Amazon dominates as a global e-commerce and marketplace platform with 220M+ Prime members and $68.5B in ad revenue, while Best Buy specializes in electronics retail with physical stores and expert customer service. Amazon excels in selection and convenience, whereas Best Buy offers hands-on shopping and same-day pickup options.
Best Buy vs Amazon — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Brick-and-mortar electronics retailer with 1,200+ US stores and expert in-store support via Geek Squad.
Global e-commerce and cloud computing giant with 300M+ products and Prime membership benefits.
Business Model. Product Selection. Prime Membership. AI Integration. Ad Revenue (2026). Physical Stores. Same-Day Delivery. Customer Service. Physical Store Access. Price Match Policy. Open-Box Deals Availability
Amazon is the clear winner for most consumers seeking vast selection, competitive pricing, and convenience through Prime membership and AI-powered shopping tools like Rufus. However, Best Buy remains superior for customers who value in-person consultation, hands-on product testing, and immediate same-day pickup options for electronics.
Best Buy: Limited features | Amazon: Rufus 250M users
Best Buy: Electronics focused | Amazon: 30+ main categories
Best Buy: Expert staff available | Amazon: Online support only
Best Buy: 5-12% higher than Walmart | Amazon: N/A
Best Buy: 2% rewards on eligible purchases | Amazon: N/A
Best Buy: ~30% of metro areas (select markets) | Amazon: N/A
Best Buy: Includes accidental damage protection and extended coverage | Amazon: N/A
Best Buy: Geek Squad available at all 1,000 locations | Amazon: N/A
Best Buy: 15 days | Amazon: 30 days (free)
Best Buy: None (price match only) | Amazon: N/A
Best Buy: Geek Squad (installation, repair, setup) | Amazon: N/A
Best Buy: 1 hour (most items) | Amazon: N/A
Best Buy: Electronics only | Amazon: N/A
Average Electronics Price Competitiveness
Best Buy: 100 (baseline with price match) | Amazon: N/A
Best Buy: 15 standard / 30 members | Amazon: N/A
Best Buy: Yes (Geek Squad) | Amazon: N/A
Best Buy: Comprehensive (Geek Squad Protection) | Amazon: N/A
Best Buy: ~0.15 million in-store | Amazon: 300+ million
Best Buy: 3-5 days | Amazon: 1-2 days (Prime)
Best Buy: 1,200+ stores nationwide | Amazon: 0 stores
Best Buy: 1,000+ nationwide | Amazon: Select metros only
Best Buy: $0 (My Best Buy free) | Amazon: $139/year (Prime)
Best Buy: 15 days standard; 30 days with My Best Buy membership | Amazon: 60 days (Prime members)
Electronics Price Premium vs Competitors
Best Buy: +3% (2-5% pricier) | Amazon: -3% (2-5% cheaper)
Best Buy: ~1,000 in-store | Amazon: None
Best Buy: ~50,000 electronics SKUs | Amazon: 300+ million
Best Buy: All 1,200 stores (pickup only) | Amazon: N/A
Best Buy: $99-$299+ per service call | Amazon: N/A
Best Buy: 1,000-5,000 per product | Amazon: N/A
Best Buy: My Best Buy: Free (exclusive sales/discounts only) | Amazon: N/A
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 240+ Prime members + broader reach
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 15% base commission
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 40% US e-commerce market share
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: $2.36 trillion (July 2026)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 15-25% (FBA included)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 8-10% annual growth
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 220 million Prime members
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 500+ Amazon Go/Fresh stores
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Same-day to 1 day (Prime)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 240 million Prime members
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Competitive on items under $50
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 1-2 days (Prime)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Multi-category general retailer
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Basic category and keyword filters
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Limited home furniture brands
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 40% global e-commerce market share
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: $638B (e-commerce only)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 240M+ Prime members
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 12-15% (estimated)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: All categories (diversified)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 5-20% on Subscribe & Save
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 190+ countries and territories
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Industry average ~40-45%
Standard Non-Perishable Pet Delivery Time
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: ~50,000-100,000 (estimated pet section)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 500+ million SKUs across all categories
2025 Pet Supplies Market Position (GMV Rank)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Not #1 in pet supplies
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 30 days (standard Amazon)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Limited pet-specific subscriptions
Specialty Pet Food Availability (Exotic/Medical Diets)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Limited; depends on seller listings
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 8-45% + 30-50% FBA
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: $0 (pay per sale)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 300+ active customers
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 2 days (FBA enabled)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 0% customer data; Amazon owns relationship
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 1 (Amazon Pay only)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Varies by category and account tier
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Amazon 380 million
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 30 days (standard)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Strict vetting, A9 quality standards
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: $139/year (Prime)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 4.4/5 average seller rating
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 2.5 billion downloads
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: <2% handmade items
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 2 days (Prime) / 5-7 days (standard)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 150+ million customers
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: $575 billion (2025)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 200+ AWS services
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Proprietary (freemium model)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Not offered; external pharmacy required
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 2-3 days (Prime)
Average Product Price Index (baseline=100)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: GDPR/CCPA Compliant
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 0 (e-commerce only)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: $139 (Prime basic tier)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: ~85% (estimated)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 1-2 days (Prime members in metro areas)
Average Price Difference on Beauty Products
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 10-25% discount below MSRP
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Same-day or 1-day with Prime
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Varies; typically 1-5% with Prime
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: $0 with Prime / $25 without
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: $88 billion (AWS)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 180 days (A-to-Z Guarantee)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: US-regulated, transparent data policies
Prime Eligible Items with Two-Day Shipping
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 100+ million items
Free Shipping Threshold (Standard Members)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: $35 (with Prime; $100 without)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 500+ furniture brands available
Average Beauty Product Price Comparison (Foundation)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 1-2 days with Prime
Customer Review Average Rating (Beauty Products)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Up to 45% (varies by category)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 30 days standard
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 91% trust Amazon (2024)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 65% third-party sellers (mostly resellers/aggregators)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 3,500 cities (Prime 2-hour)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 24-48 hours average
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 100+ metro areas (Prime)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: ~50,000 pet products
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 5-20% Subscribe & Save
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 89% (J.D. Power 2024)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Limited (no pet Rx)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 12% (includes pet products)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 50,000+ pet listings
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 1-2 days (Prime members)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Baseline (lowest)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 5% with Prime Visa
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Up to 20% discount
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 100-150% higher (standard retail markup)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 94% disputes resolved in buyer favor
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 4.2/5 (verified reviews with photo proof)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: ~8-12% average return rate
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 5-10 business days
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Low (seller suspension policy enforced)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 0 stores (digital-only)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 40+ primary categories
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Prime: $139/year
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Free with Prime (or $5-7 without)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Same-day Prime (select areas only)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 2% on select categories
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: None (retail only)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: ~25 (all categories)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: $2,500 (A-to-z Guarantee)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: $0 (no monthly fee)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 309 million (as of 2024)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 0% - Amazon owns customer relationship
Profit Margin Retention (Example: $100 sale)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: $55 (after 15% referral + 30% FBA avg)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: Limited - Amazon template only, no custom branding
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 12-48 hours (seller support varies)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: ~600 (Whole Foods)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 35+ major metros
Average Pet Food Price (25 lb bag, premium brand)
Best Buy: N/A | Amazon: 0 (dedicated pet stores)
How to choose between Best Buy and Amazon
Best Buy vs Amazon — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Best Buy vs Amazon. Contains 267 attribute comparisons, 11 FAQ pairs.
Best Buy vs Amazon — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Best Buy vs Amazon.
Amazon is often cheaper than Best Buy due to its massive third-party seller marketplace and frequent deals, especially for Prime members. However, Best Buy regularly price-matches competitors, including Amazon, and offers exclusive in-store promotions. For electronics, prices can be nearly identical. Amazon wins on everyday low pricing, but Best Buy can be competitive during major sales events like Black Friday. Always compare both before purchasing.
Is Amazon better than Best Buy for buying electronics?
Amazon offers a wider selection of electronics with convenient home delivery and customer reviews, making it great for research-driven purchases. Best Buy is better for hands-on shopping, allowing you to test products before buying. Best Buy also provides Geek Squad support and easier in-person returns. For niche or budget electronics, Amazon excels. For premium items where you want expert advice or same-day pickup, Best Buy is the stronger choice.
Which is better for TV purchases, Amazon or Best Buy?
Best Buy is generally better for buying TVs. It offers a showroom experience where you can compare picture quality side-by-side, professional installation services through Geek Squad, and knowledgeable staff. Amazon is useful for reading reviews and finding deals on lesser-known brands. However, for major TV brands like Samsung, LG, or Sony, Best Buy often has exclusive models and bundle deals not available on Amazon.
Yes, Best Buy officially price matches Amazon on identical in-stock products. To get a price match, the item must be the same brand, model, and color, and it must be sold and fulfilled directly by Amazon, not a third-party seller. You can request a price match in-store or online at the time of purchase or within Best Buy's return and exchange period, typically 15 days after purchase.
Which retailer has better customer service, Amazon or Best Buy?
Amazon excels in hassle-free returns and 24/7 online customer support, making it convenient for most shoppers. Best Buy stands out with in-person support through its Geek Squad service, offering tech setup, repairs, and consultations. For product-specific technical help or hands-on troubleshooting, Best Buy is superior. For quick returns, refunds, or general inquiries, Amazon's automated and responsive system is hard to beat. The best choice depends on the type of support you need.
