Compare · Checked October 13, 2026
Apple vs Best Buy return policy
Return windows, free shipping, price match, mail return fees and holiday rules at Apple and Best Buy, side by side, from each store’s own policy.
The short answer
- Best Buy gives you longer to return most items: 15 days versus 14.
- Apple has the lower free shipping minimum ($0 versus $35).
Shop at Apple Shop at Best Buy
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Apple vs Best Buy side by side
| Apple | Best Buy | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 14 days | 15 days |
| Free shipping | Free, no minimum | Free at $35 |
| Price match | Own prices only | Matches competitors |
| Mail return fee | No fee listed | No fee listed |
| Holiday returns | None listed yet | None listed yet |
| No receipt | Return or exchange within 14 days of the date you receive the product from Apple, with a receipt, in original condition with all parts and packaging. | Without a receipt, Best Buy may ask for an email address, give store credit, or limit or deny the return. |
| Good to know | Online returns include a free carrier pickup, or you can return to an Apple Store. | Restocking fee of $45 on opened activatable devices (not prepaid phones). |
| Shop | Shop at Apple | Shop at Best Buy |
Apple exceptions
- Apple Gift Cards: not returnable
- ZEISS prescription optical inserts: return through your Order Listing page or 1-800-MY-APPLE within 14 days, not to a store
- Products bought from other retailers: return to that retailer
- Ten or more of the same product: return to the Apple Store where you bought them
Full details, sources and the date we checked: Apple return policy.
Best Buy exceptions
- My Best Buy Plus and Total members: 60 days on most products (not Marketplace products)
- Activatable devices (phones, cellular tablets, hotspots, cellular wearables): 14 days for everyone; Verizon devices 30 days
- Halloween and Christmas decorations: 15 days for everyone
- Microsoft Office: 30 days
- Pet training devices and hearing aids: 60 days
- Litter boxes: 90 days
- Major appliances: call 1-888-237-8289 right after delivery about any damage or defect
Full details, sources and the date we checked: Best Buy return policy.
Frequently asked questions
Which has the better return policy, Apple or Best Buy?
Best Buy gives you longer to return most items: 15 days versus 14. Apple has the lower free shipping minimum ($0 versus $35). The right choice depends on what you are buying; check the exceptions for your item.
Can I return a Apple item to Best Buy?
No. Each store only takes back what it sold. Return the item to the store you bought it from.
Both stores’ rules come from their own policy pages, checked October 13, 2026. Sources are on each store page.