Compare Managed Service Providers UK 2026: MSP Costs, Services & Support Quick answer
A managed service provider, or MSP, is a company that manages IT services for another business on an ongoing basis.
An MSP can support:
IT helpdesk
user support
device management
servers
networks
Microsoft 365
cloud services
cyber security
backups
disaster recovery
software updates
remote monitoring
IT infrastructure
service desk
compliance support
IT consultancy
co-managed IT
As a rough UK guide, managed service provider costs can range from:
MSP service level Typical monthly cost guide
Basic helpdesk and monitoring
£30-£50 per user/month
Managed IT support with security
£50-£90 per user/month
Fully managed IT service
£80-£150+ per user/month
Co-managed IT support
Quote-based
Outsourced service desk
Per user, per ticket or fixed monthly fee
IT consultancy
Day rate or project-based
Managed cyber security
Per user, per device or per service
Enterprise MSP
Bespoke pricing
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Compare managed service providers in the UK Use this guide if you are comparing:
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Microsoft 365 managed services
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IT infrastructure support
cloud managed services
IT helpdesk support
remote IT support
business IT support
managed network services
endpoint management
device management services
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Key Takeaways
A managed service provider can take over some or all of your business IT support.
MSPs are used by small businesses, SMEs, larger organisations and public sector bodies.
GOV.UK’s 2025 MSP research estimated UK MSP revenue at around £51 billion, showing how significant the sector is.
MSP services may include helpdesk, Microsoft 365, cyber security, backups, cloud, endpoint management, infrastructure and consultancy.
Pricing is usually based on users, devices, service scope, support hours and security requirements.
The cheapest MSP is not always the best option if response times, security and contract scope are weak.
The NCSC recommends checking MSP responsibilities, logging, end-of-life management and security certifications such as Cyber Essentials Plus and ISO 27001.
MSP contracts should clearly define what is included, what costs extra and who is responsible for security.
Businesses with internal IT teams may not need full outsourcing; co-managed IT support may be better.
The best MSP comparison starts with your business needs, not a generic provider ranking.
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Authored by: Ally Cox (Business Technology & B2B Services Specialist 10+ Years’ Experience)
Reviewed by: James Ward (Telecoms Specialist, 12+ Years Experience)
Last Updated: September 2026
Contents
What is a Managed Service Provider? A managed service provider is an external company that manages IT services for a business on an ongoing basis- which is different from one-off IT repair or ad hoc technical support.
A managed service provider usually works under a contract or service agreement and may take responsibility for keeping systems running, secure and supported.
Common MSP services include:
Service
IT helpdesk
Support for staff when something stops working
Remote monitoring
Watching systems for issues before they cause downtime
Device management
Managing laptops, desktops, mobiles and tablets
Microsoft 365 support
Email, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive and user management
Cyber security
Firewalls, endpoint security, MFA, monitoring and awareness
Backup and disaster recovery
Protecting data and restoring systems after incidents
Cloud support
Managing Azure, AWS, private cloud or hybrid cloud
Network support
Wi-Fi, routers, switches, firewalls and connectivity
Patch management
Keeping systems and software updated
IT consultancy
Strategy, projects, procurement and transformation
Service desk
Structured ticket-based support for users
Vendor management
Liaising with software, telecoms and hardware suppliers
Managed service provider vs managed IT services These terms are often used together, but they are slightly different.
Term
Managed service provider
The company providing ongoing IT services
Managed IT services
The services delivered by the MSP
Managed IT support
Practical support for users, devices and systems
Outsourced IT support
Fully or partly outsourcing IT to an external provider
Co-managed IT support
MSP supports your internal IT team
Outsourced service desk
External helpdesk for staff IT issues
IT consultancy
Project, strategy or transformation advice
A simple way to separate them:
MSP = the provider. Managed IT services = what they deliver.
Cost of Managed Service Providers MSP pricing varies depending on the service model.
