In U.S. PIRG Education Fund’s 2026 repairability scorecard, Apple received the lowest grade among the phone brands assessed (D-) and among laptop brands assessed (C-). Lenovo was next-lowest among the laptop brands, at C. Those are rankings within PIRG’s 105-device review—not a verdict on every product either company sells.
What the 2026 rankings say
PIRG published Failing the Fix (2026) on April 7, 2026. It reviewed 105 devices and reported separate grades for phones and laptops. The phone and laptop results use different scoring systems, so they should not be combined into one cross-category ranking.
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Phone brand grades
| Brand | PIRG 2026 grade |
|---|---|
| Motorola | B+ |
| C- | |
| Samsung | D |
| Apple | D- |
Apple ranked last among the phone brands in the report. The phone scores use the European Union’s EPREL repair score. Because the 2026 edition switched from the older French scoring method, its phone grades are not directly comparable with grades in previous editions. U.S. PIRG Education Fund’s report explains the comparison.
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| Brand | PIRG 2026 grade |
|---|---|
| ASUS | B+ |
| Acer | B |
| HP, Dell, Samsung, Microsoft | B- each |
| Lenovo | C |
| Apple | C- |
Apple received the lowest laptop grade, with Lenovo one grade higher. PIRG continued to use the French repair score for laptops; its laptop method gives disassembly more weight. The report also adjusts final brand grades based on trade-association membership and active support for Right to Repair legislation. That means the result reflects both product-related repair criteria and policy-related factors, not simply a teardown assessment.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Wide Application】This precision screwdriver set has 120 bits, complete with every driver bit you’ll need to tackle any repair or DIY project. In addition, this repair kit has 22 practical accessories, such as magnetizer, magnetic mat, ESD tweezers, suction cup, spudger, cleaning brush, etc. Whether you're a professional or a amateur, this toolkit has what you need to repair all cell phone, computer, laptops, SSD, iPad, game consoles, tablets, glasses, HVAC, sewing machine, etc
- 【Humanized Design】This electronic screwdriver set has been professionally designed to maximize your repair capabilities. The screwdriver features a particle grip and rubberized, ergonomic handle with swivel top, provides a comfort grip and smoothly spinning. Magnetic bit holder transmits magnetism through the screwdriver bit, helping you handle tiny screws. And flexible extension shaft is useful for removing screw in tight spots
- 【Magnetic Design】This professional tool set has 2 magnetic tools, help to save your energy and time. The 5.7*3.3" magnetic project mat can keep all tiny screws and parts organized, prevent from losing and messing up, make your repair work more efficient. Magnetizer demagnetizer tool helps strengthen the magnetism of the screwdriver tips to grab screws, or weaken it to avoid damage to your sensitive electronics
- 【Organize & Portable】All screwdriver bits are stored in rubber bit holder which marked with type and size for fast recognizing. And the repair tools are held in a tear-resistant and shock-proof oxford bag, offering a whole protection and organized storage, no more worry about losing anything. The tool bag with nylon strap is light and handy, easy to carry out, or placed in the home, office, car, drawer and other places
- 【Quality First】The precision bits are made of 60HRC Chromium-vanadium steel which is resist abrasion, oxidation and corrosion, sturdy and durable, ensure long time use. This computer tool kit is covered by our lifetime warranty. If you have any issues with the quality or usage, please don't hesitate to contact us
What “repairability” includes in this scorecard
Repairability is broader than whether a device can be opened. The report considers disassembly, parts availability and pricing, repair documentation, and criteria specific to each device category. It also incorporates policy-related adjustments, including points for active support of Right to Repair legislation and deductions tied to membership in trade associations that lobby against repair legislation.
Nathan Proctor, U.S. PIRG Education Fund’s Senior Director for the Campaign for the Right to Repair, told Ars Technica: “While a company’s membership in these associations doesn’t mean that the company is actively in opposition to Right to Repair, they are funding an organization which is working against this legislation, which we factor in our score.” Ars Technica’s report on the scorecard describes the issue.
