NEW YORK — Consumers across the nation are facing a growing dilemma when their laptops fail: repair the existing device or invest in a new one. This decision, often driven by the perceived high cost of repairs, is becoming more complex as component prices climb and legislative efforts push for greater repairability.
For many, the instinct is to replace rather than repair, a perception that established reporting indicates is widespread. A common guideline among repair professionals and advised by Consumer Reports is the “50% rule”: if the repair cost exceeds 50% of the price of a new, comparable laptop, replacement is often the more cost-effective long-term solution. Some experts, according to reporting, suggest a 70% rule as a hard stop for repair, acknowledging that the value proposition diminishes rapidly beyond that threshold.
The age of a laptop plays a significant role in this calculation. For devices under three years old, repairing is almost always considered a better value. Components are still modern, and the device's remaining lifespan is substantial, making the investment worthwhile. However, for older laptops, typically four years and up, diminishing performance and the increased likelihood of other components failing make purchasing a new device a more attractive option, as reported by various tech outlets.
Cost-effective repairs generally involve easily replaceable components or software issues. These include screen replacements, which typically range from $150 to $400, and battery replacements, usually between $50 and $150. Upgrading or replacing a hard drive or SSD can cost $50 to $200, while keyboard, trackpad, or cooling fan replacements fall into the $60 to $200 range. Software issues like virus and malware removal are often priced between $90 and $180. Conversely, high-cost repairs, such as motherboard failure, can be prohibitively expensive, often reaching between 65% and 90% of a new laptop's price and frequently exceeding $500. Extensive water or liquid damage and multiple simultaneous component failures also tend to push repair costs beyond economic viability, justifying a new purchase.
A nationally representative survey conducted by Consumer Reports in the summer of 2024 underscored the consumer focus on cost. Seven in 10 consumers prioritized the repair cost when deciding whether to fix a product. The survey also found that roughly four in ten (43%) considered if they could repair the item themselves. The overarching sentiment indicated that most people desire the option to repair products because it costs less, extends product longevity, and reduces waste.
Amid these rising costs and design challenges, the “right to repair” movement has gained significant legislative traction. This movement advocates for manufacturers to provide the necessary parts, tools, documentation, and software to consumers and independent repair shops on fair terms. As of July 2026, seven U.S. states—New York, California, Minnesota, Oregon, Colorado, Washington, and Connecticut—have consumer electronics repair laws in force, with Texas's law taking effect in September 2026. Internationally, the EU Right to Repair Directive (2024/1799) mandates that member states incorporate similar rules into national law by July 31, 2026. These laws generally require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and documentation for several years after a product ceases manufacturing.
Extending a laptop's life by just three years can avoid approximately 300 kg of manufacturing carbon, highlighting the environmental benefits of repairability. Repairable assets also tend to grade higher, resell for more, and remain in service longer, according to environmental and economic analyses.
However, the economic landscape for electronics is currently under significant pressure. A memory chip shortage, driven by the surging demand from AI companies for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and server-grade DDR5, is creating significant pressure on the memory ecosystem. This shortage is leading to rising prices for DDR5 RAM, graphics cards (GDDR6 and GDDR7), and SSDs. This component cost increase has already led to price adjustments by manufacturers, with Dell and HP raising device prices, and Microsoft increasing prices on its Surface PC offerings. The memory shortage is expected to persist for a year or more, with Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan predicting “no relief until 2028.” Morgan Stanley anticipates that the demand for AI computing hardware will contribute to broader inflationary pressure across the electronics sector as component costs disseminate through supply chains.
Adding to the repairability challenge, a report from the U.S. PIRG Education Fund in February 2024 suggested that many tech companies prioritize planned obsolescence. This is achieved by designing products that are difficult to repair, thereby pushing consumers towards expensive replacements. Manufacturers are reportedly building products with features that hinder repair, such as non-replaceable batteries or software that links parts to a specific device. One such practice is “parts pairing,” where software locks components to specific devices, potentially causing error messages or disabling features even when genuine replacement parts are used. Oregon's 2024 law, effective January 2025, was the first state to explicitly ban parts pairing.
Manufacturers claim that parts pairing protects security and safety, but consumer advocates allege these are overblown excuses designed to maintain repair monopolies and compel consumers to purchase new devices. Some economic models also suggest that, for certain cheaper-to-produce goods, easier repair access could paradoxically stimulate additional demand in underserved markets, potentially accelerating the creation of more e-waste.
The legislative trend towards greater repairability is clear, even where laws are not yet finalized. More than 33 right to repair bills were introduced across 13 states in the first weeks of January 2026 alone. The Fair Repair Act, a Congressional bill introduced in May 2024, is forecast to potentially reduce household electronics spending by 22%, saving families approximately $330 per year and generating $40 billion in total national savings, though this remains a projection.
As consumers navigate these complexities, the global refurbished electronics industry offers an alternative. Valued at $124.61 billion in 2024, it is projected to reach $487.47 billion by 2035. Refurbished laptops and smartphones typically cost 30% to 60% less than their brand-new counterparts, providing a more affordable option for those seeking to extend their tech budgets amidst rising prices and repair challenges.