Extended warranties on TVs and laptops are often pushed by retail clerks as upsells, but they are usually not worth the cost. Most devices are already covered by a manufacturer's warranty for defects, and if a product is faulty, it tends to fail early.
Reliability tests show that most TVs last well beyond typical warranty periods. For instance, in an accelerated test by RTINGS, only 2 percent of TVs failed before 3,000 hours, which is over two years of normal use. Laptops also age quickly, with newer models offering better performance at lower prices within a few years.
The cost of an extended warranty can be significant, such as Best Buy's Geek Squad Protection at $160 for two years on a $1,300 TV. This money might be better saved for a repair or replacement, especially since warranties often have loopholes, like excluding liquid damage or requiring you to use the manufacturer's warranty first.
In most cases, you can skip the extended warranty. However, if you know you are accident-prone or buying a device with a high repair cost, such as a MacBook, it might be justified. But generally, the odds favor saving your money.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing