Screen repair costs range from $150 to $500 for a laptop and $100 to $400 for a desktop monitor, depending on the screen size, your device model, and whether you replace the whole screen or just the glass layer.

A cracked or broken screen is one of the most common computer repairs. The final bill depends on three things: what broke (the glass only, or the display panel underneath), what device you own, and who does the work. A small laptop screen costs less to replace than a large one. A MacBook screen costs more than a Dell screen of the same size. And a repair shop will charge more than you would pay for the part alone if you replaced it yourself.

The fastest way to find your actual cost is to contact the manufacturer's support line or a local repair shop with your device model number. They can quote you the exact price for your machine. But understanding the range and what drives the price helps you decide whether to repair, replace the device, or try a DIY fix.

Key Takeaways

  • Laptop screen replacement typically costs $200 to $500, while desktop monitor replacement runs $100 to $300, with price varying by brand and screen size.
  • Replacing only the glass layer (if the LCD panel underneath is intact) costs $50 to $150 for a laptop, significantly less than a full screen replacement.
  • Manufacturer repair centers charge more than independent shops, but offer warranty coverage and may provide compatibility with your specific model.
  • Buying the part yourself and installing it saves $50 to $150 in labor, but voids the warranty on many devices and requires technical skill.
  • A desktop monitor is often cheaper to replace outright than to repair, since new monitors start around $100 to $200.

Laptop screen replacement: what the parts and labor cost

A laptop screen replacement at a manufacturer service center (Apple, Dell, Lenovo, HP) typically runs $250 to $500. This includes the part, labor, and a warranty on the repair. The price depends on the laptop model and screen size. A 13-inch MacBook Air screen costs around $300 to $400. A 15-inch Dell XPS screen costs $250 to $350. A 17-inch gaming laptop screen can reach $450 to $550.

Independent repair shops usually charge $150 to $350 for the same work. They buy the screen part from a third-party supplier (not the manufacturer) and charge less labor. The trade-off is that the part may not be original, and the warranty is shorter — often 30 to 90 days instead of a year.

If you buy the screen part yourself and install it, you pay only the part cost: $80 to $250 depending on the model. But installation requires opening the laptop, disconnecting cables, and reassembling it. One wrong move can damage the hinges or connector. Most manufacturers void the warranty if you open the device yourself.

Desktop monitor replacement versus repair

A desktop monitor is almost always cheaper to replace than to repair. A new 24-inch monitor costs $100 to $200. A new 27-inch monitor costs $150 to $300. Repairing a broken monitor screen costs $80 to $200 in parts plus $50 to $100 in labor, totaling $130 to $300 — often as much as a new monitor.

Monitor repair shops will fix a cracked screen or a failed backlight, but the economics rarely favor it. If your monitor is more than three years old, replacement is the practical choice. If it is newer and the repair cost is under $150, repair may be worth it to avoid the hassle of setup and cable management on a new unit.

Some monitor manufacturers offer mail-in repair, where you ship the monitor to a service center and they repair or replace it. This costs $100 to $200 plus shipping, which can add $20 to $50. Ask the manufacturer whether this option is available for your model.

Glass-only repair when the LCD panel is still working

If only the outer glass is cracked but the display underneath still shows an image, you may be able to replace just the glass layer. This costs $50 to $150 for a laptop and $30 to $80 for a monitor. The repair is faster and cheaper because the technician does not have to disconnect internal cables or replace the entire display assembly.

Not all screens can be repaired this way. Older laptops and some budget models have the glass fused to the LCD panel, so separating them risks damaging the display underneath. Newer laptops, especially premium models, often have a replaceable glass layer. Ask the repair shop whether your device qualifies before you commit to the repair.

If the LCD panel is also damaged — if the image is distorted, discolored, or flickering — you need a full screen replacement, not just glass repair. The shop can diagnose this in minutes by testing the display.

Brand-specific costs: Apple, Dell, HP, and others

Apple MacBook screens are among the most expensive. A 13-inch MacBook Air or Pro screen costs $300 to $400 at an Apple Store. A 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro screen costs $400 to $550. Apple charges a premium because the screens are proprietary and the repair requires specialized tools. Independent shops charge $200 to $350 for the same repair.

