---
title: "How long does a laptop last?"
description: "A laptop lasts 3–8 yr. How that compares to other things, and where the number comes from."
url: https://atoneplace.net/how-long/laptop/
site: "At One Place"
---

# How long does a laptop last?

**Typical lifespan: 3–8 yr**

A portable computer with the screen, keyboard and battery in one folding case.

> Typical service life before replacement.

## How that compares

*Laptop against things of a similar time.*

- Laptop: 3–8 yr
- Coffee machine: 3–8 yr
- Printer: 3–10 yr
- Tablet: 3–8 yr
- Tyre: 3–10 yr
- Electric kettle: 3–8 yr
- Mallard: 3–29 yr
- Tasmanian devil: 5–8 yr

## What that means over time

*Assuming the typical lifespan above and immediate replacement.*

| Period | How many you would buy |
| --- | --- |
| Per year | 0.2 replacements |
| Over 10 years | 2 of them |
| Over a 30-year mortgage | 6 of them |

> Lifespans are medians under ordinary use, not guarantees. Maintenance, how hard it is used, and build quality move individual examples a long way in both directions — which is why the range above is as wide as it is.

## More about a laptop

- [How much does a laptop weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/laptop/) — 0.9–3.2 kg
- [How much does a laptop cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/laptop/) — 250–3,500 $
- [Laptop vs Games console](https://atoneplace.net/vs/game-console-vs-laptop/) — Side by side
- [Laptop vs Tablet](https://atoneplace.net/vs/laptop-vs-tablet/) — Side by side
- [Laptop vs Computer monitor](https://atoneplace.net/vs/computer-monitor-vs-laptop/) — Side by side
- [Laptop vs Smartphone](https://atoneplace.net/vs/laptop-vs-smartphone/) — Side by side
- [Laptop vs Desktop computer](https://atoneplace.net/vs/desktop-computer-vs-laptop/) — Side by side
- [Laptop vs Projector](https://atoneplace.net/vs/laptop-vs-projector/) — Side by side

## Common questions

### How long does a laptop last?

A laptop lasts 3–8 yr. Typical service life before replacement.

## Related pages

- [How much does a laptop weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/laptop/)
- [How much does a laptop cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/laptop/)
- [How long does a smartphone last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/smartphone/)
- [How long does a television last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/television/)
- [How long does a desktop computer last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/desktop-computer/)
- [How long does a games console last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/game-console/)
- [How long does a printer last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/printer/)
- [How long does a tablet last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/tablet/)
- [How long does a computer monitor last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/computer-monitor/)
- [Laptop vs Games console](https://atoneplace.net/vs/game-console-vs-laptop/)
- [Laptop vs Tablet](https://atoneplace.net/vs/laptop-vs-tablet/)
- [Laptop vs Computer monitor](https://atoneplace.net/vs/computer-monitor-vs-laptop/)
- [Laptop vs Smartphone](https://atoneplace.net/vs/laptop-vs-smartphone/)
- [Laptop vs Desktop computer](https://atoneplace.net/vs/desktop-computer-vs-laptop/)
- [Laptop vs Projector](https://atoneplace.net/vs/laptop-vs-projector/)

## Sources

- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place (/about/)