When your laptop stops working properly, getting it repaired can be expensive. The cost of a laptop repair can range anywhere from $50 to over $1000 depending on the make and model of your laptop and the specific problem that needs fixing. As a laptop owner, it’s important to understand the different factors that impact the cost of repairs so you can make informed decisions about whether to fix your current laptop or put that money towards a new one.
What affects the cost of a laptop repair?
There are several key factors that determine how much you’ll pay to get your laptop fixed:
- Laptop make and model – More expensive, high-end laptops typically cost more to repair than cheaper models. MacBooks and gaming laptops often have higher repair costs.
- Type of repair needed – Hardware repairs like replacing a broken screen or motherboard are more expensive than software repairs.
- Laptop age – The newer your laptop, the higher repair costs tend to be, as replacement parts are pricier.
- Where you get it repaired – Repairs from an authorized service center are typically more expensive than third-party repair shops.
- Technician hourly fees – Specialized technicians often charge over $100 per hour for labor during complex repairs.
It’s a good idea to find out which specific parts or repairs are needed before agreeing to any diagnostic fees. This can give you a ballpark range for how much the full repair will cost. Keep reading for more details on factors that impact the cost of common laptop repairs.
Laptop screen replacement
A cracked or malfunctioning laptop screen is one of the most common repairs. Prices can vary greatly depending on the make, model, size, resolution, and even LED backlighting of your particular laptop screen. Here are some typical costs:
- 11-15 inch LCD screens – $120-$300
- 15-17 inch LCD screens – $150-$400
- High resolution/Retina displays – $300-$700
- Touchscreen replacement – $200-$500
Newer laptops like MacBooks and high-end Windows models use more expensive LCD panel technology, driving up replacement costs. Repairing a shattered screen also takes extra time and materials to remove the broken glass and frame.
Motherboard replacement
The motherboard is the computer’s main circuit board and one of the most complex components to replace. Since the motherboard controls nearly all of a laptop’s functions, repairs typically range from $300 up to $1000 if you need to replace the entire board. A few factors that influence the cost of a motherboard repair or replacement include:
- Cost of replacement parts – More expensive laptop brands have pricier proprietary components.
- Damage complexity – Liquid spills, overheating damage, or failed ports make repairs more difficult.
- Age of laptop – Newer boards with updated tech are often more expensive.
- Availability of parts – Rare or obsolete parts can be harder to source.
Motherboard issues like failed ports or damaged connectors can sometimes be repaired individually without replacing the entire board. This can save you several hundred dollars.
Keyboard replacement
Sticky keys, missing keycaps, and unresponsive keyboards are common problems that necessitate keyboard repairs or replacements. Costs typically range from $100 to $300 depending on the keyboard:
- Standard laptop keyboard – $100-$150
- MacBook keyboard – $170-$300
- Gaming laptop keyboard – $150-$200
- Backlit keyboard – $150-$250
Refurbished replacement keyboards can save you up to 50% over brand new parts. Cleaning under keys or repairing individual keys also costs less than a full replacement.
Hard drive replacement
Laptop hard drives can fail or become corrupted over time. Replacing a damaged hard drive ranges from $100 to $400 based on drive type, storage capacity, and speed:
- HDD replacement – $100-$200
- SSD replacement – $200-$400
- Upgraded storage capacity – $100-$300 extra
SSDs with faster read/write speeds and more storage capacity cost more. Data recovery services to rescue files from a damaged drive can add $500 or more to the repair cost.
Power jack repair
If your laptop won’t power on or charge, a faulty power jack is often the culprit. Power jack repairs typically cost between $120 and $200, with these factors affecting the price:
- Diagnostic fees – $40-$90 to inspect damage
- Jack desoldering/resoldering – $60-$150 in labor
- Power jack replacement part – $20-$60
A broken power jack is a delicate repair that requires desoldering the old jack and precisely installing a new one. This intensive labor increases the cost of this common laptop issue.
