How much does it cost to fix a computer?

Computer repair costs

Computer repair price list

PC vs. Mac repair pricing

How much does it cost to fix a laptop?

• Broken screens

• Dead battery

• Laptop running slowly

• Viruses and malware

• Overheating or malfunctioning fan

• Inoperable keyboard

• Water damage

Computer repair price factors

• Complexity and severity. If the damage to your computer is severe and the repair will be complex, expect to pay more. For example, if your computer needs a hard drive replacement or to fix an expensive broken laptop screen, the price will go up. In some cases, it might be cheaper to buy a new computer rather than repair one.

• Flat rate vs. hourly fees. Some computer repair shops charge a flat rate, while others have an hourly fee. A flat rate may seem unreasonably high, but it can actually serve you well if the repair is more extensive than normal.

• Travel fees. If the computer technician comes to you, this will generally cost more than bringing your computer to the shop. This is because the tech has to cover their fuel and travel time.

• Technician’s skills. The pro’s experience and skills also count. Hiring advanced technicians can be more expensive than hiring beginners.

• Your location. The rate for workers with the necessary skills to fix your laptop or desktop may be higher in large cities where the cost of living is higher. It also may be more expensive to buy replacement parts.

Signs you should hire a computer technician

• Your system is suddenly and inexplicably slow. If you’ve got plenty of hard drive space, loads of RAM and your software is up to date, it’s time to bring your computer to a professional.

• Your hard drive has crashed and you’re worried you’ve lost everything on it. Data recovery can be an intense operation. If there’s damage to your hard drive, a computer technician may be able to salvage what’s stored on it and replace it with a new one.

• Your screen, graphics card or other internal device needs replacement. Certain computers are much more amenable to user fixes than others. If you don’t know your way around the inside of a computer, bring it to a professional.

How to save money on computer repairs

• Take your computer for an in-shop repair instead of having them come to you. A technician’s time isn’t free, and they will likely need to include fuel and travel expenses in their pricing if they come to you.

• Always get a free estimate. The best way to avoid being shocked by the final price when the computer technician is done is to get a free estimate. Ask them to call you if the final price will exceed the estimate. Some will require a diagnostic fee regardless.

• Look for hardware online if you live in an expensive area. If (and that’s an extremely important “if”) you know what you’re doing with computers and know what type of hardware needs to be replaced, you may be able to order them online for a lower price and bring them to the tech for replacement. Check with the tech before doing this, though.

• Install updates and clean up your computer before bringing it in. The time that your computer is in the shop costs money, so make sure to install the latest updates to your operating system before taking your computer in.

How to choose a computer repair service

• How much does it cost to repair a laptop screen?

• Do you charge a diagnostic fee?

• What are your hourly computer repair rates?

• How many business days is your turnaround?

Find a computer technician near you

FAQs

Is it worth fixing a laptop screen?

Is a 10-year-old computer worth fixing?

How long do computer repairs take?