Rank #2
- 【Precision screwdriver set】-- 40Pcs screwdriver set has 30 CRV screwdriver bits which are phillips PH000(+1.2) PH000(+1.5) PH00(+2.0) PH0(+3.0) PH1(+4.0), flathead -0.8 -1.2 -1.5 -2.5 -3.0, torx T1 T2 T3 T4 T5, torx security TR6 TR7 TR8 TR9 TR10 TR15 TR20, triwing Y000(Y0.6) Y00(Y1.5) Y0(Y2.5) Y1(Y3.0), pentalobe P2(0.8) P5(1.2) P6(1.5), MID 2.5, with a screwdriver handle, a double-ended spudger, a long spudger, 3 triangle spudgers, Tweezers, a cleaning brush and a suction cup with SIM card thimble.
- 【Slip-resistant rotatable handle】-- All our screwdriver bits are made of high quality CR-V chrome vanadium steel. CR-V screwdriver bits do not rust easily and are not prone to be broken. The screwdriver handle is made of TPR and PP materials, with a special non-slip design, offering a sense of comfortable. The top of the handle is rotatable design which makes it more convenient to remove the screws; the handle head and the screw head has magnetic adsorption which can quickly replace the screws.
- 【Portable gadgets】-- The triangular spudger is more suitable for opening the screen of the mobile phone.The double-ended spudger is more suitable for opening the back cover of game devices. The long spudger can pry the internal parts of the device.The suction cup can open the screen, which is more convenient to repair the mobile phone.The SIM card thimble can be used to replace the SIM card of the mobile phone. The cleaning brush can clean the dust of the device.Tweezers can grip small parts.
- 【Wide scope of application】-- +1.5/2.0 P2 Y0.6 MID2.5 are used for iPhone7/8/X/XR/11/12/13. +1.2/1.5/2.0/3.0 T2/3/4/5 P2 are used for Samsung/Huawei/Xiaomi and other phones. +1.5/2.0/3.0 T3/4/5/6/9 are used for iPad/Mini/Air/Pro. +1.2/1.5/2.0/3.0/4.0 T2/3/4/5 -2.5 are used for Huawei/Honor and other tablets. P2/5/6 +1.5/2.0/3.0/4.0 T3/4/5/6/7/8/9 Y2.5/3.0 are used for Macbook/Air/Pro. +1.5/2.0/3.0 T5 are for Kindle/Kindle Fire. T6/15 are used Ring Video Doorbell/ Video Doorbell 2/Pro/Elite.
- 【Wide scope of application】-- T8 +1.5/2.0/3.0 are used for PS3/PS4/PS5 controllers and consoles. T6/8/10 are used for Xbox 360/Xbox One/Xbox Series controllers and consoles. Y1.5/2.5/3.0 +1.5/2.0 are used for Switch/NS-Lite/Joy-Con/Wii/Game Boy Advance. T3/8 are used for Fitbit wristband/folding knife. +1.2/1.5/2.0/3.0/4.0 T3/4/5/6/7/8/9 Y2.5/3.0 -2.5 are used for Microsoft/Acer/Dell and other laptops. +1.2/1.5/2.0/3.0/4.0 -0.8/1.2/1.5/2.5/3.0 are used for Desktop Computer/Watch/Glasses/Toy.
That distinction matters when reading a brand grade: it is not a pure measure of how quickly a repair technician can replace a component, nor does it establish that every device from a lower-graded brand is difficult to service.
Why a brand grade cannot choose a device for you
The report’s grades summarize a sampled cohort. They cannot tell you whether a particular model’s battery, screen, keyboard, storage, or other likely repair target is accessible or affordable. Even within one manufacturer’s lineup, construction and service options can differ by model and generation.
