This year, we divided the top performing 2021 4K TVs on Ben’s into 3 categories: high-end, mid-range and budget. We then crunched the numbers and assembled this guide to give our readers insight into what TV prices will be when Black Friday rolls around.

We’ve focused primarily on prices for the 65-inch models. The 65-inch size is the most popular right now, which shows the eagerness of American households to embrace bigger screens as the prices go down and the displays get thinner and lighter. TV makers are also packing their best features in this 65-inch range.

To meet the needs of consumers, TV manufacturers are making a wide range of display sizes, usually 42, 50, 55, 65, 75 and sometimes 80 or 85 inches.

Because TVs are refreshed on a yearly basis, we’re only looking at 2021 models, but you can certainly find even bigger deals on closeout 2020 models, though at this point in the year most are going to be refurbs.

Take note of your favorite models below and set a deal alert on Ben’s to get a jump on the lowest prices of the holidays!

Top 2021 High-End TVs

LG OLED TVs have dominated this category the past several years, but Sony OLEDs are gaining.

1. LG C1 Series OLED TVs (2021): We’ve seen the 65″ model of this amazing TV go for as low as $1527 on eBay and $1620 at Target, but realistically don’t expect it to dip much below $1700 for Black Friday. [Amazon]
2. Sony BRAVIA XR A80J OLED TVs (2021): LG’s biggest competition has seen the 65″ model go as low as $1571 on eBay, but we expect it to stay well above $1700 (probably around $1800) for the remainder of the year. [Amazon]
3. Samsung QN85A Series QLED TVs (2021): We recently saw the 75″ model go for as low as $1600 at Sam’s Club (+$45 for the membership). The 65″ model is hovering just below $1500 right now and probably will see another $100 off during the holidays. [Amazon]
4. Hisense L5 Series 120″ Laser Projector Android TV (2021): We’ve seen this awesome short-throw projector with included screen sell for $2500. It should hit that low price again around Black Friday or into December. [Amazon]
5. Samsung The Frame Series QLED TVs (2021): The 65″ model has recently gone as low as $1500, and that’s where you can expect sale prices to return around Black Friday. BuyDig.com sells it bundled with customizable bezels for a big discount. [Amazon]
6. Sony BRAVIA XR X90J Series LED TVs (2021): The 65″ model of this TV with top-notch picture quality is hovering just below $1200, and we’ll probably see most of the display sizes in this line go down another $100 during the holiday season. [Amazon]

Top 2021 Mid-Range TVs

If the high-end TVs are a little too rich for your taste, mid-range TVs have a nice balance of value with excellent picture quality and special features.

7. Amazon Fire TV Omni Series LED TVs (2021): Amazon has been very aggressive pricing its first line of official Amazon TVs. The 50″ model has been on sale for $360 and the 55″ for $410. We haven’t seen the 65″ go on sale yet, but we’ll probably see $100 off its $830 price tag (either a straight discount or gift card/credit) before the holiday shopping season is over. [Amazon]
8. LG NanoCell 75 Series LED TVs (2021): We’ve seen the 70″ model of this popular TV on sale recently for as low as $750. Expect Best Buy to get aggressive around Black Friday on all popular model sizes, like the 65″ hitting $650 or less. [Best Buy]
9. Samsung Q60A Series QLED TVs (2021): The 65″ model of this top-performing TV should hit $800 or less during the Black Friday season. [Amazon]
10. Hisense U6G Series Quantum ULED TVs (2021): We’ve seen the 65″ model go for as low as $650 and expect it to hit that price point around Black Friday. The 75″ model might get as low as $850. [Amazon]

Top 2021 Budget 4K TVs

If you want the very best bargains, then these panels are the ones to keep an eye out for.

