Apple's MacBook repairability scores were the lowest on the US PIRG's list, averaging a mere 4.9 compared to 7.4 for other brands, according to Arstechnica. This design choice forces consumers into costly replacements, not repairs. Other major manufacturers, like Lenovo, also show low laptop repairability, with one device scoring only 14.
Consumers increasingly value repairable electronics for their environmental and financial benefits. Yet, many leading laptop manufacturers continue to design products notoriously difficult to fix. This disconnect between consumer values and industry practice demands a fundamental reassessment of product lifecycles.
As right-to-repair legislation gains traction and demand for sustainable tech grows, companies like Framework appear poised to capture significant market share from traditional manufacturers resistant to modular design. The US Federal Trade Commission enforces right-to-repair, according to Wired, compelling even industry giants to adapt. Apple's overall repairability score improved from 4.3 to 5.1, partly due to supporting California's right-to-repair legislation in August 2023, a reactive, rather than proactive, shift in their approach to product longevity.
1. Framework Laptop 16 (2026 Edition)
Best for: Power users and creators prioritizing long-term value and customizability.
The 2026 Framework Laptop 16 is designed for longevity, featuring modular components like the GPU, keyboard, and mainboard that are easily swappable, according to Freethink. This modularity extends product life beyond typical upgrade cycles, directly combating technological obsolescence. It also includes Intel's Core Ultra Series 2 chips with an NPU for faster local AI development. The DIY Edition allows users to provide their own RAM and storage, offering potential cost savings.
Strengths: Highly modular design; user-swappable GPU, keyboard, mainboard; Intel Core Ultra Series 2 with NPU; DIY option for cost savings. | Limitations: Initial cost may be higher than some non-repairable alternatives; availability might vary by region. | Price: Varies based on configuration and DIY components.
2. Framework Laptops
Best for: Environmentally conscious consumers and DIY enthusiasts seeking long-term, customizable computing solutions.
Framework offers a modular design facilitating easy repair and customization, directly challenges the disposable tech economy. The company provides both pre-assembled, customizable models and a DIY option, where users assemble their laptop from a kit of modules, according to Freethink. This approach empowers users and sets a new industry standard by signaling a fundamental shift in consumer electronics toward sustainability and longevity.
Strengths: Core mission centered on right to repair; highly customizable; reduces e-waste; empowers users with upgrade options. | Limitations: Limited model variety compared to larger manufacturers; niche market appeal. | Price: Varies significantly based on configuration and user-supplied components.
The Repairability Divide: Framework vs. Traditional Tech
| Feature | Framework Laptops | Apple MacBooks | Lenovo Laptops (General) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Repairability Score | Consistently High (Designed for repair) | 4.9 (Lowest among examined brands) | Low (e.g. 14 for one device) |
| Disassembly Score | Excellent (Easy user access) | 97 (Lowest total score) | Low (e.g. 14 for one device) |
| Modular Design | Extensive (GPU, mainboard, keyboard swappable) | Minimal (Components often soldered) | Limited (Varies, often proprietary) |
| Company Stance on Repairability | Core business model, actively promotes right-to-repair | Historically resistant, adapting due to legislation | Inconsistent (High for Motorola phones, low for laptops) |
Apple MacBooks scored lowest in disassembly (97 total, 4.9 average) compared to 7.4 for other brands, according to Arstechnica. Though Lenovo's laptop scores are low, its Motorola brand excels in phone repairability, Arstechnica reports. This suggests large manufacturers possess the engineering capability for repairability but selectively apply it, likely due to market strategies or profit incentives.
If consumer demand for repairable tech continues its upward trend and right-to-repair legislation expands, traditional manufacturers resistant to modular design will likely face significant market erosion from agile, sustainability-focused competitors like Framework.
Why Repairability Matters: Your Questions Answered
What laptops are easiest to repair in 2026?
Framework laptops, particularly the Framework Laptop 16 (2026 Edition), stand out due to their modular design. Users can easily swap components like the GPU, keyboard, and mainboard, extending device lifespan and reducing e-waste. This makes them a top choice for repairability.
Are repairable laptops more sustainable?
Yes, they significantly boost environmental sustainability by extending product lifecycles and reducing e-waste. Users can upgrade or replace components, minimizing discards and aligning with a circular economy.
Which laptop brands offer the best repairability?
Framework leads the industry, designing products for user repair and customization. While some larger brands, like Lenovo's Motorola division, show phone repairability capability, their laptop offerings generally lag. Apple MacBooks, for instance, consistently receive low repairability scores.