Logic board repair
The logic board contains important components like the laptop’s processor and graphics chip. Issues like overheating, failed ports, or system crashes often require logic board repairs costing $150 to over $800 depending on the make, model, and extent of the damage. Typical factors include:
- Cost of replacement parts – Varies greatly by laptop model
- Diagnostic and testing fees – $80-$150 to identify faulty components
- Component-level vs. full board replacement – $150-$500 vs. $400-$800
- Specialized technician labor – $100-$150 per hour
For minor localized damage, soldering repairs or component replacements can be cheaper than swapping the entire logic board. But extensive liquid spill damage often warrants a full replacement.
Summary of average laptop repair costs
| Repair type | Average cost range |
| Screen replacement | $120 – $700 |
| Motherboard replacement | $300 – $1000 |
| Keyboard replacement | $100 – $300 |
| Hard drive replacement | $100 – $400 |
| Power jack repair | $120 – $200 |
| Logic board repair | $150 – $800+ |
When is it time to replace instead of repair?
At a certain point, investing in laptop repairs provides diminishing returns. Very old laptops may not be worth fixing, as replacement parts become scarce and the technology outdated. Consider replacing instead of repairing when:
- Your laptop is over 5 years old
- Repair costs exceed 50% of a comparable new laptop
- You’ve already sunk money into multiple repairs
- Parts can’t be found or are discontinued
- Performance is extremely slow despite repairs
Upgrading to a newer, faster laptop instead of repairing an aging model can make more sense in many scenarios. But for relatively modern laptops under 5 years old, repairs are usually worthwhile for all but the most expensive fixes.
10 tips to extend your laptop’s lifespan
Proper care and maintenance can help your laptop last longer between repairs:
- Keep it cool – Use a lap desk and avoid blocking vents
- Clean out vents regularly
- Install OS and software updates
- Use a surge protector during charging
- Transport carefully in a padded case
- Avoid eating/drinking around your laptop
- Store and use your laptop on stable flat surfaces
- Backup data regularly
- Avoid extreme overcharging or draining battery
- Have a technician inspect it yearly
Am I better off with a laptop repair plan?
Extended warranties and repair plans offered by laptop manufacturers or third-party vendors can save you money if you tend to have multiple issues with your laptop over time. Consider the costs and benefits of a repair plan:
Potential advantages
- Covers repairs from accidental damage like drops or spills
- May include technical support and troubleshooting
- Convenient centralized repair management
- Potentially cheaper than paying for repairs à la carte
- Option for next day on-site/in-home repairs
- Can extend useful lifespan of older laptops
Potential disadvantages
- Monthly or yearly costs add up over time
- May not cover full cost of every repair type
- Cheaper to selectively cover only certain riskier repairs
- Third-party repair shops often cheaper for minor fixes
- Long repair turnaround times at manufacturer depots
- Cheap extended warranties often only cover hardware defects
If you travel frequently with your laptop or have a history of spills/drops, a more robust extended protection plan can pay for itself. But evaluate the total long-term costs against just paying for repairs as needed before committing.
How can I save money on laptop repairs?
While some laptop repairs are unavoidably expensive, you have some options to reduce costs:
- Shop around for quotes – Prices can vary dramatically between repair shops.
- Consider refurbished replacement parts when feasible
- Ask about component-level repairs instead of full replacements
- Negotiate pricing for bulk repairs
- Use DIY laptop part supplier sites to self-repair minor issues
- Pay in cash – Some shops offer 5-10% discounts if you pay with cash.
- Ask about coupon discounts for first-time customers
- Get student, senior, or military discounts if applicable
Even savings of $20, $50 or $100 per repair add up over time. Finding an experienced technician you can trust is also invaluable to avoid repeat repairs and unnecessary costs.
Conclusion
Laptop repairs can quickly become expensive depending on the component that fails. While high-end laptops and MacBooks usually cost more to fix, even cheaper model repairs like a cracked screen can run $200-300. Prioritizing repairs that prolong your existing laptop vs. buying a brand new one comes down to factors like repair costs exceeding 50% of replacement cost, the laptop’s age, and your budget constraints. In many cases, mid-range $300-600 laptops can be cost-effectively repaired for several years if well maintained. But with very cheap or very expensive laptops, replacement often becomes the better value when major failures occur after the warranty expires.