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A sales associate shows off a display TV to a prospective couple.

The Best Holiday 2016 TV Deals

Today’s TVs are a far cry from the original remote-less television sets when only 3 channels existed. They become something more akin to computers—an almost science fiction-esque development unimaginable in the 1980s. Here’s a look at some of the best places to find deals on TVs this season.

Best Specific Promo

Dell is offering a great deal on a 49-inch LG. With its LED screen, this HDTV is not only a great TV from a trusty brand, but it's also crystal clear. LG’s Smart TV 49LH5700 has 1080p and 60Hz with great detail and crisp colors. It’s also energy star qualified, which your electric bill will love. It comes with "virtual surround plus" on a 2-channel speaker system and an output power of 20W. The “smart” aspect of it makes it even easier to watch your favorite shows from your favorite streaming accounts. You can also access LG’s very own app store straight from your TV. It’s built-in Wi-Fi makes accessing movies and music a snap. Get it from Dell for $400 (that’s $100 off!) plus $150 eGift card after you purchase it. Dell also does financing, if you can’t shell it all out at once.

Best Ongoing Deal

If you’ve been shying away from Best Buy because you think you can get it cheaper on Amazon, think again! In the first place, consider being able to walk back into the store to use your warranty 3 months later. That much easier when walking into the store than trying to mail a TV back to Amazon. In any case, if you’re a college student, you can also save a bundle on a new HDTV. Just use your .edu address (which means a few professors might be able to sneak in too) at the time of purchase, and save up to $150! Best Buy also has deals throughout the holiday season, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for their best deals.

Best Refurbished Options

With the rate at which smart TVs are upgrading, changing, and growing exponentially bigger, TVs can drop by hundreds of dollars within a year. If you like to constantly have the best and brightest of the newest generation, your bank account is going to empty out fast as you try to keep up with TVs. Check out Amazon’s certified refurbished selection. It’s the same TV with the same benefits at a much cheaper price. Make sure you’re looking at one that says “certified refurbished.” Some even come with warranties so you don’t have a dud show up on your doorstep.

Best Used Budget Options

If you’re less concerned with getting a pristine TV and more concerned with getting a good deal, check your local pawnshop. Pawn shops can have some great deals on some really nice television sets. It’s a particularly good idea if you’re looking for one as a gift for someone who is not so careful with their electronics (like a 5-year-old). Opt for a nice pawn shop, not one with bars in the windows. They’ll usually have a very nice collection, with a wide selection. Just remember they’re out to make a buck—and you can usually haggle with them and get them to come down on their price.

Best New Budget Options

There’s a reason Walmart has been around since the dinosaurs—they really do have some great deals. While they offer refurbished TVs, they also offer brand new ones at very decent prices. You don’t even have to leave your house to get them. If you know what you want, shop online and place your order. It’ll be there within a few days (or you can leave your house and go pick it up from the store if they have it in stock). Plus, in most cases, you get free shipping. They have all the standard brands smart TVs brands, and they tend to be a little less costly than electronics stores and online only businesses. You've got to love those rollback prices!

Last Updated: November 30, 2016