11. Hisense A6G Series Android LED TVs (2021): The 70″ model is at its all-time low of $550 at Best Buy and you might see that move down another $50 during the Black Friday shopping season. [Best Buy]
12. TCL 4 Series Roku LED TVs (2021): Walmart recently sold a 55″ 4-Series TV for $228, which could come back for Black Friday. Other 4-Series TVs will get big discounts at other retailers during the holidays. [Walmart]
13. Insignia F30 Series Amazon Fire LED TVs (2021): Best Buy currently has the 58″ model for $350 as a “Black Friday guaranteed” price. The 65″ model is $490 and is certain to go down another $50 to $100 for Black Friday. [Best Buy]
14. Element Frameless Roku LED TVs (2021): Target recently sold the 65″ model for $300 and the 75″ model for $550, and these special “made for Black Friday” TVs will certainly hit that price again in November. [Target]
15. onn. Roku LED TVs (2021): The 65″ model is expected to hit $300, possibly even $200 for in-store doorbuster situations, at Walmart. The 70″ model is advertised on Black Friday for $398. If you’re looking for crazy prizes this 2021 Black Friday, onn. is your choice. [Walmart]

Check Ben’s for the latest 4K TV deals

2021 Gift Guide: Top 4K TVs and How Much You Will Pay For Them

Looking for the best smartwatches to give as gifts this holiday season? We’ve collected our top favorites this year, the majority of which have nothing to do with that popular fruit company in Cupertino. Check out our picks below:

Huawei Watch

Gaining a 4.5 out of 5 star review rating on Amazon, the Huawei Watch has quickly become one of the more popular smartwatches on the market due to high-end design. The watch offers a 1.4″ full circle AMOLED display (42 millimeter) as well as a quad-core 1.2GHz processor, 4GB of storage and roughly two days of battery life.

• Compatibility: Android and iOS
• MSRP: $299
• Best Recent Price: $200 (refurb)

Check Price on Amazon

Samsung Gear S2 Smartwatch

Stepping up with a beautiful display at 360 by 360 resolution, the Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch is Samsung direct response to the Apple Watch. The stylish watch includes a 1GHz processor, 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage. In addition to providing notifications from your Android smartphone, it also include a built-in fitness tracker. The watch will offer a 3-day battery life.

• Compatibility: Android Only (for now)
• MSRP: $299 to $349
• Last-Gen Alternative: Samsung Galaxy Gear S for $150

Check Price on Amazon

Pebble Time Steel Smartwatch

Rolling out the company’s first color display on a smartwatch, the Pebble Time Steel is a platform agnostic smartwatch that’s roughly the same size as the 42mm Apple Watch. While the display is notably more muted and less advanced than other smartwatches, the advantage to that display is a 10-day battery life. Also, the screen always stays on, compared to other smartwatches that require user interaction all the time.

• Compatibility: Android and iOS
• MSRP: $249
• Last-Gen Alternative: Original Pebble Steel at $100

Check Price on Amazon

LG Watch Urbane Smartwatch

Offering up a gorgeous design in both gold and silver, the Urbane from LG is another style-oriented design that’s meant to tackle the Apple Watch head on. It’s one of the first Android watches to offer compatibility with iPhones and is outfitted with a speedy quad core 1.2GHz processor, 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage.

• Compatibility: Android and iOS
• MSRP: $349 / Ben’s Best Price: $204
• Last-Gen Alternative: LG G Smartwatch R for $140

Check Price on Amazon

Moto 360 Smartwatch (2015 revision)

Available in a 42mm and 46mm version, the Moto 360 revision for 2015 sports a speedy 1.2 GHz quad-core processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of storage and an on-board GPU. Features include on a heart rate sensor on the back of the smartwatch as well as an ambient light sensor, which auto-adjusts the display brightness depending on light in the area. Battery life rated between 1.5 to 2 days, depending on model.

• Compatibility: Android (and iOS soon)
• MSRP: $299
• Last-Gen Alternative: Original Moto 360 for $115

Check Price on Amazon

ASUS ZenWatch 2 Smartwatch

Easily mistaken for an Apple Watch, the ASUS ZenWatch 2 is a stylish follow-up to the original ZenWatch. Complete with a snappy 1.2GHz processor, 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage, the ZenWatch 2 is available as a 1.63-inch version with a 400mAh battery pack (3-days) and a smaller 1.45-inch version with a 300mAh battery pack (2-days). Also, the price is amazing, basically half the MSRP of most competitors.