Pricing model How it works Best for
Per user
Fixed monthly cost per employee/user
SMEs and office-based businesses
Per device
Cost based on laptops, desktops, servers or devices
Device-heavy businesses
Per site
Fixed cost per location
Multi-site businesses
Fixed monthly retainer
Agreed monthly price for defined services
Predictable IT budgets
Tiered packages
Bronze/silver/gold or basic/standard/premium
Businesses choosing by support level
Project pricing
One-off cost for migration, setup or consultancy
Cloud, cyber or infrastructure projects
Co-managed pricing
Cost based on support gap or escalation scope
Businesses with internal IT teams
Service desk pricing
Per user, per ticket, per agent or fixed contract
Larger support environments
A simple guide:
Business size
1-10 users
10-25 users
25-50 users
50-100 users
£3,000-£10,000+ per month
100+ users
Per-user pricing could look like this:
Service level
Basic remote support
Standard managed IT support
Managed IT support with stronger cyber security
Fully managed IT service
Enterprise or regulated-sector MSP
What affects MSP pricing? Managed service provider pricing is affected by:
number of users
number of devices
number of sites
support hours
response time requirements
on-site support needs
Microsoft 365 support
cloud platforms
cyber security requirements
backup requirements
server infrastructure
network complexity
compliance needs
legacy systems
remote working
mobile device management
software support
onboarding work
contract length
service level agreement
whether hardware is included
whether licensing is included
whether project work is included
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What should an MSP include? A strong MSP proposal should clearly explain what is included.
Service area
Helpdesk
Support hours, response times, phone/email/portal support
Devices
Laptops, desktops, mobiles, tablets and endpoint management
Microsoft 365
Email, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, licences and user support
Cyber security
MFA, endpoint protection, monitoring, awareness and incident response
Backups
What is backed up, how often, and how restores are tested
Network
Wi-Fi, routers, firewalls, switches and connectivity support
Cloud
Azure, AWS, private cloud, hybrid cloud or SaaS management
Updates
Patch management and end-of-life tracking
Reporting
Monthly reports, tickets, uptime, risks and recommendations
Account management
Reviews, roadmap and strategic advice
Onboarding
Initial audit, documentation and transition plan
Exit process
Data return, documentation and handover terms
Types of managed service providers 1. Small business MSPs
Best for:
small businesses
sole traders with staff
local offices
businesses without internal IT
simple Microsoft 365 support
device and user support
Watch out for:
limited out-of-hours cover
project work charged separately
limited cyber security scope
no specialist compliance support
2. Mid-market MSPs
Best for:
growing SMEs
multi-site businesses
businesses with 25-250 users
Microsoft 365-heavy teams
cloud migration
cyber security support
backup and disaster recovery
Watch out for:
contract length
onboarding costs
security add-ons
on-site support charges
3. Enterprise MSPs
Best for:
larger businesses
complex networks
public sector
regulated sectors
multi-site or global operations
cloud and infrastructure projects
service desk outsourcing
digital transformation
Watch out for:
complex contracts
longer sales cycles
project governance
higher minimum spend
4. Cyber security-led MSPs
Best for:
businesses with sensitive data
regulated sectors
legal, finance, healthcare and education
cyber insurance requirements
businesses worried about ransomware
businesses needing monitoring and incident response
Watch out for:
whether they are an MSP, MSSP or both
what is included in monitoring
incident response terms
security certification evidence
5. Cloud MSPs
Best for:
Azure
AWS
Microsoft 365
cloud migration
hybrid cloud
hosted desktops
remote working
infrastructure modernisation
6. Co-managed IT providers
Best for:
businesses with internal IT
overstretched IT teams
second-line support
out-of-hours support
project support
cyber security cover
escalation support
Managed service provider comparison table
Provider type Best for What to check
Local MSP
Small businesses wanting nearby support
Response times, on-site visits and cover hours
National MSP
SMEs with multiple sites
UK coverage, account management and scalability
Enterprise MSP
Large organisations
Governance, service desk, compliance and SLAs
Cloud MSP
Azure, AWS or hybrid cloud
Cloud credentials, migration experience and optimisation
