For many business leaders, IT isn’t just a cost—it’s a constant source of frustration. Slow response times, incomplete projects, and a lack of clear communication from providers make it difficult to trust that technology is in capable hands. Cybersecurity threats add another layer of concern, with one breach having the potential to derail operations and damage customer trust. In fact, 60% of small businesses that fall victim to a cyberattack go out of business within six months.
Finding the right IT partner isn’t just about price—it’s about getting the service, security, and long-term value your business needs to thrive. While some providers offer bargain pricing, those low costs often come with trade-offs like overworked technicians, delayed resolutions, and a reactive approach that leads to costly surprises.
| As Jesse Hill, President of Tier 3 IT Solutions, says “Choosing an MSP isn’t just about cost—it’s about value. The right provider strengthens security, optimizes operations, and delivers strategic IT support that aligns with business goals.” |
In this guide, we’ll break down managed IT pricing, the factors that influence costs, and the most common pricing models, helping you make an informed decision for your IT infrastructure.
Different Pricing Models for Managed IT Services
Managed IT service providers offer a variety of pricing structures. Choosing the right model depends on your business size, IT needs, and budget. Below are the most common pricing models used in the industry:
1. Per-Device Pricing
This model charges a flat rate per managed device, such as desktops, laptops, servers, firewalls, or mobile devices.
✅ Pros:
- Simple and easy to calculate
- Scalable for growing businesses
❌ Cons:
- Can become expensive for businesses with many devices
- May not account for the complexity of different devices
Best For: Businesses with a stable number of devices needing consistent management.
2. Per-User Pricing
Under this model, the provider charges a fixed monthly fee per user, covering all their devices (e.g., a laptop, tablet, and smartphone).
✅ Pros:
- Predictable pricing structure
- Covers multiple devices per employee
❌ Cons:
- May not be cost-effective for businesses with shared workstations or field users who have accounts but no company-provided device
- Higher costs for businesses with a high employee-to-device ratio
Best For: Companies where employees use multiple devices for work.
Simplify IT Management with Cost-Effective Solutions
Skip the guesswork. Get managed IT services with clear pricing and no hidden fees.
Learn More
3. Tiered Pricing
This model offers different service levels (e.g., basic, standard, and premium), allowing businesses to choose a package that fits their needs and budget.
✅ Pros:
- Flexible options to fit various budgets
- Easy to upgrade as IT needs grow
❌ Cons:
- May lack customization within tiers
- Higher-tier plans can become expensive
Best For: Businesses looking for scalable IT solutions with predefined service levels.
4. A La Carte Pricing
Businesses can customize their IT support by selecting only the services they need. This model is best for companies with specific IT requirements that don’t fit into standard plans.
✅ Pros:
- Fully customizable based on business needs
- Only pay for the services used
❌ Cons:
- Can become expensive if too many services are added
- Requires careful planning to avoid missing critical services
Best For: Businesses with unique IT needs that want a custom-built service plan.
5. Flat-Rate / All-Inclusive Pricing
With this model, businesses pay a fixed monthly fee for unlimited IT support and maintenance. It’s a fully managed approach that includes cybersecurity, cloud services, helpdesk support, and network monitoring.
✅ Pros:
- Predictable IT expenses with no surprise fees
- Comprehensive coverage for all IT needs
❌ Cons:
- Higher upfront cost compared to basic plans
- May include services a business doesn’t need
Best For: Companies looking for a hands-off, fully managed IT solution with consistent pricing.
What Determines Managed IT Services Pricing?
The cost of managed IT services pricing depends on several key factors. Businesses need to consider these elements when evaluating their IT expenses:
1. Number of Users and Devices
Many managed IT providers base their pricing on the number of users or devices. The more endpoints (computers, servers, mobile devices) that require management, the higher the cost. Some providers charge per device, while others charge per user, covering all their associated devices.
2. Scope of Services
A basic managed IT package may only include network monitoring and helpdesk support, while a full-service plan can cover cybersecurity, cloud management, disaster recovery, and strategic IT consulting. More comprehensive services come at a higher cost.
3. Security and Compliance Needs
Businesses in industries like healthcare, finance, or legal services often require compliance with strict regulations such as PIPEDA, PCI-DSS, or SOC2. Meeting these standards involves additional security measures like encryption, intrusion detection, and compliance audits, all of which add to the price.
4. Support Hours and Availability
Some businesses only require IT support during standard business hours, while others need 24/7 monitoring and rapid-response assistance. Round-the-clock support is more expensive but crucial for businesses that operate outside of regular hours.
5. Onsite vs. Remote Support
Remote IT support is generally more cost-effective because technicians can resolve most issues without visiting your office. However, if your business requires regular onsite visits for hardware maintenance or emergency troubleshooting, the cost will increase.
Comparing Managed IT Pricing Models
| Pricing Model | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| Per Device | Simple, scalable | Can get expensive | SMBs with uniform devices |
| Per User | Cost-effective for large teams | Higher costs for small teams | Growing businesses |
| Tiered | Flexible, predictable costs | May lack customization | Companies with evolving needs |
| A La Carte | Customizable | Higher cost for premium services | Businesses with specific needs |
| Flat Rate | All-inclusive, no surprises | Higher base cost | Companies needing full IT coverage |
Managed IT Services ROI Calculator: A Smarter Way to Evaluate Costs
The best way to assess managed IT services pricing is by using a managed IT services calculator. However, before you dive into calculations, take a step back and evaluate your current IT spending.
Start by identifying:
- How much you’re currently paying for IT management each month
- The severity and frequency of IT issues affecting your business
- The workload and efficiency of your internal IT team (if applicable)
- The scope of IT services your business currently uses and will need in the future
- The level of proactivity within your technology team or provider
Understanding these factors will help you determine the level of IT support your business needs and ensure you get an accurate cost estimate.
Scalability Matters: Keep in mind that managed IT costs are highly scalable. As your business grows, so does the value of outsourcing IT. A managed IT services ROI calculator can show an increasing return on investment over time, making it an essential tool for long-term IT planning.
| More articles you might like: |
Get the Most Value from Your Managed IT Investment
Understanding managed IT services pricing is key to making informed decisions about your IT infrastructure. With the right pricing model, you can optimize costs, enhance security, and ensure seamless IT operations. Whether you choose per-device, per-user, tiered, or flat-rate pricing, aligning services with your business needs is essential for long-term success.
Tier 3 IT Solutions offers transparent, flexible pricing designed to fit your specific IT requirements—no hidden fees, no surprises. Get expert-managed IT support that scales with your business.
| Discover Edmonton, AB Managed IT Services |
Take the next step—contact us today to explore your best pricing options.
