Screen repair costs range from $150 to $500 for laptops and $100 to $300 for desktop monitors, depending on the device type, screen size, and whether you replace just the glass or the entire panel

The price you pay depends on what broke. A cracked outer layer of glass on a laptop costs less to replace than a damaged LCD panel underneath it — the panel is the actual display that shows the image. Desktop monitors are usually cheaper to repair than laptops because the parts are simpler and easier to access. Brand matters too: Apple screens cost more than equivalent Dell or HP screens, and gaming monitors with high refresh rates cost more than standard office displays.

Labor is often the biggest part of the bill. A repair shop charges $50 to $150 just to take the device apart, diagnose the problem, and put it back together. If you buy the part yourself and install it, you save that labor cost — but installation requires care and the right tools, and a mistake can damage other components.

Key Takeaways

  • Laptop screen replacement typically costs $200 to $400 total, with labor making up half the price.
  • Desktop monitor repair usually costs $100 to $250, and many shops will replace the entire monitor if the panel fails because a new one is sometimes cheaper than the part alone.
  • Apple devices cost 30 to 50 percent more than equivalent Windows machines for the same repair.
  • Buying the part online and installing it yourself saves labor costs but requires technical confidence and can void your warranty.

Laptop screen replacement costs

A laptop screen replacement runs $200 to $400 at most repair shops. The screen part itself costs $80 to $200 depending on the laptop model and whether it is a standard display or a high-resolution panel. Labor to remove the keyboard, disconnect the old screen, and install the new one adds $100 to $150.

Some laptop models are harder to open than others. Ultrabooks and newer MacBooks require careful disassembly and sometimes removal of the battery, which pushes labor time up. Older laptops with removable bezels are faster to repair. Ask the shop for an estimate before you commit — they can often tell you the part cost and labor time over the phone if you give them your exact model number.

If your laptop is still under manufacturer warranty, contact the maker first. Apple, Dell, and Lenovo will sometimes repair or replace the screen for free or a reduced cost if the damage is a manufacturing defect rather than physical impact. If you dropped it or spilled liquid on it, you are paying full price.

Desktop monitor repair and replacement

A desktop monitor screen repair costs $100 to $250, but many repair shops will recommend buying a new monitor instead. A new 24-inch monitor costs $120 to $200, so if your repair bill approaches that price, replacement makes financial sense. Monitors are not designed to be repaired by users — the panel is glued in, and opening one risks electrocution from the power supply.

Some shops will attempt to replace just the LCD panel inside the monitor case, which costs $60 to $150 for the part plus $50 to $100 in labor. Others will tell you the monitor is not worth repairing and suggest you buy new. Get a quote from at least two shops before deciding, because the recommendation varies by what equipment they have and how they price labor.

What affects the final price

Screen size matters. A 13-inch laptop screen costs less than a 17-inch one because the part is smaller and uses less material. A 27-inch desktop monitor costs more to repair than a 21-inch one for the same reason. Gaming monitors with 144Hz or higher refresh rates have more expensive panels than standard 60Hz displays.

Brand and model affect price significantly. An Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch screen costs $300 to $400 for the part alone, while a Dell XPS 13 screen costs $150 to $200. Budget brands like Asus and Acer are usually cheaper to repair than premium brands. If you have an older or discontinued model, the part may be harder to find and cost more.

The type of damage also changes the repair approach. A small crack in the outer glass layer might be repairable without replacing the whole screen on some devices, though this is rare. A shattered screen or one with dark spots or lines usually means the LCD panel is damaged and must be replaced entirely. Water damage sometimes requires replacing not just the screen but also the motherboard, which costs much more.

DIY screen replacement versus professional repair

Replacing a laptop screen yourself costs $80 to $200 for the part but requires a screwdriver set, a plastic pry tool, and steady hands. You will need to find a video tutorial specific to your exact laptop model — the steps vary widely. If you disconnect the wrong cable or crack the bezel while prying, you have made the problem worse and may have to pay for professional repair anyway.

Professional repair is safer if you are not confident. A technician has the right tools, knows your specific model, and can diagnose whether the problem is just the screen or something deeper. They also usually offer a warranty on the repair — if the screen fails again within 30 or 90 days, they will fix it for free.

Replacing a desktop monitor screen yourself is not recommended. The power supply inside a monitor holds a charge even when unplugged, and touching the wrong component can cause serious injury. Leave this to a professional or buy a new monitor.

Where to get a screen repaired

Local independent repair shops often charge less than manufacturer service centers. Call three or four shops in your area, describe your device and the damage, and ask for a quote. Many will give you a price over the phone without requiring you to bring the device in.

Manufacturer service centers (Apple Store, Dell support, Lenovo service) charge more but use genuine parts and offer longer warranties. If your device is new or expensive, this may be worth the extra cost for peace of mind.

Mail-in repair services like iFixit, Swappa, and others will send you a prepaid shipping label, repair your device, and send it back. This works well if you have no local shops nearby, but turnaround time is usually one to two weeks plus shipping time. Get a quote before you ship — some services charge a diagnostic fee even if you decide not to repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my laptop with a cracked screen while I wait for repair?

Yes, if the crack is small and does not affect the image. A hairline crack in the corner will not get worse from normal use. However, if the screen is shattered or the image is distorted, using it risks spreading the damage to the LCD panel underneath, which costs more to replace. If liquid can seep into the crack, stop using it when ready.

Will my warranty cover screen damage?

Manufacturer warranties cover defects but not physical damage or liquid spills. If your screen failed without you dropping or damaging the device, contact the maker — they may repair it free. If you caused the damage, you are paying out of pocket. Some extended warranty plans cover accidental damage, but you have to have purchased the plan when you bought the device.

Is it cheaper to buy a new laptop than fix the screen?

Only if your laptop is very old or inexpensive. A screen repair costs $200 to $400, while a new budget laptop costs $400 to $600. If your laptop is worth $800 or more and the screen is the only problem, repair makes sense. If the device is five years old and has other issues, replacement may be the better choice.

How long does a screen repair take?

Local shops usually complete a screen replacement in one to three days. If they have the part in stock, it may be done the same day. Mail-in services take one to two weeks plus shipping. Call ahead to ask — some shops prioritize rush repairs for an extra fee.

What if the screen is fixed but the device still does not display an image?

The problem may be the video cable, the graphics card, or the motherboard rather than the screen itself. A good repair shop will test the new screen before you leave and diagnose the real issue if the image still does not appear. If the shop installed the screen and the problem persists, ask them to troubleshoot at no extra charge — it is their responsibility to verify the repair worked.