Managed IT Services Pricing in 2025: How Much Should You Pay for Managed Services?
April 22, 2025
Businesses everywhere are spending more on technology. According to Gartner, global IT spending hit $5 trillion in 2024—a sharp increase from the year before.
A big part of that is going toward managed IT services—where companies hire outside experts to take care of their tech needs.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about managed IT services pricing. It covers the different pricing models, what affects the monthly cost, and how to figure out what makes sense for your business.
Whether you're just getting started or ready to switch providers, this managed IT pricing guide makes the numbers easier to understand.
What are managed services?
Managed IT services are outsourced technology services delivered by a managed IT service provider (MSP) for a recurring monthly fee.
These services typically include network monitoring, cybersecurity services, remote support, data backups, patch management, cloud services, helpdesk support, and more.
Some MSPs also offer managed security service packages or custom IT support pricing models based on specific business needs.
Instead of hiring an in-house IT department, businesses can partner with a managed IT services team to handle the ongoing support, maintenance, and security of their systems.
Managed IT specialists provide proactive monitoring and quick response times, reducing downtime and improving overall network performance.
The cost of IT services through an MSP is often more predictable than handling IT issues internally, especially when using fixed monthly managed IT services pricing models.
4 most common managed IT services pricing models
The pricing guide below outlines the most common pricing models and their average costs to help businesses understand what they can expect to pay.
Tiered pricing model
The tiered pricing model is one of the most widely used managed IT pricing strategies among managed service providers.
It offers pre-set service packages with a defined list of support services at different price points. Typically, there are three to four tiers—basic, standard, premium, and sometimes an enterprise-level tier.
Each tier reflects a different level of service delivery. For instance, the basic tier might include remote support and basic monitoring services, while the premium tier could cover everything from advanced cybersecurity services to full network management and strategic IT consulting.
The average cost for tiered pricing ranges from $99 to $250 per user per month, depending on the package.
Per-user pricing
Per-user pricing is another common model used by MSPs. It charges a flat monthly fee based on the number of users in your organization, regardless of how many devices each user has.
This model is popular among small businesses because it provides predictable monthly costs and scales easily as your company grows.
The average cost of managed IT services under the per-user pricing model falls between $100 and $200 per user per month. This rate may fluctuate depending on the services provided, such as managed security services or enhanced backup solutions.
Per-device pricing
With the per-device managed IT services pricing model, the monthly fee is based on the number and type of devices in your network.
Each device—such as desktops, laptops, servers, or firewalls—is priced individually. For example, a desktop might cost $30/month, a laptop $40/month, and a server $120/month.
This model gives more granular control over the cost of IT services, especially for businesses that have a high ratio of devices to users. However, it can become more complex when companies add new hardware or expand their network infrastructure.
The average cost under the per-device IT support pricing model typically ranges between $30 and $300 per device per month, depending on the services provided and the scale of the services needed.
À la carte pricing
À la carte pricing allows businesses to choose individual services instead of bundling them into a package.
This approach works well for companies with specific needs or in-house IT staff that only require supplemental support. Services may include network monitoring, managed backup, endpoint protection, or patch management—priced separately.
This managed IT pricing approach gives the most flexibility but can also become the most expensive if too many individual services are selected. MSPs offering à la carte options will usually have a detailed service pricing guide that outlines the cost of each service per month.
On average, à la carte pricing can range from $50 to $300 per month, depending on how many services are selected and the complexity of the services required.
7 questions to ask when choosing a managed IT pricing model
Business owners should ask the right questions before locking into any pricing strategy. Here are some of the questions you should ask.
1. What is the scope of services we actually need?
Before selecting a managed IT services pricing model, it’s critical to define the services required. Does the business need full network monitoring, managed cybersecurity services, cloud support, or just remote support and helpdesk access? The scope of services determines which pricing models make the most sense.
For example, a small business with basic IT support needs may find value in a per-user pricing model, while a growing team with more complex needs may benefit from tiered pricing with a wider range of support services.