Rank #3
- 64-in-1 Precision Screwdriver Set: This small screwdriver set includes 48 bits (Phillips, Flathead, Torx, Torx security, Triwing, Pentalobe, Hex, Triangle, U-type, Square, SIM, MID, OVAL, Gamebit, Nut driver). It's a complete electronics repair kit that has been professionally designed to repair computers, PC, laptops, Macbooks, tablet, phones, PS4 PS5, XBOX, Switch, eyeglasses, drone, watches, Ring doorbells and more
- Ergonomic & Magnetic Design: The super smooth swivel cap on the top of the handle makes it easier to rotate screws with less effort. This mini screwdriver features an ergonomic non-slip design and rubberized handle that provides a comfortable grip and precise control. The built-in strong magnet ensures magnetic bit holder transmits magnetism through the screwdriver tip to help you with tiny screws
- Practical Accessories: Our electronics tool kit comes with 8 types of 15 essential accessories. Magnetizer can enhance the magnetism of the screwdriver tip, pointed tweezers make it easy to handle screws and tiny components, spudger and hook tool is effective for connecting/disconnecting components, scraping off adhesives, suction cup, pry tools, opening picks and brush to help open and clean your device
- Organize & Portable Storage: All screwdriver bits are stored in rubber bit holder which marked with type and size for fast recognizing. The rubber bit holder can be fixed on the shelf of the sturdy plastic case, also can be removed for easy access, making it more convenient for you to perform repairs. The case provides secure protection and organized storage, while being lightweight and portable for easy transportation
- Premium Quality & Warranty: STREBITO manufactures premium quality, pro-grade screwdriver set. The precision bits are CNC machined to be precise, made of 60HRC Chromium-vanadium steel which is resist abrasion, oxidation and corrosion. This micro screwdriver set is covered by our lifetime warranty. If you have any issues with the quality or usage, simply contact customer service for troubleshooting help
For example, iFixit’s 2026 listings describe the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 7 and T16 Gen 5 as highly modular, with accessible memory and storage, replaceable batteries, and repair instructions and parts available from Lenovo. This is a useful counterexample to treating Lenovo’s C laptop grade as a description of every ThinkPad. iFixit notes that its scoring rubric changes over time, so compare models using contemporaneous versions of its scores. See iFixit’s laptop repairability listings.
Phone design also varies model by model. Screen access, adhesive use, parts availability, and repair instructions can change the difficulty and cost of a repair. iFixit’s phone repairability listings provide model-specific detail rather than one score for an entire brand.
Rank #4
- 【Precision Screwdriver Set】 Small screwdriver set has 140 bits in multiple models, including Torx , Phillips, Pentalobe, Star, Triwing, Triangle Etc, covering most screwdriver models on the market. The 4 long bits can help you remove deeper screws. Some commonly used screwdriver bits are also equipped with 2-3 bits of the same model as backup.
- 【Unique Handle Design and CRV Material】 The screwdriver handle is made of TPR and PP materials, the cap is rotatable, and it adopts an extended tool bar design. The length of the tool bar can be adjusted, making it easy to reach deep for disassembly. Screwdriver bits are made of high-quality CRV steel, which is wear-resistant and has high hardness.
- 【Multifunctional Accessories】 Mini screwdriver set contains 12 accessories to meet various repair needs. The matching flexible shaft facilitates multi-angle disassembly and repair of electronic products. The magnetizer demagnetizer tool can increase or decrease the magnetism of the bit. The magnetic mat is used to absorb small screws to avoid loss. The 1/4‘’ to 4mm silver adapter provided is used for drill to adapt large and thick bits, which is not suitable for precision and small manual screwdriver bits. This toolkit also comes with a double-ended pry bar, triangular pick and suction cup for easy repairing.
- 【Practical Storage Box】 Each screwdriver bit is marked with a model number for easy identification and is placed in a magnetic storage slot. The accessory slot can store various accessories safely and securely. The box is made of ABS plastic and PP material, which is solid and durable, and the buckle is firm, which can protect each accessory well.
