Skip to main content
Editor-in-ChiefHuman reviewed
7 min read

Best Buy vs Amazon 2026: Which Wins? | A Versus B

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

Best Buy

Brick-and-mortar electronics retailer with 1,200+ US stores and expert in-store support via Geek Squad.

Tech enthusiasts wanting hands-on experience and immediate gratification

Score56%
VS

Amazon

Global e-commerce and cloud computing giant with 300M+ products and Prime membership benefits.

Price-conscious shoppers seeking convenience and massive selection across all categories

Score56%
267 attributes11 differences18 pros/cons

Quick Answer

AI Summary

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.

Read full verdict

Our Verdict

AI-assisted

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.

Community feedback

Was this verdict helpful?

Best Buy

Choose Best Buy if

Tech enthusiasts wanting hands-on experience and immediate gratification

A

Choose Amazon if

Best pick

Price-conscious shoppers seeking convenience and massive selection across all categories

Share this verdict

Track this comparison

Get notified when prices change, new specs ship, or our verdict updates.

Triggers: price change new spec verdict update

No spam. Stop anytime.

Key Differences at a Glance

  • Business Model:Amazon wins(Pure e-commerce + marketplace vs Physical retail + online)
  • Product Selection:Amazon wins(Everything marketplace vs Electronics focused)
  • Prime Membership:Amazon wins(220M+ Prime members vs No subscription program)
See all 11 differences

Key Facts & Figures

217 numeric metrics compared

MetricBest BuyAmazonRatio
Prime Members(millions)None220+
Ad Revenue (2026)(billion USD)Not disclosed$68.5
Physical Locations(stores)1,000+Limited
Prime Day 2026 Revenue(billion USD)N/A$24.1
AI Rufus Interaction Growth(percent)N/A+210%
U.S. Store Count(stores)~1,000 stores
Average Electronics Price Premium(%)5-12% higher than Walmart
Membership Reward Rate(%)2% rewards on eligible purchases
Same-Day Delivery Availability(% metro coverage)~30% of metro areas (select markets)
Product Categories Offered(primary categories)1 (Electronics)
Store Locations (US)(stores)924
Electronics SKU Selection Per Store(average products)3,000
Return Window(days)15 days30 days (free)
Loyalty Program Discount(percent)None (price match only)
Same-Day Pickup Availability(hours for pickup)1 hour (most items)
Product Categories Offered(categories)Electronics only
Average Electronics Price Competitiveness(price index)100 (baseline with price match)
U.S. Physical Store Count(locations)~990
Price Difference on 4K Smart TVs(%)+10% markup
Return Window (Electronics)(days)15 standard / 30 members
Annual Revenue (2025)(USD billions)$42.3$575 billion
Average Customer Satisfaction Rating(out of 5.0)3.8
Total Product SKUs(millions)~0.15 million in-store300+ million
Standard Shipping Time(days)3-5 days1-2 days (Prime)
Physical Store Locations(stores)1,200+ stores nationwide0 stores
Same-Day Pickup Locations(locations)1,000+ nationwideSelect metros only
Annual Membership Cost(USD)$0 (My Best Buy free)$139/year (Prime)
Return Window(days)15 days standard; 30 days with My Best Buy membership60 days (Prime members)
Electronics Price Premium vs Competitors(percent)+3% (2-5% pricier)-3% (2-5% cheaper)
Geek Squad Support Locations(locations)~1,000 in-storeNone
Average Price Index (Same Products)(% difference)+18% (higher)
Total Product Selection(SKUs/products)~50,000 electronics SKUs300+ million
Geek Squad/Technical Support Cost(USD per incident)$99-$299+ per service call
Average Product Reviews(reviews per popular item)1,000-5,000 per product
Market Cap(USD)$1.8 Trillion$1.8 Trillion
Global User Base(millions)240+ Prime members + broader reach240+ Prime members + broader reach
Seller Commission Rate(%)15% base commission15% base commission
Annual Gross Merchandise Value (GMV)(billions USD)$638 billion$638 billion
Mobile App Downloads (All-Time)(millions)500+ million500+ million
Market Dominance Share(%)40% US e-commerce market share40% US e-commerce market share
Company Market Capitalization(trillions USD)$2.36 trillion (July 2026)$2.36 trillion (July 2026)
Fulfillment Cost (FBA/Self)(% of sale)15-25% (FBA included)15-25% (FBA included)
User Base Growth Rate (YoY)(%)8-10% annual growth8-10% annual growth
Prime/Membership Benefits(members)240 million Prime members240 million Prime members
Average Shipping Time(days)1-2 days (Prime)1-2 days (Prime)
Market Share (E-Commerce)(%)40% global e-commerce market share40% global e-commerce market share
Annual Revenue (2025)(Billion USD)$638B (e-commerce only)$638B (e-commerce only)
Subscription/Membership Base(Millions)240M+ Prime members240M+ Prime members
YoY Revenue Growth (2025)(Percent)12-15% (estimated)12-15% (estimated)
Free Shipping Minimum(USD)$35$35
Standard Non-Perishable Pet Delivery Time(days)1-2 days (Prime)1-2 days (Prime)
Pet-Specific Product SKU Count(SKUs)~50,000-100,000 (estimated pet section)~50,000-100,000 (estimated pet section)
Total Product Categories(categories)500+ million SKUs across all categories500+ million SKUs across all categories
Return Window (Standard Pet Supplies)(days)30 days (standard Amazon)30 days (standard Amazon)
Commission Fee (Per Transaction)(%)8-45% + 30-50% FBA8-45% + 30-50% FBA
Monthly Base Cost(USD)$0 (pay per sale)$0 (pay per sale)
Built-in Customer Base(millions)300+ active customers300+ active customers
Average Time to First Sale(days)2 days (FBA enabled)2 days (FBA enabled)
Brand Customization Level(scale 1-10)Minimal (2/10)Minimal (2/10)
Customer Data Access(percentage)0% customer data; Amazon owns relationship0% customer data; Amazon owns relationship
Payment Gateway Options(count)1 (Amazon Pay only)1 (Amazon Pay only)
Active Users (2026)(millions)Amazon 380 millionAmazon 380 million
Avg Product Price(USD)$15-50$15-50
Standard Shipping Time(days)5-7 days5-7 days
Avg Customer Rating(stars)4.1/54.1/5
Premium Membership Cost($)Prime $139Prime $139
Number of Active Sellers(millions)2+ million2+ million
Standard Shipping Time (Domestic)(days)2 days (Prime)2 days (Prime)
Prime/Premium Subscription Cost(USD/year)$139/year (Prime)$139/year (Prime)
Average Customer Rating System(stars)4.4/5 average seller rating4.4/5 average seller rating
Mobile App Downloads(millions)2.5 billion downloads2.5 billion downloads
