Is Costco Cheaper Than Amazon or Best Buy for TVs in the US in 2026?

Is Costco actually cheaper than Amazon or Best Buy for TVs in 2026? Sometimes, but the sticker price is the smaller part of the answer. On the same model, sale prices at the three retailers often land close together during big events, and which one is lowest on a given day changes with each promotion. What does not change week to week is what each retailer bundles around the TV: Costco's 90-day return window and free extended warranty, Amazon's delivery speed, and Best Buy's Geek Squad installation and price match policy.

The short answer, upfront

For US shoppers buying a TV in 2026:

• Price on the same model: no retailer is cheapest every time. Compare the exact model number at all three on the day you buy, and remember that Costco sometimes sells a Costco-specific model number with a different bundle, so check that the specs match.
• Warranty and returns: Costco wins outright. TVs bought at Costco get a 90-day return window and a free second year of warranty through Costco Concierge, against Amazon's standard 30-day return window and Best Buy's 15-day standard window (60 days for My Best Buy Plus and Total members).
• Installation and service: Best Buy wins, with Geek Squad mounting and in-home setup.
• Delivery speed: Amazon usually wins, with Prime delivery and same-day delivery in some metros.

ShopBack is the US Cashback and rewards app. Before you pay at Costco or Best Buy, sign up free at shopback.com, open the store's ShopBack page, and click through from there so the order tracks to your account. Check the live Cashback rate on the store's ShopBack page; it changes over time.

Buy TVs at Costco through ShopBack Start at the Costco ShopBack page before you check out on Costco.com

How the three retailers compare by TV type

Samsung and LG mid-range and OLED (QLED, Neo QLED, LG C and G series OLED): Costco carries a focused range of Samsung and LG models and often prices them competitively, sometimes with an extra accessory or a Costco-specific model number. Because Costco's 90-day return window and two-year warranty apply to every TV it sells, Costco is a strong default for these brands when the price is within a few dollars of the others. During Black Friday and other big events, Amazon and Best Buy can undercut Costco on specific models, so compare on the day.

Sony Bravia: All three retailers carry Sony. Best Buy often has the widest Sony range in store, which helps if you want to see picture quality side by side before you buy. Check Costco for the same model before you pay, because the warranty and return terms differ.

TCL and Hisense: These brands are widely discounted at Amazon and Best Buy, and Costco's range is narrower. Compare all three, but expect more choice outside Costco.

Vizio, Roku-branded, and Insignia budget TVs: Walmart completed its purchase of Vizio in December 2024, so Vizio is now Walmart-owned and widely sold there. Insignia is Best Buy's house brand. Costco carries only a limited range of budget brands.

Warranty and return-window comparison

The sticker price is not the total cost. Costco's warranty and return terms are the structural edge that Amazon and Best Buy do not match at base level.

Costco warranty and return window:

• Costco Concierge Services extends the manufacturer's warranty on TVs to two years and offers free technical support, for all members.
• 90-day return window on TVs, including change-of-mind returns.
• Allstate Protection Plans are available for longer coverage at extra cost.
• Executive members (USD 130 a year) earn a 2% annual reward on qualifying purchases, up to USD 1,250 a year. On a USD 1,500 TV, that is USD 30, paid as an annual reward certificate.

Amazon warranty and return window:

• Manufacturer's warranty only (typically one year).
• Standard 30-day return window on most TVs; check the listing, because terms vary by seller and model.
• Protection plans are available at extra cost.

Best Buy warranty and return window:

• Manufacturer's warranty only at base level.
• 15-day standard return window; 60 days for My Best Buy Plus (USD 49.99 a year) and My Best Buy Total (USD 179.99 a year) members.
• Geek Squad Protection is sold separately. My Best Buy Total includes product protection on most purchases while you stay a member, plus 24/7 Geek Squad support; check Best Buy's current Total terms before you rely on it.

Practical implication for a USD 1,500 TV: Costco gives two years of coverage and 90 days to return it for the price of a USD 65 Gold Star or USD 130 Executive membership. At Amazon you would pay extra for a protection plan to match the coverage. At Best Buy, My Best Buy Total covers protection but costs USD 179.99 a year.

Delivery and installation

Costco: Many large TVs ship free on Costco.com, with delivery windows of several business days. Installation is not included as standard; arrange mounting separately or through the add-on options shown at checkout.

Amazon: Prime members get fast free delivery on most TVs, and same-day delivery in some metros. Mounting and setup can be booked through Amazon's home services for an extra fee.

Best Buy: Free standard delivery on most TVs, store pickup, and paid Geek Squad mounting and in-home setup. If you need professional wall-mounting on a 65-inch or larger TV, Best Buy's service is the strongest of the three, even if the sticker is a little higher.

