Should you repair or replace your laptop?
Repair your laptop if it is under 4 years old and the fix costs less than $600. Battery swaps run $100-$250 SSD upgrades $100-$250 and screen replacements $150-$500. Software issues have the highest fix rate, so a slow laptop is almost always worth troubleshooting first. Screen repairs have the lowest success rate due to part cost and precision required. Thermal problems respond well to cleaning and thermal paste reapplication. Replace when the motherboard has failed, the device no longer receives security updates, or repair costs exceed 50% of a new machine. An SSD and RAM upgrade can extend life by 2-3 years and avoids roughly 300 kg of CO2 from new manufacturing.
Last updated:
Repair Cost
Replacement Cost
Typical Lifespan
3-8 years
Repair costs are estimates based on typical parts and labor. Replacement prices are current Amazon medians per tier.
The Repair Breakpoint
The commonly cited 50% rule puts the threshold at $850 for your laptop. If repair costs more than that, replacing is usually cheaper. But cost is only one factor.
Sundr's Repair Breakpoint weighs five dimensions: cost, remaining lifespan, parts availability, repair success rate, and environmental impact, to find the actual point where repair stops making sense. Find your Repair Breakpoint.
How much does laptop repair cost?
All prices in CAD. Parts-only prices are what you’d pay doing it yourself. Total cost includes labor.
Screen replacement
LCD/LED Panel, Display Cable, Bezel Frame, Hinge Covers
Barriers: Spare parts too expensive, No way to open product
Battery replacement
Battery Cell, Battery Connector, Adhesive Strips
Barriers: Spare parts too expensive, Repair information not available
Keyboard replacement
Keyboard Assembly, Ribbon Cable, Mounting Screws
SSD upgrade
M.2 NVMe SSD, Thermal Pad, Mounting Screw
Charging port repair
DC Jack / USB-C Port, Port Cable Assembly, Solder
Barriers: Spare parts too expensive, Spare parts not available
Hinge repair
Hinge Assembly, Hinge Bracket, Mounting Screws
Barriers: Spare parts too expensive, Repair information not available
Fan replacement
CPU Fan, Thermal Paste, Fan Cable
Barriers: Item too worn out, No way to open product
Motherboard repair
Motherboard, Thermal Compound, BIOS Chip
Barriers: Repair information not available, Spare parts not available
Trackpad replacement
Trackpad Module, Flex Cable, Mounting Screws
Barriers: Spare parts too expensive, Repair information not available
Questions people ask
How much does laptop repair cost in Canada?
Common repairs range from $50-$600. Battery and RAM upgrades are at the lower end, while screen and motherboard repairs cost more. Labor rates vary by region.
Is it worth fixing an old laptop?
For laptops 5+ years old, consider whether it meets your performance needs. An SSD upgrade can significantly extend life. If repair costs exceed 40% of a comparable new laptop, replacement may be better.
Can I upgrade my laptop instead of replacing it?
Many laptops can be upgraded with more RAM or a faster SSD for under $200. This can add 2-3 years of useful life. Check if your model supports upgrades before buying.
Should I repair or replace my laptop?
If your laptop is within its typical 3-8 years lifespan and the repair costs less than 50% of a replacement (around $2125), repair is usually the smarter choice. Consider replacing when multiple components are failing, the device no longer meets your needs, or total repair costs exceed half the new purchase price.
How much does it cost to repair a laptop in Canada?
Laptop repairs in Canada typically range from $50 to $700 depending on the specific issue. Simple fixes like ram upgrade cost less, while major repairs can be pricier. The average replacement cost is about $2125 making most individual repairs a more affordable option than buying a new laptop.
How long should a laptop last?
A well-maintained laptop typically lasts 3-8 years under normal use conditions. Regular cleaning, timely repairs, and proper care can extend its lifespan toward the upper end of that range or beyond. If your laptop still performs well and meets your needs, there is no reason to replace it based purely on age.
Is it worth repairing a laptop that is 6 years old?
At 6 years, your laptop is near the midpoint of its typical 3-8 years lifespan. A single repair costing less than 50% of a new laptop (about $2,125) is generally worthwhile. Consider replacing only if multiple parts are failing at once or the total repair cost exceeds half the replacement price.
What are the most common laptop problems?
The most common laptop issues are: battery not holding charge or swelling, screen damage, dead pixels, or backlight issues, keyboard keys not working or sticky, overheating and fan noise. Many of these problems are repairable at a fraction of the replacement cost.
Is it cheaper to repair or buy a new laptop?
Repair is almost always cheaper for a single issue. A new laptop costs around $2,125, while most individual repairs cost a fraction of that. The general rule: if the repair costs less than 50% of replacement and your laptop is under 8 years old, repair wins financially.
Laptop repair vs replacement: which is better for the environment?
Repairing is almost always the greener choice. Manufacturing a new laptop generates significant COâ‚‚ emissions and uses raw materials. By repairing, you keep your existing laptop in use longer and reduce waste.
What is the most expensive laptop repair?
Motherboard repair replacement is typically the most expensive laptop repair at $300-$700 including parts and labour. This repair requires a professional technician.
What is the cheapest laptop repair?
RAM upgrade repair is one of the most affordable fixes at $50-$150. This is a DIY-friendly repair that can save you on labour costs.
Can I fix my laptop myself?
Yes, several common laptop repairs are DIY-friendly: battery replacement, ssd upgrade, ram upgrade, fan replacement. These repairs typically require basic tools and can save you 40-60% on labour costs. Always disconnect power before working on your laptop.
Based on 12,304 repair records worldwide from openrepair.org
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Considering an upgrade? See what your laptop is worth at these manufacturer trade-in programs.
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When Do Laptops Typically Fail?
Based on 12,304 community repair records, here is when laptops most commonly need repair.
Repair Need by Device Age
Data source: Open Repair Alliance (ORDS v0.3, CC BY-SA 4.0). Aggregated from community repair events worldwide.