2. Are our needs likely to scale in the next 6–12 months?
Business growth changes everything—from the number of users and devices to the scale of services you require.
If growth is expected, it’s best to choose a managed IT service provider that offers flexible pricing strategies like per-user or per-device pricing.
Scalable pricing models help ensure service costs stay aligned with usage, avoiding expensive surprises down the road.
3. What’s included in each service level?
Service level agreements (SLAs) outline exactly what’s covered at each pricing tier. These details should be reviewed carefully. Not all managed IT pricing models include cybersecurity services, managed backup, or advanced network monitoring services.
Some managed service providers offer those as add-ons at higher service rates, especially in a tiered pricing model. Understanding what’s included at each level avoids gaps in support.
4. What type of devices do we need to support?
Device pricing plays a key role in determining the overall cost of IT services. If a business operates a mix of desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and on-site servers, then per-device IT support pricing may offer more control.
However, if users work across multiple devices, a per-user pricing model can be more cost-effective since it charges per person, not per piece of equipment.
5. How often do we need remote or onsite support?
The frequency and urgency of support requests impact the services pricing guide. Businesses that need 24/7 remote support or guaranteed response times may end up in a higher-tier plan.
Managed IT services pricing is often structured to account for the involvement required from your managed IT services team. If you expect frequent assistance, a plan with unlimited remote support is likely worth the higher monthly fee.
6. Are we currently overpaying for services we don’t use?
Many small businesses pay for support services they never use. If the monthly fee includes advanced features like compliance reporting or managed security service packages that aren’t being used, it’s time to revisit the pricing model.
À la carte pricing might be a better fit for organizations that want more control over service costs.
7. Do we need a local MSP, or is a remote provider sufficient?
For businesses in Charlotte, North Carolina, and nearby areas, a local managed IT service provider like Sterling Technology Solutions offers the advantage of both remote support and on-site service delivery.
Local providers often understand the regional network infrastructure better, which may result in better service quality. However, if support needs are mostly remote, then national MSPs with solid SLAs and a strong services team may still be a viable option.
How to compute your managed IT services costs
Not sure how to figure out what you’ll actually pay for managed IT services? This breakdown walks through each step to help you calculate costs.
Step 1: Count the number of users or devices
Start with the basics: how many users or devices are in your business? For per-user pricing, multiply the number of users by the average cost per user, typically between $100–$200 per month.
For per-device pricing, list out each type of device—desktops, laptops, servers, mobile phones—and apply the relevant device pricing from your MSP’s services pricing guide.
Step 2: Identify the support services needed
Next, determine what support services your business actually uses. Are network monitoring services, cybersecurity protection, and managed backup required? Do you need 24/7 support or just coverage during business hours?
The more comprehensive the service level, the higher the monthly fee. Businesses with complex environments or compliance needs will pay more for managed IT services pricing with advanced support options.
Step 3: Choose an MSP pricing model that matches business size and complexity
Now, match your business needs to a pricing model. Per-user pricing is predictable and ideal for companies with staff who use multiple devices. Per-device pricing offers better control for businesses where each employee only uses one device.
Tiered-managed IT pricing is better for those who want a clear bundle of services at set monthly fees. À la carte pricing is flexible but can add up fast if not carefully managed.
Step 4: Calculate your monthly and annual costs
Multiply your selected IT support pricing (per user or per device) by the number of users or devices. Add costs for any extra services not included in your base plan—such as managed cloud services, additional cybersecurity protection, or enhanced network infrastructure monitoring.
The result is your estimated monthly fee. Multiply by 12 to get your annual managed IT services cost.
Step 5: Compare pricing models and managed IT service providers
Use this calculation to compare different MSP pricing strategies. Review at least three providers and request a service pricing guide from each.
Some may offer volume discounts, long-term contract rates, or promotions for small businesses. Be sure to consider the full scope of services provided—not just the bottom-line cost.
Step 6: Factor in service-level agreements
Review the service level agreement for each provider. Cheaper isn’t always better if response times are slow or support is limited. SLAs define the scope of services, response times, and penalties for missed service delivery goals.