Membership economics

Costco Gold Star (USD 65 a year): warehouse access and Costco.com member pricing.

Costco Executive (USD 130 a year): Gold Star benefits plus the 2% annual reward (up to USD 1,250 a year) and extra benefits on some Costco services. The USD 65 upgrade pays for itself once your qualifying Costco spend passes USD 3,250 a year.

Amazon Prime (USD 139 a year, or USD 14.99 a month): delivery speed and access to Prime-member deal events. It is not a TV discount tier by itself.

My Best Buy Plus (USD 49.99 a year): 60-day returns and member pricing on some items. My Best Buy Total (USD 179.99 a year): adds product protection on most purchases and 24/7 Geek Squad support.

How to use ShopBack on a TV purchase

ShopBack is a step you take before you pay. Sign up free at shopback.com, open the store's ShopBack page, and click through from there before you add the TV to your cart.

• Costco: shopback.com/costco. Check the live Cashback rate on the page.
• Best Buy: shopback.com/best-buy. Check the live Cashback rate on the page.

Your membership benefits and card rewards still apply as normal on the same order: Costco's Executive reward and warranty, Best Buy member pricing, and whatever your credit card earns.

When the pattern inverts: five specific exceptions

1. TCL or Hisense shopper: Amazon and Best Buy usually carry more models and more frequent discounts on these brands than Costco.

2. Buyer who needs professional wall-mounting: Best Buy's Geek Squad installation is the strongest of the three for last-mile setup.

3. Big sale events: during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon's Prime-member events, specific models can drop below Costco's price at Amazon or Best Buy. Compare on the day.

4. Same-day delivery needed: Amazon same-day delivery in some metros, or Best Buy store pickup, is the fastest way to get a TV home. Costco delivery takes several business days.

5. Existing My Best Buy Total member: if you already pay for Total, its included protection and 60-day returns can tip a large purchase toward Best Buy.

Credit cards for TV purchases

Costco warehouses accept Visa as the only credit card network (debit cards on other networks work in-store). Costco.com also accepts Mastercard and Discover. American Express is not accepted at Costco.

• Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi: 2% back on Costco and Costco.com purchases, 3% on restaurants and eligible travel, 4% on eligible gas and EV charging (on up to USD 7,000 a year, then 1%), 1% elsewhere. No annual fee with a paid Costco membership. On a USD 1,500 Costco TV, that is USD 30.
• Wells Fargo Active Cash Visa: 2% back everywhere, no annual fee.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited (Visa): 1.5% back on general purchases, no annual fee. On a USD 1,500 TV, that is USD 22.50.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred (Visa): 1 point per dollar on general purchases; a USD 1,500 TV earns 1,500 Ultimate Rewards points.

Best Buy accepts all major card networks. Best Buy has its own credit card with rewards on Best Buy purchases; check its current terms before applying.

When to buy: seasonal timing

Late January and early February (before the Super Bowl): one of the stronger TV sale windows of the year at all three retailers, focused on large screens.

March through May: last year's models are cleared as new models arrive. A good window for buyers happy with the previous generation.

July and October Prime-member events: Amazon's deal events, which other retailers often match with their own sales.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday (late November): the peak discount window across all retailers. In 2026, Black Friday falls on November 27 and Cyber Monday on November 30.

After Christmas: clearance on holiday inventory, a second chance for shoppers who missed November.

For a shopper with flexibility, Black Friday week usually brings the deepest discounts. Whatever the timing, compare the exact model at all three retailers and factor in Costco's warranty and return terms.

Illustrative examples

Illustrative example 1: a USD 1,500 65-inch OLED bought at Costco by an Executive member. The 2% Executive reward adds USD 30 to the year-end certificate, the Costco Anywhere Visa gives USD 30 back, and the TV gets two years of coverage and a 90-day return window. Start at shopback.com/costco and check the live Cashback rate there before you pay.

Illustrative example 2: the same USD 1,500 TV bought at Best Buy by a My Best Buy Total member who needs wall-mounting. Total's included protection and 60-day returns apply, and Geek Squad installation is booked at checkout. Start at shopback.com/best-buy and check the live Cashback rate there before you pay.

What NOT to do

• Do not compare prices without matching the exact model number. Costco-specific model numbers can differ in bundle or features.
• Do not pay for a separate extended warranty at Costco without checking what Costco Concierge already includes. The second year is free for all members.
• Do not assume Costco is cheapest on TCL or Hisense. Amazon and Best Buy usually carry more of these models.
• Do not skip the ShopBack step on a large TV purchase. Open the store's ShopBack page and click through before you pay; it takes under a minute.
• Do not bring an American Express card to Costco. Use a Visa in the warehouse; Costco.com also takes Mastercard and Discover.
• Do not buy My Best Buy Total just for one cheap TV without doing the math. At USD 179.99 a year, it pays off mainly on large purchases where protection matters.
• Do not assume Best Buy will match any price you find. Check Best Buy's price match guarantee for the current list of qualifying retailers.

