Laptop screen replacement typically costs between $150 and $400 for parts and labor combined, though the price depends on your laptop model, screen type, and whether you do the work yourself.

The screen itself — the part you actually buy — usually runs $80 to $250. Labor at a repair shop adds another $50 to $150. If you replace it yourself, you pay only for the part, but you need the right tools and some comfort taking your laptop apart. Mail-in repair services often cost more than local shops because they include shipping both ways.

The wide range exists because laptop screens are not interchangeable. A 13-inch screen for a MacBook Air costs something different than a 15-inch screen for a Dell XPS, and a high-resolution display costs more than a standard one. Older laptops sometimes have cheaper screens because fewer people need them; newer models with special features like touchscreen or high refresh rate cost significantly more.

Key Takeaways

  • Screen parts alone range from $80 to $250 depending on your laptop brand, size, and display type.
  • Labor at a repair shop typically adds $50 to $150 to the parts cost.
  • Doing the replacement yourself saves labor costs but requires the correct tools and comfort opening your laptop.
  • Mail-in repair services cost more than local shops because shipping is included in the price.
  • Checking your laptop's exact model number before getting a quote prevents paying for the wrong screen.

How to find the right screen for your laptop

You need your laptop's exact model number, not just the brand. A Dell XPS 13 is not the same as a Dell XPS 15, and they use different screens. Find the model number in your system settings — on Windows, open Settings, go to System, then About; on Mac, click the Apple menu, select About This Mac. Write down the full model name.

Once you have the model number, search for "[your model] replacement screen" on Amazon, eBay, or a parts site like iFixit. You will see multiple listings with different prices. The cheapest option is usually a standard resolution screen; more expensive options include high-brightness screens, touchscreens, or displays with higher refresh rates. Buy only the exact part number that matches your model — a screen made for a different year or variant will not fit.

Screen replacement costs at repair shops

Local computer repair shops typically charge $150 to $300 total for a screen replacement, including both the part and labor. The price varies by location — shops in major cities charge more than those in smaller towns. Call three shops in your area and ask for a quote; most will give you a price over the phone once you tell them your laptop model.

Big-box retailers like Best Buy offer screen replacement through their Geek Squad service, usually at the higher end of the range — $200 to $400 total. Manufacturer repair (sending it to Dell, Apple, Lenovo, etc.) is often the most expensive option, sometimes $300 to $500, because they may replace other components or charge a flat service fee. For budget-conscious repairs, a local independent shop is usually cheaper than the manufacturer or a big retailer.

Mail-in repair services and their costs

Services like uBreakiFix, Asurion, or manufacturer mail-in programs charge $200 to $400 for screen replacement, including shipping both ways. You pack your laptop, ship it to them, they repair it, and ship it back — the whole process takes one to two weeks. The higher cost reflects the shipping expense and the fact that you cannot shop around for a cheaper local option.

Mail-in repair makes sense if you live far from any repair shop or if your laptop is under a protection plan that covers shipping. Otherwise, a local shop is faster and usually cheaper. If you choose mail-in repair, ask whether they charge a flat fee or charge separately for parts and labor — some services quote a total price upfront, while others add charges if they find additional damage.

Doing the replacement yourself

If you are comfortable opening your laptop, you can replace the screen yourself for just the cost of the part — $80 to $250. You will need a small Phillips screwdriver, a plastic pry tool (a guitar pick works), and about 30 minutes to an hour. iFixit has step-by-step guides with photos for most laptop models; search "[your model] screen replacement" on their site.

The main risk is breaking the plastic bezel or the hinges if you pry too hard, or disconnecting the cable that attaches the screen to the motherboard. If you have never opened a laptop before, watch the entire iFixit video before you start so you know what to expect. If you feel uncertain at any point, stop and take it to a shop instead — a broken hinge costs more to fix than paying for labor in the first place.

What affects the final price

Screen type matters most. A standard 1920 × 1080 display is cheaper than a 4K display or a touchscreen. A matte screen costs less than a glossy one. High refresh rate screens (120 Hz or higher) cost more than standard 60 Hz screens. If your laptop originally came with a premium display, replacing it with the same type will cost more than replacing it with a basic model.

Brand also affects price. Apple screens are typically the most expensive — a MacBook Pro screen replacement can run $300 to $400 just for the part. Dell, Lenovo, and HP screens are usually cheaper, in the $100 to $200 range. Older laptops sometimes have cheaper screens because the parts are older and less in demand, but very old laptops may have screens that are hard to find at all.

Labor costs depend on location and the shop's reputation. A shop in a rural area charges less than one in downtown San Francisco. A shop with a long wait list charges more than one with open appointments. Getting a quote from multiple shops takes 10 minutes and can save you $50 or more.

Comparing repair versus replacement

Before you pay for a screen replacement, consider whether repairing the laptop makes financial sense. If your laptop is five years old and the screen costs $200 to replace, but the laptop itself is worth only $400, you are spending half the laptop's value on one part. If the laptop is newer or more expensive, the repair is usually worth it.

A good rule: if the repair costs less than one-third of what a similar used laptop would cost, repair it. If the repair costs more than half, consider buying a used replacement instead. Check eBay or Facebook Marketplace for used laptops in your model range to compare prices before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a cheaper screen from a different brand?

No. Screens are model-specific and will not fit or connect properly in a different laptop. Even screens from the same brand but a different model year may not work. Always buy the exact part number that matches your laptop's model.

How long does a screen replacement take at a repair shop?

Most local shops can do it the same day or within 24 hours if you drop it off in the morning. Mail-in services take one to two weeks including shipping time. If you do it yourself, plan for 30 minutes to an hour, plus time to order the part if you do not have it yet.

Will replacing the screen void my warranty?

If your laptop is still under warranty, opening it yourself may void the warranty. Contact the manufacturer first to ask. Using an authorized repair shop usually preserves the warranty, but independent shops may not. Ask the shop whether they can provide any warranty on their work.

What if the screen is cracked but still works?

A cracked screen will not get better and may spread over time. If it is still under warranty, the manufacturer may cover it. If not, the cost to replace it now is the same as it will be later, so there is no advantage to waiting. The longer you wait, the more likely the crack will spread to the point where the screen no longer works at all.

Is it cheaper to buy a refurbished screen?

Refurbished screens are sometimes 10 to 20 percent cheaper than new ones, but they come with more risk — you do not know how long they will last. New screens usually have a one-year warranty; refurbished screens may have only 30 or 90 days. For a $100 to $150 part, the small savings usually is not worth the shorter warranty.