If you are shopping around for IT support in Ireland, the hardest part is not finding options. It is figuring out what anything actually costs, what is included, and what you are going to be charged for later.
You might see a monthly price per user. Or a per device price. Or a low headline number that sounds great until you realise backups, security, Microsoft 365 support, and onsite visits are “extras”.
This post will help you understand what IT support typically costs in Ireland, what drives the price up or down, and the common hidden fees to watch for, so you can compare providers properly and choose a support plan that fits your business.
What type of IT support are you paying for?
Before numbers, it helps to be clear on what you are buying. Most IT support falls into one of these models:
Break/fix (pay as you go)
You call when something breaks and you pay for the time. This can work if you are very small and issues are rare, but costs can spike at the worst possible time.
Managed IT support (monthly plan)
You pay a fixed monthly fee for ongoing support and proactive maintenance. This is the most common model for growing SMEs because it is predictable and usually reduces downtime.
Co-managed IT
You have someone internal (even part-time) and an MSP supports them with tools, escalations, and specialist help. This is common once a business hits a size where internal IT exists, but they still need backup.
When people ask “how much does IT support cost?”, they usually mean managed IT support, so that is what we will focus on.
Typical managed IT pricing in Ireland (what you will usually see)
Most MSPs price support in one of three ways:
Per user, per month
This is common when support is tied to the person, their devices, and Microsoft 365. It is simple to understand and scales as you hire.
Per device, per month
This can work well when the number of devices is stable, but it can get messy if users have multiple devices or shared machines.
Tiered packages
For example: Essentials, Standard, Premium. Each tier adds services like security, backups, Microsoft 365 management, or faster response times.
Because packages vary, two providers can quote very different numbers and both be “right”. The important part is comparing like-for-like.
What actually affects the cost?
Here are the biggest factors that change the monthly price.
- Number of users and devices
More users means more tickets, more onboarding/offboarding, more Microsoft 365 admin, and more endpoints to secure. - Complexity of your setup
A small office with cloud tools is usually simpler than a business with legacy apps, line-of-business servers, multiple sites, or specialist compliance needs. - What is included in security
Security is one of the biggest price differences between MSPs. A basic package might include antivirus. A stronger package may include endpoint detection, email security, MFA enforcement, device encryption, and regular security reviews. - Backup and disaster recovery
Backups are not all the same. Costs depend on how much data you have, how often it is backed up, how long it is retained, and how quickly you need to restore. - Microsoft 365 support and management
Some providers include Microsoft 365 admin, security configuration, and user management. Others will support basic issues but charge extra for deeper admin work. - Onsite support and coverage
If you need onsite visits in Sligo or across the region, check whether onsite is included, limited, or billed separately. Also check after-hours support, weekend cover, and emergency response. - Service levels and response times
Faster response times and proactive monitoring generally cost more, but they can save money by reducing downtime.
Common “hidden fees” and surprises to watch for
This is where most frustration comes from. A quote looks reasonable, then the extras start stacking up.
Here are the common ones:
Onboarding fees
Some MSPs charge a one-off onboarding fee to document your network, set up monitoring tools, and bring everything under management. This is not automatically bad, but it should be clearly explained.
Project work not included
Even on managed plans, bigger changes are often classed as projects. Examples include migrations, network redesigns, new office setups, and major upgrades.
Out-of-scope support
Some contracts include “fair use” support. Others have strict limits. Ask what happens if ticket volume increases or if you have a busy month.
Third-party licences
Security tools, backup licences, Microsoft 365 licences, and email security may be separate line items. Again, not a problem, but it must be transparent.
Onsite call-out charges
If the plan is remote-only, onsite visits may be billed per hour plus travel.
Minimum contract terms and exit fees
Many MSPs work on 12, 24, or 36-month terms. Ask what happens if you want to leave, and whether there are early termination fees.
What should be included in a good managed IT plan?
Every provider is different, but a solid managed IT plan for an SME typically covers:
- Helpdesk support for day-to-day issues
- Proactive monitoring and patching
- Endpoint protection and basic security controls
- Microsoft 365 user support and admin basics
- Backup management (or at least clear options)
- Clear documentation and visibility of what is covered
If you are comparing quotes, ask each provider to list what is included in plain English. If they cannot do that, it is hard to trust the numbers.
How to compare MSP quotes properly (quick checklist)
When you get a quote, do not just look at the monthly price. Ask:
- Is pricing per user or per device?
- What security tools are included?
- Are backups included? If yes, what is covered and how often?
- Is Microsoft 365 management included or extra?
- Are onsite visits included? If not, what is the rate?
- What is the contract term?
- What is classed as a project?
- What is the process for new starters and leavers?
- What are response times for urgent issues?
A higher monthly fee can be better value if it includes the things you would otherwise pay for separately.
A simple way to think about value
The cheapest IT support is often the most expensive in the long run if it leads to downtime, weak security, or constant firefighting.
Good managed IT support should reduce disruption, improve security, and give you confidence that someone is looking after your systems properly. That is what you are paying for.
Want a clearer idea of what your IT support should cost?
If you want to sense-check a quote, or you are not sure whether your current plan includes what it should, Compupac IT can help. Share a bit about your setup (users, devices, Microsoft 365, backups, and any pain points) and we can give you straightforward guidance on what to expect, what to watch for, and what a sensible support plan looks like for your business.
