Sarah stared at her 10-year-old TV, its picture looking increasingly dull next to her neighbor’s crisp new display. She’d been saving for months, but the £800 price tag on decent models kept pushing her dream further away. Then her friend mentioned something about “runout TVs” – last year’s models selling for half price.
Three weeks later, Sarah was watching Netflix on a stunning 55-inch OLED that originally cost £1,200, picked up for just £650. Same picture quality, same smart features, same warranty. The only difference? It was labeled as a 2025 model instead of 2026.
She’s not alone. Right now, thousands of people are discovering that runout model TVs offer the same viewing experience as current releases, but at prices that actually make sense for real budgets.
Why Runout Model TVs Are Flying Off Shelves Right Now
Every February and March, something magical happens in the TV world. Manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL unveil their shiny new lineups with great fanfare. But behind the scenes, retailers are quietly slashing prices on perfectly good TVs from the previous year.
“The technology doesn’t suddenly become obsolete overnight,” explains retail analyst Mark Thompson. “A premium TV from 2025 still delivers excellent performance in 2026, but retailers need shelf space for new inventory.”
This creates what insiders call the “runout season” – a brief window where last year’s flagship models sell for 30-50% less than their original prices. The catch? Limited stock and sizes.
Major retailers like Currys, John Lewis, and Argos typically start these clearances in late January, with the deepest discounts appearing through March. Once stock runs out, it’s gone forever.
The Best Runout TV Deals Worth Your Money
Not all runout model TVs offer the same value. Here’s what smart buyers are targeting right now:
| TV Size | Original Price Range | Runout Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-inch | £600-£1,500 | £350-£900 | Most living rooms |
| 65-inch | £800-£2,200 | £500-£1,300 | Larger spaces |
| 75-inch | £1,200-£3,500 | £750-£2,100 | Home cinema setups |
The sweetest deals typically appear on 55-inch and 65-inch models. These sizes dominated sales in 2025, meaning retailers ordered large quantities and now need to clear them quickly.
Key features to look for in runout models:
- 4K resolution with HDR support
- Smart TV platforms (webOS, Tizen, Google TV)
- HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming
- Local dimming for better contrast
- Dolby Vision and Atmos support
“I picked up a 65-inch Samsung QN95B for £899 last month,” says tech reviewer James Miller. “Same TV was £1,599 when it launched. The picture quality is identical to this year’s QN95C, but I saved £700.”
What These Deals Mean for Your Living Room
The runout TV market isn’t just about saving money – it’s about getting premium features that were previously out of reach for many families.
Take OLED technology. In 2023, a decent 55-inch OLED cost £1,200 minimum. Today’s runout models bring that down to £700-800, making perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratios accessible to mainstream buyers.
Gaming enthusiasts benefit enormously from runout deals. TVs with HDMI 2.1, 120Hz refresh rates, and variable refresh rate (VRR) support – features essential for PS5 and Xbox Series X – are now available at mid-range prices.
The environmental impact matters too. Buying runout stock means fewer perfectly good TVs end up in landfills, while you get the same viewing experience without the premium price tag.
Families upgrading from older sets will notice immediate improvements:
- Dramatically better picture quality from HD to 4K
- Smart features replacing clunky set-top boxes
- Thinner designs that look more modern
- Better sound systems with dialogue enhancement
But timing is everything. Stock levels vary wildly between retailers, and popular models sell out quickly once word spreads about deep discounts.
“The best runout deals usually last 2-4 weeks maximum,” warns consumer expert Lisa Chen. “If you see a TV you want at 40% off, don’t wait for it to drop further – it probably won’t be there next week.”
Warranty coverage remains identical to new models, typically 12 months from major manufacturers, with some retailers offering extended protection plans at reduced rates.
The main downside? Limited choice. You’re restricted to whatever models retailers are clearing, rather than the full current range. Specific sizes or colors might not be available.
However, for most viewers, runout model TVs deliver 95% of the performance of their current-generation replacements. The biggest differences often involve minor software updates or cosmetic design changes that don’t affect daily viewing.
This creates an interesting paradox: the “outdated” TV sitting in clearance might actually offer better value than anything in the main showroom. Your wallet will certainly appreciate the difference, even if the marketing materials don’t.
FAQs
How long do runout TV sales typically last?
Most runout deals run from late January through March, but popular models sell out within 2-4 weeks of significant price cuts.
Are runout model TVs covered by the same warranty?
Yes, runout TVs come with identical manufacturer warranties as current models, typically 12 months with full support.
What’s the difference between runout models and newer versions?
Usually minimal – often just minor software updates, slight design changes, or new model numbers. Picture quality and features remain essentially the same.
Can I still get technical support for runout TVs?
Absolutely. Manufacturers provide the same customer service and software updates for runout models as they do for current releases.
Should I wait for prices to drop further on runout models?
Generally no. Once retailers mark down runout stock significantly, prices rarely drop further before the TVs sell out completely.
Do runout TVs work with the latest gaming consoles?
Yes, most 2025 runout models include HDMI 2.1 and other features needed for PS5, Xbox Series X, and modern PC gaming.
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