Bose Return Policy: 90-Day Risk-Free Trial Explained

Bose makes it pretty tempting to try new headphones, speakers, or soundbars. But even great audio gear doesn’t always feel right once you’ve lived with it for a bit. Maybe the fit isn’t comfortable, the sound signature isn’t your style, or you simply changed your mind.

The good news: when you buy directly from Bose, you usually get a 90-day “try it at home” return period (shorter for some accessories). The important part is understanding when that 90-day clock applies, what condition your product must be in, and how to start a return the right way.

Below is a clear, detailed guide to Bose’s current return policy for direct purchases, plus tips so your return goes smoothly.

Quick Overview of the Bose Return Policy

For purchases made directly from Bose (for example, on Bose.com or by phone):

Return window (U.S. Bose.com):
- 90 days to try most products at home.
- 30 days for Bose Accessories and Aviation products.
Who you return to:
- Products must be returned directly to Bose if purchased from Bose.
- If you bought from another retailer (Best Buy, Amazon, etc.), you must use that retailer’s return policy.
Condition: Item must be in original, undamaged condition with all accessories and packaging.
Return shipping: If you’re within the allowed period and bought on Bose.com, Bose covers return shipping when you use their label.
Refund timing: Refunds typically process within about 3–5 business days after Bose receives and checks your return (other payment types can take longer).
Non-returnable items: Trade-in program purchases, personalized products, final sale items, and gift cards.
Restocking: Returns that don’t meet policy conditions may be refused or charged up to a 15% restocking fee.

Always remember: the Bose policy only directly covers items bought from Bose. Store and marketplace purchases follow their own rules.

Who the Policy Applies To

Bose keeps a strict line between direct and third-party sales:

Covered by this policy: Orders placed:
- On Bose.com (or the local Bose site in your country).
- By phone directly with Bose.
Not covered by Bose’s own returns:
- Products bought at other retailers (electronics stores, airlines, online marketplaces, etc.).
- Products bought at Bose stores may have a store-specific process – usually handled at that store, not via the website returns center.

If your order confirmation, receipt, or credit card statement lists a retailer name that is not Bose, you’ll need to follow that retailer’s return policy instead.

Return Windows: 90 Days vs 30 Days

Standard 90-Day Try-at-Home Period

Most full-size Bose products bought on Bose.com fall under a 90-day return window. This usually includes:

Headphones and earbuds (noise-cancelling, in-ear, over-ear, etc.)
Bluetooth speakers and home speakers
Soundbars and home theater systems
Portable PA systems and many other core products
Certified Refurbished items purchased from Bose (they also advertise a 90-day return on these)

The clock starts from the date you receive the product. Bose’s system uses this “receipt” date when you start a return request.

30-Day Return Period for Accessories & Aviation

Some categories have a shorter window:

Bose Accessories (such as many cases, cables, and standalone accessories).
Bose Aviation products (aviation headsets and certain related gear).

For these items, you have 30 days from receipt to initiate a return, not 90.

Basic Requirements for a Valid Return

Before you start the process, make sure your order checks these boxes:

The product was purchased directly from Bose (online or Bose phone order).
Your return request is submitted within the correct window:
- Within 90 days for most products.
- Within 30 days for accessories and aviation items.
The product is not on Bose’s exclusion list (trade-in program purchases, personalized items, final sale products, gift cards).
The product is in good physical condition – no severe damage or obvious abuse.
All accessories, cases, and parts that came in the box are being returned (cables, tips, adapters, manuals, remote, carrying case, etc.).

Bose specifically calls out that missing accessories or poor condition can affect your refund or cause the return to be refused, and may lead to a restocking fee.

How to Start a Return with Bose

All direct returns go through Bose’s online system. In the U.S., you typically use the “Start a Return” link on Bose.com or your My Bose account.

Step-by-Step Process

Confirm eligibility
- Check your order date/delivery date and product type (90-day or 30-day window).
- Confirm the product is not on the list of exclusions and is still in good condition.
Go to “Start a Return” or log into My Bose
- Find your order in your account or enter your order details on the returns page.
Submit your return request
- Select the product(s) you want to return.
- Choose the reason (not satisfied, wrong item, etc.).
Wait for Bose to process the request
- Once approved, Bose emails you return instructions and a prepaid shipping label.
Pack your product
- Include the product, all accessories, and original packaging where possible.
- Attach the Bose shipping label to the outside of the box.
Ship the product to Bose
- Bose asks you to ship the product within 30 days of initiating the return.
Wait for inspection & refund
- When Bose receives your product and confirms that it meets the policy conditions, they initiate your refund.

Bose strongly recommends using their own prepaid label. If you decide to ship with your own carrier, you’ll need the correct return authorization and you’re responsible for the package until Bose confirms receipt.

Return Shipping & Who Pays

One of the nicest parts of Bose’s direct policy is that they cover return shipping when you’re within the allowed time frame:

For most products, if you return within 90 days of receipt (Bose.com purchases), Bose covers shipping.
For accessories and aviation products, Bose covers return shipping when they are returned within 30 days of receipt.

This is why Bose tells you to use their prepaid label. If you choose your own carrier:

You are responsible for the cost.
You must include the proper return authorization information (like an RMA number).
If the package is lost or damaged in transit, you are responsible for resolving that with the carrier.