Handmade/Artisanal Product Percentage(%)<2% handmade items<2% handmade items
Global Physical Store Locations(stores)0 stores0 stores
Product SKU Count(count)~350 million~350 million
Average Standard Delivery Time(days)2 days (Prime) / 5-7 days (standard)2 days (Prime) / 5-7 days (standard)
Entry Membership Cost(USD per year)$139$139
Customer Product Reviews Published(millions)250+ million250+ million
Renewable Energy Usage(percentage)85%85%
Year Created/Founded19941994
Global User Base(millions)150+ million customers150+ million customers
AWS Cloud Market Share(percent)32%32%
Employees(count)1.5 million1.5 million
Package/Service Ecosystem(count)200+ AWS services200+ AWS services
Market Capitalization(USD)2.1 trillion2.1 trillion
Total Product Selection(number of SKUs)500,000+500,000+
Average Price Markup vs Wholesale(%)20-30% markup20-30% markup
Standard Shipping Delivery Time(business days)1-2 days (Prime)1-2 days (Prime)
Grooming Service Availability(locations)0 locations0 locations
Physical Store Locations (US)(locations)00
Average Product Price Index(% difference from market average)-12%-12%
Product Selection(items)2,000,000+2,000,000+
Loyalty Program Cost(USD per year)$139$139
Customer Review Rating(out of 5 stars)4.44.4
Average Shipping Speed(days)2-3 days (Prime)2-3 days (Prime)
Average Product Price Index (baseline=100)(relative price)100100
Product Description Accuracy Rate(%)96%96%
Active Global Users(millions)150M150M
Non-Delivery/Lost Package Rate(%)0.3%0.3%
Annual Revenue(USD Billions)$575B (2024)$575B (2024)
Standard Delivery Time(days)1-2 days (Prime)1-2 days (Prime)
US Grocery Market Share(%)2.1%2.1%
Estimated Active Users(millions)310M310M
Available Product SKUs(millions)300M+300M+
Customer Satisfaction Score(out of 10)68/10068/100
Physical Store Count(locations)0 (e-commerce only)0 (e-commerce only)
Product Catalog Size(SKUs)798 million798 million
Membership Cost (Annual)(USD)$139 (Prime basic tier)$139 (Prime basic tier)
Operating Margin(%)7.2%7.2%
Member Renewal Rate(percent)~85% (estimated)~85% (estimated)
Median Delivery Time(days)1-2 days (Prime members in metro areas)1-2 days (Prime members in metro areas)
Number of Beauty Brands(brands)500+ brands500+ brands
Average Price Difference on Beauty Products(% below MSRP)10-25% discount below MSRP10-25% discount below MSRP
Product Return Window(days)30 days30 days
Free Samples per Purchase(samples)00
Fastest Delivery Speed (Prime/Premium)(business days)Same-day or 1-day with PrimeSame-day or 1-day with Prime
Loyalty Rewards Earn Rate(% cash back)Varies; typically 1-5% with PrimeVaries; typically 1-5% with Prime
Total Product Categories(categories)40+ categories40+ categories
Total Annual Revenue(USD (billions))$575 billion$575 billion
US E-commerce Market Share(%)41%41%
Annual Membership Cost (Standard Plan)(USD)$139 (Prime)$139 (Prime)
Cloud/Tech Services Revenue(USD (billions))$88 billion (AWS)$88 billion (AWS)
Estimated Available Products(millions)300+ million300+ million
Average Delivery Time (Standard)(days)1-2 days (Prime)1-2 days (Prime)
Monthly Active Users(users)2,100 million2,100 million
Average Product Price(USD)$25-75$25-75
Buyer Protection Duration(days)180 days (A-to-Z Guarantee)180 days (A-to-Z Guarantee)
Total Products Available(millions)500+ million500+ million
Global Annual Revenue (2024)(billion USD)$575 billion$575 billion
Prime/Premium Membership Cost(USD/year)$139/year$139/year
Standard Return Window(days)30 days30 days
Prime Eligible Items with Two-Day Shipping(millions)100+ million items100+ million items
Average Furniture Delivery Time(weeks)2-3 weeks2-3 weeks
Free Shipping Threshold (Standard Members)(USD)$35 (with Prime; $100 without)$35 (with Prime; $100 without)
Number of Home Brands(brands)500+ furniture brands available500+ furniture brands available
Average Beauty Product Price Comparison (Foundation)(USD)$39$39
Number of Beauty Brands Available(brands)500+500+
Return Window for Members(days)30 days30 days
Standard Shipping Time(business days)1-2 days with Prime1-2 days with Prime
Prime/Loyalty Annual Cost(USD/year)$139 (Prime)$139 (Prime)
Customer Review Average Rating (Beauty Products)(stars)4.2 stars4.2 stars
Total Active Product Listings(millions)350+ million350+ million
Average Shipping Time (Standard)(days)1-2 days (Prime)1-2 days (Prime)
Prime/Membership Cost (Annual)(USD)$139/year$139/year
Seller Commission/Fees(percent)Up to 45% (varies by category)Up to 45% (varies by category)
Return Window (Standard Policy)(days)30 days standard30 days standard
Customer Trust Rating(percent)91% trust Amazon (2024)91% trust Amazon (2024)
Percentage of Small/Independent Sellers(percent)65% third-party sellers (mostly resellers/aggregators)65% third-party sellers (mostly resellers/aggregators)
