Newegg vs Amazon vs TigerDirect vs Micro Center: Which to Buy From

Some of the top online electronics retailers are Amazon, Micro Center, Newegg, and TigerDirect Business. These retailers offer good deals on a wide range of products, and they generally have comparable policies for returns and warranties. We have the information you need to know about each of these electronics retailers below.

What We Recommend

The decision of which online electronics retailer to choose will ultimately depend on your priorities, but each store has certain benefits. Amazon offers the widest selection of products and the most comprehensive return policy, while Newegg is known for having exceptional customer service. Furthermore, if you’re looking for an option that also has brick-and-mortar store locations, Micro Center will likely be your best option. If you are seeking products and network solutions for your business, consider a consultation with TigerDirect.

Comparison Table

You can use the table below for a quick comparison of the electronics selection and other policies at each retailer, then click any company or scroll for more details.

Amazon

• Types of electronics available: All types
• Specific brands: Virtually any brand
• Warranties/protection plans: Amazon’s Help & Customer Service page states that some electronics purchased on Amazon.com come with a manufacturer’s warranty and may qualify for extended repair or return options. Be sure to carefully read the description of the specific item you want to purchase for any possible warranty information; different vendors or sellers may affect available warranties.
• Return policies: You can return most new and unopened items purchased and fulfilled by Amazon within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. However, if you purchase an item from a third-party seller, that seller may have a different return policy.
• More details: While Amazon sells products itself, it also lets other companies and individuals sell items on its site — these are referred to as third-party sellers). Because of this, Amazon offers the widest range of electronics. This also means the same product can come with different warranties, guarantees, and return policies, depending on the vendor you purchase from.
• Shop Amazon.com

Micro Center

• Types of electronics available: All types
• Specific brands: Acer, AMD, Apple, ASUS, Bose, Brother, Dell, DJI, Epson, Intel, Lenovo, LG, Microsoft, NETGEAR, Nvidia, PowerSpec, Samsung, and more
• Warranties/protection plans: According to Micro Center’s Terms and Conditions, Micro Center doesn’t provide a warranty for the products sold on its site. However, many of the available electronics come with a manufacturer’s warranty.
• Return policies:
  • Items must be in “like new” condition, meaning the item needs to be in its original packing material, with all accessories, manuals, and materials.
  • According to Micro Center’s Return Policy, computers, cameras, tablets, 3-D printers, processors, 3-D scanners, and CD/DVD duplicators, can be returned within 15 days of purchase.
  • Wireless phones/devices can be returned within 14 days of purchase.
  • Aerial drones can be returned within 30 days of purchase, provided there’s no damage caused by the consumer.
  • All other merchandise can be returned within 30 days of purchase.
• More details: Micro Center is an online retailer, but it also has brick-and-mortar locations with associates specifically trained to help you find the right product for your needs. Store locations also offer repair services for most electronics.
• Shop Micro Center online or find a Micro Center near you

Our related article has more information about Micro Center’s price matching policy.

Newegg

• Types of electronics available: All types
• Specific brands: Virtually any brand
• Warranties/protection plans: According to Newegg’s Product Warranties page, electronics sold on Newegg are covered by the return policy and the product’s manufacturer warranty.
• Return policies: Newegg’s Return Policy states that you can return any product purchased from Newegg.com within 30 days, provided you first obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization number from Newegg’s customer service. You must return the product in its original packaging, and it may be subject to certain fees, such as a restocking fee. Items purchased from a third-party seller are subject to the seller’s return policy.
• More details: According to Newegg’s Corporate Summary, Newegg distinguishes itself by not only selling great products but also offering exceptional customer service. If you have questions or concerns regarding a product, you can contact a service associate by phone, email, or online chat.
• Shop Newegg.com

TigerDirect Business

• Types of electronics available: All types
• Specific brands: Apple, Dell, HP, Hewlett Packard, Intel, Joy Systems, Microsoft, and more
• Warranties/protection plans: TigerDirect Business does not offer a warranty for products sold on its site, according to TigerDirect Business’ Terms of Use and Sale page. However, many of the electronics available come with a manufacturer’s warranty.
• Return policies:
  • All non-defective products must be returned within 30 days for either credit or exchange. You’ll need to obtain a Return Authorization number before returning the product. Additionally, products must be returned in their original packaging with all accessories, and each product is subject to a 15% restocking fee.
  • Defective products can be returned as long as the problem was reported to TigerDirect Business within 15 days of the product shipping and you first contacted the manufacturer for troubleshooting and/or support.
  • The following brands cannot be returned: Compaq, Sony, Apple, IBM, 3Com, Cisco, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Adobe, Toshiba, Lenovo, Quark, and Polycom. If you wish to return an item from one of these brands, you’ll need to contact the manufacturer directly.
• More details: TigerDirect Business is an online electronics retailer that specializes in small, medium, and large networking and PC-product solutions for businesses. It also offers on-site consultations for electronic business solutions.
• Shop TigerDirect.com