Best Buy Review
The largest US electronics retailer — 1,000+ stores, Geek Squad support, and a price-match guarantee that covers Amazon
Last reviewed: 2026-05-26 · By GBBR Editorial Team
Affiliate disclosure: We earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Rankings are never for sale.
Our Top Pick · Gold Tier
Best Buy
Free plan available
The Bottom Line
Best Buy is the largest consumer electronics retailer in the US, earning a Gold tier rating for its unmatched combination of in-store experience, Geek Squad tech support, price-match guarantee (including Amazon), and a 15-day return window that extends to 60 days for members. Founded in 1966 in Richfield, MN. Best for shoppers who want to see and touch electronics before buying, need professional setup or repair services, or want a safety net on returns.
What is Best Buy?
Best Buy was founded in 1966 as Sound of Music in St. Paul, MN by Richard Schulze and Gary Smoliak. It rebranded to Best Buy in 1983 and grew into the dominant US consumer electronics chain, operating 1,000+ stores in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Best Buy's key differentiator from pure online retailers is Geek Squad — a nationwide tech support, installation, and repair service available in-store, at home, and online. Best Buy sells every major consumer electronics category: TVs, laptops, smartphones, cameras, home appliances, smart home devices, gaming, and car electronics.
What does Best Buy offer?
Full electronics catalog from all major brands: Apple, Samsung, Sony, LG, Microsoft, HP, Dell, Canon, and hundreds more. Price-match guarantee covers Amazon, Walmart, Costco, and most major retailers. My Best Buy free loyalty program (points on purchases). My Best Buy Plus ($49.99/yr): 60-day returns, 20% off repairs, free 2-day shipping. My Best Buy Total ($179.99/yr): extends Geek Squad 24/7 tech support, unlimited repair, identity protection. Geek Squad services: in-home installation, PC repair, TV mounting, smart home setup. Free standard shipping on most orders. Same-day delivery and in-store pickup available.
My Best Buy (free)
$0
/year
My Best Buy Plus
$49.99
/year
My Best Buy Total
$179.99
/year
Is Best Buy worth the price?
Competitive pricing with Amazon price-match — free loyalty program earns points, Plus at $49.99/yr extends returns to 60 days
Amazon often has lower list prices and faster Prime delivery. Best Buy competes via price-match guarantee, in-store experience, and Geek Squad services that Amazon cannot replicate.
Good valueHow we scored it
Overall score: 84/100
Every major consumer electronics category, all major brands, 1,000+ stores for in-person browsing — the most comprehensive physical + online selection in the US
Price-match guarantee covers Amazon and major retailers — list prices are competitive but Amazon often undercuts without matching. Black Friday deals are category-best
15-day standard return window (60 days for Plus/Total members); most items accepted in open-box condition; Geek Squad handles defective items
Free standard shipping (2 days for Plus), same-day delivery in many markets, in-store pickup, and curbside available
Geek Squad — nationwide tech support, in-home installation, PC repair, TV mounting, smart home setup. 24/7 support on Plus/Total plans
Best Buy for Business: dedicated account managers, volume pricing, net-30 terms, purchase orders — less robust than Amazon Business but functional
Why Best Buy is Gold Tier
Best Buy earns Gold because no other electronics retailer matches its combination of nationwide physical presence, professional tech services (Geek Squad), and a price-match policy that removes the price disadvantage vs. Amazon. For buyers who want to handle a laptop before buying, need a TV professionally installed, or want someone to call when their PC breaks — Best Buy is the only mass-market retailer that provides all of these. It scores below 90 because its online-only prices sometimes lag Amazon, the Plus/Total membership tiers feel like paying for services that used to be standard, and the in-store experience varies significantly by location.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓1,000+ US stores — see and compare electronics in person before buying
- ✓Price-match guarantee covers Amazon, Walmart, Costco, and most major retailers
- ✓Geek Squad — nationwide in-home setup, repair, and tech support service
- ✓Same-day delivery and curbside pickup in most major markets
- ✓My Best Buy loyalty program earns points on every purchase
- ✓Extended 60-day return window on Plus/Total membership
Cons
- ✗Standard 15-day return window is short vs. Amazon's 30 days
- ✗Plus/Total membership tiers feel like paying for services that used to be free
- ✗In-store experience varies significantly — some locations understaffed
- ✗Online prices can lag Amazon without proactively requesting a match
Ready to try Best Buy? Free plan available — no credit card required.
Get Best Buy →Frequently Asked Questions
Is Best Buy worth it in 2026?
Competitive pricing with Amazon price-match — free loyalty program earns points, Plus at $49.99/yr extends returns to 60 days Overall verdict: Good value.
What is Best Buy best for?
Best Buy is best for: Shoppers who want to see and handle electronics before buying, Buyers who need professional TV installation, PC setup, or smart home configuration, Anyone purchasing high-value items who wants a local return and support option.
Does Best Buy have a free plan?
Yes — Best Buy offers a free tier: My Best Buy loyalty program is free — earns points on all purchases.
Who should NOT use Best Buy?
Best Buy is not the right fit for: Pure price-minimizers who will do all research online (Amazon often undercuts); Buyers in rural areas far from a Best Buy store who lose the in-store advantage.
What are the best Best Buy alternatives?
Top alternatives to Best Buy include bhphotovideo, newegg, adorama.
Best Buy earns Gold because no other electronics retailer matches its combination of nationwide physical presence, professional tech services (Geek Squad), and a price-match policy that removes the price disadvantage vs. Amazon. For buyers who want to handle a laptop before buying, need a TV professionally installed, or want someone to call when their PC breaks — Best Buy is the only mass-market retailer that provides all of these. It scores below 90 because its online-only prices sometimes lag Amazon, the Plus/Total membership tiers feel like paying for services that used to be standard, and the in-store experience varies significantly by location.
Get Best Buy →Free tier available — no credit card required
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