Computer Repair Options
Six honest places to get a broken computer fixed — what each costs, how long it takes, and when to give up and replace.
Before you pay for any repair
Back up your files first, if the computer still turns on. A repair shop is allowed to wipe a drive if that fixes the problem — and most will. Plug in an external drive and copy your photos, documents, and downloads. If the computer will not boot at all, ask the shop about data recovery before they begin work, in writing.
Apple Store / Apple Authorized Service
Cost: Diagnostic free under warranty. Out-of-warranty: screen 280-580, battery 130-200, logic board 600-1,500.
What they fix: Macs, iPads, iPhones — anything Apple. Genuine parts, full warranty work.
Best for: Anyone with an Apple device still under AppleCare or under 5 years old.
Pros
- +Genuine Apple parts, certified technicians.
- +Free diagnostic if you have AppleCare+.
- +Repairs covered by 90-day warranty after work.
- +Stores and Best Buy locations both qualify.
Cons
- −Most expensive option for out-of-warranty work.
- −Older Macs (8+ years) flagged as "vintage" — may decline service.
- −Appointments fill up — book a week ahead.
Best Buy Geek Squad
Cost: Diagnostic 100. Membership 200/year covers most labor. Per-fix: 150-450 for non-members.
What they fix: Windows PCs, Macs, printers, network gear, virus removal, data recovery basics.
Best for: Windows laptop and desktop owners. Anyone who already has a Geek Squad Total membership.
Pros
- +Storefront in nearly every US town — drop off in person.
- +Apple Authorized — they fix Apple stuff too.
- +Membership pays back fast if you have multiple devices.
- +Will set up a replacement if the device is unfixable.
Cons
- −Quality varies hugely by store and technician.
- −Upsells common — push back on extras you do not need.
- −Data recovery is limited — they will not crack a drowned drive.
uBreakiFix by Asurion
Cost: Diagnostic free. Screens 150-350, batteries 80-150, ports/keyboards 100-250.
What they fix: Phones, tablets, laptops, game consoles. Samsung Authorized and Google Authorized.
Best for: Anyone with a Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, or a cracked screen they want fixed today.
Pros
- +Free diagnostic, no obligation to repair.
- +1-year warranty on every repair.
- +700+ US locations — walk in, no appointment.
- +Genuine Samsung and Google parts.
Cons
- −Limited Mac repair capacity — phones and tablets are the strength.
- −Busy stores can run a 2-3 hour wait without an appointment.
Scam alert: "your computer is infected" callers
If anyone calls, emails, or shows a popup saying your computer is infected and offers to fix it remotely — it is always a scam. Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Norton do not call you. Real repair starts with you reaching out, in person or through a known website. Hang up. Close the popup. Never let a stranger remote-control your computer.
Common red flags: a phone number on a popup, a "tech" who wants gift-card payment, a request to install AnyDesk or TeamViewer, urgent threats your bank will be drained. Real shops have a storefront, a published phone number, and they let you walk away.
When to give up and replace
A rough rule: if the repair quote is more than 50 percent of the cost of a new comparable computer, replace it. Other strong signals to walk away from a repair:
- The device is more than 7 years old (Macs and PCs both).
- It will no longer receive security updates from Apple, Microsoft, or Google.
- It is the second major repair in 12 months.
- The motherboard or logic board is the problem (often more than half a new device).
- It is fully encrypted and the drive failed — your data is likely lost regardless.
Worth knowing about repair quotes
Always get the quote in writing before any work begins. Ask three questions: what parts will be used (original or aftermarket), what the warranty is on the repair (most reputable shops give 90 days minimum), and what happens to your data. A shop that refuses to put numbers on paper is a shop to avoid.
Related
Quick Tip: take a photo of every cable and port before you hand the computer over. If anything is missing or scratched on return, you have proof.