Pet Category Market Share (U.S. Online)(%)18%18%
Same-Day Delivery Cities(cities)3,500 cities (Prime 2-hour)3,500 cities (Prime 2-hour)
Free Shipping Threshold(USD)$35$35
Auto-Delivery Maximum Discount(%)20%20%
Customer Service Response Time(hours)24-48 hours average24-48 hours average
Annual Revenue (2024)(USD billions)$575B$575B
Prime/Membership Annual Cost(USD)$139$139
Standard Delivery Speed (Prime)(days)1-2 days1-2 days
Same-Day Service Availability(metro areas)100+ metro areas (Prime)100+ metro areas (Prime)
2024 Annual Revenue (US)(billions USD)$575.5$575.5
Market Valuation (2024)(billions USD)$2,100+$2,100+
Total Product SKUs (Pet Category)(SKUs)~50,000 pet products~50,000 pet products
Auto-Ship Discount Maximum(percent off)5-20% Subscribe & Save5-20% Subscribe & Save
Customer Satisfaction Rating(percent)89% (J.D. Power 2024)89% (J.D. Power 2024)
Market Share (US Pet E-commerce)(percent)12% (includes pet products)12% (includes pet products)
Physical Store Locations(count)0 pet stores0 pet stores
Online Product Selection(SKUs)50,000+ pet listings50,000+ pet listings
Standard Shipping Speed(days)1-2 days (Prime members)1-2 days (Prime members)
Average Price Premium(%)Baseline (lowest)Baseline (lowest)
Loyalty Program Cash Back(%)5% with Prime Visa5% with Prime Visa
Subscribe & Save Discount(%)Up to 20% discountUp to 20% discount
Average Customer Review Rating(stars)4.2/5 stars4.2/5 stars
Average Delivery Time (US Standard)(days)2-3 days (Prime)2-3 days (Prime)
Price Premium vs Temu(%)100-150% higher (standard retail markup)100-150% higher (standard retail markup)
Buyer Protection Success Rate(%)94% disputes resolved in buyer favor94% disputes resolved in buyer favor
Average Customer Review Rating(stars)4.2/5 (verified reviews with photo proof)4.2/5 (verified reviews with photo proof)
Product Return/Defect Rate(%)~8-12% average return rate~8-12% average return rate
Prime/+ Membership Cost(USD per year)$139 (Prime)$139 (Prime)
Refund Processing Time (if approved)(days)5-10 business days5-10 business days
Number of Physical Locations(stores)0 stores (digital-only)0 stores (digital-only)
Average Furniture Price Point(USD)$400-900$400-900
Market Capitalization(USD Trillions)$2.1T$2.1T
Countries with Operations(countries)190+ countries190+ countries
2024 Total Revenue(USD Billions)$575.5B$575.5B
Standard Seller Commission Rate(%)15%15%
Average Delivery Speed (US)(days)1-2 days (Prime)1-2 days (Prime)
Active Seller Population(millions)~9 million~9 million
Buyer Protection Window(days)180 days (A-to-Z Guarantee)180 days (A-to-Z Guarantee)
Listed Product Categories(count)40+ primary categories40+ primary categories
Prime/Paid Membership Cost(USD annual)$139/year (Prime)$139/year (Prime)
Estimated Dispute/Fraud Rate(%)2-3%2-3%
Product Selection (SKUs)(items)500,000+500,000+
Average Price on Popular Items(% difference)15-25% cheaper15-25% cheaper
Grooming Service Locations(locations)0 locations0 locations
Prime/Loyalty Cost (Annual)(USD)Prime: $139/yearPrime: $139/year
Standard Shipping Cost(USD)Free with Prime (or $5-7 without)Free with Prime (or $5-7 without)
Fastest Delivery Option(hours)Same-day Prime (select areas only)Same-day Prime (select areas only)
Loyalty Program Reward Rate(% cash back)2% on select categories2% on select categories
Specialty Services Offered(count)None (retail only)None (retail only)
Average Clothing Price(USD)$25-50$25-50
Standard Delivery Time(days)1-2 days (Prime)1-2 days (Prime)
Product Categories Available(count)~25 (all categories)~25 (all categories)
Average Item Return Rate(percent)5-10%5-10%
New Items Added Weekly(count)100,000+ items100,000+ items
Prime/Membership Cost(USD/year)$139/year$139/year
Monthly Cost (Starter Plan)(USD)$0 (no monthly fee)$0 (no monthly fee)
Transaction Fee per Sale(%)8-45% (avg 15%)8-45% (avg 15%)
Monthly Active Buyers Accessible(millions)309 million (as of 2024)309 million (as of 2024)
Profit Margin Retention (Example: $100 sale)(USD profit)$55 (after 15% referral + 30% FBA avg)$55 (after 15% referral + 30% FBA avg)
Support Response Time(minutes)12-48 hours (seller support varies)12-48 hours (seller support varies)
Online Product Selection(millions of SKUs)350+ million350+ million
U.S. Physical Store Locations(stores)~600 (Whole Foods)~600 (Whole Foods)
Same-Day Delivery Coverage(% of U.S. population)35+ major metros35+ major metros
Grocery Price Index vs Baseline(percent difference)+10% (premium)+10% (premium)
AWS Revenue (Annual)(USD billions)$80+B$80+B
Average Pet Food Price (25 lb bag, premium brand)(USD)$52-62$52-62
Physical Store Locations (US)(stores)0 (dedicated pet stores)0 (dedicated pet stores)
Veterinary Service Locations(clinics)00
Customer Review Average (Pet Products)(stars)4.24.2
Prime/Loyalty Membership Cost(USD/year)$139/year (Prime)$139/year (Prime)

Sourced from publicly available data ·

Key Differences

11 attributes compared head-to-head

Best Buy
2Best Buy
Amazon leads1 tie
A
8Amazon
  • Business Model

    Best Buy

    Physical retail + online

    Amazon

    Pure e-commerce + marketplace(winner)

  • Product Selection

    Best Buy

    Electronics focused

    Amazon

    Everything marketplace(winner)

  • Prime Membership

    Best Buy

    No subscription program

    Amazon

    220M+ Prime members(winner)

  • AI Integration

    Best Buy

    Limited AI features

    Amazon

    Rufus AI (250M users)(winner)

  • Ad Revenue (2026)

    Best Buy

    Not disclosed

    Amazon

    $68.5 billion(winner)

Full Comparison

Best Buy
AAmazon
Prime Members(millions)
None
220+
Member Renewal Rate(percent)
~85% (estimated)
Ad Revenue (2026)(billion USD)
Not disclosed
$68.5
Physical Locations(stores)
1,000+
Limited
Physical Store Locations (US)(locations)
0
AI Shopping Assistant(users)
Limited features
Rufus 250M users
AI Rufus Interaction Growth(percent)
N/A
+210%
Prime Day 2026 Revenue(billion USD)
N/A
$24.1
Product Categories(count)
Electronics focused
30+ main categories
Total Product SKUs(millions)
~0.15 million in-store
300+ million
Total Product Selection(SKUs/products)
~50,000 electronics SKUs
300+ million
Product SKU Count(count)
~350 million
Available Product SKUs(millions)
300M+
Show 11 more attributes
Number of Beauty Brands(brands)
500+ brands
Total Product Categories(categories)
40+ categories
Estimated Available Products(millions)
300+ million
Total Products Available(millions)
500+ million
Number of Home Brands(brands)
500+ furniture brands available
Number of Beauty Brands Available(brands)
500+
Total Active Product Listings(millions)
350+ million
Online Product Selection(SKUs)
50,000+ pet listings
Product Selection (SKUs)(items)
500,000+
Product Categories Available(count)
~25 (all categories)
Online Product Selection(millions of SKUs)
350+ million
In-Person Support(availability)
Expert staff available
Online support only
In-Store Tech Support(availability)
Geek Squad available at all 1,000 locations
U.S. Store Count(stores)
~1,000 stores
Average Electronics Price Premium(%)
5-12% higher than Walmart
Average Electronics Price Competitiveness(price index)
100 (baseline with price match)
Price Difference on 4K Smart TVs(%)
+10% markup
Annual Membership Cost(USD)
$0 (My Best Buy free)
$139/year (Prime)
Electronics Price Premium vs Competitors(percent)
+3% (2-5% pricier)
-3% (2-5% cheaper)
Show 31 more attributes
Average Price Index (Same Products)(% difference)
+18% (higher)
Annual Membership Cost(USD)
$139 per year
Furniture Pricing Advantage(%)
Competitive on items under $50
Monthly Base Cost(USD)
$0 (pay per sale)
Avg Product Price(USD)
$15-50
Premium Membership Cost($)
Prime $139
Prime/Premium Subscription Cost(USD/year)
$139/year (Prime)
Average Furniture Price Range(USD)
$150-$1,200
Average Price Markup vs Wholesale(%)
20-30% markup
Average Product Price Index(% difference from market average)
-12%
Average Product Price Index (baseline=100)(relative price)
100
Membership Cost (Annual)(USD)
$139 (Prime basic tier)
Annual Membership Cost (Standard Plan)(USD)
$139 (Prime)
Average Product Price(USD)
$25-75
Average Beauty Product Price Comparison (Foundation)(USD)
$39
Free Shipping Threshold(USD)
$35
Auto-Delivery Maximum Discount(%)
20%
Prime/Membership Annual Cost(USD)
$139
Auto-Ship Discount Maximum(percent off)
5-20% Subscribe & Save
Average Price Premium(%)
Baseline (lowest)
Price Premium vs Temu(%)
100-150% higher (standard retail markup)
Prime/+ Membership Cost(USD per year)
$139 (Prime)
Average Furniture Price Point(USD)
$400-900
Average Price on Popular Items(% difference)
15-25% cheaper
Average Clothing Price(USD)
$25-50
Prime/Membership Cost(USD/year)
$139/year
Monthly Cost (Starter Plan)(USD)
$0 (no monthly fee)
Transaction Fee per Sale(%)
8-45% (avg 15%)
Grocery Price Index vs Baseline(percent difference)
+10% (premium)
Average Pet Food Price (25 lb bag, premium brand)(USD)
$52-62
Prime/Loyalty Membership Cost(USD/year)
$139/year (Prime)
Membership Reward Rate(%)
2% rewards on eligible purchases
Prime Membership Cost vs Benefits(annual cost / value)
My Best Buy: Free (exclusive sales/discounts only)
Prime/Membership Benefits(members)
240 million Prime members
Loyalty Program Cost(USD per year)
$139
Prime/Loyalty Annual Cost(USD/year)
$139 (Prime)
Show 2 more attributes
Prime/Paid Membership Cost(USD annual)
$139/year (Prime)
Prime/Loyalty Cost (Annual)(USD)
Prime: $139/year
Same-Day Delivery Availability(% metro coverage)
~30% of metro areas (select markets)
Standard Shipping Time(days)
3-5 days
1-2 days (Prime)
Same-Day/Next-Day Availability(zip codes / coverage)
All 1,200 stores (pickup only)
Standard Shipping Time(days)
5-7 days
Standard Shipping Delivery Time(business days)
1-2 days (Prime)
Show 2 more attributes
Standard Shipping Speed(days)
1-2 days (Prime members)
Fastest Delivery Option(hours)
Same-day Prime (select areas only)
Warranty Coverage for Electronics(coverage type)
Includes accidental damage protection and extended coverage
Product Categories Offered(primary categories)
1 (Electronics)
Product Categories Offered(categories)
Electronics only
Store Locations (US)(stores)
