Screen replacement costs range from $150 to $500 for most laptops, depending on the model, screen type, and whether you do the work yourself or pay a technician
The price you pay depends on three things: what laptop you own, whether the screen itself is damaged or the frame around it, and who does the repair. A Dell or HP screen might cost $80 to $200 in parts alone, while a MacBook screen can run $300 to $500. If you take it to a repair shop, add $50 to $150 in labor. If you do it yourself, you pay only for the part — but you need the right tools and some comfort with opening your device.
Before you pay anything, figure out what actually broke. A cracked screen that still displays an image is different from a screen that won't turn on at all. A bent metal frame around the screen is different from the glass itself. This matters because the fix might be simpler — or more expensive — than you think.
Key Takeaways
- Screen replacement parts cost $80 to $500 depending on your laptop brand and model, with Apple products at the higher end.
- Labor at a repair shop typically adds $50 to $150 to the parts cost, and turnaround is usually three to seven business days.
- Doing the repair yourself saves labor costs but requires a replacement screen that matches your exact model number, a screwdriver set, and comfort with opening your laptop.
- Mail-in repair services from manufacturers or third-party shops often cost more than local repair shops but may be your only option if no local technician works on your brand.
Finding the right replacement screen for your model
The first step is knowing exactly what screen you need. Open your laptop and look at the bottom bezel — the frame around the screen. You may see a model number printed there, like "LP156WF9" or "LTN156AT05". Write that down. If you don't see it, shut down the laptop and look at the sticker on the bottom of the device itself. It will list the full model number of your laptop.
Go to the manufacturer's website or a parts retailer like iFixit, Amazon, or eBay and search for that exact model number plus "screen" or "display". You will see options that cost different amounts — some screens are glossy, some are matte, some have higher brightness. For a replacement, you want the same type your laptop came with. Read the product description carefully to confirm it matches your model number exactly. A screen that is close but not exact may not fit or may not work at all.
If you cannot find the model number or your laptop is very old, contact the manufacturer's support line with your laptop's serial number. They can tell you the correct part number and often sell it to you directly, though usually at a higher price than third-party retailers.
Doing the repair yourself versus paying a technician
A DIY repair saves you $50 to $150 in labor, but it takes time and carries a small risk. If you open the laptop wrong, you could damage the hinges, the keyboard, or the motherboard. Most screens take 30 minutes to an hour to replace if you have done it before, and two to three hours if you have not.
You will need a small Phillips or flathead screwdriver, possibly a plastic pry tool (a guitar pick works), and the replacement screen. Watch a video of someone replacing the screen on your exact laptop model before you start — search YouTube for "[your laptop model] screen replacement". If the video shows more than a dozen screws or involves removing the keyboard, consider paying a technician instead.
A local repair shop — not the manufacturer's official store, but an independent technician — usually charges $50 to $100 in labor plus the cost of the screen. Turnaround is often three to seven business days. Call ahead and ask if they stock screens for your model or if they order them. Some shops will not touch certain brands like Apple, so confirm they work on yours before you bring it in.
Manufacturer repairs and mail-in services
If you take your laptop to an official Apple Store, Dell service center, or Lenovo authorized repair location, expect to pay more. Apple typically charges $300 to $500 for a MacBook screen replacement, including labor. Dell and Lenovo are usually $150 to $300 total. The advantage is a warranty on the repair — usually 90 days — and the certainty that the right part was used.
Mail-in repair services work like this: you ship your laptop to the company, they replace the screen, and they ship it back. This takes one to two weeks total. The cost is usually similar to or slightly higher than a local shop, but you avoid the trip. Some manufacturers offer mail-in service through their website; others use third-party companies like Asurion or Geek Squad (Best Buy's service). Get a quote before you send anything in.
When the screen is not the only problem
Sometimes what looks like a broken screen is actually something else. If your screen is black but you hear the laptop running, the backlight may have failed instead of the display itself. If the screen shows an image but it is cracked and you can see liquid inside, the screen is damaged but the laptop may have water damage too. If the screen flickers or shows lines only when you move the lid, the cable connecting the screen to the motherboard might be loose.
A technician can diagnose this in minutes. If you are unsure, take the laptop to a local shop for a free or low-cost diagnosis before you buy a replacement screen. It might save you money if the real problem is something cheaper to fix.
Comparing the total cost of different routes
| Repair Route | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Total Range | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY with online screen | $80–$500 | $0 | $80–$500 | 1–2 days (shipping) |
| Local independent shop | $80–$300 | $50–$100 | $130–$400 | 3–7 days |
| Manufacturer service center | Included | Included | $150–$500 | 1–3 days |
| Mail-in service | Included | Included | $150–$450 | 7–14 days |
The cheapest option is almost always DIY if you are comfortable opening your laptop and the screen is straightforward to access. The fastest option is usually a local independent shop if one exists near you. The safest option in terms of warranty and informed is the manufacturer, but you pay for that certainty.
Your choice depends on what matters most to you: saving money, saving time, or having a warranty on the work. If your laptop is expensive or you are not confident with tools, the manufacturer or a local shop is worth the extra cost. If you have done small repairs before and your laptop model has straightforward screen access, DIY can cut your total cost in half.
What to do if your laptop is still under warranty
Check whether your laptop is still covered by the manufacturer's warranty. If you bought it within the last year, or if you purchased an extended warranty plan, screen damage may be covered at no cost or for a small deductible. Look up your serial number on the manufacturer's website to check your coverage status.
Accidental damage — like dropping the laptop or spilling liquid on it — is usually not covered by standard warranty. AppleCare+ for MacBooks covers accidental damage but costs extra and must be purchased within 60 days of buying the laptop. If you have it, screen replacement is typically $99. If you do not have it and your MacBook screen broke by accident, you pay the full $300 to $500.
Contact the manufacturer's support line with your serial number. They can tell you what is covered and what the repair will cost. If it is covered, they will either send you a prepaid shipping label or direct you to a service center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace just the glass if the screen is cracked but still works?
Not usually. Laptop screens are sealed units — the glass, the display panel, and the backlight are fused together. Replacing just the glass is not a standard repair. If the screen still displays an image clearly, you can keep using it. If the crack is spreading or the image is hard to see, you need a full screen replacement.
How long does a screen replacement take at a repair shop?
Most local shops can do it in one to three business days if they have the screen in stock. If they have to order the screen, add three to five days. Call ahead and ask whether they stock screens for your model. Mail-in services take seven to fourteen days total, including shipping time.
What is the difference between a glossy and matte screen?
Glossy screens are shinier and show more vibrant colors but reflect light and glare. Matte screens are duller but easier to see in bright sunlight and reduce eye strain. Your replacement should match what you had before. Check your old screen or the original product specs to see which type yours was.
Is it worth repairing a very old laptop with a broken screen?
That depends on the laptop's age and what else might fail soon. If the laptop is more than five years old and the screen replacement costs more than $200, you might be close to the cost of a used replacement laptop. If it is newer or the repair is cheap, it is usually worth fixing. Consider whether the battery, keyboard, or hard drive are also failing — multiple repairs add up quickly.
Can I use an external monitor instead of fixing the screen?
Yes, if you connect an external monitor via HDMI or USB-C, you can use your laptop as a desktop. This works if the laptop still turns on and the motherboard is fine. It is a temporary solution if you are waiting for a repair or deciding whether to replace the laptop. Most people find it inconvenient for daily use because you lose the portability of a laptop.