Laptop batteries typically cost anywhere between $30 and a couple of hundred dollars depending on what type of laptop you own, where the battery is from, as well as how you get it switched out.
I’m a long-time laptop user who’s worked on many different models over the years. My own knowledge of the devices, combined with extra research on battery replacement, helped me pen the following guide.
Each section in this article covers one part of laptop battery replacement. That includes the initial cost, the price of labor, outside factors, as well as the right time to get a new one.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- When getting a new laptop battery, it’s critical to weigh the cost and time of hiring a professional versus replacing it yourself.
- There are various factors that affect replacing a laptop battery, including the type of device, the technology used, as well as how it’s taken out and put back in.
- Overheating, poor charging, and replacement warnings are three factors to look for when deciding if you need to get a new laptop battery.
Laptop Battery Replacement: The Cost
When looking to replace a laptop battery, there are two factors you need to keep in mind. The first is the cost of the parts themselves, while the second is the price of the replacement work. Both are vital when figuring out how much you’re going to pay when it’s all said and done.
Before getting into specifics, you need to figure out how you want to replace the battery. You can do it on your own, or you can hire a professional. As with most projects, doing it on your own will be significantly cheaper, but it’s much more time-consuming as well.
There’s always a tradeoff to doing something yourself, but it can be great for people who want to cut down on additional costs.
If you don’t know a lot about technology, or if you just aren’t comfortable replacing the battery on your own, you can expect to pay an hourly fee (anywhere between $50 and $75) or a single flat rate depending on the company or person you work with.
That can also go up or down depending on whether or not your computer has an internal or external battery. External batteries are much easier to replace than internal ones, but both have their small quirks.
Brand and computer model both matter too. Certain models, such as Apple laptops, demand a much higher replacement cost ($130 to $240) than something like an HP ($30 to $100) or a Dell ($35 to $120).
In that way, while you should expect to pay between $100 to $300 for a battery replacement when working with a professional, that number varies a lot between make, model, and battery type. Always shop around to find the best deal.
Factors that Influence Cost
Besides the parts and replacement process, there are several factors that affect how much a new laptop battery costs. One of the most significant is the brand. Popular models, such as Apple and HP, will cost a bit more than lesser-known models.
On top of that, the battery’s technology matters too. Every model is different. Some use materials like nickel cadmium, some use lithium-ion, and there are others that utilize nickel metal hydride. All of those compositions differ in a few ways, and that includes cost.
The number of cells affects battery price, as does where you actually buy the device. The more capacity or number of cells a battery has, the more it costs. On the flip side, getting a battery from a local shop is typically more expensive than ordering one from a manufacturer.
How to Tell If a Laptop Battery is Bad
Getting a new battery can be a pricey or involved process, but it’s a necessary one. Even if your battery seems fine, all models need to be replaced eventually. It’s important to know when that time comes.
The first issue to look for is overheating. Though all batteries get warm every now and then, dying or outdated ones will get extremely hot. They force your computer to work harder, which can then lead to lasting issues.
Also, watch out for bad charging times and short run times. If your computer is not able to stay on for long periods of time, or if it shuts down when it’s not plugged into an outlet, you’re likely due for a new battery.
Battery replacement warnings are important too. Both Windows and Mac computers will tell you if it’s time to get a new one. Always listen to such warnings, as not doing so may lead to bigger problems down the line.
FAQs
In this section I go over, and answer, some of the most common laptop battery replacement questions.
Can My Laptop Battery Be Replaced?
For the most part, yes. While some laptops do come with non-removable batteries, anyone with a bit of technological knowledge (or anyone who’s willing to pay a professional) can replace their laptop battery in a few easy steps.
Does Replacing Your Laptop’s Battery Improve Performance?
No. Though a bad battery can cause numerous problems for your laptop, it has no effect on your computer’s performance. That’s likely due to another internal issue.
How Long Do Laptop Batteries Last?
Most laptop batteries will last anywhere between two and four years. However, if yours experiences any noticeable issues like sudden shutdowns or overheating, it’s time for a new one regardless of when you bought it.
Final Words
Laptop battery replacement isn’t always easy, nor is it always cheap. How much you pay for the process depends on many things. When deciding if you need a new battery, always check the above factors to know what the process will look like, and how much it will be.
Have you ever had to replace your laptop battery? Was the process expensive, and how long did it take? Let us know in the comments below.
