Repairing a TV costs an average of $300. Prices can range from $100 up to $2,000, depending on the size of the TV and the repair needed.
The average TV repair cost is $300, but most homeowners pay between $200 and $500. For extreme TV repairs, like replacing a display panel on a large television, you might pay as much as $2,000 or more.
So if your TV had a great fall or had an unfortunate run-in with a hard object, and you're stuck with a broken screen (and a broken heart, let’s be honest), it’s worthwhile to seek an expert’s opinion before you take the plunge and buy a replacement.
Understanding your TV repair cost involves looking at replacement parts and labor. If you require pickup or delivery, this will affect prices as well.
The type of TV you have is one of the major cost influencers when it comes to the price of repair. A simple repair to that old LCD or LED TV you keep in the kitchen for when you're prepping dinner can cost as little as $100, but repairing that big fancy smart TV in the family room can set you back up to $500 or more.
Type of TV | Average Cost, Labor and Materials | Common TV Repairs |
---|---|---|
LCD | $100–$500 | Backlights, power supply |
LED | $100–$500 | Backlights, inverters |
4K (Ultra HD) | $100–$400 | Backlights, motherboard |
OLED | $150–$550 | Power supply, screen burn-in |
Plasma | $250–$700 | Power supply, screen burn-in |
Smart | $150–$500 | Software, backlights |
On top of the TV repair cost, you might face additional charges to help diagnose the problem. Some TV repair shops offer free estimates, while others charge a $50 to $150 or more diagnostic fee. Additionally, depending on the size of your TV, you might elect your local TV repair technician to make a house call versus having to haul your incredible (and incredibly large) 98-inch TV to their shop.
Similarly, some TV repair pros will offer to pick up and drop off your TV, but often at an added cost. It’s best to talk with your repair pro to see what is included in their pricing and what additional services they offer.
Possible Service Fee | Average Cost | Reason for Fee |
---|---|---|
Diagnostic | $50–$150 | To fully assess what needs to be repaired or replaced. |
In-home service call | $50–$100 | Helps to diagnose and fix the problem without transportation. |
Pickup/dropoff | $50–$150 | To alleviate the customer’s need for TV transportation. Transportation to and from the repair site, if not being repaired in-home. |
Individual replacement parts can vary considerably depending on what you need. A quick bulb change can be under $100, while a cracked screen replacement can rival the cost of a whole TV. Getting an estimate from a pro can help determine if your fix is worth it or if you should consider the cost of purchasing a new TV.
TV Replacement Part | Average Cost, Parts Plus Labor |
---|---|
Backlight | $150–$250 |
Bulb | $100–$150 |
Display panel | $350–$2,000 |
Speaker | $90–$300 |
HDMI port | $125–$350 |
Inverter | $100–$200 |
Power supply board | $200–$500 |
Motherboard | $250–$500 |
In many cases, labor will make up the bulk of your TV repair cost. Most TV repair shops charge between $60 and $125 per hour. Alternatively, some will charge a flat rate based on the type of repair you need, so it’s best to ask questions about how you will be charged before work is started.
In most cases, it’s unnecessary to tip your TV repair specialist. However, if you feel they’ve done an exceptional job or made special accommodations to your circumstance, you might want to tip as a way to say “thank you.” If you choose to provide one, a reasonable tip would be either 20% of the charge or $20, whichever is less.
We’ve come a long way with flat screens—they’re now more ubiquitous and affordable than ever. They also become obsolete faster than you can finish watching Shrek for the 100th time.
That said, the prices for buying versus repairing a TV are often comparable, so it might make more sense to buy a new one altogether. Paying anything over 50% of the TV’s original cost is generally not a good investment.
Still, certain TV repair costs are justifiable. Below are some average prices for specific repairs to help you weigh your options.
Common TV Problem | Average Cost | Possible Repairs Needed |
---|---|---|
TV won't turn on | $100–$500 | Power supply, power supply cables, capacitors |
Lines on TV screen | $200–$500 | Display panel, motherboard |
Picture but no sound | $100–$300 | Speakers, motherboard, audio components |
Sound but no picture | $100–$2,000 | Backlights, display panel, inverters, bulb replacement |
Water damage | $150–$2,000 | Depends on damage |
Having a TV that won’t turn on when it’s supposed to can be devastating for the family movie night you have planned. Always check that the TV is plugged in and that there’s power to the outlet first before calling a pro. If this doesn’t power the TV on, you might have a damaged cable or a more significant internal issue. Depending on the broken component, this fix can run you anywhere from $100 to $500 on average.
Seeing horizontal, vertical, or even random lines on a TV screen can indicate a problem with the display panel or the motherboard. Before calling a pro, check to see if you have any loose cable connections on the TV and at the outlet. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you might spend between $200 to $500 to repair it.
If you turn on your TV and have a picture but no accompanying sound, first ensure that the volume on the TV is up (an easy mistake to make, especially in a busy household). Additionally:
Ensure any external accessories are correctly plugged in and are set to the correct TV setting.
Check your “settings” menu and confirm you are outputting sound to the TV speakers.
Soft reset your TV by unplugging it for 60 seconds or pressing and holding the power button until it shuts off.
Unplug and replug any devices connected by HDMI, and ensure the cord is not damaged.
You might have a speaker or other internal audio problem if you still have a picture but no sound. On average, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 to get your sound working again.
Conversely, you might have a situation where you have sound coming from your TV but don’t have a picture. You’ll want to go through these steps first before calling a pro to diagnose the problem:
Perform a soft reset of your TV by unplugging it for 60 seconds or pressing and holding the power button until it shuts off.
Ensure that your TV is set to the correct setting for any external devices
Reset external HDMI devices, like streaming devices.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, you might have a faulty display panel or backlight. Plan to spend between $100 to $2,000 on this repair. Depending on what the repair is, you might choose to purchase a new television altogether.
It’s no secret that water and electronics of any kind don’t mix. But sometimes things happen, like an unexpected flood or someone spilling a drink where they shouldn’t, and your TV takes the brunt of the moisture. If the damage isn't too excessive, a repair pro may be able to take the unit apart, let it dry out, and replace ruined parts. Depending on the severity of the damage, you might end up with a bill of $150 to $2,000. In many cases, a water-damaged TV needs replacement, not repair.
If you have a solid understanding of your TV and all its parts, there’s a chance that you might figure out repairs on your own. This DIY calls for advanced-level knowledge of electronics, if not professional expertise.
Even if you’re extremely savvy, professional repair expenses are sometimes necessary. Fixing a cracked flat-screen TV is one of these, as this is very complex and might even be impossible to do on your own. It’s best to consult with a local TV repair specialist before investing any time (or money) into the project.
If you choose to do your own DIY TV repair, be aware that you might invalidate any manufacturer’s warranty you might have. Additionally, if your DIY repair doesn’t fix the problem (or unfortunately makes the situation more severe), you’ll spend extra money to still have a pro diagnose and fix the problem.
There's not too much you can do to save money on TV repairs unless you're an electronics DIY heavyweight. Some of the easiest ways to save money on this project include:
Knowing when to repair versus replace your TV: If the TV repair will cost 50% or more of the cost of a new TV, or if you have several repairs over a few months, it's time to stop wasting time on repairs and purchase a new TV with a good warranty.
Compare pricing from multiple pros: Some TV repair specialists will charge a diagnostic fee, and some will not. Shop around for the best prices before you commit.
Check the manufacturer’s warranty: Depending on the policy terms and the type of damage, your manufacturer’s warranty might provide discounted or free repairs. Note: This becomes invalid if you try to repair it yourself.
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Flat-screen TVs are generally rated for 100,000 hours of use which, for the average household, is ten years. But this varies considerably, and, with some TVs, such as LED types, even the screen's brightness can impact how long the unit will last. For example, an LED TV running at close to full brightness may only last 60,000 hours, while one running at 60% brightness can last the total 100,000 hours or more.
Repairing a Samsung TV usually costs between $75 and $200. Samsung TV repairs fall in the middle of the road compared to other brands, with screen burn-in being one of the most common repairs. If your Samsung TV starts to give you problems, you can contact a Samsung TV repair specialist near you for the most accurate cost estimate.
Mounting a TV can help prevent some damages from occuring, such as water damage. Installing a new flat-screen TV costs between $160 and $375 on average. A local TV mounting contractor can give you the most accurate price for your area and location of the home that you are looking to mount it.
Fixing a cracked TV screen typically costs $400 to $1,000. Cracked screens are the most difficult and expensive TV repairs, as the job is complex, and TV screens are fragile. Often, the cost of repairing a screen is close to the value of the TV itself, making repairs outside of the warranty cost-prohibitive. In some cases, the screen can't be replaced, so you'll need a new TV anyway.
A good rule of thumb when it comes to TV repairs is to consider the overall cost. If your repair will be 50% or more than the cost of a new, comparable TV, replacing it’s more cost-effective. Similarly, if you notice that you are making multiple repairs to the same TV over short periods, you might be better off replacing it.
Conversely, a simple repair, like swapping out a burned-out bulb or speaker, might provide you with many more years of watchability. Before deciding on replacing your TV, discuss the repair and associated costs with a TV repair specialist.