Return policy comparison · 2026
Amazon vs Best Buy
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
Amazon
A-
3.9 / 5.0 · Very Good
Best Buy
B-
2.6 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
Amazon has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (3.9/5.0) against Best Buy's B- (2.6/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
AmazonBest Buy
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| Amazon | Best Buy | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 30 days | 15 days (60 for My Best Buy Plus/Total members) |
| Free returns | Yes (most items) | Yes |
| Restocking fee | ✓ None (marketplace sellers may vary) | $45 on activatable devices (phones/tablets) |
| Return shipping | Free at drop-off (Whole Foods, Kohl's, UPS, Staples) | Free prepaid label |
| Holiday extension | Yes - Nov 1 to Dec 31 purchases returnable through Jan 31 | Yes - Oct 31 to Dec 31 through Jan 15 (Jan 31 for members) |
| Holiday deadline | Jan 31 | Jan 15 |
| Non-returnable | Digital content, gift cards, hazmat, pharmacy, pet meds, customized items, Haul items ≤$3, Final Sale, trading cards | Opened software/media (exchange only), trading cards, completed special orders |
| Watch-out items | Apple products 15 days during holidays; some electronics 30 days | Activatable devices (phones/tablets) 14 days regardless of membership, hearing aids 60 days |
Amazon tip
Drop off box-free at Whole Foods, Kohl's, UPS, or Staples — no packaging needed. Window starts at DELIVERY date, not order date.
Best Buy tip
My Best Buy Plus ($49.99/yr) extends to 60 days — worth it for big purchases. Price match within return window.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Amazon or Best Buy?
Amazon has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (3.9/5.0) against Best Buy's B- (2.6/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
What is Amazon's return window?
Amazon's return window is 30 days.
What is Best Buy's return window?
Best Buy's return window is 15 days (60 for My Best Buy Plus/Total members).
Does Amazon or Best Buy offer free returns?
Amazon: Yes (most items). Best Buy: Yes.