Smart Home & AI

Geek Squad Reviews: Warranties, Plans, Customer Service & More – Deal Or Ripoff?

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Sick computer (caption: Geek Squad Reviews)

You grab your laptop to browse the web and realize it won’t boot up. You’ve got it hooked to the charger, and yet nothing happens. Great, something’s broken. Now you need to find someone to fix it. Should you turn to Geek Squad for help? Let’s dissect this Best Buy service and see if they’ll fix your device or cause you more pain.

Before You Get Started…

It’s always a good idea to backup your files and software to a hard drive or the cloud. That way, you have a carbon copy of all your irreplaceable documents, photos, etc. saved in case something happens to your hardware.

Often, technology fails us because of a poor internet connection. Outdated routers might be the culprit, so it’s worth considering an upgrade. Repeaters, or the relatively new mesh WiFi systems can help maximize your WiFi strength throughout your home. Our experts review the top routers and WiFi systems.

We have one more affordable alternative to Geek Squad and it’s here for you 24/7. You should see a tech support option bottom right of your screen where an IT expert can offer answers to your problems. This is an option before you commit to repair costs or new equipment. The resolution is often easier than you might think.

If you’re still tearing your hair out, Geek Squad might be your next best bet.

Pricing

Geek Squad logo

Geek Squad prices vary based on the service you request, so you’ll have to contact them directly to get an exact idea of cost. Here are some popular services and their nonmember cost (member prices are in parenthesis and some are included with member benefits):

  • Computer & Tablet Services:
    • Level 1 data recovery – $199.99 (included)
    • PC virus removal – $149.99 (included)
    • Data transfer & data backup – $99.99 (included)
  • Car Services:
    • Remote start install – Up to $189.99 (included)
    • Backup camera and sensor install – Up to $129.99 (included)
    • In-dash stereo or navigation install – Up to $99.99 (included)
  • Smart Home Services:
    • Home WiFi setup – $99.99 ($49.99)
    • WiFi camera install – Starting at $99.99 ($49.99)
    • Smart doorbell install – $99.99 ($49.99)
  • Appliance Services:
    • Dishwasher install – Up to $24.99 ($49.99)
    • Over-the-range microwave install – Up to $179.99 ($49.99)
    • Gas range install – Up to $179.99 ($49.99)
  • Home Theater Services:
    • TV connect – $149.99 ($49.99)
    • TV mounting – Starting at $129.99 ($49.99)
    • Basic audio setup – $129.99 ($49.99)

View Geek Squad’s Plans

Geek Squad Protection Plan

GeekSquad Protection Plan covers computers, tablets, eReaders, TVs, drones, and more. It is meant to offer you coverage after the warranty period ends on your equipment. You can extend that warranty for up to 5 years on items purchased at Best Buy.

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Geek Squad Total Tech Support

For $199.99 per year, you can purchase Best Buy Total Tech Support to cover all your devices regardless of where or when you bought them. Membership features include the following:

  • Agents available 24/7
  • $49.99 for each standard in-home service (e.g., TV mounting, WiFi setup, etc.)
  • 20% off Geek Squad Protection and AppleCare
  • 20% off repairs and advanced services
  • Internet security software for up to 3 devices
  • Computer and car services for no additional cost

Customer Reviews

GeekSquad is an interesting service to review. Finding 5-star reviews is rarer than we’d like to see. Here’s some balanced feedback we found on the internet. You’ll also find plenty of our readers with their opinions in the comments.

Positive Reviews

Excellent customer service and very knowledgeable staff! Highly recommend Geek Squad!

– Wendi, Trust Pilot 11/8/2018

First time trying Geek Squad here in Redding for WIFI issues and a couple of other related things. Tech was set up for Monday and was called and reminded Sunday before . He called 20 minutes before arrival which was appreciated (instead of just showing up ) . Very courteous , professional  and put on shoe covers before entering the house ( what a surprise! ). Tech new what he was doing and reset the WIFI , checked all devises connected to it and all is good. Don’t know about the numerous neg. reviews I see here on Yelp but I’m happy with service and price. Will use them again. Thank you Geeks!

– Dan M., Yelp 6/4/2018

Complaints

Don’t waste your money. Tried 3 times to use them. Once for my laptop, once for my tablet and the last time to help with a new TV setup. On all occasions failed to resolve over the phone. The tablet I had to take in 3 times and it was still not fixed (attachments to email not opening). They had my tablet for over a week and never repaired it. My laptop had to be brought in twice before it was finally repaired and my TV was too large to bring in and they could not support me over the phone. I now have to pay to have them come out a second time as they did not complete the set up the first time. About all they can help you do is turn on your device. And don’t get me started on phone wait times which are ridiculous. Membership is a total waste of money!!!!!

– Jane H., Trust Pilot 11/26/2018

I used Geek Squad to move files and software to a new computer to save me the trouble of doing it.  I spent $80 for this.  They took 4 days to assign it to a technician and accomplish the transfer.  They failed to move music and didn’t install some software properly (e.g. Dropbox). I still had to spend the better part of a day re-arranging things and installing things they didn’t install.  And I still need to re-load all my music CDs.  Basically a waste of $$$.

– Lawrence W., Yelp 10/7/2018

Repair Or Replace?

View Geek Squad’s Plans

With many technologies (such as televisions) that undergo rapid technological advancements, your money is often better invested in a replacement vs a repair. But this isn’t true for everything. Routers, for example, haven’t experienced a major technological shift in the past couple decades (just more powerful transmitters and speedier broadband for the most part). Until now – our experts review the new mesh WiFi routers, which might make investing your money in a replacement vs. a repair worthwhile.

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Kimberly Alt

Kimberly received her Bachelor of Arts from Simpson College with a major in multimedia journalism and a minor in marketing. She has been writing about business solutions since 2014, covering subjects such as tax software, email marketing, office equipment and more. Her work has appeared in many notable brands, including The New York Times' Wirecutter, Reader's Digest, Forbes, People, Woman's World, and Huffington Post. In 2015, she started her own business and continues to learn how to run it more efficiently thanks to her work on We Rock Your Web. Her natural curiosity helps her research as she seeks the truth when learning about, comparing and personally testing products and services. With every piece she writes, her goal is to help our readers find the best fit for their unique needs.
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