Is Best Buy Total membership worth it? Everything you need to know

• Best Buy Total costs $179.99 annually and offers free 2-day shipping, extended 60-day returns, 24/7 tech support, 2 years of protection on most purchases, and exclusive member deals

• For tech enthusiasts and frequent Best Buy shoppers, the Total membership can deliver significant value, especially for those who purchase protection plans or need regular tech support

• Compared to Amazon Prime, Walmart+, and Target Circle 360, Best Buy Total focuses more on tech protection and support rather than entertainment or grocery benefits

• Using our ROI calculator (below), you can determine if this membership actually saves money based on your specific shopping habits

The retail membership landscape has exploded in recent years, with major retailers competing for your loyalty through paid subscription programs. While Amazon Prime pioneered this model, other retailers have jumped on board with their own versions – including Best Buy with its revamped My Best Buy Total membership.

But at $179.99 annually, is this premium tech retail membership actually worth the investment? Or are you better off sticking with the free tier or shopping elsewhere? This analysis breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision before committing to Best Buy's top-tier membership program.

The value of My Best Buy Total depends heavily on your specific shopping habits, tech support needs, and how frequently you purchase electronics. If you're someone who regularly shops at Best Buy, purchases protection plans, and occasionally needs tech support, this membership could potentially save you hundreds of dollars annually. However, if you're an occasional electronics buyer or rarely need extra protection for your devices, the benefits might not justify the cost.

Best Buy's membership program at a glance

Courtesy of Best Buy

Best Buy has restructured its loyalty program into a three-tiered system that caters to different customer needs and budgets. From casual shoppers to tech enthusiasts, the retailer now offers options ranging from a free basic membership to a premium support package.

Three tiers designed for different customers

The free My Best Buy membership provides the basics most shoppers expect from a retail loyalty program—standard free shipping on qualifying orders and access to occasional member-only deals. This entry-level tier works well for casual Best Buy shoppers who make infrequent purchases.

Stepping up to My Best Buy Plus™ at $49.99 annually gives you more substantial benefits that frequent shoppers will appreciate: free two-day shipping without minimum purchase requirements, exclusive member pricing on thousands of items, early access to product releases, and an extended 60-day return window instead of the standard 15 days. This middle tier directly competes with Amazon Prime and similar services, focusing on convenience and special access.

The premium My Best Buy Total™ membership costs $179.99 per year and builds on the Plus tier by adding significant tech protection and support features. This comprehensive package includes 24/7 access to Geek Squad technical support for all your devices (even those purchased elsewhere) and automatically adds up to two years of product protection plans—including AppleCare+—on most new purchases made while your membership is active.

Important fine print to consider

Both paid memberships require annual payment upfront—there's no monthly payment option available. However, Best Buy does offer a satisfaction guarantee with a full refund available within the first 60 days of membership (minus any benefits already used).

The tiered approach represents Best Buy's evolution from its previous Totaltech program, which launched nationwide in 2021. The company created this multi-level structure after recognizing that different customers value different benefits—some prioritize faster shipping and exclusive pricing, while others place more value on technical support and protection plans.

What do you get with My Best Buy Total? (Perks, price & fine print)

Courtesy of Best Buy

Let's break down all the benefits of the Total membership one by one – and crucially, point out limitations or "fine print" that you need to know.

Cost and basic terms

• Price: $179.99 per year (plus tax). The membership auto-renews annually, so mark your calendar if you're considering canceling after a year. There's no month-to-month option, unlike some competitors.

• Free trial/Refund policy: There's no free trial, but Best Buy offers a 60-day cancellation window: if you cancel within 60 days of purchase, you get a full refund minus any benefits you already used. After 60 days, you can still cancel for a pro-rated refund (subtracting the value of benefits used).

Fast free shipping & extended returns

• Free 2-day shipping: Total members get free 2-day shipping on nearly all orders with no minimum purchase – matching the speed of Amazon Prime for BestBuy.com purchases. This can save you the normal $35 order minimum for free standard shipping.

  Limitation: 2-day delivery isn't available in absolutely all areas or for every product (some large items might be standard shipping).

