Should I repair or replace my TV?
Most modern TVs aren't really designed to be repaired — and panel replacement is almost never cost-effective. But power boards, T-CON boards, and HDMI ports are often a quick, cheap fix that adds years.
Common TV faults — and what's worth fixing
Honest verdicts based on typical repair costs vs. lifespan. Your specific quote and replacement price still drive the final answer — that's what the calculator does.
| Fault | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| No power / power board failure | Repair | Power boards are cheap and quick to swap; high value vs. replacement. |
| Backlight failed | Borderline | Possible to repair on some models but labour-intensive — get a fixed quote. |
| Cracked screen / panel damage | Replace | Panel replacement almost always costs more than a new TV. |
| Lines or dead pixels across the screen | Usually replace | Indicates panel or T-CON failure — rarely worth the repair cost. |
| HDMI port not working | Repair | Specialist repair shops can re-solder ports affordably. |
| Smart features slow / app issues | Workaround, not repair | Plug in a streaming stick — much cheaper than replacing. |
Repair power, HDMI, or board faults. Replace anything involving the panel itself, especially on TVs over 5 years old.
That's the heuristic. The calculator does it properly — with your actual quote, live replacement prices, and confidence scoring.
Repair when…
- ·Fault is power board, T-CON, or HDMI port
- ·TV is under 5 years old and otherwise good
- ·Repair is under 30% of an equivalent new TV
Replace when…
- ·Panel itself is damaged or showing dead lines
- ·Backlight failure on a TV over 5 years old
- ·Repair quote is anywhere near the price of a comparable new TV
- ·You'd benefit from a meaningful upgrade (size, HDR, refresh rate)
Run the numbers on your TV
We'll combine your repair quote, live replacement prices, lifespan, and reliability into one transparent recommendation — with confidence and next steps.
Open the calculatorFAQ
How long does a TV last?
Most modern LED/OLED TVs last 7–10 years of typical use before either the panel or backlight starts to degrade.
Is it worth repairing a TV with a cracked screen?
Almost never — panel replacement is the most expensive part of the TV. A new TV is usually cheaper.
What kind of TV faults are worth fixing?
Power board failures, HDMI port issues, and some T-CON board faults are all usually worth repairing if the TV is under 5 years old.