Cyber security MSP Security-heavy businesses
Certifications, monitoring and incident response
Microsoft MSP Microsoft 365 and Azure users
CSP status, Teams, SharePoint and security support
Co-managed MSP Internal IT teams
Escalation model and division of responsibilities
Sector-specialist MSP
Regulated industries
Compliance evidence and sector experience
MSP providers UK
Provider Why businesses compare it Best suited to
Daisy Communications
Broad telecoms, IT, cloud and managed service offering
SMEs wanting bundled communications and IT support
Claranet
Cloud, managed services, network and cyber security
Mid-market and larger cloud-focused organisations
Redcentric
Managed cloud, networks, communications and security
Regulated, public sector and infrastructure-heavy organisations
Computacenter
Large-scale IT services, workplace, cloud and transformation
Enterprise and public sector organisations
Softcat
IT solutions, licensing, cloud, cyber and procurement
Businesses wanting IT procurement and advisory support
Node4
Cloud, connectivity, communications and managed services
Mid-market businesses needing cloud and infrastructure support
Advania
Microsoft, cloud, managed services and digital transformation
Microsoft-focused businesses
Littlefish
Managed IT and service desk support
SMEs, public sector and service desk-focused buyers
Transparity
Microsoft cloud, managed services and security
Microsoft 365 and Azure-focused businesses
Local MSPs
Regional IT support and on-site help
Small businesses needing responsive local support
Managed service provider vs in-house IT
Option Best for Watch out for
In-house IT
Businesses needing daily on-site control
Recruitment cost and skills gaps
MSP
Businesses wanting outsourced support
Provider dependency and contract scope
Co-managed IT
Businesses with internal IT needing support
Clear responsibility split needed
IT consultancy
Project or strategic work
Not ongoing support unless contracted
Outsourced service desk
Staff helpdesk support
May not cover wider infrastructure
Managed cyber security
Security monitoring and protection
Does not replace all IT support
MSP vs outsourced IT support
Feature MSP Outsourced IT support
Meaning
Ongoing managed service provider
External IT support service
Scope
Can include full IT estate
Often support-led
Pricing
Usually monthly contract
Monthly, hourly or retainer
Best for
Proactive IT management
Replacing or supplementing IT support
Includes cyber?
Often, but check
Sometimes, but may be add-on
Includes strategy?
Sometimes
Less often
MSP vs IT consultancy
Feature MSP IT consultancy
Main role
Ongoing management
Advice, planning and projects
Contract
Monthly support
Project, day-rate or retained advice
Best for
Day-to-day IT support
Strategy, transformation, migration or procurement
Example work
Helpdesk, monitoring, backups
Cloud strategy, cyber review, infrastructure design
Buyer question
“Who should manage our IT?”
“What should our IT strategy be?”
MSP vs outsourced service desk
Feature MSP Outsourced service desk
Scope
Broad IT management
User support and ticket handling
Best for
Full or partial IT outsourcing
Helpdesk capacity
Includes infrastructure?
Usually
Not always
Includes cyber?
Sometimes
Usually limited
Includes projects?
Sometimes
Usually separate
MSP security checklist Security should be a major part of your MSP comparison so ask whether the MSP provides:
MFA support
endpoint protection
device encryption
patch management
vulnerability management
firewall management
backup monitoring
disaster recovery testing
phishing awareness
Microsoft 365 security
conditional access
logging and monitoring
incident response process
admin access controls
privileged access management
security reports
Cyber Essentials support
ISO 27001 evidence
supplier security controls
What to ask an MSP before signing Ask every provider:
What services are included?
What is excluded?
Is pricing per user, per device, per site or fixed?
Are Microsoft 365 licences included?
Are security tools included?
Are backups included?
Are backup restores tested?
Is on-site support included?
What are the support hours?
What is the response time?
What is the resolution target?
Is there a named account manager?
How are tickets logged?
What reports do we receive?
What happens during a cyber incident?
Who owns admin accounts?
How is privileged access controlled?
What documentation is created?
What happens if we leave?
Are there onboarding fees?
Are there exit fees?
Is project work included?
How are out-of-scope requests charged?
Can the contract scale up or down?
What certifications do you hold?