The agreement should align with your expectations for support, uptime, and performance.
Step 7: Reassess the managed services pricing every 6–12 months
IT needs to change as businesses grow. Services may need to scale up or down depending on staffing, technology updates, and compliance demands.
A managed IT pricing model that worked a year ago might not be the best option today. Regular reassessment helps businesses control their service costs and ensures that their managed IT services pricing remains aligned with their actual needs.
How do you know if the MSP pricing is too much compared to the average cost?
It’s not uncommon for businesses to overpay for managed services—especially when there’s no regular review of what’s being billed versus what’s actually being used.
A key sign is if the monthly fee includes services the business doesn’t need, such as managed cloud services that aren't in use, or premium cybersecurity services when only basic protection is needed.
Another red flag is limited service despite high costs. If the managed IT services pricing includes a high monthly fee, but service delivery is slow, support services are unavailable when needed, or network monitoring lacks depth, then it’s worth comparing with other providers.
The prices of managed IT services should reflect both the quality and quantity of services provided. If support feels inconsistent or unresponsive, the value isn’t there.
Always request an IT support pricing guide and compare it against industry averages. Use benchmarks like $100–$200 per user per month or $30–$300 per device per month to evaluate if the MSP is pricing their services accordingly.
Book a consultation today with Sterling Technology Solutions
Your business deserves managed IT services pricing that’s clear, fair, and customized for your goals.
Whether you're a small business looking for essential support or a larger company that needs full-scale managed network services, Sterling Technology Solutions has the experience and services to help.
Don’t waste another month overpaying for the wrong services—or dealing with a slow, unresponsive MSP. Book a consultation today and get a detailed pricing guide tailored to your business.
Frequently asked questions
How much do managed IT services typically cost per month?
The managed IT services cost can vary widely based on your IT support pricing model, the services required, and the number of users or devices in your business.
Most businesses pay for managed IT services on a per-user-per-month or per-device-per-month basis, with average costs ranging from $100 to $300 per user or device, depending on the scope of services provided.
What is the best pricing model for managed IT services?
There is no one-size-fits-all pricing model, but popular services pricing models include tiered pricing, per-user pricing, per-device pricing, and à la carte pricing.
The right model depends on your company’s network infrastructure, the services you require, and whether you're a small business or a growing enterprise with much more complex IT needs.
What services are typically included in a managed IT service plan?
A standard managed IT service plan usually includes remote support, network monitoring, cybersecurity services, data backup, and cloud services, although the services provided and the level of support can vary by provider.
Service level agreements (SLAs) define the exact service level and service delivery expectations so you know what to expect from your managed IT services team.
What’s the difference between per-user and per-device pricing?
Per-user IT support pricing charges a flat monthly fee for each employee, regardless of how many devices they use, while per-device pricing assigns a price to each physical asset, like desktops, laptops, or servers.
The per-device pricing model may benefit companies with fewer users but many machines, whereas per-user pricing is ideal for businesses where employees work across multiple devices.
How do MSPs determine their service rates and pricing strategies?
Managed service providers (MSPs) base their service rates on factors like the type of services provided, response times, compliance needs, and the scale of the services.
Some MSPs offer different managed IT services pricing tiers or even la carte pricing for companies that prefer flexibility in how they consume managed services.
What factors impact the overall cost of IT services?
The overall cost of IT services is influenced by the service costs, the service level agreement, the number of users or devices, and the involvement required from your managed IT team.
The biggest factor in determining managed IT pricing is often the scope of services and whether additional features like managed security services, monitoring services, or advanced network monitoring services are included.
Is there a pricing guide for small businesses interested in managed IT?
Yes, many service providers offer a pricing guide or managed IT services pricing guide that outlines services for your organization and the typical services pricing ranges based on your business size.
A guide for small businesses usually includes simplified options like per user or a tiered pricing model to accommodate limited budgets while still covering support services and managed IT specialists.
