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
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.
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.
Structured comparison data for Best Buy vs Amazon with 267 attributes.
Average Electronics Price Competitiveness
Electronics Price Premium vs Competitors
Standard Non-Perishable Pet Delivery Time
2025 Pet Supplies Market Position (GMV Rank)
Specialty Pet Food Availability (Exotic/Medical Diets)
Average Product Price Index (baseline=100)
Average Price Difference on Beauty Products
Prime Eligible Items with Two-Day Shipping
Free Shipping Threshold (Standard Members)
Average Beauty Product Price Comparison (Foundation)
Customer Review Average Rating (Beauty Products)
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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.