Applecare vs. Squaretrade - Techprojournal

If you are planning on buying a smartphone, you should not forget insurance. Such devices are prone to damage and can cost you a lot when you want to repair them. Some of the options that can help you protect the device include Applecare and Squaretrade.

Applecare comes from one of the leading providers of smart devices known as Apple, while Squaretrade is an independent company that provides warranties on Apple products. These products rarely have discounts, and getting simple fixes on them can cost you a lot of cash. If you are torn between the two warranty options, we can help by discussing each of them. Read on!

What are the differences between Applecare and Squaretrade?

Name	Applecare	Squaretrade
Warranty period	One year	2-3 years
Coverage	Manufacturing defects	Mechanical failures and accidental damage
Support	90-day technical support	24/7 customer support
Call to action	Check price here	Check price here

Applecare vs. Squaretrade- How do they compare?

Warranty period

All Apple products come with a one year warranty that is referred to as Applecare. When this period is over, and you don’t purchase an extended warranty, you may end up incurring out of warranty fees to repair a product. Squaretrade, on the other hand, covers Apple products for 2-3 years. Squaretrade, therefore, has a longer warranty period compared to Applecare.

Coverage

Applecare covers devices against mechanical failures. This is a limited warranty that may not help you much since it does not cover devices against accidental damage. Squaretrade, on the other hand, covers Apple products against both mechanical failures and accidental damage. The coverage includes not only drops and spills but also full immersion. Squaretrade covers more damage situations compared to Applecare.

Cost

Since Applecare comes with purchasing an Apple product, you don’t have to pay extra for this limited warranty. Though Applecare is free, you may end up incurring more costs in case your device gets damaged. The cost of Squaretrade depends on the specific device that you want to be covered. You can pay $8.99 per month to cover most smartphones under this warranty. Squaretrade charges $25 as the deductible for repairing screens. Applecare is cheaper than Squaretrade since it is free.

Support

Though Apple is known for offering excellent customer support, you may not the best support system if you stick with Applecare. This warranty option only comes with 90-day support. Squaretrade, on the other hand, offers priority support to its customers 24/7. It has even won awards for providing excellent customer service. Squaretrade, therefore, comes with better customer service compared to Applecare.

Applecare vs. Squaretrade- A comparison overview

Applecare overview

Whether you purchase an iPhone from Apple or a different retailer, you should expect it to come with a limited warranty. This warranty is known as Applecare, and it covers Apple products for at least one year. You do not have to pay anything to get Applecare. The retailer should activate it the day you buy the smart device.

Applecare covers smart devices against manufacturing defects. If the smartphone starts failing to function after a few days, you can take it back to the supplier and get a new smartphone. Applecare does not cover accidental damage. If you want such coverage, you have to pay a specific price to buy the extended coverage.

Though Applecare is limiting, it comes with phone support for at least 90 days. During this period, you can get your issues with the device addressed. If you feel that the phone support is not enough, you can even visit the Apple store from time to time for onsite support.

Pros

This comes at no cost.
You get it automatically upon purchasing an Apple product.
Covers devices against manufacturing defects

Cons

The warranty period is short.
It does not cover devices against accidental damage.

Squaretrade overview

This extended warranty company has become quite popular in a few years. Squaretrade can give your device comprehensive coverage for about 2-3 years. It not only covers Apple products against manufacturing defects but also accidental damage.

While some extended warranties only cover smartphones against drops and spills, Squaretrade even includes full immersion in its plan. If, for instance, your phone accidentally falls in a swimming pool and gets spoilt, Squaretrade can help you replace it quickly. Squaretrade not only focuses on new products but also refurbished products.

When you choose this company, you can enjoy great customer service. It offers 24/7 support via different options such as phone, chat, and email. Squaretrade has even won awards for providing excellent customer service. If you have any issues regarding your product, experts from the company can help you address them. Squaretrade impresses customers since it offers same-day repairs. You can also get a replacement of a product the next day.

Pros

The accidental damage coverage includes full immersion and drops.
It covers both refurbished and new devices against mechanical failures.
The warranty period can extend up to 3 years.
Repairs and replacements are done within a short period.

Cons

It does not cover loss or theft.

Verdict: So, which is better? Applecare or Squaretrade

After comparing Applecare against Squaretrade, we discovered that Squaretrade has more to offer. The problem with Applecare is that it is limited since it covers Apple products for a shorter period, and the coverage is not comprehensive. That is why most Apple customers opt for the extended warranty. Squaretrade, on the other hand, stands out since it covers more damage situations and has a longer warranty period. The company offers not only same-day repairs but also excellent customer service. Though this warranty is not free, it can save you from paying hundreds of dollars if an Apple device needs repairs. We, therefore, choose Squaretrade as the clear winner.

FAQs

Will Squaretrade repair or replace my smartphone?

This company does both. It will first assess the extent of damage to determine if your device can be repaired. If it cannot, Squaretrade will replace it with a new one.

Is there any other warranty option from Apple?

Yes. Apart from the limited one year warranty, Apple also offers other options such as Applecare+ and Applecare+ theft and loss.