- 【Wide Range of Application】Applicable to iPhone/Samsung/Huawei and other cell phones; Mini/Air/Pro and Huawei/Honor and other tablet PCs; Macbook/Air/Pro; Kindle/Kindle Fire; Ring Visual Doorbell/Visual Doorbell 2/Pro/Elite; PS4/PS5/XOBX game consoles, as well as PC laptop computers, jewelry, toys, aeromodels, drones, remote-control cars, and some small household appliances such as coffee machines.
How to assess the model you might buy
Before choosing a phone or laptop, check the exact model number and generation—not just the logo on the lid or back. Compare the factors that affect the repairs you are most likely to need:
- Disassembly: Find out how the device opens, what tools it requires, and whether common repairs involve extensive adhesive or difficult steps.
- Modular components: Check whether wear-prone parts such as batteries, screens, storage, or memory can be replaced independently. For laptops, confirm whether memory and storage are socketed or soldered if upgrades or replacement matter to you.
- Parts and prices: Look for the specific part, its price, and whether it is available where you live. A repairable design is less useful if the necessary parts cannot be obtained affordably.
- Instructions and software: Confirm that repair manuals, diagnostic tools, and any required software are available to independent repairers or owners in your region.
- Local service options: Check who can perform the repair, how long support is available, and whether the manufacturer’s repair program serves your country.
PC Consulting owner Dave Winsor told PIRG he looks for a device “that can be opened and accessed with simple tools available from most online retailers.” Joe Pilat, founder of Joe’s Gaming & Electronics, adds a practical consideration: whether basic repairs require soldering and whether storage and memory can be removed and replaced. These are useful questions to apply to a specific model’s manual and parts listing, rather than assumptions to make from its brand.
Best Value
- 122 in 1 Precision Screwdriver Set: This precision screwdriver set contains 101 precision bits and 21 auxiliary tools—screwdriver handle, flexible shaft, extension rod, magnetizer, magnetic mat, spudgers, and more. It handles PC maintenance—RAM upgrades, SSD swaps, PC assembly—while also tackling teardowns and repairs of PS4, Xbox, other game consoles, drones, smartphones, tablets (battery and screen replacements), and other electronics. Rare and specialty bits are included for servicing specialized devices.
- Maximize Repair Efficiency: Engineered for efficient repairs, the handle is ergonomically designed and non-slip, fitting comfortably in your hand and spinning smoothly. A 4.56-inch alloy-steel extension shaft offers high hardness and resists bending, while the spring-constructed flexible shaft flexes up to 180° to reach and turn tiny screws deep inside a chassis with ease.
- Dual-Magnet Design: The kit includes two magnetic tools. A magnetizer boosts bit magnetism to pick up screws, and a magnetic mat holds and organizes every tiny screw you remove. Used together, they slash the risk of loss or mix-ups, keeping every teardown and reassembly neat and orderly.
- Quality First: The bits are forged from Cr-V steel and heat-treated to 60 HRC for exceptional hardness, strength, and deformation resistance—ideal for long-term electronic repairs. Spare bits in the most common sizes are also included, so a lost tip never leaves you short, keeping the kit fully functional and extending its service life.
- Compact Storage: Every component is neatly labeled and organized in the case—ready for home, office, or on-the-go use. This all-in-one kit saves money and eliminates service appointments. It’s the perfect household essential and an ideal gift for husbands, dads, sons, or friends who love electronics repair and DIY projects.
How far to take the 2026 ranking
PIRG’s scorecard is an advocacy organization’s evaluation, not a universal regulatory finding or a hands-on test of every device. Its 105-device sample draws on manufacturer offerings and repair information in Europe, so its grades may not map precisely to product availability or repair access in the United States. Lenovo disputed the breadth of the sample, saying it did not reflect its full global portfolio. These limits do not erase the scorecard’s comparison, but they do define what it can establish: how the assessed cohort scored under PIRG’s stated methods.
For a buying decision, use the brand grade as a prompt to investigate rather than a substitute for model-level evidence. Read the exact product’s repair manual, confirm that parts are sold in your location, and compare the repair options available where you live.
Quick Recap
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