The Best Electronics Return Policies Ranked by Retailer

A great return policy is like insurance — you hope you never need it, but when you do, the difference between a generous policy and a restrictive one can save you hundreds of dollars. We evaluated every major electronics retailer's return policy across five criteria.

Our Ranking Criteria

1. Return window — How many days do you have?
2. Restocking fees — Does the retailer charge a penalty?
3. Opened product policy — Can you return opened electronics?
4. Free return shipping — Who pays for returns?
5. Exceptions and fine print — What are the hidden restrictions?

The Rankings

1. Costco — A+ Rating

Return window: Unlimited for most electronics. 90 days for select categories (TVs, computers, tablets, smartwatches, cameras). Restocking fee: None. Opened products: Accepted. Return shipping: Free (in-store return preferred). Fine print: Membership required. The 90-day limit on major electronics was added because members were returning 3-year-old TVs. Still the most generous policy in retail.

Why it's #1: An unlimited return window on accessories, headphones, and smart home devices is unmatched. The 90-day window on major electronics is still longer than most competitors. No restocking fees ever.

2. Amazon — A Rating

Return window: 30 days (extended to January 31 for holiday purchases). Restocking fee: Up to 20% on select items returned opened, but rarely enforced on electronics. Opened products: Accepted for most categories. Return shipping: Free for Amazon-fulfilled items. Fine print: Third-party seller returns may have different policies. Always check if the item is "Sold by Amazon" or fulfilled by Amazon for the best return experience.

Why it's #2: The 30-day window is standard, but free return shipping, easy label generation, and consistent policy enforcement make Amazon's returns nearly frictionless. Purchasing a Samsung T7 Shield SSD through Amazon means hassle-free returns if it doesn't meet your needs.

3. Best Buy — A- Rating

Return window: 15 days standard. 60 days for Totaltech members ($200/year). Restocking fee: 15% on opened drones, cameras, and projectors. None for most other electronics. Opened products: Accepted. Return shipping: Free. Fine print: The 15-day standard window is tight. Totaltech membership extends it to 60 days but adds an annual cost. Geek Squad protection is separate from the return policy.

Why it's #3: Strong in-store return experience and knowledgeable staff, but the 15-day standard window is the shortest among major retailers. The Totaltech extension requires a paid membership.

4. Walmart — B+ Rating

Return window: 30 days for most electronics. 15 days for phones. Restocking fee: None. Opened products: Accepted. Return shipping: Free for online purchases. Fine print: Some electronics are limited to exchange only. In-store returns are quick but online-purchased items sometimes face processing delays.

5. Target — B+ Rating

Return window: 30 days for electronics. 60 days for Target Circle members. Restocking fee: None. Opened products: Accepted. Return shipping: Free. Fine print: Apple products have a 15-day window even for Target Circle members. The Circle membership is free, so always sign up.

6. Apple — B Rating

Return window: 14 days. Restocking fee: None. Opened products: Accepted (must include all accessories). Return shipping: Free. Fine print: 14 days is tight for expensive purchases. Custom-configured Macs take longer to refund. Engraved products are not returnable.

7. Samsung — B Rating

Return window: 15 days for most products. 30 days during promotional periods. Restocking fee: 15% on opened items. Opened products: Accepted with restocking fee. Return shipping: Free. Fine print: The 15% restocking fee on opened products is a significant penalty. Samsung.com returns are straightforward but slower than in-store alternatives.

8. Newegg — C+ Rating

Return window: 30 days. Restocking fee: 15% on many categories. Opened products: Some categories are non-refundable if opened. Return shipping: Buyer pays. Fine print: Computer components, monitors, and laptops have restrictive return conditions. Read the specific category policy before purchasing.

Pro Tips for Hassle-Free Returns

Keep All Packaging for 30 Days

Don't throw away the box, foam inserts, or accessories until you're past the return window. Returning electronics without original packaging often results in reduced refunds or rejected returns.

Take Unboxing Photos

Document what you received, including serial numbers visible in the packaging. This protects you against claims of missing accessories or wrong items returned.

Use a Credit Card With Return Protection

Many credit cards offer extended return windows and price protection that supplement the retailer's policy. The Chase Sapphire cards, Amex, and Citi cards often provide 90-day return protection on purchases the retailer won't take back.

Know the Holiday Extended Windows

Most retailers extend return windows during the holiday season (November-December purchases returnable through January). The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones purchased in November on Amazon can be returned through January 31 under holiday policy.

Request Manager Override When Denied

Store-level return decisions are often negotiable. If a return is denied on a technicality, politely ask for a manager. Most managers have authority to override standard policy for customer retention.

The Bottom Line

Where you buy matters almost as much as what you buy. For expensive electronics with any uncertainty, Costco's unlimited return window provides unmatched peace of mind. For everyday purchases, Amazon's frictionless return process is the most convenient. Always check the specific return policy for your product category before purchasing — the general policy and category-specific exceptions can differ significantly.

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