Dell laptops are less expensive to repair. A Dell XPS 13 screen costs $200 to $300. A Dell Inspiron screen costs $150 to $250. Dell parts are more widely available from third-party suppliers, so independent shops can compete on price.

HP and Lenovo laptops fall in the middle. An HP Pavilion or Envy screen costs $150 to $300. A Lenovo ThinkPad screen costs $150 to $280. Both brands have good parts availability, so you have options between manufacturer service and independent repair.

Gaming laptops (ASUS, MSI, Razer) often have larger screens and higher refresh rates, which cost more to replace. A 15-inch gaming laptop screen runs $250 to $400. A 17-inch screen can reach $350 to $500.

What affects the final price

Screen size is the biggest cost driver. A 13-inch laptop screen costs less than a 15-inch screen. A 24-inch monitor costs less than a 32-inch monitor. Larger screens use more material and are more expensive to manufacture.

Screen type matters too. A standard 60Hz LCD screen is cheaper than a high-refresh-rate gaming screen (144Hz or 240Hz) or an OLED screen. If your laptop has a 120Hz or 144Hz display, the replacement screen will cost more than a standard 60Hz screen.

The device brand and model determine parts availability. Popular models like the MacBook Air and Dell XPS have many aftermarket parts available, which keeps prices competitive. Obscure or very new models may have only official parts, which cost more.

Your location and the repair shop you choose affect labor costs. Urban areas with many repair shops tend to have lower prices because of competition. Rural areas may have fewer options and higher labor rates. Mail-in repair is an option if local shops are expensive.

When to repair versus when to replace the whole device

If your laptop is less than three years old and the repair cost is under $400, repair usually makes sense. You keep a device you know, and the cost is less than replacing it. If the repair cost is $500 or more, compare it to the price of a used or refurbished laptop of the same model. Sometimes a replacement is cheaper.

If your laptop is more than five years old, consider whether other parts are failing. A broken screen on an old device is often a sign that the battery, keyboard, or motherboard will fail soon. Spending $300 to $400 on a screen repair may be throwing good money after bad. A new or used laptop may be the better choice.

For desktop monitors, the math is simpler. If the repair cost is more than 60 percent of a new monitor's price, buy a new monitor. A new 24-inch monitor for $150 is usually better than a $100 repair on a five-year-old monitor that may fail again in a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace a laptop screen myself to save money?

Yes, if you buy the part and install it yourself, you save $50 to $150 in labor. But the installation requires opening the laptop, disconnecting ribbon cables, and removing the old screen frame. One mistake can crack the new screen or damage the hinges. Most manufacturers void the warranty if you open the device. Watch a video for your exact model first to see if it looks manageable.

Does insurance cover a broken computer screen?

Most standard computer warranties do not cover accidental damage like drops or cracks. Some manufacturers offer accidental damage protection as an add-on, which costs $50 to $150 per year and covers screen damage. Check your warranty documents or contact the manufacturer to see what is covered. Homeowners or renters insurance may cover it if the damage was caused by a covered event, but not if it was straightforward mishandling.

Is it worth repairing a monitor screen or should I just buy a new one?

If the repair cost is under $100 and the monitor is less than three years old, repair is worth it. If the repair cost is $150 or more, a new monitor is usually cheaper and comes with a warranty. New monitors start around $100 to $150 for a basic 24-inch model, so the economics rarely favor expensive repairs.

How long does a screen repair take?

At a manufacturer service center, expect five to ten business days from drop-off to pickup. At an independent shop, it may take one to three days. Mail-in repair takes one to two weeks plus shipping time. If you need the device urgently, ask the shop whether they have the part in stock and can do a same-day or next-day repair.

What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket replacement screens?

OEM (original equipment manufacturer) screens are made by the company that supplied the screen to the device maker. Aftermarket screens are made by third-party suppliers. OEM screens are more expensive but may provide to match the original. Aftermarket screens cost less but may have slightly different color accuracy or brightness. For most users, the difference is not noticeable, but color-critical work (photo editing, design) may benefit from an OEM screen.