Is MacBook Repair Worth It? Decision Framework (2026)

Pro Tip

Key Takeaways:

• • Rule of thumb: repair if cost is less than 50% of replacement Mac value
• • 2-5 year old Macs are the "sweet spot" for cost-effective repairs
• • Repairs save £500-£1,500 vs buying new on average
• • A repaired Mac should last 2-4 more years with normal use
• • Data risk is zero with repair vs real with replacement (migration issues)

The Repair vs Replace Math

The decision isn't just emotional—there's actual maths to consider. Here's our framework:

Example: Your 2020 MacBook Pro needs a £399 screen repair. A used 2020 MacBook Pro costs £800-£1,000. Repair costs ~40-50% of replacement. Worth repairing.

Counter-example: Your 2016 MacBook Pro needs a £449 logic board repair. Used 2016 models sell for £400-£500. Repair costs ~100% of replacement. Questionable value.

How Age Affects the Decision

Repair Type Matters

Not all repairs are equal. Some extend your Mac's life significantly; others just fix an immediate problem.

High-Value Repairs (Usually Worth It)

• Battery replacement: £149-£249, extends usable life 3-5 years
• SSD upgrade: £129-£249, transforms performance
• Screen replacement: £299-£499, fully restores functionality
• Keyboard replacement: £199-£399, makes Mac usable again

Lower-Value Repairs (Evaluate Carefully)

• Logic board repair: £299-£549, complex with varying success rates
• Liquid damage recovery: Unpredictable outcomes, may have secondary failures later
• GPU reflow/reballing: Temporary fix for fundamental design issues

Understanding Residual Value

Your Mac has value even broken. A non-working MacBook Pro still fetches £100-£300 for parts. Factor this into your decision:

Decision Framework

Work through these questions:

1. What's the repair cost?
2. What would a replacement Mac cost? (new or equivalent used)
3. Is repair cost <50% of replacement? → Likely repair
4. How old is the Mac? 2-5 years = sweet spot
5. Can it run current macOS? If not, lifespan is limited
6. What's the broken Mac worth? Factor into true cost
7. How urgently do you need it? Repairs are often faster than sourcing replacement

When Repair Always Wins

• ✓ You need your specific data and don't have backup
• ✓ The Mac is under 3 years old and not insured
• ✓ It's a simple repair (battery, screen, keyboard)
• ✓ You have specific software that's painful to reinstall
• ✓ The Mac has high specs that would cost £2,000+ to replace
• ✓ You're environmentally conscious—repair is always greener

When Replacement Makes Sense

• ✓ Mac is 7+ years old and can't run current macOS
• ✓ Repair cost exceeds 60-70% of replacement
• ✓ Mac has multiple issues beyond the immediate problem
• ✓ You need features your current Mac lacks (M-series chip, specific ports)
• ✓ Insurance is paying for replacement anyway
• ✓ Logic board failure on a 5+ year old Mac

For full pricing information, see our UK MacBook repair cost guide, and for model-specific advice, check our MacBook Pro guide or MacBook Air guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Won't a repaired Mac just break again?

Quality repairs with genuine/quality parts shouldn't. A properly replaced battery, screen, or keyboard should last as long as the original. Board-level repairs have more variables, but a competent repair with proper warranty gives confidence.

Is it better to repair with Apple or independent?

Depends on your situation. Apple is often more expensive and may refuse certain repairs. Independent shops offer more options, lower prices, and can do board-level work Apple won't attempt. See our Apple vs Independent comparison.

What about AppleCare+?

If you have AppleCare+ and the repair is covered (with deductible), use it. That's what you paid for. If AppleCare+ has expired or the repair isn't covered, evaluate using our framework above.

Should I repair a Mac just to sell it?

Sometimes. A working Mac sells for significantly more than a broken one. If the repair adds more value than it costs, it's worth doing before sale. Get a repair quote and check used prices to decide.