In the UK, repair costs for a cracked, flickering, or line-displaying laptop screen typically begin around £50 for a simple part replacement, with higher prices reaching several hundred pounds for more advanced repairs.
For most Windows laptops, you can expect somewhere between £80 and £300 for a full replacement (parts plus labour). For Apple MacBooks and high-end devices, the price often sits higher, sometimes £200 to £900, depending on model and parts.
What Determines the Laptop Screen Repair Cost?
Type of Screen and Technology (LCD, IPS, OLED, Touch)
Basic LCD panels are cheaper than high-resolution IPS, OLED, or touch-enabled screens. OLED and touch assemblies often include extra components (digitiser, glass, bezel), so they cost substantially more to replace. A standard 15.6-inch non-touch LCD will usually be at the lower end of the price scale.
Brand and Model
Mainstream brands like Acer, Lenovo, and HP typically have widely available replacement parts, resulting in lower part costs. Premium models, especially recent MacBook Pros, XPS, or gaming laptops with high-res panels, carry a higher parts bill and sometimes require manufacturer-authorised repairs. That’s why MacBook screen repairs are frequently pricier.
If The Damage Is Only to The Glass or The Entire Display Assembly
If only the outer glass is cracked and the LCD beneath is fine, some models allow a cheaper glass-only repair. If the LCD or backlight is damaged (black screen, vertical lines, flicker), the whole display assembly usually needs replacing, which is more expensive.
Labour, Warranty, and Service Route
Costs vary between DIY part purchase, local independent shops, and official service centres. Independent local technicians normally charge less for labour than authorised dealers, but authorised centres may use genuine parts and offer manufacturer-style warranties. The route you choose affects the final laptop display replacement cost.
Cost Breakdown
Parts (The Screen Itself)
Replacement screens for common laptops can cost as little as £40–£80 for basic LCD panels. More advanced or OEM panels, higher resolution or touch/OLED, can cost several hundred pounds. If you order a compatible third-party panel, the part is usually cheaper, but quality and warranty can differ.
Labour
Labour is typically charged separately and often ranges from about £30 to £120, depending on the complexity and the shop. Many repairers advertise a flat labour fee for typical 15.6″ screen swaps, with the final bill being parts + labour. Trusted-trades data shows supply-and-replace jobs commonly billed around £120, including fitting, though many independents are cheaper.
Example Totals
- Budget 15.6″ basic LCD (parts £50 + labour £40) → ≈ £90.
- Mid-range laptop with IPS panel (parts £120 + labour £60) → ≈ £180.
- Premium or touch/OLED laptop (parts £300 to £700 + labour £80–£150) → £380 to £850.
Is It Worth Repairing, or Should You Replace the Laptop?
Simple Cost-Versus-Value Check
Compare the repair cost against the current market value of the laptop. If a repair costs more than 40 to 60% of the device’s value, replacing the laptop may be a better long-term choice, especially if the laptop is several years old and has other ageing components. Premium models with higher residual value are more likely to justify an expensive screen replacement.
Data, Warranty, And Sentimental Value
If the laptop holds critical data, and you’re committed to the model (work machine, specialised software, or sentimental reasons), a repair is often the sensible route. Also, check warranty and insurance, as well as accidental damage cover or manufacturer programs, which can sometimes reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
DIY vs. Professional Repair
DIY
- Pros: Cheapest option if you’re confident; parts-only prices can be low.
- Cons: Risk of incompatibility, accidental damage during fit, loss of warranty, and you’ll need the right tools and patience. Many tutorials exist, but there’s a learning curve.
Independent Repair Shop
- Pros: Lower labour rates than authorised centres; quicker turnaround; local service and advice.
- Cons: Parts quality can vary; warranty terms differ by shop.
If you’re looking for a trusted local option for quick help, consider Fone World Hove, a reliable laptop repair shop, for an affordable quote and same-day repairs.
Manufacturer or Authorised Service Centre
- Pros: Genuine parts, brand expertise, warranties aligned with manufacturer standards.
- Cons: Usually the most expensive option.
For MacBooks and some premium Windows models, this may be the safest route.
How to Get an Accurate Quote?
What Information to Provide
When you contact an expert, include the laptop’s make/model, serial number (if possible), a description of the screen problem (such as cracks, a black screen, lines, or flicker), and if it’s a touch device. Photos help. This allows the technician to verify part compatibility and provide you with a realistic estimate of the laptop screen repair cost.
Ask These Questions
- Are the quoted prices for both parts and labour?
- Are parts OEM or third-party?
- What warranty do you offer on parts and labour?
- Is there a diagnostic fee, and is it refundable against repair?
Average Laptop Screen Repair Price
To sum up, typical UK ranges include: £80 to £300 for mainstream laptops and £200 to £900 for premium devices such as MacBooks or laptops with OLED/touch screens. Prices outside those ranges are possible for rare or bespoke panels.
FAQs
Q1: How quickly can a screen be replaced?
Most standard screen replacements take between 1 and 3 hours once the repairer has the correct part; same-day service is common for in-stock parts.
Q2: Can a cracked screen be repaired without replacing the whole panel?
Sometimes a glass-only replacement is possible, but it depends on the model. Many laptops require a full assembly swap.
Q3: Will replacing the screen delete my files?
No, screen replacement doesn’t affect data stored on the internal drive. Back up before any repair as a precaution.
Q4: Are third-party replacement screens safe?
Yes, many compatible parts work well and save money, but quality varies. Choose reputable suppliers and confirm warranty terms.
Q5: Why are MacBook screen repairs so expensive?
Apple devices often use integrated, high-resolution displays with special connectors and adhesives; genuine OEM parts and manufacturer service add to the cost.
Q6: Do insurance policies cover accidental screen damage?
Some household or gadget insurance policies include accidental damage cover. Check your policy and excess before filing a claim.
Q7: Can a local shop match an authorised service centre’s warranty?
Independent shops often provide their own warranty (30–180 days). It won’t be the manufacturer’s warranty, but reputable shops honour their guarantees.
Q8: What’s the difference between ‘laptop screen repair cost’ and ‘laptop display replacement cost’?
They’re often used interchangeably, but “repair cost” can imply fixes short of full replacement (e.g., reconnecting a cable) while “display replacement cost” usually means swapping the whole screen assembly.
Final Thoughts
A broken laptop screen needn’t mean panic. Typical broken laptop screen repair cost in the UK sits in a reasonable range for most machines, but premium devices can be expensive. Get a written quote that separates parts and labour, ask about warranties, and compare an independent shop versus an authorised centre. If cost is the main concern, sourcing a compatible replacement panel and using a trusted local repairer often provides the best value.
For a quick, professional appraisal or to arrange a repair, consider Fone World Hove. Our team provides estimates as one of the most trusted laptop repair shops in the town and assists you whether you need a full laptop LCD replacement or a simple repair.