You can buy Apple TV hardware from Apple directly, major electronics retailers, and online marketplaces

Apple TV is a small box that connects to your television and streams video content. You can purchase it from Apple's own website and stores, from electronics chains like Best Buy, from online retailers like Amazon, and from some department stores. The device itself costs the same everywhere—$99 for the standard model and $199 for the higher-end version—but where you buy it affects your return window, warranty options, and whether you get help setting it up.

The choice between retailers usually comes down to convenience and what kind of support you want after the purchase. If you already have an Apple account and want to buy when ready, Apple's website is fastest. If you want to see the device in person before buying, a physical store like Best Buy or an Apple Store lets you do that. If you shop regularly on Amazon and want to use existing payment methods, that's another option.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV hardware costs $99 or $199 depending on the model, and the price is the same at all authorized retailers.
  • Apple's own website and retail stores offer the longest return window (14 days) and free setup support in-store if you buy there.
  • Best Buy and Amazon typically ship within one to two business days and accept returns within 15 days, though Amazon's return window varies by item.
  • Costco and Sam's Club sometimes carry Apple TV at a discount if you have a membership, but selection and availability change frequently.
  • Avoid third-party sellers on Amazon or eBay unless you are comfortable with a longer return process and no manufacturer warranty.

Apple's official channels: website and retail stores

Buying directly from Apple—either at apple.com or at an Apple Store—gives you the longest return window and the most straightforward warranty. Apple offers a 14-day return period for hardware purchased this way, and if something is wrong with the device, you can return it to the same location where you bought it. The device comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects.

If you buy at an Apple Store, staff can help you set up the Apple TV on the spot, connect it to your home network, and sign into your Apple account. This is useful if you are not comfortable doing that yourself at home. You can also ask questions about which model fits your needs—the standard model works for most people, but the higher-end version has more storage and a faster processor if you plan to use it for gaming or run multiple apps at once.

The downside is that Apple Stores are not in every town, and if you order online, you may wait three to five business days for delivery depending on your location. If you need the device quickly and have a store nearby, buying in person is faster.

Best Buy: in-store viewing and fast shipping

Best Buy carries Apple TV in most of its locations and online at bestbuy.com. You can walk in, hold the device, and ask sales staff questions before you buy. Best Buy's return window is 15 days for most items, which is slightly shorter than Apple's but still reasonable. The store also offers Geek Squad setup services if you want someone to come to your home and install the Apple TV, connect it to your network, and set up your accounts—this costs extra but is an option if you do not want to do it yourself.

If you order online from Best Buy, the device typically ships within one to two business days and arrives within a week depending on your location. Best Buy also runs occasional sales and promotions on Apple TV, so if you are not in a hurry, checking their website periodically may save you money.

Amazon and other online marketplaces

Amazon sells Apple TV through its main storefront and also allows third-party sellers to list the device. If you buy from Amazon itself (not a third-party seller), the return window is typically 30 days, which is longer than most other retailers. Shipping is usually fast if you have Prime membership—often one to two days.

The risk with Amazon is that third-party sellers sometimes list Apple TV at a lower price, but those purchases may not include the manufacturer's warranty or may have a shorter return window. Check the seller name before you buy: if it says "Sold by Amazon.com," you are buying from Amazon directly. If it says "Sold by [another company name]," you are buying from a third-party seller, and you should read their return policy carefully.

Walmart and Target also sell Apple TV online and in stores, with similar return windows and shipping speeds to Best Buy. Both offer in-store pickup if you want to avoid shipping delays.

Warehouse clubs: Costco and Sam's Club

Costco and Sam's Club sometimes carry Apple TV at a discount if you have a membership, but availability varies by location and changes throughout the year. If your local warehouse has it in stock, the price may be $10 to $20 lower than the standard retail price. The trade-off is that warehouse clubs have shorter return windows—usually 60 days—and you have to be a member to shop there.

Call your local Costco or Sam's Club before you go to confirm they have Apple TV in stock. Warehouse inventory changes frequently, and you may find that the item is not available when you arrive.

What to check before you buy anywhere

Before you complete a purchase, confirm that you are buying the current model of Apple TV, not an older version. Apple updates its hardware periodically, and older models may still be sold at a discount but will not receive software updates as long. The current standard model is the Apple TV 4K (third generation), released in 2022.

Check the return policy at whichever retailer you choose. Most major retailers offer 14 to 30 days, but some third-party sellers on online marketplaces offer much shorter windows or charge a restocking fee. If the device arrives damaged, you want to be able to return it without hassle.

Verify that the box includes the power cable, remote, and any required adapters. Most Apple TV units come with everything you need to connect to a modern television, but older TVs may require an additional HDMI adapter that is not always included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Apple TV cheaper at any particular retailer?

The standard retail price is the same everywhere—$99 for the base model and $199 for the higher-end version. Costco and Sam's Club occasionally discount it by $10 to $20 if you have a membership, and Best Buy sometimes runs sales. Checking these retailers periodically may save you money, but do not expect a large discount.

Can I return Apple TV if I open the box?

Yes. All major retailers—Apple, Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and Target—allow returns of opened, used Apple TV devices within their return window, as long as the device is in working condition and you have the original packaging. Warehouse clubs like Costco have even more lenient policies. Always keep your receipt.

What if I buy from a third-party seller on Amazon and it arrives broken?

Contact the seller through Amazon's messaging system and request a return or replacement. Amazon will usually step in if the seller does not respond within a few days. However, third-party sellers sometimes have slower refund processes than Amazon itself, so buying from Amazon directly is safer if speed matters to you.

Do I need to buy AppleCare+ for Apple TV?

AppleCare+ is optional. It extends your warranty to two years and covers accidental damage, but Apple TV is a straightforward device with few moving parts, and accidental damage is rare. Most people do not need it, but if you have young children or pets, it may be worth the extra cost. Ask the retailer about the price when you buy.

Can I buy Apple TV used or refurbished?

Yes, Apple sells refurbished Apple TV units on its website at a discount, and these come with the same one-year warranty as new devices. Used units from third-party sellers on eBay or Facebook Marketplace are cheaper but have no warranty and a longer return process. Refurbished from Apple is the safer middle ground if you want to save money.