Managed IT Services vs In-House IT: Which Saves You More?
Should you outsource your IT to a managed service provider (MSP) or build an in-house team? This is the single most asked question we get from growing businesses. Here's an honest comparison based on 500+ managed IT deployments and the real numbers behind both approaches.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Our Verdict
For businesses with 20-250 employees, managed IT services typically cost 50-70% less than an equivalent in-house team while providing broader expertise and 24/7 coverage. In-house IT makes sense for companies with 500+ employees who need dedicated on-site support or have highly specialized internal applications. Many organizations use a hybrid model: managed IT for day-to-day operations with 1-2 internal staff for strategic projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does managed IT cost per user?
Our plans start at $49/user/month for essential support and $79/user/month for comprehensive 24/7 managed IT. Enterprise plans with dedicated teams are custom-quoted. Most 50-user companies spend $47,400-$59,400/year total.
Will I lose control of my IT with a managed provider?
No. You maintain full control over IT strategy, vendor choices, and policies. We execute your vision and provide recommendations, but all decisions are yours. You get a dedicated account manager and regular business reviews.
What happens during the transition to managed IT?
We run a 30-day parallel operation where we work alongside your existing team (or handle the transition solo). We document everything, migrate monitoring, and ensure zero disruption. Most transitions complete in 2-4 weeks.