Compare · Checked October 13, 2026
Best Buy vs Amazon return policy
Return windows, free shipping, price match, mail return fees and holiday rules at Best Buy and Amazon, side by side, from each store’s own policy.
The short answer
- Amazon gives you longer to return most items: 30 days versus 15.
- Best Buy publishes a price match or adjustment policy; we have not found one for Amazon.
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Best Buy vs Amazon side by side
| Best Buy | Amazon | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 15 days | 30 days |
| Free shipping | Free at $35 | Not listed |
| Price match | Matches competitors | Not stated |
| Mail return fee | No fee listed | No fee listed |
| Holiday returns | None listed yet | None listed yet |
| No receipt | Without a receipt, Best Buy may ask for an email address, give store credit, or limit or deny the return. | Not spelled out on its policy page |
| Good to know | Restocking fee of $45 on opened activatable devices (not prepaid phones). | Most returns are free at 8,000+ drop-off spots, but missing the return-by date can cost a fee. |
| Shop | Shop at Best Buy | Shop at Amazon |
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.
Amazon exceptions
- 7 days: Kindle books bought by accident and not read, undownloaded digital textbooks, songs or albums bought by accident with Alexa
- 15 days: new Apple and Boost Infinite products; Amazon Haul items over $3
- 90 days: select Amazon Renewed items (Acceptable, Good or Excellent), most nonperishable baby products, mattresses (not crib mattresses), gifts from a Birthday or Custom Gift List
- 180 days: gifts from an Amazon Wedding Registry; 365 days: Amazon Renewed Premium items and gifts from a Baby Registry
- Not returnable: perishables, Amazon Pharmacy and pet medication, customized items, some digital products, automobiles, and anything marked Final Sale (including trading card games and Haul items of $3 or less)
- Third-party sellers who ship their own stock handle their own returns (a U.S. return address, a prepaid label, or a refund without a return)
Full details, sources and the date we checked: Amazon return policy.
Frequently asked questions
Which has the better return policy, Best Buy or Amazon?
Amazon gives you longer to return most items: 30 days versus 15. Best Buy publishes a price match or adjustment policy; we have not found one for Amazon. The right choice depends on what you are buying; check the exceptions for your item.
Can I return a Best Buy item to Amazon?
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.