keepcalculator

06 Numbers and Powers

Nothing Phones & Earbuds: Best Buy Store Guide

Card No. 06·47675 · Updated · Standard formula, shown below

Yes, Best Buy carries Nothing phones and earbuds, both in physical stores and online. You can find the Nothing Phone (2a) and Nothing Ear (2) at many locations, though stock varies by store. This guide covers what to expect, how to check availability, and what to consider before buying.

What Nothing Products Does Best Buy Sell?

Best Buy’s selection focuses on the latest mainstream Nothing devices, typically including:

  • Nothing Phone (2a) – the current mid-range model with the Glyph interface.
  • Nothing Ear (2) – wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation.
  • Nothing Ear (a) – a more affordable earbud variant.

Older models like the Phone (1) or Ear (1) are usually discontinued and not stocked. Best Buy does not sell all Nothing accessories, such as the official cases or chargers, so check the product page for what’s included in the box.

How to Check Local Store Availability

Best Buy’s website and app let you see real-time stock for each store. Follow these steps:

  1. Search for the specific product (e.g., “Nothing Phone 2a”).
  2. On the product page, enter your ZIP code or use the “Check Stores” option.
  3. Review the list of nearby stores – it shows “In Stock,” “Limited Availability,” or “Not Available.”
  4. Choose “Pick Up Today” if you want to reserve it for same-day pickup.

If a store shows “Not Available,” you can still order online for home delivery, which usually takes 2–5 business days. For pickup, you must order before the store’s cutoff time (often 2–3 PM) to get it the same day.

Pricing and Carrier Options at Best Buy

Best Buy sells Nothing phones unlocked, meaning they work with any major US carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and their prepaid brands). The price is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, with no carrier subsidies. For example, the Nothing Phone (2a) typically retails around $349, and the Ear (2) around $149. Best Buy occasionally runs promotions, such as discounts for trade-ins or bundle deals, but these vary by season and are not always available.

If you’re financing, Best Buy offers its own credit card with 6–12 month interest-free periods on qualifying purchases, but you can also pay in full. Unlike carrier stores, Best Buy does not lock the phone to a network, so you have full flexibility to switch carriers later.

Comparing Nothing to Other Brands at Best Buy

In the same price range, you’ll find:

  • Google Pixel 8a – similar price, better camera processing, but lacks the Glyph lights.
  • Samsung Galaxy A54 – more established software support, but heavier and less unique design.
  • OnePlus Nord N30 – cheaper, but with slower updates and no wireless charging.

For earbuds, the Nothing Ear (2) competes with the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE and the Pixel Buds Pro. Nothing’s strength is the transparent design and customizable sound via the app. The main trade-off is that Nothing’s software support is shorter than Samsung’s or Google’s (three years of OS updates vs. five or more).

What to Check Before You Buy In-Store

If you’re buying in person, bring a checklist to avoid surprises:

  • Return policy: Best Buy’s standard return window is 15 days for phones (30 for most other electronics). Open-box items may have a different policy.
  • Warranty: Nothing offers a 1-year manufacturer warranty, but Best Buy’s Geek Squad Protection can extend coverage for an extra cost.
  • Accessories: The Phone (2a) includes a USB-C cable but no charger. The Ear (2) includes extra ear tips and a case.
  • Carrier compatibility: If you’re on Verizon, check that the IMEI is compatible before leaving the store – sometimes a phone needs a SIM card swap.

Ask a sales associate to power on the phone and verify the Glyph lights work, as some demo units may have display issues.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that Nothing phones are only for tech enthusiasts. In reality, the Phone (2a) runs a near-stock version of Android with minimal bloatware, making it beginner-friendly. However, there are a few known issues to be aware of:

  • Battery life: The Phone (2a) has a 5000 mAh battery, but heavy Glyph usage can drain it faster. Most users get a full day, but not much more.
  • Wireless charging: The Phone (2a) does not support wireless charging, unlike the more expensive Phone (2).
  • Earbud fit: Some users find the Ear (2) tips don’t seal well, affecting noise cancellation. Try different tip sizes from the box.

If you experience software bugs, check for updates in Settings > System > System update. Nothing’s support is responsive via email, but there’s no physical service center in the US, so repairs are mail-in only.

Alternatives to Best Buy

If Best Buy doesn’t have what you need, consider:

  • Nothing’s official website – often has exclusive colors and bundles, but shipping takes a few days.
  • Amazon – usually has the same prices, but be wary of third-party sellers; check that the seller is “Nothing Technology” or “Amazon.com.”
  • Carrier stores – T-Mobile occasionally stocks Nothing phones, but they may be locked to the network.

Buying from Best Buy has the advantage of instant pickup and easy returns if you change your mind. However, if you want the full range of Nothing accessories, the official store is better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Best Buy price match Nothing’s official store?

Yes, Best Buy will match the price if the item is in stock and sold directly by Nothing. You can request a price match at the register or via customer service. The item must be identical, and the price must be current at the time of purchase.

Can I trade in my old phone for a Nothing phone at Best Buy?

Yes, Best Buy accepts trade-ins for credit toward a new phone. The value depends on the condition and model of your old device. You can get an instant estimate online, but the final amount is confirmed after they inspect the device in-store.

Are Nothing earbuds compatible with iPhones?

Yes, the Nothing Ear (2) works with iPhones via Bluetooth. You can use the Nothing X app to adjust the equalizer and controls, but some features like fast pairing are Android-only. Calls and music playback work normally.

Does the Nothing Phone (2a) work on Verizon?

Yes, the unlocked version works on Verizon, but you may need to contact Verizon to activate it if you’re switching from another carrier. The phone supports all major US bands, including Verizon’s 5G network.

What is the return policy for Nothing products at Best Buy?

Most Nothing products have a 15-day return window for a full refund. Earbuds can be returned even if opened, as long as they’re in good condition. Phones must be reset and free of damage. Check your receipt for the exact date.

Does Best Buy sell Nothing phone cases and screen protectors?

Best Buy carries a limited selection of third-party cases and screen protectors, but not official Nothing-branded ones. You can find compatible accessories from brands like Spigen on the website, but it’s best to check availability before visiting.

Related

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

More cards in this drawer

The whole Numbers and Powers drawer →