Want a New TV? Costco vs Best Buy – What’s the Difference? -

Inside a large Costco store showing a range of TVs for sale

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TVs have always been a big part of our lives. They help older folks stay up-to-date and keep the little ones entertained. Even today’s teens sometimes zone out in front of the TV, scrolling through tons of channels before jumping back on their phones. In fact, the average person watches TV for 2-3 hours a day. So when it’s time to upgrade, where should you shop? Costco and Best Buy are two go-to stores for everyday electronics. While they’re both big players in the market, their services and perks aren’t exactly the same. For example, Costco is known for its great warranties, and they offer extended coverage on TVs. Best Buy, on the other hand, lets non-members shop and often provides free TV installation.

Sure, picture quality and price are important, but they’re not the only things to consider when buying a new TV. Those extras we mentioned are worth a closer look. TVs, like any other electronics, are bound to have issues eventually, so you want to buy from a reliable retailer. And unlike a phone that gets replaced every couple years, a TV is a longer-term investment. The real question is not just which store is cheaper today, but which one is the better fit for your needs in the long run. Comparing Costco and Best Buy can help you make an informed decision.

Warranty and return policies: the safety net when buying TVs

A Best Buy store full of TVs for sale.

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Warranty coverage can vary a lot between retailers. Costco really shines here – they offer an extended 2-year warranty on many TVs, which is a big deal since most manufacturers only give you 1 year. This extra protection is usually an added cost elsewhere. Best Buy, on the other hand, sticks to the standard 1-year manufacturer warranty. But they do promote their Geek Squad Protection plans, which you’d have to pay extra for an extended warranty.

Return policies are another key difference. Costco has a straightforward 90-day return window on TVs and other electronics. If anything goes wrong in that time, you can just bring it back and get your money back or a replacement. Best Buy is a bit more complicated – regular customers get 15 days, while their paid Plus Members get 60 days.

Costco versus Best Buy: post-purchase support and selection

Technicians installing a plasma TV onto a white wall in a house.

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When it comes to warranties and returns, Costco seems like the go-to option. But there are other factors to weigh too. For instance, Best Buy often offers free TV mounting and setup, even for larger models. They also run promos where any TV install is free – you just have to be a paid My Best Buy Total member. Costco, on the other hand, doesn’t provide free TV installation – you have to pay extra even with their top-tier Executive Membership. However, Costco Executive Members do get 2% cash back on eligible purchases (up to $1,250 per year), which could help offset the installation cost.

Where Costco has Best Buy beat is their free post-purchase tech support. Even their basic membership includes this perk. If you want tech support from Best Buy, you either need to be a My Best Buy Total member or pay for their Geek Squad Protection plan.

Lastly, think about the TV selection at each store. Costco has a more limited range of brands, while Best Buy offers a much wider variety for you to compare.