How much does Mac repair cost?
Straight answer: most repairs start at $99 plus parts. Here is how Mac repair pricing actually works at Computers for Change, with specific numbers for the most common jobs.
The short version
Most repairs start at $99 plus parts. If we take a look at your Mac and a fix without parts is not possible, a $50 bench fee applies for the diagnosis. Harder jobs cost more, and we always quote in person before any work begins. No surprise charges.
What affects the price
- How involved the job is. A battery held in with screws is simpler than one glued in with adhesive, which takes more time and care.
- Parts cost. Screens, batteries, and storage vary by model. We source the right part and quote it up front.
- The model. Newer and thinner Macs can be more involved to open and service. Older models with screw-down components are usually simpler.
- How long parts take to arrive. Most parts are in our inventory or arrive within a day or two. Rare components take longer.
Common Mac repair ranges
These are typical ranges, not firm quotes. Bring your Mac in for a real number.
MacBook battery replacement
- Older MacBooks (pre-2016) with screwed batteries: $99 plus parts (battery roughly $80 to $130 depending on model).
- MacBook Air and Pro with glued batteries (2016 and newer): labor runs higher because of the adhesive removal and the care required not to damage the case or surrounding components. Total often $200 to $300+ plus parts. Quote in person.
Screen repair
- Older models with replaceable glass: sometimes $99 plus parts.
- Newer Retina display assemblies: the whole assembly often must be replaced, which is the most expensive common Mac repair. Hundreds of dollars in parts. We will quote and tell you straight whether it makes financial sense.
SSD upgrade
- Pre-2016 MacBooks, most iMacs, Mac mini Intel: $99 plus the cost of the SSD. Usually same day. The biggest single performance bump for an older Mac.
- Newer MacBooks (2016 and later): the SSD is often soldered to the logic board, so an upgrade is not possible. We can move you to an external SSD instead, or recommend a refurbished alternative.
Slow Mac cleanup
Usually the $99 flat repair, no parts required. Storage cleanup, removing background apps, reinstalling macOS if needed.
Data recovery
Pricing depends on how badly damaged the drive is. Simple cases where the Mac will not boot but the drive is healthy: usually $99. Failing drives or physically damaged drives: more, and not always possible.
Operating system install
$120. A clean macOS install, set up and ready to use. Back up your data first, since a fresh install clears the drive.
Data transfer
$120 per machine or drive to move your files, photos, and settings to a new Mac. With the purchase of a machine from us it is half off at $60, with further discounts for multiple drives at once.
When a repair is not worth it
Sometimes the smart move is not to repair at all. If your repair quote approaches half the cost of a comparable refurbished Mac, the trade-up is usually the better call. You can put the cost toward a refurbished Mac from our shelves, and we move your data over the same day (data transfer is $60 with your purchase, half the standard $120).
The honest answer to price is that it depends on the machine and the work. Bring it in and we will give you a clear quote first.
Common questions
What is the $99 starting price?
Most repairs that do not require parts (or only need small inexpensive parts) start at $99 flat. That covers diagnosis and standard labor. Storage upgrades, RAM where supported, screen swaps, and battery work usually add the cost of the part on top.
What is the $50 bench fee?
If we take a look at your Mac and determine that a fix without parts is not going to solve it, we charge a $50 bench fee for the diagnosis time. That fee applies to your repair if you proceed with parts.
Why are newer MacBook batteries more expensive to replace?
Apple started using strong adhesive instead of screws to hold batteries in around 2016. Removing a glued battery without damaging the case or the surrounding components takes much longer than unscrewing one. The part is similar; the labor is the difference.
Do you charge for a quote?
No. Bringing your Mac in for a quote is free. We only charge if you proceed with the work.
Are there cases where Mac repair is not worth it?
Yes. Logic board failures on Apple silicon Macs, screen damage on newer iMacs, and old machines where the cost of parts approaches the price of a refurbished replacement. We will tell you honestly when a trade-up is the better call.
Want us to take a look?
Bring it in to 196 College St, or send a few details for a quote.