Common MSP contract terms to check Before signing, review:
Contract area
Minimum term
Notice period
How far ahead you must cancel
Service scope
What is included and excluded
SLA
Response and resolution targets
Support channels
Phone, email, portal, chat
Support hours
Business hours, extended or 24/7
On-site support
Included or charged separately
Project work
Included or separately quoted
Licences
Included or pass-through cost
Hardware
Included, leased or separately purchased
Backups
Included, monitored and tested
Security tools
Included or optional add-ons
Price increases
Annual uplift or review terms
Exit support
Documentation and handover
Data ownership
Who owns documentation, passwords and configs
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Hidden MSP costs Watch out for:
onboarding fees
discovery audit fees
migration fees
project day rates
after-hours support charges
on-site visit charges
emergency callout fees
user onboarding charges
hardware markups
licence markups
backup storage charges
cyber security add-ons
firewall management fees
cloud migration fees
termination fees
documentation handover fees
out-of-scope ticket charges
support for legacy systems
compliance reporting fees
Best MSP option by business type
Business type
Small office
Helpdesk, Microsoft 365, backup and endpoint security
Professional services firm
Microsoft 365, data protection, cyber security and device support
Retail business
POS support, connectivity, device management and cyber basics
Hospitality group
Wi-Fi, tills, payment systems, helpdesk and multi-site support
Care home group
Secure devices, cloud systems, compliance and backup
Manufacturer
Infrastructure, networks, cyber security and operational systems
Construction business
Mobile devices, cloud files, remote access and device security
School or education provider
Safeguarding, device management, filtering and service desk
Legal firm
Cyber security, email security, compliance and backup
Finance business
Security, compliance, logging and incident response
Growing SME
Managed IT services, roadmap, Microsoft 365 and cyber security
Internal IT team
Co-managed support and project escalation
FAQs What is a managed service provider?
A managed service provider is a company that manages IT services for another business on an ongoing basis, usually through a monthly contract or service agreement.
What does an MSP do?
An MSP may provide helpdesk support, device management, Microsoft 365 support, cloud management, cyber security, backups, network support, patching and IT consultancy.
How much do managed service providers cost in the UK?
MSP costs vary, but many businesses can expect broad pricing from around £30-£50 per user per month for basic support, £50-£90 for fuller support and £80-£150+ for more complete managed services.
What affects MSP pricing?
Users, devices, sites, service scope, support hours, cyber security, cloud systems, Microsoft 365, backups, on-site support and contract terms all affect pricing.
Are MSPs suitable for small businesses?
Yes. MSPs are often useful for small businesses that need reliable IT support but do not want to hire a full internal IT team.
What is the difference between MSP and managed IT services?
The MSP is the provider. Managed IT services are the services delivered by the provider.
What is the difference between managed IT support and managed IT services?
Managed IT support usually focuses on practical helpdesk, users and devices. Managed IT services can include a wider outsourced IT model covering cloud, security, infrastructure and strategy.
What is outsourced IT support?
Outsourced IT support means using an external provider to support some or all of your business IT instead of relying only on internal staff.
What is co-managed IT support?
Co-managed IT support is where an MSP supports an existing internal IT team with extra capacity, tools, escalation support or specialist skills.
What is an outsourced service desk?
An outsourced service desk is an external helpdesk that handles user IT issues, tickets and technical support requests.
Do MSPs include cyber security?
Many MSPs include some cyber security, but the level varies. Always check whether endpoint security, MFA, monitoring, backup and incident response are included.
Do MSPs support Microsoft 365?
Many MSPs support Microsoft 365, including email, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, user management and security settings.
Can an MSP help with cloud migration?
Yes. Many MSPs support cloud migration, Azure, AWS, Microsoft 365, hosted desktops, backup and hybrid cloud environments.
Do MSPs provide 24/7 support?
Some do, but not all. Check whether support is business-hours only, extended-hours or 24/7.
What should I ask before choosing an MSP?
Ask what is included, what is excluded, what security is provided, how tickets are handled, what SLAs apply, what costs extra and what happens if you leave.
What are hidden MSP costs?
Common hidden costs include onboarding, on-site visits, out-of-hours support, project work, licence markups, backup storage, cyber security add-ons and exit fees.
Should I choose a local or national MSP?
A local MSP may be better for on-site support and small businesses. A national MSP may be better for multi-site businesses, larger teams and wider service coverage.
How long are MSP contracts?
Many MSP contracts run for 12, 24 or 36 months, but terms vary. Always check notice periods and exit fees.
Can I switch MSPs?
Yes, but you need access to documentation, admin accounts, passwords, licences, backups and system information. Check exit terms before signing.
How do I compare managed service providers?
Compare service scope, response times, pricing, security, Microsoft 365 support, backup, cloud expertise, contract terms, sector experience, certifications and total first-year cost.
Compare Managed IT Support and MSP Services Explore our guides to managed IT services, outsourced IT support, small business IT support, IT consultancy and managed service provider options.
James Ward is the CEO & Founder of Compare Your Business Costs — a UK-verified comparison platform helping SMEs save money on business broadband, leased lines, phone systems, mobile telecoms, managed services and IT support. With over 10 years of experience in telecoms and technology procurement, James is a trusted UK business expert featured in national media and verified on Companies House.
