Is it cheaper to repair or replace an apple Macbook?

If your iMac, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro is acting up—whether it’s a cracked screen, battery issue, or sluggish performance—you might be wondering: Should I repair it or just buy a new one?

At Optimised Computing, we help customers across Herefordshire make smart, cost-effective decisions. Here’s what you need to know.

When Repairing a Mac Makes More Sense

In many cases, repairing your Mac is significantly more affordable than replacing it—especially when:

The Mac is less than 5–7 years old

Apple devices are built to last. A battery replacement or SSD upgrade can breathe new life into your Mac for a fraction of the cost of a new one.

The issue is isolated

Common repairs like:

Screen replacement

Battery replacement

Charging port repair

macOS reinstall or upgrade

…are often much cheaper than buying a new Mac, which can cost £1,000–£3,000+.

You’re happy it has all your programs and files, photos, email setup.

If your Mac still meets your needs but just needs a fix, repairing is the smarter choice as you keep everything.

When Replacing a Mac Might Be Worth It

There are times when investing in a new Mac makes more sense:

Multiple hardware failures

If your Mac has a failing logic board, screen, and battery, the combined repair cost may approach the price of a new device.

It’s too old for macOS updates

If your Mac can’t run the latest macOS automatically, you may miss out on security updates and app compatibility, at Optimised Computing we can upgrade in most situations and would tell you if it’s would not be worth overriding the upgrade macOS process.

You need a performance boost

If your work demands more power (e.g. video editing, 3D rendering), upgrading to a newer model might be the better long-term investment.

Real-World Example

• MacBook Pro 2019 with a cracked screen:
  Repair cost: ~£300–£400
  New MacBook Pro: £1,299+
  Repairing saves you £900+

• iMac 2015 running slow with a failing hard drive:
  SSD upgrade + macOS reinstall: ~£150–£200
  New iMac: £1,399+
  Repairing gives you a performance boost at a fraction of the cost

Conclusion

Assess the total repair cost, age, functionality, and performance requirements before making a decision. If repairs are inexpensive and the device meets your needs, fixing it could be the best option for you and avoiding e-waste. However, if the mac has persistent issues or lacks modern features, investing in a new device may be the smarter long-term choice.

Using a Professional Computer Repair and IT Services

At Optimised Computing, we provide professional and affordable mac repair services in Hereford. We offer no-obligation quotes and always provide transparent advice, including when purchasing a new device would be a more cost-effective solution for you.

Our comprehensive IT services extend beyond repairs to ensure a seamless transition. This includes migrating your documents and photos, and meticulously setting up your new computer to function exactly as your old one did. Furthermore, our expert technicians are a valuable resource for impartial advice on new computer purchases and can guide you towards affordable, refurbished computer options that come with a warranty.