B&H Photo Video Review
The professional photographer and filmmaker's electronics retailer — largest independent AV dealer in the US, no-tax in NY
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
B&H Photo Video
Free plan available
The Bottom Line
B&H Photo Video is the largest independent audiovisual equipment dealer in the US and one of the most trusted retailers among professional photographers, videographers, and creative professionals, earning a Gold tier rating for its exceptional catalog depth in professional photography and video equipment, knowledgeable staff, and industry-leading customer service. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Manhattan, NY. Best for photographers, videographers, audio engineers, and professionals who need specialist knowledge and the confidence that their equipment recommendation comes from someone who actually uses it.
What is B&H Photo Video?
B&H Photo Video was founded in 1973 by Blimie and Herman Schreiber in New York City, operating from its famous 9th Avenue superstore in Manhattan. B&H is an ESOP (employee-owned) company. Its Manhattan store spans 50,000 sq ft and processes thousands of in-person customers daily. B&H stocks over 400,000 products across photography, video, audio, computers, mobile, and home entertainment — with particular depth in professional and prosumer categories that Best Buy does not carry (medium format cameras, cinema lenses, professional lighting, broadcast audio). B&H is known for knowledgeable staff who are often working photographers and videographers themselves.
What does B&H Photo Video offer?
400,000+ products across cameras, lenses, video, audio, computers, mobile, TV, and home entertainment. Professional categories: medium format cameras (Hasselblad, Phase One), cinema cameras (RED, ARRI, Blackmagic), professional audio (Sennheiser, Shure, Rode, Focusrite), broadcast video equipment. Standard consumer categories at competitive prices. B&H Payboo credit card: instant NY sales tax rebate as a reward (effectively 8.875% savings on NY-taxable purchases). 30-day return window on most items. Used department with graded condition ratings. Edu/Pro pricing for verified professionals and students. Free expedited shipping on many orders.
Standard (free)
$0
/year
Payboo Card (free)
$0
/year
Pro Account (verified)
$0
/year
Is B&H Photo Video worth the price?
Competitive pricing with free expedited shipping; Payboo card provides effective 8.875% savings (NY tax rebate) on qualifying purchases
Amazon matches or beats B&H on consumer items. B&H wins decisively on professional and prosumer equipment where Amazon's catalog is thin, staff knowledge is irrelevant, and return policies on high-value lenses/cameras matter more.
Strong valueHow we scored it
Overall score: 86/100
400,000+ products with unmatched depth in professional photography, video, audio, and broadcast categories unavailable at Best Buy or Amazon
Competitive pricing; Payboo card provides effective 8.875% instant savings as NY tax rebate; free expedited shipping on many orders
30-day return window on most items; used department with graded condition ratings; clear defect/damage policy
Free expedited shipping on many orders; Manhattan superstore for in-person shopping; most orders ship same or next business day
Staff are often working photographers and videographers — expert advice on professional equipment, spec compatibility, and workflow integration
Edu/Pro accounts with verified pricing; volume purchasing; net-30 terms available for qualified businesses; institutional purchasing support
Why B&H Photo Video is Gold Tier
B&H earns Gold because for professional photographers, videographers, and creative professionals, there is no peer — the catalog depth in professional AV equipment, the staff knowledge, and the institutional trust built over 50 years make it the default first stop for professional equipment purchases. The 30-day return window, Payboo tax savings, and used equipment department add further value. It scores below 90 because its advantages are concentrated in professional categories — for mainstream consumer electronics (TVs, laptops, smartphones), Best Buy or Amazon often offer comparable selection at better prices without requiring professional knowledge to navigate.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Deepest catalog of professional photography, video, and audio equipment in the US
- ✓Staff are working photographers and videographers — genuine expert advice
- ✓Payboo credit card provides 8.875% instant rebate (NY sales tax equivalent)
- ✓30-day return window — double Best Buy's standard policy
- ✓Used department with graded condition ratings for value buyers
- ✓Free expedited shipping on qualifying orders
Cons
- ✗Advantages concentrate in professional/prosumer categories — consumer electronics pricing isn't always competitive vs. Amazon
- ✗Website can be complex to navigate for casual shoppers
- ✗Physical location is only in Manhattan — in-store is not accessible for most US buyers
- ✗Closed on Jewish holidays — can delay orders around those dates
Ready to try B&H Photo Video? Free plan available — no credit card required.
Get B&H Photo Video →Frequently Asked Questions
Is B&H Photo Video worth it in 2026?
Competitive pricing with free expedited shipping; Payboo card provides effective 8.875% savings (NY tax rebate) on qualifying purchases Overall verdict: Strong value.
What is B&H Photo Video best for?
B&H Photo Video is best for: Photographers, videographers, and audio engineers buying professional equipment, Anyone buying a camera, lens, or audio gear who wants expert staff guidance, High-value purchases where a 30-day return window reduces risk significantly.
Does B&H Photo Video have a free plan?
Yes — B&H Photo Video offers a free tier: Free to shop; Payboo credit card adds effective tax savings.
Who should NOT use B&H Photo Video?
B&H Photo Video is not the right fit for: Casual buyers of mainstream consumer electronics (TV, laptop, smartphone) — Amazon or Best Buy often compete better; Buyers who need same-day in-store access outside New York.
What are the best B&H Photo Video alternatives?
Top alternatives to B&H Photo Video include adorama, best-buy, newegg.
B&H earns Gold because for professional photographers, videographers, and creative professionals, there is no peer — the catalog depth in professional AV equipment, the staff knowledge, and the institutional trust built over 50 years make it the default first stop for professional equipment purchases. The 30-day return window, Payboo tax savings, and used equipment department add further value. It scores below 90 because its advantages are concentrated in professional categories — for mainstream consumer electronics (TVs, laptops, smartphones), Best Buy or Amazon often offer comparable selection at better prices without requiring professional knowledge to navigate.
Get B&H Photo Video →Free tier available — no credit card required
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