How much does it cost to repair a TV?
How much does it cost to repair a TV?
$100 – $350 average TV repair cost
Average cost of TV repair
TV repair costs $100 to $350 on average, depending on the problem. LED TV backlight repair costs $100 to $200+. The cost to repair a TV screen is often more than the cost to buy a new, similar TV. The labor cost to repair a TV averages $60 to $125 per hour.
| National Average Cost | $225 |
| Minimum Cost | $50 |
| Maximum Cost | $1,000+ |
| Average Range | $100 to $350* |
*Repair price only. Total cost may involve extra diagnostic, service-call, and pickup or delivery fees.
TV repair prices by problem
TV repair prices vary based on the specific problem you're experiencing. The table below details some common TV problems and their average repair costs:
| TV problem | Average repair cost | Common repairs & components involved |
|---|---|---|
| Sound but no picture | $100 – $500 | Backlighting, inverters, or DLP lamp |
| Picture but no sound | $80 – $250 | Speakers, internal audio components |
| TV won't turn on | $100 – $475 | Power supply, cables, capacitors |
| Lines on TV screen | $150 – $500 | Display panel, motherboard |
| Water damage | $150 – $500+ | Varies, depends on the damage |
After checking for loose cables, try factory resetting the TV before calling a repair technician.
No picture
Repairing a TV with no picture costs $100 to $500 on average, depending on the source of the problem. The repair may involve fixing the display panel, addressing connectivity issues, or replacing internal components like inverters or backlighting.
No sound
When a TV has no sound, repairs may include fixing or replacing the speakers, addressing connectivity issues, or replacing other internal audio components. Sound-related repair costs typically range from $80 to $250.
Won't turn on
If the TV won't turn on, you may have a damaged cable, or potentially a more significant issue with the power supply, capacitors, inverters, or another internal component. Replacing damaged cables is a straightforward process and costs $50 to $200. Otherwise, expect to pay $100 to $475 to fix the issue.
Lines on TV screen
Repairing horizontal or vertical lines on a TV screen costs $150 to $500 on average. Lines on a TV screen often indicate a problem with the display panel or motherboard. However, check for loose cables first as they can also be the culprit and are much cheaper to fix.
Water damage
Repairing a water-damaged TV costs $100 to $500+, but repair costs vary widely depending on the extent of the damage and how many parts require replacement. Technicians can take apart some water-damaged TVs, let them dry out, and then reassemble them. Others are too damaged to repair.
Cracked TV screen repair
You typically cannot repair a cracked TV screen. In some cases, a technician can replace the panel, but the repair is often cost-prohibitive, and you're better off buying a new TV.
Cracked TV screen repair costs $300 to $1,500+ which typically involves replacing the entire front panel, and that's for the part alone. The total replacement cost could reach $2,000 or more once you factor in the labor time.
Repair prices by TV type
The type of TV also affects the potential repair price. LED and LCD TV repairs tend to be on the lower end of the price scale, while plasma and OLED repairs are more expensive.
| Flat screen TV type | Average repair cost | Common issues |
|---|---|---|
| LCD | $80 – $475 |
|
| LED (LCD lit by LED) | $80 – $475 |
|
| OLED | $100 – $500 |
|
| 4K | $100 – $350 |
|
| Smart | $100 – $475 |
|
| Plasma | $200 – $600 |
|
LCD & LED TV repair
LCD and LED TVs cost $80 to $475 to repair, depending on the problem. LCD and LED TVs are the most popular and widely available TVs today. Common problems and repairs for these TVs include backlighting, display, and power supply issues.
4K TV repair
4K TVs, with their high-resolution displays and complex technology, can be costly to fix. Repairs often involve screen issues, backlight problems, or internal component failures, with repair costs averaging between $100 and $350.
Smart TV repair
Smart TV repairs cost $100 to $475 on average and may involve software issues, connectivity problems, or screen malfunctions. Some name brand smart TVs may cost more to repair due to proprietary parts and service.
OLED TV repair
OLED TV repair costs range from $100 to $500. Common problems for these high-end TVs include screen issues, pixel issues, and component failures. Screen "burn-in"—where the image stays on the screen after the TV is shut off—is one of the costliest issues to fix and often requires replacement.
Plasma TV repair
Plasma TV repairs often involve screen burn-in or other display issues, with repair costs ranging $200 and $600, depending on the problem. Plasma TVs are not as common as they once were, so replacement parts may be difficult to find.
TV repair cost factors
Several key factors determine how much your TV pair will cost, including:
TV age:Â Older TVs can be more expensive and time consuming to fix if parts are obsolete or hard to find.
TV brand & model:Â Brand name parts cost more but may be easier to source than less popular brands.
