime Day
Smart home	Nov, Jul	25–50%	Black Friday, Prime Day
Gaming console	Nov	10–15% (bundles)	Black Friday bundles
Wearables	Sep-Oct, Nov	15–25%	After launch, Black Friday

Smartphones: When to Buy?

Best Periods

• September-October: Apple launches new iPhones every September. The previous model drops immediately. Samsung phones also become cheaper when the new Galaxy S series appears (January-February).
• November (Black Friday): Expect discounts on models that are six months old.
• June-July: Halfway through the year, prices drop for Samsung's Galaxy S series that launched at the beginning of the year.

Avoid

• Launch month: Don't buy in the first month after launch. The price is at its highest and there are often supply issues.
• December: Smartphones are popular Christmas gifts, keeping prices high.

Browse the latest models in our smartphones category.

Laptops: When to Buy?

Best Periods

• August (Back-to-school): Manufacturers and retailers offer substantial discounts to attract students. Historically one of the strongest laptop periods of the year.
• November (Black Friday): Excellent deals, especially on older configurations.
• February-March: Previous generation models get discounted when new models are announced at CES (January) and MWC (February).

Avoid

• September: Back-to-school demand is over, but prices haven't yet dropped to Black Friday levels.
• April-May: Relatively few deals during this quiet period.

Compare laptops in our laptops category.

Televisions: When to Buy?

Best Periods

• January: After Christmas, stores need to clear inventory. Historically one of the strongest TV moments of the year.
• May-June: Manufacturers introduce new TV models. The previous generation gets discounted.
• November (Black Friday): Televisions are one of the most popular Black Friday categories.

Avoid

• March-April: Between the January clearance and new model introductions, there's a quiet period with few deals.
• October: Better to wait for Black Friday, which is only a month away.

Discover the range in our televisions category.

Price Decline Pattern After Launch

Based on market patterns, consumer electronics prices follow a consistent downward trend after launch:

• After 3 months: limited decline
• After 6 months: noticeable decline
• After 12 months: substantial decline
• After 18+ months: largest discount, especially when a successor model launches

Televisions show the highest seasonal volatility due to multiple annual deal periods. Smartphones are more stable but have a clear pattern around launch and Black Friday.

Tips to Always Get the Best Price

1. Set price alerts: Use our deals page or Google Shopping alerts.
2. Wait for the right moment: Use the calendar above as a guide.
3. Consider refurbished: A certified refurbished product can be significantly cheaper than new.
4. Always compare: Check multiple online stores before buying — our price comparison tool does this in one overview.
5. Stack discounts: Combine cashback offers, discount codes and trade-in programmes.

Find more saving tips on our deals page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Always Cheaper to Wait for Black Friday?

Not necessarily. For televisions and audio equipment, Black Friday is often the best time, but for smartphones you may be better off waiting until shortly after the latest model launches (September for Apple, February for Samsung). The price drop on the previous model can sometimes be greater than the Black Friday discount.

How Much Can I Save by Waiting for the Right Moment?

Depending on the product category and specific model, savings vary considerably. On a more expensive device or television, the difference can be tens to hundreds of euros. Use our price comparison tool to view the current price history of a specific product.

Does This Apply to Apple Products Too?

Apple products generally have fewer seasonal fluctuations than other brands. Apple rarely discounts directly, but retailers do offer deals — especially during Black Friday and at the launch of a new model. The biggest savings on Apple products come from refurbished purchases and trade-in programmes.

When Is the Best Time to Buy a Television in 2026?

In 2026, January (leftover 2025 models), May-June (new 2026 models push down previous generation) and November (Black Friday) are the strongest moments. Also check our televisions category for current prices.