Note that original shipping charges, gift wrapping, and some taxes are listed as non-refundable, even when your product itself is refunded.

Exchanges with Bose

Bose treats exchanges as a special type of return:

Any item that is eligible for return is also eligible for exchange.
Items that cannot be returned (trade-in program purchases, personalized items, final sale, gift cards) also cannot be exchanged.

To start an exchange, Bose asks you to contact Customer Service. The basic flow is:

Contact Bose and request an exchange for your order.
Once approved, Bose emails a prepaid shipping label for the original item.
You send the original product back (with all accessories and packaging).
After Bose receives and inspects it, they process the exchange.

When you switch to a product with a different price:

If the new item costs less, Bose refunds the difference to your original payment method.
If the new item costs more, you pay the price difference at the time of the exchange.
If you paid with a Bose gift card, any refund goes back to that gift card.

For promotional bundles or purchases where you received a discount or a free item, Bose may deduct the value of that discount or free item from your refund if you keep part of the bundle but return the rest.

Trade-In Program, Final Sale & Other Exclusions

Some product types and programs are treated differently under the return policy.

Trade-In Program Purchases

Purchases made through Bose’s Trade In / Trade Up program are listed as final sale.
Products that customers trade in and send to Bose will not be returned.
If you buy through this program, make sure you are comfortable with the product choice, because normal returns don’t apply.

Other Non-Returnable Items

Personalized items (for example, custom engraving or special personalization) cannot usually be returned.
Final sale products are clearly labeled and are not eligible for return or refund.
Gift cards are non-returnable and non-refundable.

On top of that, Bose reserves the right to deny returns when they see:

Excessive or unusual return activity.
Violations of the Terms of Sale.
Suspected fraud or other prohibited activity.

Refund Timing & How You’re Paid

Once your package arrives at Bose and passes inspection, they initiate your refund.

Processing time: Refunds usually process within about 3–5 business days for cards and PayPal.
Other payment methods: Some methods can take up to about two weeks to fully process.
Bank timing: Your bank or card issuer may take additional days to show the refund on your statement.
Destination: Refunds go back to your original payment method. Gift card purchases are refunded back to the gift card.

Bose can also reduce the refund in certain cases, for example:

If you keep part of a discounted bundle and return only some items.
If items are missing accessories or show damage beyond normal handling.
If a restocking fee is applied because policy conditions weren’t met.

Damaged, Defective or Problem Products

If your item arrives damaged or doesn’t work as expected right out of the box, Bose wants you to contact Customer Service rather than immediately starting a normal return.

They may troubleshoot with you to solve simple issues.
If the product is confirmed defective or arrived damaged, they’ll arrange a replacement or repair under their warranty policy.
They may still provide prepaid labels or special instructions separate from a standard change-of-mind return.

If your product is outside both the warranty period and the 90-day return period, Bose offers paid repair options in many regions; details are provided on their support site.

Regional Differences (Example: UK & Europe)

The general concept is similar in other regions, but the process can look slightly different. For example, on the Bose UK site:

You can also try your Bose product at home for 90 days.
To return or exchange, you contact Bose by phone or email; they send you a UPS return label.
Only items purchased directly from Bose online or by phone can be returned that way; store purchases must be returned in store.
They aim to complete the return and refund within around two weeks after receiving your product, with extra time for your bank to post the credit.
Your local consumer rights (such as statutory withdrawal periods) still apply on top of Bose’s own policy.

If you’re shopping on a non-U.S. Bose site, it’s worth skimming the local “Returns & exchanges” page for exact steps and timelines in your country.

Practical Tips for Easy Bose Returns

Keep the packaging until you’re sure: Boxes, cases, and inserts make returns much smoother.
Hang onto accessories: Don’t misplace cables, tips, or adapters—missing parts can cut into your refund.
Test early: Use your headphones or speakers regularly in the first few weeks so you know within the 90-day (or 30-day) window if they’re right for you.
Always start returns on Bose.com: Don’t send anything back without going through the “Start a Return” process and getting the label.
Use the Bose label: It’s prepaid, tracked, and tied to your return authorization.
Check for “final sale” notes: If something is marked final sale or part of a trade-in program, assume it cannot be returned for a refund.

Bose Return Policy – Quick FAQ

How long do I have to return something bought on Bose.com?

For most products, you have up to 90 days from the date you receive the product to start a return. For Bose Accessories and Aviation products, the window is 30 days.

Does Bose pay for return shipping?

Yes, as long as you’re within the allowed time frame and the item was purchased on Bose.com, Bose covers return shipping when you use the prepaid label they provide. If you ship with your own carrier, you pay the cost and take responsibility for the shipment.

Can I return Bose products bought from another retailer?

No. If you bought Bose from another store (online or in person), you must return it under that store’s policy. Bose’s own return center only accepts products purchased directly from Bose.

Which items can’t be returned to Bose?

Non-returnable items include Trade-In program purchases, personalized products, final sale items, and gift cards. These also aren’t eligible for exchange.

What condition does my product need to be in?

Your Bose product should be in original, undamaged physical condition, with all accessories, cases, and parts that came in the box. Missing pieces, damage, or heavy wear can reduce your refund or cause the return to be refused.

How long will my refund take?

Once Bose receives and inspects your return, refunds for credit cards and PayPal usually process within about 3–5 business days. Some other payment methods can take up to about two weeks, and your bank may need extra time to show the money in your account.