Best Geek Squad Alternatives (2025): Prices, Membership, & Honest Comparisons
If you’ve ever felt a little uneasy at the checkout counter when Geek Squad told you the price—or wondered if you really need a membership—you’re not alone. I’ve spent over 25 years helping people across the U.S. fix their computers honestly and affordably.
This guide will walk you through the real alternatives to Geek Squad in 2025, complete with prices, pros, cons, and when Geek Squad is still the right choice.
Why People Look for Alternatives in 2025
Membership confusion & fees ($199.99/yr for Best Buy TotalTech).
High one-time service prices (example: virus removal $149.99+).
Upselling pressure at big-box stores.
Slow turnaround or “bring it in” policies.
Trust and personalization (customers feel like a number).
Geek Squad at a Glance (2025)
Example Geek Squad prices (2025)
| Service | Typical Cost |Notes |
|———|————–|——-|
| Membership (TotalTech) | $199.99/year | Covers multiple devices but adds recurring cost |
| Virus removal | $149.99 | Per incident without membership |
| PC tune-up | $149.99 | Per incident |
| Printer setup | $99.99 | In-store, extra for in-home |
| Data recovery | $200+ | Starts high, varies |
Disclaimer: “Prices sourced from Best Buy’s official website and customer reports. Geek Squad is a registered trademark of Best Buy. I am not affiliated with them.”
Top Geek Squad Alternatives in 2025
Here’s a fair look at the most common Geek Squad alternatives, including mine, with real-world pros and cons. My goal isn’t to bash Geek Squad—it’s to help you find the right fit.
a) That Tech Jeff
Flat-rate: $69.99 ($59.99 for seniors).
No membership.
Remote nationwide help.
1,400+ five-star reviews.
Guarantee: If your computer isn’t running better, you don’t pay.
Best for: seniors, remote help, budget-conscious, people tired of upselling.
b) HelloTech
On-demand remote & in-home service.
Prices vary ($75–$150).
No membership.
Best for: in-home users who want someone physically there.
c) uBreakiFix (by Asurion)
Walk-in repair shops.
Good for phones/tablets.
Prices: $80–$200+.
Best for: screen repairs, people near a physical shop.
d) Local Independent Techs
Wide range of costs.
Risk of hit-or-miss quality.
Best for: those who prefer face-to-face with a trusted local person.
Comparison Table: Geek Squad vs Alternatives
Service Membership? Typical Price Remote / In-home Pros Cons
Geek Squad $199.99/yr $99–$200+ In-store / in-home Nationwide, retail presence Expensive, upselling, membership confusion
That Tech Jeff ❌ $69.99 flat ($59.99 seniors) Remote, nationwide Affordable, honest guarantee, 1,400+ 5⭐ reviews Remote only (not in-home)
HelloTech ❌ $75–$150 Remote + in-home On-demand, wide availability Pricing not flat, can add up
uBreakiFix ❌ $80–$200+ In-shop Great for phone/tablet repairs Must travel, prices vary
Local Techs ❌ $50–$150 In-home Personalized, face-to-face Quality varies, no guarantee
When Geek Squad Is the Right Choice
If you live next to a Best Buy & prefer in-store service.
If you already have TotalTech and use it often.
If you want device coverage beyond computers (TVs, appliances).
Choose a service below and see how much you can save!
Geek Squad (est.): $0.00
That Tech Jeff: $69.99
You save: $0.00 (0%)
FAQs
Do you need a Geek Squad membership to get service?
No. A membership isn’t required, but without one you’ll usually pay higher per-service fees. Membership plans like Total Tech Support lower the cost for ongoing help, but they also require an annual fee. Services like That Tech Jeff provide affordable flat-rate computer help without memberships.How much does Geek Squad typically cost?
Geek Squad prices vary depending on the service. Common in-store repairs can range from $49.99 to over $199.99. For ongoing support, you may need a membership that costs around $199.99 per year, on top of certain service fees.Does Geek Squad repair computers at home?
Yes, Geek Squad offers in-home support, but it usually costs more than in-store or remote options. Flat-rate alternatives like That Tech Jeff specialize in remote help, making it faster and more affordable without needing a home visit.What’s the difference between in-home vs remote tech support?
In-home tech support means a technician physically comes to your location to fix your computer or device. Remote tech support, on the other hand, is done online through secure connections where the technician can see and control your computer with your permission. Remote support is usually faster, more convenient, and often more affordable since you don’t pay travel fees or wait for someone to arrive. In-home service may be better for hardware problems that require hands-on repair, while remote support is ideal for most software issues, tune-ups, virus removals, and troubleshooting.What happens if my issue isn’t fixed?
With That Tech Jeff, you don’t pay a dime if your issue isn’t resolved. Unlike some services that charge just for trying, I believe in a fair, results-based approach. If the problem can’t be fixed or the news is bad, you’re not charged at all. You only pay when your computer is working better.