• Compatibility: Android Only
• MSRP: $149
• Last-Gen Alternative: ASUS ZenWatch for $130

Check Price on Best Buy

Apple Watch Series 7

Rounding out the bottom of our list specifically due to the exorbitant price, the Apple Watch 7 is only compatible with iOS. Reviewers love the design of the product, but battery life is still short at roughly 18 hours. It includes activity tracking as well as GPS, NFC and a heart rate monitor.

• Compatibility: iOS Only
• MSRP: $399 to $1,759
• Cheaper Alternative:

Check Price on Apple

2016 Tech Gift Guide: Best Smartwatches

Released earlier today, Target’s 2015 Black Friday ad is loaded up with a large variety of technology deals in product categories like HDTVs and tablets as well as toys, video games and clothing. (You can check out the full version here.)

Of course, we have scoured through the 40-page advertisement to highlight the best of the best. These deals have compared to our historical deal data. Check out the full list below:

1. Westinghouse 55″ 1080p HDTV  ($249)

The most recent sale on this television brought the price down to $400 at Best Buy. Target’s price knocks off an additional $150, possibly making it one of the least expensive 55-inch models available in stores on Black Friday. While Westinghouse is definitely an off-brand, this could make for an excellent television purchase for a secondary room in a household; bedroom, office, etc…

2. Apple Watch ($349)

While the sales price on the Apple Watch isn’t exciting, the $100 gift card bonus most certainly is interesting. In general, Apple products rarely go on sale, thus deals like this one are ideal on Black Friday. The lowest we have seen the Apple Watch price drop to this year is $330 on eBay.

3. LEGO Creator Bike Shop & Café ($55)

Another brand that rarely has sales, this LEGO builder set will be reduced by 40 percent on Black Friday. According to our previous data, the lowest recorded price on this model was $69 during July 2015. You will also find a great price on two additional LEGO sets, including one from The LEGO Movie.

4. Xbox One 500GB Gears of War Bundle ($299)

While the sales price is in line with other retailers on Black Friday, the $60 bonus gift card definitely sweetens the pot. That’s potentially a better option for someone looking for the base console rather than having to spend a larger sum on a bundle with additional games.

5. LG 49″ 4K 2160p HDTV ($499)

Beating a historical low of $548 at Walmart during October 2015, this is a fantastic price on a 4K television in the 49-inch size. Be aware that the majority of video content is still encoded in 1080p rather than 2160p. That content will be upscaled to take advantage of the additional resolution. To see native 4K content, look to streaming services like Netflix and Amazon.

6. Audi Convertible 6V Ride-On  ($85)

Beating a historical low of $119 sold by Target through eBay, this $85 price is roughly 55 percent off the normal MSRP. This powered car travels roughly 2.5 MPH and is recommended for children ages three and up.

7. Samsung Galaxy Tab A 16GB 9.7″ Tablet ($229)

While we have seen this model drop to $220 previously, this price is actually better with the bonus $30 gift card included in the mix, ostensibly bringing the price down to $199. This Samsung tablet was released during mid-2015.

8. Guitar Hero Live ($59)

Beating the best deal (Bonus $15 GC at Dell) we’ve seen on this brand new game, the 40 percent discount on Guitar Hero Live beats out prices at gaming stores like Gamestop. The game will be available for the PS4, Xbox One, Wii U, PS3 and Xbox 360.

9. 7-Piece Disney Princess Ultimate Doll Collection ($40)

Beating a historical low of $45 (also sold by Target this month), this is the lowest price that we have seen on this Disney doll set. It’s likely the doll set will be at the same price during early to mid-December when toy sales kick into high gear.

10. Pebble Time Smart Watch ($130)

Beating a historical low of $150 during a Best Buy sale this month, this is the best price we have every seen on the Pebble Time. If you are unfamiliar with Pebble watches, this watch is compatible with both iOS and Android platforms. It offers a color display and excellent battery life.

Target’s 2015 Black Friday Ad brings deals on tech and toys

A pair of new iPhones are out, the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S. If 9 million units sold in the first weekend is any indication, quite a few folks just got a new phone. When you consider how many other people likely received a hand-me-down phone as a side effect, the conclusion is clear: Millions of people need new iPhone cases. If you were unaware, standard iPhone 5 cases will work on the iPhone 5S.

Therefore, let me share my favorite, by far, line-up of phone cases. The iPhone Silicone Cassette Tape case, which I have used for about two years. Before that, I also had a Silicone Cassette Tape Case for a Samsung Galaxy. If my continued brand loyalty does not illustrate the obvious, these are awesome freakin’ cases.

Endless Style Choices

I was very hesitant to try out  the Silicone Cassette Case. I recalled seeing a few cheap MP3 players that were shaped like audio cassettes, and while looking and considering one as a gag gift, I came upon the Silicone Cassette case. The cases looked cool, but I wasn’t sure how much I would like a soft rubber phone case. And only seeing the products online, there were a kind of a blind-buy.

Audio cassettes may be pieces of junk, but — with no small degree of help from Hasbro’s SoundWave Decepticon Transformer — they carry the perfect degree of retro cool. That said, these silicone cases come in a massive variety of similar designs and colors including Nintendo Game Boy and LEGO-style designs and Hello Kitty. These cases downplay the actual phone while still catching eyes with a fun case design.

Level 2 Protection

If you routinely launch your phone into asphalt parking lots while doing tricks on your motorcycle or phish your phone out of the bottom of the pool after a question mark filled evening, these cases are not going to cut it for you. Silicone sleeves only protect the phone’s housing from minor scratches and absorb minor impact along the lines of falling off of the bed. But they do give the phone a much better grip in hand or sitting on the car’s center console, and do a nice job of dissipating heat, so much so that the rare times I use the phone without the case, I am startled how much the phone heats up.

Cassette Tape iPhone 5 cases leave the screen, camera, flash, speakers, ports and some buttons exposed, which is exactly how I prefer. In the past I have had cases where small bits of dirt or dust getting trapped between the case and phone and cause bad scratches, no such issue here. The iPhone’s lock button is covered by the silicon case, but the cassette edge bulge forms the perfect button enlargement.

iPhone Bonus

Not only is the iPhone’s lock button improved by the soft rubber case, but each of the phone’s four corners get a nice mass of rubber too, acting as awesome bumpers for the areas most likely to contact the floor/concrete first after a drop. The flat cassette sides also allow the phone to stand up for media playback, which can be a big bonus when wanted.

Biggest Issues

A few times, I purchased one of these cases, only to find the bottom apple port area covered. Fortunately, even an all-thumbs type such as myself can easily cut out the obstructing piece of rubber. These cases slip on and off very easily, which can be good if you have some kind of crazy dock, but can also be bad. Months of slipping the phone in and out of my front pocket can cause the phone case to stretch slightly. The overall effect of which, is the cases start out perfectly snug and wind up a bit loose.

Biggest And Frankly Unbeatable Feature

While the cases can become stretched out under prolonged types of wear and tear, the cases are so cheap — roughly two dollars a piece — they are basically disposable. I usually buy them in packs of three, though I favor the black version since it really sells the cassette look. In fact, it’s so convincing, some of my older relatives think cassette tape iPhone 5 cases are meant to deceive thieves, a notion not normally worth correcting.

In Conclusion

Silicone Cassette iPhone 5 cases will not fit everyone’s style needs, but there are dozens of similar alternatives. On the protection side, they have kept my phones scuff free, but more demanding owners will want to keep their Otter Boxes. Again, these cases are so cheap and fun, I have on occasion given them to friends as stocking stuffers.

