Should you get AppleCare Plus for your student's MacBook?

What is Apple's standard warranty?

If you want to try and make it through school without AppleCare+, Apple does offer a standard warranty on every best Mac. This is what comes with a standard-level warranty for free:

• One-year limited hardware warranty
• 90 days of free technical support

So, if you're working on a giant paper that's due and all of a sudden something isn't working right in Pages or any of your built-in software programs aren't running the way they should during the first three months of owning your MacBook, you have access to support. You can call 1-800-APL-CARE and get help over the phone.

Of course, if something is wrong with your MacBook itself — the battery, RAM, hard drive, keyboard, mouse, or other parts — and it's not due to accidental or intentional damage, Apple will repair or replace it up to one year after the date of purchase.

For example, if the internal hard drive just goes kaput in the first year, Apple will cover the cost to repair or replace it, and hopefully, you'll be able to recover all your school assignments. Or, in another instance, if you drop your MacBook Pro (2021) (opens in new tab) on the ground while trying to set it up and break the screen, you're out of luck — unless you have AppleCare+. 

AppleCare+ extension

For any student that wants to make sure their MacBook will be protected for as long as possible, AppleCare+ is the best warranty you can get. For an additional cost, you can add AppleCare+ and get additional coverage for longer. AppleCare+ for your MacBook includes:

• A limited hardware warranty that lasts as long as your AppleCare+ does.
• 24/7 technical support
• Coverage for two incidents of accidental damage in a 12-month cycle (subject to a service fee of $99 for screen damage or $299 for other damage)

You'll get technical support over the phone, chat, and in-store at your local Apple retail store for three full years. If you are having software issues with any built-in Apple programs or the operating system itself, you can call 1-800-APL-CARE for assistance.

If your hard drive borks after two and a half years, AppleCare+ has you covered. If you drop your MacBook off of your standing desk ... twice ... and crack the screen, Apple will repair or replace it for $99 (or up to $299, depending on the damage) each time.

AppleCare+ service fee

If you go all-in with AppleCare+, your MacBook Air (2022) (opens in new tab), MacBook Pro (2022), or any other Mac is covered for damages caused by accidents, but there will be a fee, and a hefty one in some cases. The standard service fee for accidents is:

• $99 for screen damage
• $299 for other damage

How much does AppleCare+ cost?

For students, Apple offers AppleCare+ as an annual fee, which will give you AppleCare+ coverage until you cancel it, or a flat fee which gives you coverage for three years.

Different models cost different amounts for annual fees or three-year coverage, meaning when you're searching for the best MacBook for students (opens in new tab), be sure you take into account the repair costs should your student ever need it.

The table below lays out the prices for each MacBook model.

Obviously, the flat fee coverage for three years means you don't have to pay every year for an insurance plan, but if your college degree is over three years long (many are) the annual fee is a good way to ensure your coverage doesn't expire before you're done with your studies.

AppleCare+ vs. credit card benefits

Some credit card companies provide additional warranty protection when you make your purchase using their card. For example, American Express Gold has a decent warranty extension (opens in new tab) for up to five years in most U.S. states. Each credit card company is different and has different warranty benefits for some states.

If you like the warranty that your credit card company provides, it might be the alternative you need. Keep in mind, however, that credit card companies can't offer technical support. It's usually what MacBook Air, MacBook, and MacBook Pro owners end up needing the most.

Check out your credit card company's warranty policy and make sure you fully understand its benefits before choosing it over AppleCare+.

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