924
Electronics SKU Selection Per Store(average products)
3,000
Product Catalog Size(SKUs)
798 million
Return Window(days)
15 days
30 days (free)
Return Window (Standard Pet Supplies)(days)
30 days (standard Amazon)
Loyalty Program Discount(percent)
None (price match only)
Loyalty Program Cash Back(%)
5% with Prime Visa
Loyalty Program Reward Rate(% cash back)
2% on select categories
In-Store Tech Support Service(text)
Geek Squad (installation, repair, setup)
Grooming Service Availability(locations)
0 locations
Prescription Pharmacy Services(availability)
Not offered; external pharmacy required
Training Classes Availability(program status)
Not offered
In-Store Grooming Services(availability)
Not available
Show 10 more attributes
Professional Veterinarians(on-staff)
No
Interior Design Service(cost)
Not available
In-Store Beauty Consultation Available
No
Pharmacy Services
Limited (no pet Rx)
Grooming & Veterinary Services(availability)
Not offered
Assembly Service Cost (Average)(USD)
Not offered
Grooming Service Locations(locations)
0 locations
Specialty Services Offered(count)
None (retail only)
Grooming Service Availability(locations)
Not available
Veterinary Service Locations(clinics)
0
Same-Day Pickup Availability(hours for pickup)
1 hour (most items)
U.S. Physical Store Count(locations)
~990
Physical Store Locations(count)
500+ Amazon Go/Fresh stores
Global Physical Store Locations(stores)
0 stores
Physical Store Count(locations)
0 (e-commerce only)
Physical Store Locations(count)
0 pet stores
Show 2 more attributes
Number of Physical Locations(stores)
0 stores (digital-only)
U.S. Physical Store Locations(stores)
~600 (Whole Foods)
Return Window (Electronics)(days)
15 standard / 30 members
Return Window(days)
15 days standard; 30 days with My Best Buy membership
60 days (Prime members)
Average Delivery Speed(days)
Same-day to 1 day (Prime)
Return Window(days)
30 days (standard)
Product Return Window(days)
30 days
Show 1 more attribute
Refund Processing Time (if approved)(days)
5-10 business days
In-Store Tech Support Available
Yes (Geek Squad)
Geek Squad Support Locations(locations)
~1,000 in-store
None
Geek Squad/Technical Support Cost(USD per incident)
$99-$299+ per service call
Annual Revenue (2025)(USD billions)
$42.3
$575 billion
Annual Revenue(billions USD)
$638 billion
Annual Revenue (2025)(Billion USD)
$638B (e-commerce only)
Market Capitalization(trillions USD)
$2,360B
YoY Revenue Growth (2025)(Percent)
12-15% (estimated)
Show 7 more attributes
Gross Margin Trend (Q4 2025)(Basis Points)
Industry average ~40-45%
Annual Revenue(USD Billions)
$575B (2024)
Operating Margin(%)
7.2%
Total Annual Revenue(USD (billions))
$575 billion
Global Annual Revenue (2024)(billion USD)
$575 billion
Market Capitalization(USD Trillions)
$2.1T
2024 Total Revenue(USD Billions)
$575.5B
Extended Protection Plan Options
Comprehensive (Geek Squad Protection)
Average Customer Satisfaction Rating(out of 5.0)
3.8
Physical Store Locations(stores)
1,200+ stores nationwide
0 stores
Same-Day Pickup Locations(locations)
1,000+ nationwide
Select metros only
Median Delivery Time(days)
1-2 days (Prime members in metro areas)
Average Product Reviews(reviews per popular item)
1,000-5,000 per product
Market Cap(USD)
$1.8 Trillion
Global User Base(millions)
240+ Prime members + broader reach
Mobile App Downloads (All-Time)(millions)
500+ million
Monthly Active Users(users)
2,100 million
Monthly Active Buyers Accessible(millions)
309 million (as of 2024)
Seller Commission Rate(%)
15% base commission
Fulfillment Cost (FBA/Self)(% of sale)
15-25% (FBA included)
Commission Fee (Per Transaction)(%)
8-45% + 30-50% FBA
Annual Gross Merchandise Value (GMV)(billions USD)
$638 billion
Active Global Users(millions)
150M
Active Seller Population(millions)
~9 million
Market Dominance Share(%)
40% US e-commerce market share
Market Share (E-Commerce)(%)
40% global e-commerce market share
AWS Cloud Market Share(percent)
32%
US Grocery Market Share(%)
2.1%
US E-commerce Market Share(%)
41%
Show 1 more attribute
Pet Category Market Share (U.S. Online)(%)
18%
Company Market Capitalization(trillions USD)
$2.36 trillion (July 2026)
User Base Growth Rate (YoY)(%)
8-10% annual growth
Prime/Membership Members(millions)
220 million Prime members
Subscription/Membership Base(Millions)
240M+ Prime members
Average Shipping Time(days)
1-2 days (Prime)
Average Shipping Speed(days)
2-3 days (Prime)
Standard Delivery Time(days)
1-2 days (Prime)
Same-Day Delivery Cities(cities)
3,500 cities (Prime 2-hour)
Average Delivery Speed (US)(days)
1-2 days (Prime)
Show 2 more attributes
Standard Delivery Time(days)
1-2 days (Prime)
Same-Day Delivery Coverage(% of U.S. population)
35+ major metros
Home Goods Focus(%)
Multi-category general retailer
Design Curation Tools
Basic category and keyword filters
In-House Brands(count)
Limited home furniture brands
Product Category Focus
All categories (diversified)
Specialty Pet Food Availability (Exotic/Medical Diets)(inventory depth)
Limited; depends on seller listings
Autoship/Subscription Discount Range(Percent)
5-20% on Subscribe & Save
Geographic Coverage(states)
190+ countries and territories
Free Shipping Minimum(USD)
$35
Standard Non-Perishable Pet Delivery Time(days)
