Is it worth trying to negotiate a job offer after they say it's their 'best and final'?

Best and final often means the base salary is at the top of their pay band, but it does not always mean every lever is closed. If you have a higher competing offer and genuinely prefer this team, one respectful, one-shot ask is still reasonable. The key is to add new information and be clear that you will decide either way after this, not drag it out. Be ready to accept as is if they hold the line, and do not bluff numbers you cannot document.

I would send a short note or make one call that says, I am excited about the team and want to make this work. I do have a competing offer at a higher base and total comp, and if you can match the base or get closer by a few thousand I can sign today. If the base is truly capped, is there flexibility on a sign-on bonus, a six month compensation review in writing, a higher bonus target, extra PTO, or a small equity bump? I can share the details of the other offer, and I am ready to decide by tomorrow if we can adjust any of these. This wording signals respect, gives them options, and makes it easy for them to get approval. If they still say no, assume it is truly final and choose based on role fit, manager, and growth rather than trying a second push.

Best and final often means they are testing your boundary, not inviting a debate. Push again and you risk burning goodwill or getting tagged as difficult. If you try anyway, be surgical: cite the competing number and say you will accept today at X, then stop talking.

Idk, I nudged after a 'final' and they found a small bump plus a sign-on. I kept it friendly: "You're my first choice, and I can sign today at 130 or with a 5k sign-on." Worst case they say no and you still look gracious.

Only push once if you add real info. Say you have a higher offer but prefer them and ask if they can meet a specific number. "If you can do X total comp, I will sign today."

They love calling it 'best and final' while I'm calculating daycare and the car insurance hike. I'd still call back once, because money now beats promises later. Keep it respectful and specific: "I'm excited to join, I do have an offer at 125, if you can do 125 I can accept today." If they won't budge, ask for a sign-on or one WFH day and be done.

Yes, ask once with comp data, then accept or walk.