• Extended 60-day return window: You have 60 days to return or exchange most products, compared to the usual 15 days for non-members. This extended return period applies to almost everything except activatable devices (cell phones, cellular tablets, etc., which remain 14-day returns even for members).

  Real-world use: This is great if you're undecided about a big purchase – you can try a gadget for up to two months with less pressure. For example, a Total member buying a laptop in January could return it in March if it doesn't meet expectations.

Exclusive member deals & early access

• Member-only prices: Total members get access to special pricing on select products. These discounts can range from a few dollars off accessories to significant savings on TVs or laptops during promotions.

• Early access to hot products: As a paying member, you get exclusive access to highly anticipated product releases. This was a huge draw during the frenzy for PS5s and graphics cards – Totaltech members got a crack at buying these in-demand items before others. Under My Best Buy Total, Best Buy has continued giving members priority queues or early purchase windows for new releases.

• Members-only events: Look out for special shopping events (either online flash sales or in-store VIP shopping nights) exclusively for Plus/Total members. These might include holiday preview sales or extended "Member Monday" discounts.

24/7 Geek Squad tech support

• Unlimited tech help: Perhaps the crown jewel of Total membership – you get unlimited 24/7 access to Geek Squad for tech support questions and troubleshooting, no extra fees. This covers "all your tech, no matter where you bought it," not just Best Buy purchases.

• How to use it: You have a dedicated phone line and chat access to Geek Squad. For quick issues, call or start an online chat anytime – agents can walk you through fixes, virus removal, Wi-Fi setup, smart home device troubleshooting, and more. For complex issues, you can also go into a Best Buy store and get help at the Geek Squad desk free of charge.

  Value example: Removing malware from your PC might normally cost ~$149 for a one-time service, but as a member it's included. Setting up a new smart TV or troubleshooting a phone problem – things that might cost $20-$100 – are covered.

• VIP treatment: Total members get "VIP priority support," meaning when you call or chat, you should get faster service and access to a special team trained to handle members' needs.

• Limitations: While you get unlimited remote and in-store help, in-home Geek Squad visits are not included by default. If you need a technician to come to your home, that would typically cost extra – though sometimes there are member discounts.

Extended product protection (up to 2 years)

• Automatic protection plans: This is a huge benefit for anyone buying expensive electronics. My Best Buy Total automatically gives you up to 24 months of product protection (warranty) on most new tech purchases at Best Buy. When you buy an eligible product, Best Buy adds a Protection Plan or AppleCare+ for you at no extra charge.

  This covers mechanical/electrical failures after the manufacturer's warranty, and often accidental damage from handling for portable devices. For example, buy a new iPhone or MacBook at Best Buy as a Total member, and you get 2 years of AppleCare+ included (which normally might cost ~$199+).

• What's covered: Coverage depends on the product category:

  • Electronics (TVs, laptops, tablets): Covered for malfunctions, defects, and often accidental damage

  • Apple products: AppleCare+ – covers manufacturer defects and accidental damage (with a service fee)

  • Appliances: Covered for mechanical failures

  • Accessories: Typically covered if they have Best Buy Protection plans normally available

• Claim process: If something goes wrong, you file a claim just as if you had purchased an extended warranty. Geek Squad may troubleshoot or set up a repair/replacement. There might be service fees for certain claims (e.g., AppleCare+ charges ~$99 for a MacBook accidental damage repair), but you don't pay for the plan itself.

• Major fine print – Membership must stay active: This is crucial: Coverage lasts up to 2 years only while you maintain your Total membership. If you cancel or don't renew after a year, any active protection plans end when your membership ends. To get the full 2-year coverage, you'll need to remain a paying member.

• Value example: Best Buy sells a 2-year Geek Squad Protection on a $1500 OLED TV for around $200. With Total, that $200 value is included. On a $1200 laptop, a 2-year plan could be $180-$250, again included. If you purchase multiple gadgets a year, the savings in protection plans can easily exceed the $179 membership fee.

Other perks and discounts

• 20% Off repairs and advanced services: If you need a Geek Squad service that isn't fully covered, members get 20% off labor charges. This applies to out-of-warranty repairs or services that fall outside the included support.