1-2 days (Prime)
Standard Shipping Time (Domestic)(days)
2 days (Prime)
Pet-Specific Product SKU Count(SKUs)
~50,000-100,000 (estimated pet section)
Total Product Categories(categories)
500+ million SKUs across all categories
Product Selection(items)
2,000,000+
Total Product SKUs (Pet Category)(SKUs)
~50,000 pet products
New Items Added Weekly(count)
100,000+ items
2025 Pet Supplies Market Position (GMV Rank)(rank)
Not #1 in pet supplies
Autoship Subscription Discounts(percent)
Limited pet-specific subscriptions
Built-in Customer Base(millions)
300+ active customers
Average Time to First Sale(days)
2 days (FBA enabled)
Brand Customization Level(scale 1-10)
Minimal (2/10)
Customer Data Access(percentage)
0% customer data; Amazon owns relationship
Payment Gateway Options(count)
1 (Amazon Pay only)
Package/Service Ecosystem(count)
200+ AWS services
Product Listing Limits(count)
Varies by category and account tier
Active Users (2026)(millions)
Amazon 380 million
Avg Customer Rating(stars)
4.1/5
Customer Review Average Rating (Beauty Products)(stars)
4.2 stars
Average Item Return Rate(percent)
5-10%
Customer Review Average (Pet Products)(stars)
4.2
Seller Verification(text)
Strict vetting, A9 quality standards
Number of Active Sellers(millions)
2+ million
Average Customer Rating System(stars)
4.4/5 average seller rating
Mobile App Downloads(millions)
2.5 billion downloads
Estimated Active Users(millions)
310M
Handmade/Artisanal Product Percentage(%)
<2% handmade items
Average Standard Delivery Time(days)
2 days (Prime) / 5-7 days (standard)
Entry Membership Cost(USD per year)
$139
Prime/Premium Membership Cost(USD/year)
$139/year
Free Shipping Threshold (Standard Members)(USD)
$35 (with Prime; $100 without)
Prime/Membership Cost (Annual)(USD)
$139/year
Customer Product Reviews Published(millions)
250+ million
Renewable Energy Usage(percentage)
85%
Year Created/Founded
1994
Global User Base(millions)
150+ million customers
Annual Revenue(USD billion)
$575 billion (2025)
Employees(count)
1.5 million
Licensing Model
Proprietary (freemium model)
Market Capitalization(USD)
2.1 trillion
Total Product Selection(number of SKUs)
500,000+
Customer Review Rating(out of 5 stars)
4.4
Average Customer Review Rating(stars)
4.2/5 stars
Product Description Accuracy Rate(%)
96%
Non-Delivery/Lost Package Rate(%)
0.3%
Data Privacy Compliance(text)
GDPR/CCPA Compliant
Buyer Protection Coverage(USD)
$2,500 (A-to-z Guarantee)
Customer Satisfaction Score(out of 10)
68/100
Average Price Difference on Beauty Products(% below MSRP)
10-25% discount below MSRP
Free Samples per Purchase(samples)
0
Fastest Delivery Speed (Prime/Premium)(business days)
Same-day or 1-day with Prime
Standard Free Shipping Threshold(USD)
$0 with Prime / $25 without
Average Delivery Time (Standard)(days)
1-2 days (Prime)
Prime Eligible Items with Two-Day Shipping(millions)
100+ million items
Average Furniture Delivery Time(weeks)
2-3 weeks
Show 4 more attributes
Standard Shipping Time(business days)
1-2 days with Prime
Standard Delivery Speed (Prime)(days)
1-2 days
Same-Day Service Availability(metro areas)
100+ metro areas (Prime)
Standard Shipping Cost(USD)
Free with Prime (or $5-7 without)
Loyalty Rewards Earn Rate(% cash back)
Varies; typically 1-5% with Prime
Cloud/Tech Services Revenue(USD (billions))
$88 billion (AWS)
Buyer Protection Duration(days)
180 days (A-to-Z Guarantee)
Standard Return Window(days)
30 days
Return Window (Standard Policy)(days)
30 days standard
Buyer Protection Success Rate(%)
94% disputes resolved in buyer favor
Data Privacy/Regulatory Status
US-regulated, transparent data policies
Return Window for Members(days)
30 days
Average Shipping Time (Standard)(days)
1-2 days (Prime)
Seller Commission/Fees(percent)
Up to 45% (varies by category)
Customer Trust Rating(percent)
91% trust Amazon (2024)
Percentage of Small/Independent Sellers(percent)
65% third-party sellers (mostly resellers/aggregators)
Customer Service Response Time(hours)
24-48 hours average
Annual Revenue (2024)(USD billions)
$575B
2024 Annual Revenue (US)(billions USD)
$575.5
Market Valuation (2024)(billions USD)
$2,100+
Customer Satisfaction Rating(percent)
89% (J.D. Power 2024)
Market Share (US Pet E-commerce)(percent)
12% (includes pet products)
Subscribe & Save Discount(%)
Up to 20% discount
Average Delivery Time (US Standard)(days)
2-3 days (Prime)
Average Customer Review Rating(stars)
4.2/5 (verified reviews with photo proof)
Product Return/Defect Rate(%)
~8-12% average return rate
Counterfeit/Knockoff Risk(relative risk level)
Low (seller suspension policy enforced)
Countries with Operations(countries)
190+ countries
Standard Seller Commission Rate(%)
15%
Buyer Protection Window(days)
180 days (A-to-Z Guarantee)
Listed Product Categories(count)
40+ primary categories
Estimated Dispute/Fraud Rate(%)
2-3%
Customer Data Ownership(percentage)
0% - Amazon owns customer relationship
Design & Customization Freedom(level)
Limited - Amazon template only, no custom branding
Profit Margin Retention (Example: $100 sale)(USD profit)
$55 (after 15% referral + 30% FBA avg)
Support Response Time(minutes)
12-48 hours (seller support varies)
AWS Revenue (Annual)(USD billions)
$80+B
Physical Store Locations (US)(stores)
0 (dedicated pet stores)

