Best laptops of 2024: The most repairable laptops and why it matters

It’s an all too common occurrence: The screen on your phone cracks, or your computer won’t turn back on, but there’s nothing you can do to repair the device on your own. Instead of an easy fix, your only option for repair is to send the device back to its manufacturer. Worse yet, a minor repair may cost you more than if you were to buy an entirely new device. 

If you think you should be able to buy products that are durable, long-lasting and easily repairable, then repairability should be an important consideration when buying a new laptop. A computer that has a high repairability score will be easier (and cheaper) to repair, so you won’t be left having to replace the entire laptop when something goes wrong.

Unrepairable devices are also disastrous for the environment and fuel a growing electronic waste crisis. By repairing your device, you help reduce the number of electronics entering into the waste stream.

Disposable electronics have helped make electronic waste — commonly referred to as “e-waste” — the fastest-growing waste stream in the world: We’re adding 7.6 tons of e-waste to landfills every year. 

To help you reduce e-waste and get the most out of your computer, we’ve graded laptop repairability for the seven most popular laptop brands in 2024. Our overview highlights the three most repairable laptops available on the market from each manufacturer.

Asus laptops were to top ranked for repairability in 2024

Our report found that among most popular laptop brands, Asus leads in repairability with a B+. Their laptops scored well for disassembly, which is an essential feature when it comes time to replace broken parts. 

We found that Asus laptops were easy to open and could be repaired easily from home. Our grading system weighs disassembly more heavily than the other factors because of its importance. Replacement parts for Asus laptops are also more affordable and readily available. 

Microsoft and Dell laptops score well for repairability but still fall short

Dell and Microsoft are tied for third each scoring a C+ grade. Microsoft laptops rank well when it comes to disassembly, but the company’s membership in the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) — a trade association that lobbies against Right to Repair bills — reduces its repair score. 

Dell’s score also took a hit, as the manufacturer is a member of both TechNet and the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), which are both trade associations that actively lobby against the Right to Repair.

Apple continues to trail behind its competitors when it comes to repairability

Apple trails far behind when it comes to the repairability of its products. The manufacturer scores a D grade and ranks lowest on our average disassembly score.

Apple lost the greatest number of points for their active lobbying against Right to Repair and support for other trade groups who are most visible in opposition.

Consumers will also face challenges when attempting to open and fix an Apple MacBook, which brings Apple’s score down further.

Repairability rankings for the seven most popular laptop brands

1. Asus (Score: 7.7)

Scorecard:
Scored devices: 14
Average repair score (out of 10): 7.4
Average disassembly score (out of 10): 9.1
Missing score PDF deduction: 0
Member of TechNet: no
Member of CTA: yes

Top 3 repairable Asus laptops:

1. Zenbook Pro 14 (UX6404)
2. Zenbook S 13 (UX5304)
3. Zenbook 14 (UM3402)

 

2. Acer (Score: 7.3)

Scorecard:
Scored devices: 14
Average repair score (out of 10): 6.9
Average disassembly score (out of 10): 8.1
Missing score PDF deduction: -0.20
Member of TechNet: no
Member of CTA: no

Top 3 repairable laptops:

1. Aspire Vero series
2. Aspire 3 series
3. Nitro 5 series

 

3. Microsoft (Score: 6.3)

Scorecard:
Scored devices: 6
Average repair score (out of 10): 6.4
Average disassembly score (out of 10): 8.0
Missing score PDF deduction: -0.40
Member of TechNet: no
Member of CTA: yes

Top 3 repairable laptops:

1. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
2. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
3. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2

 

4. Dell (Score: 6.3)

Scorecard:
Scored devices: 48
Average repair score (out of 10): 7.5
Average disassembly score (out of 10): 7.6
Missing score PDF deduction: -0.20
Member of TechNet: yes
Member of CTA: yes

Top 3 repairable laptops:

1. Vostro 16 Laptop
2. Latitude 3140
3. Vostro 3520

 

5. HP (Score: 5.6)

Scorecard:
Scored devices: 33
Average repair score (out of 10): 6.2
Average disassembly score (out of 10): 7.8
Missing score PDF deduction: -0.40
Member of TechNet: yes
Member of CTA: yes

Top 3 repairable laptops:

1. OMEN Gaming Laptop 16 series
2. Victus Gaming Laptop 16 series
3. OMEN Transcend Laptop 16 series

 

6. Lenovo (Score: 5.5)

Scorecard:
Scored devices: 6
Average repair score (out of 10): 7.0
Average disassembly score (out of 10): 6.6
Missing score PDF deduction: -0.80
Member of TechNet: no
Member of CTA: yes

Top 3 repairable laptops:

1. ThinkBook 16 Gen 4 Plus
2. IdeaPad Slim 5
3. IdeaPad 1 15ALC7

 

7. Apple (Score: 4.3)

Scorecard:
Scored devices: 8
Average repair score (out of 10): 6.6
Average disassembly score (out of 10): 4.0
Missing score PDF deduction: 0
Member of TechNet: yes
Member of CTA: yes

Top 3 repairable laptops:

1. MacBook Air 13” (M1)
2. MacBook Air 13” (M2)
3. MacBook Pro M3 Max 16”

Why repairability is so important

For starters, repairable electronics save you money. Another of our reports found that Americans would save $40 billion a year if they could repair instead of replace their tech.

And when you buy expensive tech that can be easily repaired, you’re not only helping your wallet, you’re helping our planet. 

With every electronic gadget that gets tossed into the municipal waste stream, a newer model will replace it. Humans are consuming our planet’s natural resources at an unsustainable rate and it’s time we start designing products that are meant to last.