• Occasional promotional discounts: Best Buy offers time-limited deals such as free or discounted in-home installation of TVs or free haul-away of old appliances. These aren't constant, but members get notified of special perks throughout the year that can save $50-$100 on a single service.

• My Best Buy credit card synergy: While not part of the membership itself, if you have the Best Buy credit card, you earn 5% back in rewards on purchases. Using the card with membership can stack benefits.

How does Best Buy Total stack up against competitors?

Best Buy Total isn't the only retail membership available. Here's how it compares to other major programs:

Best Buy Total vs. Amazon Prime – different beasts for different needs

Courtesy of Amazon

Overlap: Both cost a significant annual fee and offer fast free shipping as a perk. If you frequently order electronics, Prime covers a wider range of products (and often faster next-day shipping), while Best Buy's free shipping is more limited to its catalog but still 2-day for most. Both memberships also tout exclusive deals: Prime has its Prime Members Only deals and Prime Day; Best Buy Total has member-only pricing on gadgets.

Where they differ: Amazon Prime is an all-in-one lifestyle membership: beyond shipping, you get Prime Video, Music, discounts at Whole Foods, etc. Best Buy Total is laser-focused on tech purchases: you get no movies or groceries, but instead tech support and extended warranties – things Prime doesn't include at all.

If you have prime already: Ask what Best Buy Total adds for you. For instance, Prime won't help if your new laptop breaks after a year or if you need help setting up a smart home device – that's where Best Buy Total shines. On the flip side, if you're happy with Amazon's service and perhaps buy extended warranties separately when needed, you might not need Best Buy's membership except for heavy Best Buy shoppers.

Example: Jane buys lots of random stuff and electronics on Amazon, enjoys Prime Video – Prime is her must-have. She'd only consider Best Buy Total if she plans to buy, say, an expensive OLED TV or DSLR from Best Buy that she wants protected, or if she wants Geek Squad help with her home office. Otherwise, Prime covers her general needs.

Bottom line: These two aren't direct substitutes – think of Best Buy Total as a complement for tech-specific needs. Some avid tech consumers actually carry both memberships: Prime for everyday shopping and media, plus Best Buy Total for major tech purchases/support. But if you're trying to cut down subscriptions, consider how often you buy from Best Buy and need those services.

Best Buy Total vs. Walmart+ – tech support vs. everyday convenience

Courtesy of Walmart

Overlap: Both give free shipping with no minimum on online orders – great for avoiding those $6 shipping fees on small orders. That's about where the overlap ends.

Walmart+ strengths: Walmart+ is all about groceries and household essentials: you can get unlimited same-day grocery deliveries to your door (which Prime doesn't even do without an extra fee) and save $0.10 or more per gallon on fuel at many gas stations. It even includes Paramount+ streaming, adding entertainment value. The membership fee is also much lower than Best Buy Total ($98 vs $179.99).

Best Buy Total strengths: Completely different arena – tech support and product protection for your electronics, which Walmart+ offers nothing of. If you buy your TV or laptop at Walmart, you'd still have to purchase an extended warranty separately; Walmart+ won't cover tech issues.

Choosing between them: Frankly, these two memberships cater to different needs. If you're debating, consider your shopping habits:

• If you're frequently ordering groceries, toiletries, and occasional gadgets from Walmart.com or Walmart stores, Walmart+ gives daily convenience. It won't help when your PC blue-screens, though.

• If you primarily shop Best Buy for electronics and want peace of mind on those purchases, Best Buy Total is the unique offering for that. It won't deliver milk to your fridge, but it might save your bacon when your laptop crashes at midnight.

Budget tip: Some may consider alternating or stacking memberships seasonally. For example, have Walmart+ during a heavy grocery season, then switch to Best Buy Total when you're in a big tech upgrade cycle. But managing that can be a hassle, and remember you'd lose Best Buy's warranty coverage if you lapse.

Bottom line: Walmart+ is worth it for broad day-to-day shopping value (and is easier to justify for most families). Best Buy Total is worth it for specialized tech value. It could be worth having both if you have needs in both domains – they don't really duplicate each other.

Best Buy Total vs. Target Circle 360 – electronics specialist vs. general retail perks

Courtesy of Target

Overlap: Both offer free shipping (2-day) on online orders and an extended returns window as key perks. In fact, Target 360's 30 extra return days (effectively ~120 days for many items when combined with Target's standard 90-day policy for RedCard users) is generous, though Best Buy Total's 60 days return is still great for electronics which normally had only 15 days.

Target Circle 360 focus: It's essentially a shipping subscription plus sweeteners for Target shoppers. Big perks: Unlimited same-day delivery via Shipt (for groceries and Target goods), free 2-day shipping, and aligning with Target's credit card benefits (5% off, extended returns). There's no tech support or protection plans – not Target's wheelhouse. It's more comparable to Walmart+ in scope (minus gas perks, plus a smaller annual fee).

Best Buy's niche: Best Buy Total doesn't help with your groceries or Target runs, but if you buy your TVs, laptops, or appliances at Best Buy, Target 360 offers nothing in that regard.

Combining with other memberships: If you already pay for Prime ($139) or Walmart+ ($98), adding Target's $99 360 on top might be overkill – better to pick the one retailer you use most. The same logic applies to Best Buy's $179 – it's quite pricey, so you'd want to be a regular Best Buy shopper to justify layering it on. Perhaps consider: Target for everyday goods, Best Buy for electronics. They serve different shopping missions, and together cost ~$279/year if you did both – only worthwhile if you truly utilize both retailers heavily.

Who might do both: If you're a household that loves Target for groceries/clothes AND Best Buy for all tech, you might split your budget between the two memberships. For example, the Peters family uses Target Circle 360 for weekly grocery deliveries and essentials, and also got Best Buy Total when they remodeled their home theater – it gave them free TV installation (during a promo) and warranties on all their new gear. In year two, they might drop one if it's not as useful.

Bottom line: Target Circle 360 is a competitor to Walmart+ and Prime in the general merchandise space. Best Buy Total stands alone for tech support/protection. They don't replace each other, but your wallet may force you to choose which retailer membership matters more to you. If tech is a big part of your spending, Best Buy's unique benefits could be the deciding factor.

Who should consider My Best Buy Total?

Now that we know what Best Buy Total offers, let's talk about value for different types of users. This section identifies which kinds of shoppers get the most out of this membership and which might find it overkill. We'll present a few typical scenarios or personas – see which one sounds like you.

The tech enthusiast or early adopter

Profile: You buy multiple gadgets a year – the latest phone, a new GPU for your PC, maybe a 4K TV upgrade – and you're always tinkering with tech. You likely spend hundreds or thousands at Best Buy annually.

Why Total helps: Every big purchase you make is now protected for 2 years at no extra cost. Plus, you get early access to new product releases and member-only prices.

ROI example: Say you bought an iPhone ($1200) and a high-end laptop ($1500) this year. AppleCare+ for the iPhone (~$199) and a 2-year laptop protection plan (~$250) would cost ~$450 separately – far more than the $180 membership fee.

Verdict: Likely worth it for tech junkies who can extract maximum value from the warranty coverage alone.

The busy family/home office with lots of devices

Profile: You have a family with several laptops, tablets, phones, TVs and appliances. Not everyone is tech-savvy, so tech support calls happen frequently. You make a few big purchases each year.

Why Total helps: Unlimited Geek Squad support means no more paying for one-off tech help. When you buy that new fridge or washing machine, you automatically get 2-year protection – so if it dies after the manufacturer warranty, you're covered.

ROI example: Three support calls (~$300 value), a discounted TV installation (saving $100), and a protection plan on a new dishwasher (~$120 value) would total $520 in value from your $180 membership.

Verdict: Very likely worth it for households that need frequent tech assistance or protect multiple expensive devices.

The casual or occasional Best Buy customer

Profile: You buy from Best Buy once in a while – maybe a new TV every few years, or a laptop when needed, but not much in between. You might already have Amazon Prime for most shopping.

Why Total might not be for you: If you're only making one big purchase a year (or less), you might be better off buying an extended warranty just for that item. For example, a $500 TV's extended warranty might cost ~$80 – far cheaper than $180 for the membership.

Verdict: Probably not worth it. Consider the lower-tier $49.99 Plus membership just for free shipping and extended returns when you do shop, or simply stay with the free tier.

