Costco has become a standout destination for electronics by combining competitive pricing, generous return policies, and bundled value. Most electronics qualify for a 90-day return window, far longer than Apple’s 15 days or Amazon’s typical 30.
Members also benefit from extended warranties, exclusive bundles, and lower AppleCare+ pricing. In 2025 price comparisons, Costco frequently undercuts manufacturers and major retailers, making it a low-risk, high-value option for expensive tech purchases.
Historical Evolution
Founded in 1983, Costco gradually expanded from bulk essentials into high-margin electronics by leveraging scale and supplier partnerships. Its Kirkland Signature strategy and limited-SKU model helped maintain pricing power even during economic downturns.
By FY2024, Costco reached $254.5 billion in global sales, with U.S. warehouses leading per-store volume. That scale allows Costco to negotiate lower prices on laptops, TVs, and Apple devices while maintaining customer loyalty through consistent policies.
Pricing Superiority
Costco’s pricing advantage often comes from bundles and negotiated margins rather than constant discounts. For example, Microsoft Surface Laptop Copilot+ models have sold for hundreds less than Microsoft’s direct pricing, with holiday deals reaching $500 in savings.
TVs, laptops, and storage devices frequently undercut Amazon averages. Member-only pricing ensures predictable value, especially on premium electronics where small percentage discounts translate into significant dollar savings.
Return Policy Dominance
Costco’s 90-day return policy applies to most electronics, including TVs, laptops, tablets, drones, and smartphones.
This is substantially longer than Walmart’s 30 days or Apple’s 15-day limit. Refunds are straightforward, with no restocking fees. For high-cost items, this extended window reduces buyer risk and allows real-world testing. The policy is a major reason consumers feel confident making large electronics purchases at Costco.
Warranty Extensions
Many electronics at Costco include a two-year warranty at no extra cost, doubling the standard one-year manufacturer coverage.
On top of that, Costco offers optional Allstate protection plans extending coverage up to five years, often at lower prices than manufacturer plans. AppleCare+ pricing through Costco is consistently cheaper than buying directly from Apple, making long-term protection more affordable while supporting device longevity.
TV Buying Imperative
Televisions are one of Costco’s strongest categories. Models like TCL mini-LED sets, LG OLEDs, and Samsung QLEDs are frequently priced below other retailers and include extended warranties. High-refresh-rate panels and premium features are common at lower price points.
In-store demos also help buyers compare picture quality before committing. Combined with the 90-day return window, Costco offers unmatched confidence when buying large-screen TVs.
Laptop Value Leader
Costco excels in laptop pricing across everyday and performance models. Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, and Microsoft Surface laptops are commonly discounted, with added memory or storage configurations unavailable elsewhere.
Surface Laptop Copilot+ deals have shown savings of $300–$500 versus Microsoft direct pricing, while also including a two-year warranty. This makes Costco especially attractive for students, families, and professionals upgrading multiple devices.
Apple Ecosystem Savings
Apple products are consistently cheaper at Costco, particularly when factoring in AppleCare+. iPads, MacBooks, and accessories are discounted upfront, and AppleCare+ plans cost significantly less than Apple’s own pricing.
Over a two-year period, the combined savings on hardware and protection can exceed $100 per device. For buyers invested in Apple’s ecosystem, Costco offers identical products with better pricing and longer returns.
Gaming Console Edge
Gaming consoles at Costco often come in exclusive bundles. PlayStation consoles may include extra controllers at prices close to, or below, standard single-controller packages elsewhere. These bundles create instant value without relying on deep console discounts.
For families or multiplayer households, the added accessories eliminate extra spending while still benefiting from Costco’s return policy and warranty support.
Monitors Precision Picks
Costco’s monitor selection focuses on high-value configurations, including ultrawide and high-refresh-rate displays. LG curved ultrawides and dual-monitor bundles are frequently priced below specialty retailers.
These bundles appeal to remote workers and gamers who want larger screen real estate without premium markups. Extended warranties further increase the appeal for productivity setups where reliability matters.
Audio Gear Advantages
From noise-canceling headphones to home theater soundbars, Costco consistently discounts premium audio brands. Bose headphones, Samsung soundbars, and portable party speakers are often bundled with extended warranties.
These deals reduce the long-term cost of ownership while maintaining brand-level performance. Costco’s pricing strategy makes high-end audio more accessible without sacrificing protection or return flexibility.
Smartphones Strategic Buy
Unlocked smartphones and carrier bundles at Costco frequently reach promotional lows. Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models are discounted while still qualifying for the 90-day electronics return policy.
Carrier incentives can stack with Costco pricing, making upgrades more affordable. For buyers hesitant about committing to a new phone, Costco’s longer return window provides added peace of mind.
Projectors Power Plays
Projectors at Costco benefit from the same generous return rules as TVs. Bundles often include accessories that would otherwise cost extra, and pricing regularly beats online averages.
This makes Costco an ideal place to experiment with home theater setups, especially for first-time buyers unsure about brightness, throw distance, or room compatibility.
Appliances Assurance
Major appliances with electronic components, such as smart refrigerators or washers, benefit from Costco’s extended protections.
Delivery, installation, and haul-away services are often included. While return policies differ slightly for large appliances, Costco’s customer service reputation and warranty support still exceed many competitors, reducing risk on high-ticket household upgrades.
Headphones Hearing Haven
Headphones are a consistent value category at Costco. New models with advanced noise cancellation are discounted below manufacturer pricing and include extended warranties.
Compared to buying directly from brands, shoppers save both upfront and over time. This combination makes Costco particularly appealing for premium personal audio purchases.
Cameras Capture Confidence
Cameras, camcorders, and consumer drones benefit significantly from Costco’s 90-day return policy. Buyers can test real-world performance without pressure.
Bundles often include spare batteries, cases, or memory cards, reducing hidden costs. This is especially valuable for hobbyists and families purchasing cameras for travel or special events.
Tablets Touch Triumphs
Tablets, especially iPads, are consistently cheaper at Costco. Hardware discounts combined with reduced AppleCare+ pricing can result in triple-digit savings.
For families buying multiple tablets for school or work, these savings compound quickly. The extended return window also helps ensure the chosen model truly fits the user’s needs.
Smartwatches Wearable Wins
Smartwatches at Costco are modestly discounted upfront, but the real savings come from cheaper extended protection plans.
Apple Watch models, in particular, benefit from lower AppleCare+ pricing. Over two years, buyers can save significantly while receiving identical coverage. This makes Costco a smart choice for wearables with higher repair risks.
MP3 Players Portable Perks
Even niche electronics like MP3 players and specialty audio devices qualify for Costco’s electronics policies.
While not major sellers elsewhere, Costco’s pricing and returns make these low-risk purchases. For users who still prefer dedicated music players, Costco offers peace of mind uncommon in smaller tech categories.
Strategic Verdict
Costco’s advantage in electronics comes from consistency, not gimmicks. Competitive pricing, extended warranties, generous return windows, and high-value bundles combine into a compelling package.
In a 2025 market where many retailers shorten returns and raise prices, Costco continues to offer protection and savings. For big-ticket electronics, checking Costco first is a strategic move that can save hundreds.