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As many of the biggest brands in the TV industry gear up to launch their newest QLEDs, OLEDs and RGB LED TVs, one question is on the minds of people hoping to upgrade their living room in 2026: Will the ongoing RAM crisis affect the price of a new TV this year?
While we haven’t seen much in the way of confirmed pricing for 2026 TVs, many analysts are predicting higher TV prices this spring as the demand rapidly increases for DRAM and RAM. I’m one of the experts sounding the alarm, and if I were in the market for a new TV, I’d be looking to buy one as soon as possible.
With this in mind, I’ve corralled several of the best deals you can currently get on TVs that are actually worth buying. We won’t know how these prices compare to newer models until brands begin rolling out their 2026 TVs, but they’re already massively discounted and worth your consideration.
1. TCL QM5K
TCL's most-affordable Mini-LED TV is the QM5K, a Best Buy-exclusive model that prioritizes value above all else. Over the last several months, I've been recommending this TV for people who just want an affordable, 4K smart TV that doesn't scrape the bottom of the proverbial barrel. Given its ultra-low price, I suspect I'll be recommending it even more in the coming months in the face of RAM-related price hikes.
The QM5K's modest array of Mini-LED backlights are better to have at your disposal than the low-contrast, edge-lit panels that budget-friendly TVs typically use. You'll appreciate having Mini-LEDs whether you're streaming shows during the day or dimming the lights for movie night.
The QM5K also comes with Google TV built right into the software. If you're hoping to rely on your TV's smart platform for all of your usual streaming needs, Google TV is an excellent software suite to hang your hat on. Right now, the 55-inch version is well under $400.
2. Hisense U65QF
If you want something a bit more performance-oriented than the QM5K but still want to keep costs down, consider the 55-inch Hisense U65QF. It comes with a brighter picture than any set we've tested in its entry-level class, which makes it a great choice for folks who watch a ton of TV during the day.
The 55-inch version of the U65QF costs about $100 more than the 55-inch QM5K, but the U65QF's price is still remarkably low for a TV of its type.
Hisense will almost certainly launch a new entry-level Mini-LED TV sometime in the coming months, but it's almost guaranteed to cost more than the U65QF currently costs on sale. If you're hoping to get out in front of the RAM crisis' downstream effect on TV pricing, this is a great TV to go for.
3. TCL QM6K
If a 65-inch TV is what you seek but you're not looking to spend more than $550 on a screen of this size, I recommend taking advantage of Best Buy's current deal on the TCL QM6K. It features a better Mini-LED display than that of the QM5K, and right now, the QM6K is heavily discounted.
Another benefit that the QM6K has over the aforementioned QM5K is that it supports 4K gaming at 120Hz or 144Hz across two of its HDMI inputs. This makes it a better pick for casual and dedicated gamers.
TCL has been relatively tight-lipped about the release dates and prices for its mainline series of 2026 TVs, but you can reasonably expect this 2025 model to undercut new models by a few hundred dollars.
4. Roku Pro Series
If you've had an opportunity to use a Roku device before, you probably understand the appeal. The software's clean-looking interface is easy to warm up to, while Roku's library of downloadable apps is vast.
But the Roku Pro Series' best feature is its display, which blends Mini-LED backlighting with quantum dot-enhanced color. It's truly an impressive TV for movies and shows, and the fact that it comes with my favorite smart platform is an excellent bonus.
Not much is known about Roku's plans for 2026, but if you're already shopping for a well-engineered TV that simplifies streaming, I'd put the Pro Series at the top of the list of candidates. Right now, the 65-inch version is $300 off at Best Buy.
5. TCL QM7K
Much like the Roku Pro Series, the TCL QM7K offers a much punchier picture than what you'll find on entry-level sets like the QM5K and QM6K. This TV is pricier than those models because, in many cases, it gets at least twice as bright.
In addition, the QM7K's thorough collection of gaming features is one of the reasons I've been recommending it to people for several months now.
Its current sale price brings it down to a relatively low price when compared to higher-end Mini-LED TVs, and it's also a safe bet to assume that this deal will look even better when 2026 TVs begin to reach the market.
6. LG C5
If you've spent several years yearning for one of LG's award-winning C Series OLED TVs, take note: This might be your last opportunity to get a good deal on the LG C5. There's a very good chance that the upcoming LG C6 will debut at a higher price than its predecessor.
All of the benefits of OLED technology are accounted for, including perfect black levels, ultra-wide viewing angles and pixel-level dimming. Right now, the 65-inch version is about 48% off its original price, and stock is sure to shrink as the year moves along.
The LG C5 is one of my favorite TVs in recent years, and while I'm excited to see what the C6 brings to the table in the coming months, I will find it much harder to recommend the C6 if its price is, indeed, affected by the ongoing RAM crisis.
7. Samsung S95F
If you're comfortable splurging on a top-of-the-line OLED TV but you're nonetheless nervous about how current economic forces might impact TV prices, I recommend choosing one of last year's best OLED TVs, the Samsung S95F.
Like the LG C5, the S95F is capable of perfect black levels and pixel-level dimming. However, Samsung's flagship OLED delivers quantum dot-enhanced color for brighter colors and highlights. Unsurprisingly, this incredible, flagship-level OLED comes with plenty of streaming- and gaming-related features.
Samsung is one of the only TV makers that's been transparent about the possible impact of the RAM shortage on the newest models, and I'm inclined to take them at their word. There's no guarantee that the S95H will ever be as affordable as the S95F currently is.
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