Are Costco Laptops Any Good - A Complete Buyer’s Guide for 2024!

Discover if Costco laptops are worth buying with our guide on pricing, warranties, and tech support. Learn about the best deals, brands, and benefits of shopping at Costco.

In this article, we explore the pros and cons of buying laptops at Costco, including pricing, warranties, and tech support. We review popular laptop brands available at Costco and compare them to other retailers. Finally, we provide insights into Costco’s exclusive deals, return policy, and member benefits to help you make an informed decision.

Why Costco? Understanding the Key Advantages for Laptop Buyers:

Costco has grown its electronics section significantly over the years, and they offer some attractive perks for laptop buyers that may be hard to find elsewhere. Here’s a look at some Costco advantages:

Extended Warranty and Costco Concierge Service:

Extended Warranty: Unlike most electronics retailers, Costco typically includes an extra year of warranty on laptops at no additional cost, giving you two years of protection on most models.
Concierge Service: Costco’s tech support, known as Concierge Service, offers free troubleshooting on any Costco electronics purchase, including laptops. This service is available 7 days a week and can help with setup, basic tech support, and assistance with warranty issues, which can add significant value over time.

Member-Exclusive Deals and Bundle Offers:

Costco is known for its bundle deals, where laptops often come with added accessories (such as protective cases, wireless mice, or keyboards) and sometimes software bundles (such as antivirus software or productivity suites). These bundles offer good value, especially for members looking for an all-in-one setup.

While Costco typically offers lower pricing on laptops compared to other retailers, this is often more noticeable on premium models, where discounts may be 5–15% lower than list prices from the brand.

90-Day Return Policy on Electronics:

Costco’s 90-day return policy for electronics is one of the most lenient in the industry, giving you three months to test and decide if the laptop is right for you. In contrast, most electronics stores offer a 14- to 30-day return window.

Annual Member Reward Programs:

For Costco Executive members, purchases earn a 2% annual reward, which can add up when making high-ticket purchases like laptops. Additionally, members using the Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi can earn 2% cash back on Costco purchases, further increasing the savings.

A Look at Costco’s Laptop Brands and Models:

Costco has partnered with popular laptop brands to offer a selection that includes many of the most sought-after models. Here’s a look at some of the brands you’ll find at Costco and the types of models typically offered:

Apple:

Costco often carries popular MacBook models, including the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Costco may offer a $50–$150 discount compared to Apple’s list prices, plus the extra warranty and support.

For example, the MacBook Air with M1 chip might be available for around $900–$950 at Costco versus $999 at the Apple Store.

Dell:

Dell models at Costco are typically from the Inspiron and XPS series, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end models with better processing power, such as the XPS 13.

Example: Costco’s price on an Inspiron 15 may be around $650, while a similar model on Dell’s website is listed at $699. Additionally, Costco often includes extra accessories.

HP:

HP’s Pavilion, Spectre, and Envy series laptops, which are suitable for various user needs from business to gaming, are common at Costco.

Example: An HP Envy x360 2-in-1 model may retail at Costco for $800 with bundled software and a case, compared to $849 at other retailers without any extras.

Lenovo:

Lenovo’s ThinkPad and IdeaPad lines are available at Costco, known for durability and high performance, especially popular for work and school needs.

Example: A ThinkPad E14 model at Costco might come with extended warranty and bundled productivity software for around $700–$750, offering extra value over the standalone retail price of $749.

Microsoft Surface:

Costco also offers Microsoft Surface devices, including the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, which are popular among those needing versatile, lightweight devices.

Example: A Surface Pro 8 with a Type Cover bundle might retail for $999 at Costco, compared to buying the device and cover separately from Microsoft for $1,129.

Does Costco Offer the Best Prices on Laptops?

Costco’s prices are generally competitive, especially with their member-only discounts. While Costco may not always offer the absolute lowest price, the total value from the extended warranty, additional tech support, and occasional accessory bundles can make it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.

Evaluating the Pros and Cons of Buying a Laptop at Costco:

Advantages:

Reliable Warranty and Support: The two-year warranty and Concierge Service make Costco an attractive option for those who want extra peace of mind.
Generous Return Policy: The 90-day return period allows you to thoroughly test the laptop before committing, giving you flexibility if it doesn’t meet your needs.
Competitive Pricing and Member Rewards: Discounts, cash-back rewards, and special pricing for Costco members can make the overall cost lower.

Drawbacks:

Limited Customization Options: Costco typically only carries pre-configured laptop models. If you need specific customizations, such as additional RAM or storage, you may need to buy directly from the manufacturer.
Membership Required: Only members can purchase from Costco stores, which requires an annual fee. If you don’t shop at Costco often, this can be an added cost.
Limited Selection and Availability: Compared to dedicated electronics stores, Costco’s selection of laptop models is smaller and may not include the latest releases.

Real-World Examples of Costco Laptop Deals in 2024:

Example 1: Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch with M2 Chip
Costco: $1,899 with 2-year warranty and Concierge Service included.
Apple Store: $1,999 with a 1-year warranty.
Savings: $100, plus an extra year of warranty and access to Concierge Service.
Example 2: Dell Inspiron 16
Costco: $749 with additional accessories like a wireless mouse and carrying case.
Dell.com: $799 without any extras.
Savings: $50, plus accessory bundle.

FAQ’s

1. Are Costco laptops cheaper than other retailers?

Costco often offers member-only discounts, making their laptops slightly cheaper, especially when considering bundled extras and extended warranties.

2. What brands of laptops does Costco carry?

Costco carries popular brands like Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Microsoft Surface, focusing on mainstream models.

3. Does Costco offer an extended warranty on laptops?

Yes, most Costco laptops come with a two-year warranty, which includes an additional year beyond the manufacturer’s warranty.

4. Is Costco’s return policy good for laptops?

Costco’s return policy for laptops is generous, allowing returns within 90 days, giving buyers more time to test their purchase.

5. Do Costco laptops come with tech support?

Yes, Costco provides free tech support through its Concierge Service, available 7 days a week for basic troubleshooting and setup assistance.

Conclusion:

Costco laptops are a great option for shoppers looking for value, reliability, and extra peace of mind. The combination of competitive pricing, extended warranties, and free tech support through Costco’s Concierge Service makes them an appealing choice for many. While the selection may be more limited than other retailers, the added perks make Costco a strong contender for your next laptop purchase.

Are Costco Laptops Any Good – A Complete Buyer’s Guide for 2024!

Why Costco? Understanding the Key Advantages for Laptop Buyers:

Extended Warranty and Costco Concierge Service: