Should You Repair Your Tech or Buy New?

When something breaks, it can be a huge headache. And, since most electronics only last a few years, this is something you encounter frequently. When your tech breaks, should you repair it, or should you purchase a new device? Here are the pros and cons of repairing your tech versus replacing it.

Before deciding whether repairing or replacing your device is the best choice, you should consider the pros and cons.

Repairing your tech makes sense for most broken devices, especially if the device is only a few years old or sentimental. In addition, devices with minor damage or defects are easy, fast, and affordable to repair.

Here are the top three benefits of repairing your devices.

• Repairs are significantly more affordable: For most devices, repairs will always be more affordable than replacements. For example, most laptop repairs will cost around $100, while the replacement could cost over $2,000.
• It’s environmentally friendly: When you always replace devices that could be repaired, you create unnecessary electronic waste. By repairing, you can be more environmentally friendly.
• Continue using the device you’re familiar with: If you’re sentimental about the device, replacements aren’t the best option, especially since repairs are more affordable. If you replace the device, you’ll also have to transfer data with the risk of losing something.

In most cases, repairing your broken device is better than replacing it.

There are some drawbacks with repairs that you should consider. Here are two of the drawbacks:

• Repairs aren’t always possible: Devices with severe damage won’t be able to be repaired. In that instance, your repair technician will likely advise you to purchase a new device.
• Some repairs take longer: Although many local repair shops offer walk-in repair services, some require you to ship in the device. Other repair locations, like the Genius Bar, require you to make an appointment that could be days or weeks later.

If your device is broken, take it to a repair shop and ask for advice. The repair technicians will help you decide which option is best for you.

Although repairs are always a good option, you can also consider replacing the broken device. Here are some of the pros and cons of replacing your broken tech.

Tech replacements are great for those who want their tech working as fast as possible. In addition, the age of your tech can also influence whether or not replacing the tech is best. The benefits of replacing your device include the following:

• Replacements are convenient: For devices that don’t store data, like small appliances and headphones, replacing them is faster than repairing them.
• It’s an opportunity to upgrade: If your tech is older, replacing it gives you an opportunity to upgrade to a newer technology or a new brand.

It’s also worth noting that if your device has had multiple repairs, it’s likely to continue needing repairs. As a result, unreliable tech should be replaced.

Before you decide to replace your broken tech with a new device, consider these disadvantages:

• Replacements are expensive: Replacing a device will mean that you pay the full retail price for the product. For cheap devices, this is worth the convenience. However, it’s not worth the cost to replace expensive devices.
• Lose memories and files: If you’re replacing a tablet, phone, or laptop, there’s always a risk that you can lose data saved on the old device when you attempt to transfer it.
• Contributes to electronic waste: By replacing a device that could be repaired, you contribute to electronic waste. Even recycling the device adds to the problem since some parts can’t be reused.

So, although there are some benefits to replacing your broken tech, there are also several drawbacks.

Whether or not you should repair or replace your device depends on several factors. For example, you should consider the cost of the repair versus replacement, the age and value of your device, and how long the repair will take.

If you have a four-year-old laptop that is struggling due to its age, replacing the device makes more sense. On the other hand, if your device is only one year old, the device’s high value isn’t worth the cost of replacing; instead, repairs make more sense. A general rule of thumb is that if the repair costs more than 50% of the cost of buying a new device, it’s better to purchase a replacement.

In most instances, repairing your device is the best option since it helps you to save hundreds of dollars. However, if you decide to replace your device, remember to pair it with an extended warranty to secure easy and affordable access to future repairs.

Upsie offers extended warranties that guarantee your device from a wide range of damage. For example, Upsie has a laptop warranty that covers damage from accidents, defects, and more. In addition, the warranty includes unlimited claims up to the device’s purchase price and access to Upsie’s nationwide repair network.

With an Upsie warranty, customers save up to 70% on the cost of coverage compared to prices from competitors. Upsie offers warranties for laptops, tablets, smartwatches, headphones, and more!

Upsie also offers smartphone subscription warranties for smartphones in good working condition and for fully repaired smartphones. If your smartphone is currently damaged, Upsie can help you find an independent repair shop and save you up to $20 on the cost of the repair. After you get your smartphone repaired, remember to purchase Upsie’s affordable protection.

For the best protection for your home devices, choose Upsie.

• Where to Get a Local Phone Repair (Out of Warranty)
• How Upsie Warranties for Electronics Work
• How to Select a Phone Repair Shop for Your Broken Phone