Can you return Amazon items to Best Buy?
No — Amazon and Best Buy are separate retailers and do not share return infrastructure. Amazon items must be returned via Amazon's own return network (UPS drop-off, Whole Foods, Amazon Hub Locker, or by mail). Best Buy only accepts returns of items purchased from Best Buy stores or BestBuy.com. The one exception: if you bought an Amazon device (Echo, Kindle, Fire TV) through Best Buy, you can return it to Best Buy under Best Buy's standard 15-day return window.
Is Best Buy or Amazon better for same-day electronics pickup?
Best Buy is better for same-day pickup. Best Buy's 1,000+ US stores offer same-day in-store pickup on most in-stock items — often within 1 hour. Amazon's same-day delivery exists in select metro areas (via Amazon Fresh or Prime delivery), but it requires a Prime membership and isn't universally available. For urgent electronics purchases (cables, adapters, a last-minute gaming accessory), Best Buy's physical store advantage is unmatched. Amazon wins on two-day and overnight shipping for broader inventory.
Which is cheaper for gaming hardware — Amazon or Best Buy?
Prices for consoles, GPUs, and gaming peripherals are generally equal between Amazon and Best Buy — both follow manufacturer suggested retail pricing (MSRP). Best Buy's advantage: its price-match guarantee and physical availability let you pick up a console the day it releases. Amazon's advantage: frequently offers third-party sellers with competitive pricing on accessories, and Prime members get early access to limited deals. During Black Friday/Cyber Monday, the two retailers match each other's deals closely. Tip: use CamelCamelCamel to track Amazon price history before assuming it's cheaper.
Is Best Buy's Geek Squad worth it vs Amazon tech support?
Best Buy's Geek Squad offers in-person tech support, installation services, and in-home appointments — something Amazon cannot match. Geek Squad Protection plans cover accidental damage and extend warranties, starting at ~$6.99/month. Amazon's equivalent is the Amazon Protection Plan (for Amazon-purchased devices) and its Mayday/live chat support for Amazon devices only. For general electronics repair, setup, or troubleshooting services, Geek Squad is the clear winner. Best Buy's physical presence is its largest advantage over Amazon in the post-purchase support category.
Does Amazon or Best Buy offer better protection plans for electronics?
Best Buy's Geek Squad Protection plans are broader and more flexible: they cover accidental damage, offer in-store repair at 1,100+ locations, and include 24/7 tech support. Plans start at $6.99/month or are sold per-device at checkout. Amazon Protection Plans cover Amazon-fulfilled items only, are limited to manufacturer defect and accidental damage for Amazon devices, and require calling Amazon support for claims. For general electronics (TVs, laptops, appliances), Best Buy's Geek Squad is the stronger protection option due to physical service availability and broader coverage terms.
Which is better overall: Amazon or Best Buy?
For most shoppers, Amazon wins on price, selection, and convenience — especially with Prime membership giving 1-2 day delivery on millions of items. Best Buy is better when you want to see electronics in person, get Geek Squad installation or support, pick up same-day, or trade in old devices. Best Buy also price-matches Amazon, so you can often get the best deal by showing them an Amazon price in-store. For most online electronics purchases, Amazon is the default choice; for big-ticket items where installation or expert advice matters (OLED TVs, home appliances), Best Buy adds real value.
How to Choose Between Best Buy and Amazon
Business Model: Best Buy has Physical retail + online, while Amazon has Pure e-commerce + marketplace.
Product Selection: Best Buy has Electronics focused, while Amazon has Everything marketplace.
Prime Membership: Best Buy has No subscription program, while Amazon has 220M+ Prime members.
AI Integration: Best Buy has Limited AI features, while Amazon has Rufus AI (250M users).
Ad Revenue (2026): Best Buy has Not disclosed, while Amazon has $68.5 billion.
Physical Stores: Best Buy has 1,000+ locations, while Amazon has Limited stores.
Same-Day Delivery: Best Buy has In-store pickup available, while Amazon has Prime same-day delivery.
Customer Service: Best Buy has In-person expert support, while Amazon has Online chat + phone support.
Physical Store Access: Best Buy has No physical stores; online/delivery only, while Amazon has 900+ US stores with Geek Squad on-site support.
Price Match Policy: Best Buy has No price match program, while Amazon has Matches competitors' prices (including Amazon) on identical in-store items.
Open-Box Deals Availability: Best Buy has Returns resold through Amazon Warehouse at variable discounts, while Amazon has Certified Open-Box program with standardized condition grades and warranty.
Amazon dominates as a global e-commerce and marketplace platform with 220M+ Prime members and $68.5B in ad revenue, while Best Buy specializes in electronics retail with physical stores and expert customer service. Amazon excels in selection and convenience, whereas Best Buy offers hands-on shopping