Frequently asked questions

Is Costco cheaper than Amazon for TVs in 2026?

Not always on sticker price. On the same model, prices at Costco and Amazon often land close together, and during big events Amazon can be lower on specific models. Costco's edge is what comes with the TV: a 90-day return window and a free second year of warranty through Costco Concierge. Compare the exact model number on the day you buy.

Is Costco cheaper than Best Buy for TVs in 2026?

Sometimes. Costco is often competitive on Samsung and LG models, while Best Buy runs frequent sales and carries a wider range. Best Buy's edge is service, including Geek Squad installation, and 60-day returns for My Best Buy Plus and Total members.

Where is the cheapest place to buy a TV in the US in 2026?

It depends on the model and the week. Compare Costco, Best Buy, and Amazon on the exact model number. Costco is a strong default for Samsung and LG because of its warranty and returns; Amazon and Best Buy have more choice on TCL and Hisense. Black Friday week usually brings the lowest prices of the year.

Does Costco include free warranty on TVs?

Yes. Costco Concierge Services extends the manufacturer's warranty on TVs to two years and provides free technical support, for all members. Executive members also earn the 2% annual reward on the purchase.

Which retailer is best for a 65 inch OLED TV?

Costco is a strong choice when its price is close to the others, because the 90-day return window and two-year warranty matter more on an expensive OLED. Best Buy is the better choice if you need professional mounting or want to see the TV in store first.

How do I use ShopBack on Costco and Best Buy TV purchases?

Sign up free at shopback.com, open the Costco (shopback.com/costco) or Best Buy (shopback.com/best-buy) ShopBack page, and click through from there before you pay. Complete the order in the same browser session. Check the live Cashback rate on the store's ShopBack page.

When is the best time to buy a TV in the US in 2026?

Black Friday (November 27, 2026) and Cyber Monday (November 30, 2026) usually bring the deepest discounts. The weeks before the Super Bowl and the spring clearance of last year's models are also good windows.

Are Costco TVs different from other retailers?

Sometimes. Costco can sell Samsung and LG models under Costco-specific model numbers, which may differ in bundle or features. Compare the full specifications on the manufacturer's site before assuming two listings are the same TV.

Is Costco's 90-day return window on TVs universal?

Yes, it applies to TVs for all Costco members, including change-of-mind returns. It is longer than Amazon's standard 30 days and Best Buy's 15 days (60 days for My Best Buy Plus and Total members).

Does Best Buy price-match Costco TVs?

Check Best Buy's price match guarantee for the current list of qualifying retailers before you count on it. If you need Geek Squad installation, Best Buy may be worth a higher sticker; otherwise compare the exact model and buy where the total package is best.

What credit card should I use for a Costco TV purchase?

Costco warehouses take Visa as the only credit card network, and Costco.com also takes Mastercard and Discover. Good options include the Costco Anywhere Visa (2% back at Costco), Wells Fargo Active Cash (2% back everywhere), and Chase Freedom Unlimited (1.5% back). American Express is not accepted.

Key takeaways

• No retailer is cheapest on every TV; compare the exact model number at Costco, Best Buy, and Amazon on the day you buy
• Costco gives every member a 90-day return window and a two-year warranty on TVs through Costco Concierge
• Amazon's standard return window is 30 days; Best Buy's is 15 days, or 60 days for My Best Buy Plus and Total members
• Best Buy's edge is service: Geek Squad installation, in-home setup, and in-store demos
• Costco Executive members earn a 2% annual reward (USD 30 on a USD 1,500 TV), up to USD 1,250 a year
• Costco warehouses take Visa only for credit; Costco.com also takes Mastercard and Discover; American Express is not accepted
• Black Friday (November 27, 2026) and Cyber Monday (November 30, 2026) are the peak discount window
• Before you pay, start at shopback.com/costco or shopback.com/best-buy and check the live Cashback rate there

Buy TVs at Best Buy through ShopBack Start at the Best Buy ShopBack page before you check out

About this section

The views and recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author. TV prices change daily and by promotion; warranty terms, return policies, membership fees, and installation pricing change. Verify current prices and policies directly with Costco, Amazon, Best Buy, and the TV manufacturers before you buy. This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial or purchasing advice. ShopBack Cashback rates change and are shown live on each store's ShopBack page.