Knowing where to buy electronics in Australia can save you hundreds of dollars on a single purchase. Each major retailer has strengths and weaknesses, and shopping strategically means understanding which store is best for which product. Here’s my honest assessment of every major option.

JB Hi-Fi

JB Hi-Fi is the default electronics retailer for most Australians, and generally that’s a reasonable default. Their pricing is competitive, their range is extensive, and they price match most competitors. Staff knowledge varies enormously by store and department, so don’t assume you’re getting expert advice.

Best for: Audio equipment, headphones, laptops, phones, gaming. JB tends to have the best everyday pricing on these categories and frequently runs brand-specific sales.

Return policy: 30 days for change of mind with proof of purchase, item must be unopened or in original condition. Faulty products follow Australian Consumer Law obligations.

Pro tip: The JB Hi-Fi website often has lower prices than in-store, and you can price match the website in-store. Also check their clearance section online for discontinued models at significant discounts.

The Good Guys

The Good Guys focuses on appliances and home electronics. Their pricing is competitive with JB Hi-Fi, and they negotiate. Yes, you can negotiate at The Good Guys. The advertised price is often not the final price, especially on major appliances. Walk in, be polite, and ask for a better deal. You’ll frequently get one.

Best for: Major appliances (fridges, washing machines, ovens), TVs, air conditioners, and kitchen appliances. This is their core strength.

Return policy: Similar to JB Hi-Fi. Delivery and installation services are a major advantage for large appliances.

Pro tip: The Good Guys Commercial is available for ABN holders and offers additional discounts. If you have a business, it’s worth registering.

Harvey Norman

Harvey Norman is individually franchised, which means pricing, stock, and service quality vary between stores. They’re often slightly more expensive than JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys on identical products, but they do carry premium and niche brands that competitors don’t always stock.

Best for: Premium furniture, mattresses, and situations where you want to see and try a specific product in-store that other retailers don’t display.

Return policy: Varies by franchise, which can be frustrating. Always confirm the return policy before purchasing.

Pro tip: Harvey Norman runs regular “no interest” finance promotions. If you’re buying something expensive and would otherwise put it on a credit card, interest-free finance can save you money, but make sure you pay it off before the interest-free period ends.

Officeworks

Officeworks is often overlooked for electronics, but they carry laptops, tablets, printers, and accessories at guaranteed lowest prices. Their price beat guarantee (they’ll beat any competitor by 5% on identical products) makes them worth checking for tech products.

Best for: Laptops, printers, monitors, and tech accessories. Their laptop range is surprisingly good, and the 5% price beat guarantee often makes them the cheapest option.

Return policy: 30 days change of mind on tech products, which is among the most generous policies. This makes Officeworks a lower-risk option if you’re unsure about a purchase.

Amazon Australia

Amazon AU has matured significantly since its rocky Australian launch. Pricing is competitive, delivery is fast (especially with Prime), and the range has expanded enormously. The main limitation is that you can’t see or test products in person.

Best for: Accessories, cables, storage, smart home devices, and specific brands like Anker, Viofo, and Xiaomi that have limited retail presence. Also good for comparing prices quickly.

Return policy: 30 days for most electronics, which is generous. Returns are processed quickly and without hassle in most cases.

Pro tip: Use price tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel or StaticICE to check whether an Amazon AU deal is genuinely good. Some “sales” are inflated from artificially high “was” prices.

Kmart and Big W

For basic electronics and accessories, Kmart and Big W offer genuinely decent products at very low prices. Kmart’s Anko brand produces air fryers, headphones, speakers, and smart home devices that perform surprisingly well for their price points.

Best for: Budget buyers, basic cables and accessories, entry-level small appliances.

Costco

If you have a Costco membership, their electronics section is worth checking. They carry a rotating selection of TVs, laptops, and appliances, often at prices that beat other retailers. The range is limited and changes frequently, so you need to check regularly.

Best for: TVs and laptops when they have the model you want. Costco’s return policy is also excellent.

Online Specialists

For specific categories, specialist online retailers often offer better pricing and expertise. Addicted to Audio for headphones and speakers. PC Case Gear and Scorptec for computer components. Kogan for budget options across many categories, though quality control can be inconsistent.

General Buying Tips

Always check StaticICE (staticice.com.au) before making any electronics purchase. It’s an Australian price comparison engine that searches all major retailers and many smaller ones. Five minutes of price checking can easily save you $50-$100 on a major purchase.

Buy during major sale events when possible. End of Financial Year (June), Black Friday (November), and Boxing Day (December) are the three biggest discount periods. If your purchase can wait, timing it around these events saves serious money.

The Bottom Line

For most electronics purchases, start at JB Hi-Fi and check StaticICE for price comparisons. Use Officeworks’ price beat guarantee when applicable. Negotiate at The Good Guys for appliances. And check Amazon AU for accessories and niche products. There’s no single best retailer for everything, but understanding each one’s strengths helps you get the best deal every time.