Return policy comparison · 2026
Apple vs Best Buy
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
Apple
B
3.3 / 5.0 · Good
Best Buy
B-
2.6 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
Apple has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B (3.3/5.0) against Best Buy's B- (2.6/5.0). It wins 1 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.
AppleBest 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
| Apple | Best Buy | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 14 days | ✓ 15 days (60 for My Best Buy Plus/Total members) |
| Free returns | Yes | Yes |
| Restocking fee | ✓ None | $45 on activatable devices (phones/tablets) |
| Return shipping | Free | Free prepaid label |
| Holiday extension | Yes - Nov 8 to Dec 25 purchases through Jan 8 | Yes - Oct 31 to Dec 31 through Jan 15 (Jan 31 for members) |
| Holiday deadline | Jan 8 | Jan 15 |
| Non-returnable | Gift cards, opened software with visible license, electronic downloads | Opened software/media (exchange only), trading cards, completed special orders |
| Watch-out items | All Apple products 14 days standard | Activatable devices (phones/tablets) 14 days regardless of membership, hearing aids 60 days |
Apple tip
Only 14 days — shortest window of any major retailer. Remove Find My and sign out of iCloud before returning.
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, Apple or Best Buy?
Apple has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading B (3.3/5.0) against Best Buy's B- (2.6/5.0). It wins 1 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the restocking fee: no restocking fee versus restocking fee charged.
What is Apple's return window?
Apple's return window is 14 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 Apple or Best Buy offer free returns?
Apple: Yes. Best Buy: Yes.