Let’s face it. Screens are one of the first things to get damaged when you drop your MacBook. I know how scary that can be because laptop screen replacements are no joke. They cost you hundreds of bucks and sometimes aren’t even worth it. So is spending that many $$$ on a screen replacement really worth it or you should just get another MacBook instead? Let’s find out!
It is not worth replacing a MacBooks screen as a modern Macbooks with a retina display screen cost between $455-$755 to replace. $755 is almost the price of the $999 2021 MacBook Air. It is better to buy a new MacBook Pro with the money instead as MacBooks only have a 5-8 year lifespan.
If your MacBook has been with you for a long time, it must have definitely seen a lot of wear and tear. Apart from the damage caused by falls or surface-hits, all of the dust that is collected by your Mac over the years causes a lot of internal damage without us realising it.
So if you have been using your MacBook Pro for a while now and you break your screen, I would suggest not to opt for a screen replacement as it really is not worth it. Your best bet would be to get a new MacBook from Amazon or a refurbished laptop from Apple.
Read on to find out why replacing a MacBook Pro screen is not worth it, packed full of useful information of the different tiers that Apple will replace a MacBook.
Why It Is Not Worth Replacing Your MacBook Pro Screen?
A MacBook Pro Retina Screen replacement would typically cost you between $455-$755. Add in that the labor charges for checking your laptop and delivery charges (if applicable). For that cost, it is not worth it to get a screen replacement for your MacBook when a MacBook with a M1 chip is a similar cost of the repair.
Let me explain why! There are many factors that go into deciding whether or not you should get a screen replacement. Let’s take a look at them and understand why your Macbook with a broken screen is a lost cause now.
Why Replacing A MacBook Screen Is A Waste Of Money
- If your Macbook’s warranty has expired and you take it to an Apple store for a retina screen replacement, they would quote you at least $455 for the new screen for an earlier model as well as $100 for the labor. This cost of $555 is more than half of what a new MacBook would cost you.
- A screen replacement for a MacBook Pro falls under Tier 4 of Apple Repair. This tier caters to all the problems your computer might have and is the most expensive category of Apple Repair.
- If you dropped your MacBook Pro, chances are many other internal parts of your MacBook might have gotten damaged which are not visible on the outside. Just getting a screen replacement will not fix all the potential issues meaning that it would cost you more than just the screen replacement costs for the entire repair.
- Every machine has a lifespan. If your MacBook is an older model so pretty soon it would go obsolete and you would be needing to switch to a newer model. So instead of getting its screen repaired, sell your MacBook Pro in its existing condition on sites like eBay and add some more money to buy a brand new MacBook Pro.
You can see the tiers of Apple repair from Apple’s official website here.
Are you frustrated when you can’t log in to your MacBook? Learn how to sign into a locked MacBook so you never get stressed again in my article.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A MacBook Pro Screen?
There’s no charge for a screen replacement if the issue is covered by a warranty, AppleCare+ or consumer law. However, if your issue doesn’t fall under these, a screen replacement for a MacBook Pro with Retina display would cost you anywhere between $455-$755, $755 for the more modern screens and $455 for the older models.
Without a warranty or AppleCare+. Your costs for a MacBook Pro Screen replacement will set you back from anywhere between $455-$755 at an Apple Store. Schedule an appointment at an Apple Store from here to get your screen checked. Check here if your MacBook is covered by AppleCare+.
The exact cost of your screen replacement is calculated by weighing in factors like your Macbook’s model, year, and the Apple Repair Tiers. For example, the screen replacement for a MacBook Pro with Retina Display from the year 2015 till now would cost you at least $450 this is the MacBook I own and it’s currently only selling for $310-$499 on eBay. You can buy one cheaper than the screen replacement cost!
For a MacBook Air 13’ from 2010-2017, the screen replacement would set you back for at least $350.
To help you understand the Apple Repair Tiers that determine the repair costs, I have explained them for you below.
What Are The Apple Repair Tiers?
Apple Repair Tier 1
This tier fixes minor parts such as cables, brackets, screws, reseating etc. It costs a total of $455, including the $100 labor charges.
Apple Repair Tier 2
Concerns the replacement of assemblies and minor boards in your computer. For example, the power supply board or inverter assembly board etc. It costs a total of $555, including the $100 labor charges.
Apple Repair Tier 3
A replacement of Hard Drive falls under Tier 3. It costs a total of $655, including the $100 labor charges.
Apple Repair Tier 4
This Tier caters to the major parts and problems in your Macbook such as screens or the logic boards. It costs a total of $755, including the $100 labor charges.
You would now be able to understand what category your damaged computer falls under. So the bottom line is that repairing your MacBook Pro can waste a lot of your time, energy, and money. You should instead sell it on eBay and add some more bucks to get a brand new computer. Why spend that much cash on an already used machine when you can buy something new?
Apple refurbished laptops are all rigorously tested by Apple and meet the same functional standards as new Apple products, buying a refurbished device from Apple is like buying new but with special savings of up to 15%. What’s there not to like?