Classic Cassette Tape Silicone Case for iPhone 4S

Classic Cassette Tape Silicone Case for iPhone 5S

Retro Cassette Tape iPhone 5 Case Review

If you’re old enough, you’ll recall that plasma TVs were the first commercially available flat-panel TVs in the late ’90s. A 42-inch Philips set boasted a price tag of $15,000! Fast-forward over a decade later and most TV makers today are producing LCD panel HDTVs, more specifically LED-backlit (or edge-lit) LCD panels, which are becoming thinner and more inexpensive by the month.

In recent years, plasmas have fallen out of favor with mainstream consumers, and then a few months ago came the news that Panasonic, the market leader in plasma HDTVs, would actually stop production of their plasma line in 2014! Videophiles around the world were in a state of mourning. But why would anyone shed tears for the plasma TV? They’re not cool anymore.

Well, because plasma TVs are better, that’s why.

Then, just last month, order was restored when Panasonic announced that those “rumors” were actually incorrect and that it plans to continue developing plasma TV technology and producing new sets. Huzzah!

So hold off on those obituaries and poetic Betamax analogies, folks, because plasma is going to stick around a bit longer, and the world will be better for it. And here are the reasons why plasma TVs are still alive and better (than ever).

Plasma Is All Growns Up Now

This 152-inch plasma behemoth premiered at CES 2010.

Let’s get the usual objections to plasma TVs out of the way. Number one is: “Plasma TVs are susceptible to burn-in.” Only in really extreme circumstances. Over the years, manufacturers have added “anti burn-in technologies” that minimize the likelihood of image retention, and if these “ghost images” do crop up (unlikely), they disappear after a few minutes. If you’re among the 99 percent of people who do not leave still images up on their TV screen for half an hour with the contrast jacked up to retina-scorching levels, you’re gonna be OK. Nothing is going to happen if you pause that movie for 5 minutes. Plus, on new plasmas, letterboxed movies and sports tickers are no cause to worry for burn-in.

Another common objection is the lifespan of plasma TVs. While the early models had a 30,000-hour rating, recent models can last as long as 100,000 hours. You’ll be getting a TV chip planted in your brain before your new plasma TV reaches its natural end.

Also, plasmas were known to be power-sucking vampires. The reality is, because new plasma TVs have improved energy efficiency and are generally cheaper than the so-called green LED HDTVs, the overall savings to the consumer is a wash (about $13 a year on your electricity bill).

But wait, there’s more! Plasmas are super heavy and thick! Yes, years ago this was a problem. (Sensing a common theme?) However, let’s compare Samsung’s 51″ 4550 Series Plasma with the 50″ F5500 Series LED. The plasma is 39 lbs. without the stand and about 2 inches thick and the LED is 29 lbs. without the stand and about 2 inches thick. All right. Plasmas are actually heavier. It must be tough watching that movie on your plasma TV as you hold it in your hands.

It’s Beautiful!

Samsung F8500 Series Plasma

If you’re particular about your picture, plasma TVs have a lot going for them. Plasma TVs have the best image quality of consumer TVs today. This includes black level, viewing angle, uniform brightness, color range, contrast ratio, and for gamers and sports fans, vastly superior response time (i.e., there’s no motion blur on fast moving objects).

Granted, plasma TVs technically do not put out as much overall brightness as LED TVs, but very few of you will ever leave an LED TV at its top brightness settings. Because that would be like staring at the sun.

As of May 2013, CNET’s top three HDTVs by picture quality are all plasma TVs. Two are Panasonic lines and one is the fantastic Samsung F8500 series, which is great for bright rooms (to answer the naysayers).

Even better, Plasma TVs are cheaper than the newer LED TVs by an average of $300 or more. The older LCD TVs (CCFL-backlit) are comparable in price but are much lower quality all around. Over at Ben’s Bargains, we recently had a 42″ Panasonic 1080p Plasma HDTV going for $400.

Revealed!! Why Are Plasma TVs Still Around?