Repair type:Â Screen, power supply, and motherboard repairs tend to be most expensive.
Technician rates:Â Experience and brand-specific or technical certifications can increase hourly labor fees.
Service location:Â In-home TV repairs cost more than bringing your TV to a shop for repair.
Adding protection plans or extended warranties when buying a new TV may help reduce repair costs down the line.
TV repair labor
TV Repair technicians charge $60 to $125 per hour on average. Labor makes up the bulk of the cost for most TV repairs. Simple fixes may take 1 to 2 hours, while complex repairs may take 3+ hours. Some repair shops offer free estimates, while others charge an extra diagnostic fee.
Depending on the size of the TV, how easy it is to transport, and the particular problem, additional labor costs may include:
| Service fee type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic fee | $50 – $100+ |
| In-home service call fee | $30 – $100+ |
| Pickup / delivery | $40 – $60 each |
The diagnostic fee for in-home TV repair service from Geek Squad costs $49.99 for Best Buy members or $99.99 for non-members, plus the cost of parts and labor to fix the issue. Some Best Buy membership levels include a 15% to 20% discount on repair labor.
TV parts
The table below details some of the most common TV components to fail and their associated repair cost.
| TV component | Average repair / replacement cost |
|---|---|
| Backlight | $100 – $200 |
| HDMI port | $100 – $350 |
| Speaker | $80 – $250 |
| Inverter | $100 – $200 |
| Power supply board / capacitors | $150 – $450 |
| Motherboard | $200 – $450 |
| Display panel (if replaceable) | $300 – $1,500+ |
TV repair vs. replacement
With today's prices, repairing a TV often costs as much as or more than the cost of a brand-new TV. High-end TVs that are still relatively new may be worth repairing. Compare your repair estimate to the price of a new, similar TV to make an informed decision.
Replacing a broken TV is typically the more cost effective when:
The TV is more than 5 years old.
The repair cost exceeds 50% of the cost of a new TV.
The TV screen is smaller than 32 inches.
The screen is physically damaged or cracked.
How to save money on TV repairs
Here are some tips to save money on TV repairs:
Check your manual: Use the TV manual or the manufacturer's website to troubleshoot and diagnose the issue before calling for repair. Finding the problem is often the longest part of the repair process. Also, you may discover you can fix the issue yourself.
Take the TV to a repair shop: Taking the TV in to the repair shop yourself saves on the extra fees repair shops typically charge for in-home service or pickup and delivery.
Shop around: Repair prices vary by location. Ask about free estimates, cash discounts, or other deals.
Buy parts online: Replacement parts are often cheaper online than in brick-and-mortar shops with overhead.
Check your warranty: Manufacturer warranties may provide free or discounted repairs, depending on the policy terms and the type of damage
TV repair FAQs
Is it worth it to repair a TV?
Repairing a TV is typically worth it if it's covered under a warranty. If the TV warranty has expired, whether it's worth repairing depends on its age, original cost, and the specific problem. Repairing a TV may make sense if the repair costs less than 50% of the TV's original cost.
Do warranties cover TV repairs?
Manufacturing warranties or protection plans may cover TV repairs for a certain number of years. However, they usually exclude damage repairs.
Can you repair a flat screen TV?
You can repair a flat screen TV in many cases. Technicians can typically repair issues with backlights, speakers, or power supply boards. However, damaged screens are not usually fixable.
How long do flat screen TVs last?
Flat screen TVs last 7 to 10+ years on average with regular use before needing repairs. Higher-end TVs may last 12 to 15 years. Proper care and maintenance, like keeping it clean and dust-free, turning it off when not in use, and using a surge protector can extend the lifespan.
Getting estimates from TV repair shops
Follow these guidelines when searching for TV repair shops near you:
Get at least three estimates from shops that have been in business 5+ years.
Search for appliance repair shops that are factory-authorized for your TV brand.
Look for repair shops that use technicians certified by ETA International or the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.
Check out TV repair shop reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Confirm the in-home repair technicians are background-checked.
Be cautious of extremely low prices, as this may indicate lower quality parts or lack of expertise.
Ask about warranties on parts and labor.
Never pay in full before the repair work is complete.
Questions to ask TV repair professional
Reputable TV repair technicians should answer questions clearly and provide upfront pricing. Ask the following questions to help you select the best pro for the job:
How long have you been in the TV repair business?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Do you do background checks on all your technicians?
How are your TV repair technicians trained, and are they certified?
Can you provide references or direct me to reviews from past customers?
Do you offer free estimates for TV repair?
Have you worked on my brand and model of TV before?
Do you use brand-name or off-brand replacement parts?
How soon can you complete the repair?
Do you offer discounts for cash payments?
Do you offer a guarantee on parts and labor?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.