Pros & Cons

10 pros·8 cons across both

Best Buy
A
Best Buy

Best Buy

+5-4

Pros

1,000+ physical store locations for immediate access
Expert in-store staff for product consultations
Same-day in-store pickup available
Price matching guarantees
Geek Squad technical support

Cons

Limited product selection outside electronics
No subscription loyalty program
Higher prices than online competitors
Less developed AI shopping features
A

Amazon

+5-4

Pros

220M+ Prime members with free shipping benefits
Rufus AI assistant (250M users) for personalized recommendations
Millions of third-party sellers and product categories
$68.5B ad revenue with competitive pricing
Same-day/next-day delivery in major markets

Cons

No physical stores for product testing
Return policies vary by seller
Marketplace quality control challenges
Subscription required for premium benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

11 questions

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

Expert Analysis: Best Buy vs Amazon

The single factor that determines where most people should buy comes down to this: do you need to touch it before you buy it, or do you need the lowest friction path from cart to couch? Amazon generated $716.9 billion in net sales in FY2025 (Amazon Investor Relations, 2026), a scale that drives ruthlessly competitive pricing and logistics. Best Buy, operating 1,117 physical stores on $41.5 billion in revenue (Best Buy Corporate, 2026), offers something Amazon structurally cannot — a trained sales floor, in-store demo units, and same-day open-box deals you can inspect with your own eyes.

On price, the gap is narrower than most shoppers assume. Amazon's marketplace breadth and third-party seller competition push prices down on commodity models, but Best Buy's price-match guarantee covers Amazon directly, meaning savvy in-store shoppers can capture Amazon's low price while gaining Best Buy's superior return handling. The meaningful cost difference appears on large-format and premium TVs, where Best Buy's open-box inventory — units returned in near-perfect condition, often discounted 15–30% — represents genuine savings that Amazon's refurbished listings rarely match for quality assurance.

Delivery and post-purchase support reveal the sharpest contrast. Amazon Prime ships fast, but damage claims on large-screen TVs shipped via third-party carriers are notoriously difficult to resolve, often routing buyers through seller disputes rather than direct retailer accountability. Best Buy's Geek Squad delivery includes white-glove installation options and a direct human escalation path. Best Buy's domestic online sales reached $4.91 billion in Q4 FY26 alone (Best Buy Q4 FY26 Report, 2026), evidence that consumers increasingly treat it as a hybrid retailer — researching online, then buying in-store or clicking with confidence knowing a physical location backs the transaction.

Read 2 more paragraphs

Amazon is the right choice for shoppers buying mid-range TVs under 65 inches from established brands with strong manufacturer warranties, anyone with Prime membership already in place, and buyers comfortable navigating return shipping logistics independently. The conversion infrastructure Amazon has built — its sellers average a 10–15% conversion rate versus the 1–2% industry norm (SQ Magazine, 2026) — reflects a platform optimized for frictionless purchasing decisions.

Best Buy earns the recommendation for anyone spending over $1,000, buying a screen 75 inches or larger, or purchasing their first OLED or Mini LED panel where panel lottery concerns are real. If you are within driving distance of a Best Buy, walk in with Amazon's listed price on your phone, request a price match, and ask about open-box availability before purchasing anything online. That single habit captures both retailers' primary advantages simultaneously and consistently produces the best outcome on price, risk, and after-sale support.

Human-reviewed analysis based on primary sources including official product pages, third-party benchmarks, and consumer reviews. How we research
Last updated
Human reviewedAI-assistedOur methodology