The self-reliant techie

Profile: You're tech-savvy and comfortable troubleshooting your own devices. You might build your own PCs, fix relatives' computers, and rarely need tech support.

Why Total might not be for you: The Geek Squad support likely holds little value since you rarely need help. You might be skeptical of extended warranties in general, and you often shop across multiple retailers for the best deals.

Verdict: Leaning Not Worth It unless you make multiple big Best Buy purchases annually that would benefit from included protection plans.

Real-life experiences: what are members saying?

To give you an even clearer picture, let's look at some real user experiences and feedback about Best Buy Total (and previously Totaltech). This includes positive testimonials and common complaints. Knowing these can help set your expectations.

Success stories and positive feedback

• "Worth every penny for peace of mind": Many tech enthusiasts report that the membership paid for itself with one or two uses, saving hundreds on protection plans.

• Effortless support: Users love being able to call Geek Squad whenever tech issues arise, turning potential nightmare scenarios into minor inconveniences.

• AppleCare inclusion: Apple product buyers are especially satisfied. "I got AppleCare on my MacBook and iPhone for free – that alone made it worth it," said one user.

• Early access to hot products: Gamers and tech enthusiasts have successfully snagged high-demand items like graphics cards through member-only early access events.

Common complaints or criticisms

• "It's expensive if you don't use it enough": The most frequent caution is that $179.99 is steep if you're not maximizing the benefits.

• Long wait times during peak periods: Some members report waits of 30+ minutes during holiday seasons when call volume is high.

• Warranty tied to membership: Some customers felt misled that protection plans end if you cancel or don't renew your membership.

• In-home service not included: A small but vocal number of customers were disappointed that on-site visits cost extra.

Pros and cons at a glance

Making the most of your membership

If you decide to invest in Best Buy Total, here are key strategies to extract maximum value:

Register your purchases

Ensure every purchase at Best Buy is linked to your member account so protection plans are properly activated. Double-check receipts to confirm warranty coverage is applied.

Use Geek Squad proactively

Don't hesitate to call for tech help, even for seemingly small issues. Many members forget they have this benefit and struggle needlessly. You're paying for unlimited help – utilize it fully.

Time your major purchases strategically

Try to make significant purchases early in your membership year to maximize warranty coverage. If you buy an expensive TV just before your renewal date and then don't renew, you'll lose most of the extended protection.

Take advantage of extended returns

With 60 days to return items, thoroughly test new devices to ensure they meet your needs. This extended window reduces buyer's remorse and lets you be certain about keeping a product.

Stack your savings

Combine your membership with the Best Buy credit card (5% back in rewards) and member-only deals for maximum savings. Watch for special promotional offers exclusive to Total members.

Track your savings

Create a simple log of the benefits you use and their equivalent value. This helps you evaluate whether the membership is truly worth it at renewal time.

Is Best Buy Total worth it for you?

Best Buy's Total membership delivers a powerful bundle of benefits – especially for tech-heavy households and frequent electronics buyers. It offers tangible value through saved money on warranties and services, plus intangible value in peace of mind and convenience.

Unlike Amazon Prime or Walmart+, which aim to be broadly useful to almost anyone, Best Buy Total is a specialized product – fantastic for its niche, far less valuable outside of it. If your spending and tech needs align with that niche, it can save you more than it costs.

To determine if it's right for you, evaluate your situation:

1. List tech purchases you plan to make this year

2. Consider how often you need tech support

3. Calculate the value of protection plans you would otherwise purchase

4. Factor in the convenience of extended returns and fast shipping

If still unsure, remember you have a 60-day window to try the membership with the ability to get a refund (minus any benefits used) if it's not working out.

Our recommendation? For tech enthusiasts with multiple annual purchases at Best Buy or households that frequently need tech support, Total membership offers excellent value. For occasional shoppers or those who rarely need help with their devices, the free tier or $49.99 Plus membership will likely suffice.

In the end, "worth it" is subjective and depends on your specific needs and shopping habits. We've provided the transparent details you need to make an informed decision without the marketing fluff – just the real value proposition broken down for different types of consumers.

Ready to start saving? Find verified Best Buy promo codes here and check out Best Buy Total for more information.