If you’re running a law firm or accounting practice in Ontario, you’ve likely asked:
“How much do managed IT services actually cost?”
And if you’ve looked around, you may have noticed that most MSPs (Managed Service Providers) don’t give a straight answer.
We’re here to change that.
At Secrecy Evolution, we believe in radical transparency. So in this post, we’ll break down the real costs of working with an MSP what affects pricing, what’s included, and what law and accounting firms in Ontario typically pay.
Why Pricing Varies for Managed IT Services
There’s no one-size-fits-all price because your IT needs are unique. But here’s what usually drives cost:
- Number of users and devices
- Cybersecurity requirements
- Compliance needs (e.g., PIPEDA, Law Society regulations)
- Data sensitivity
- On-site vs. remote support
- Existing IT setup and infrastructure
Common MSP Pricing Models in Ontario
Here are the three most common pricing structures used by MSPs across Ontario:
1. Per User or Per Device (Most Common)
- $100–$200/user/month
- $50–$150/device/month
Ideal for firms with consistent headcounts and straightforward needs.
2. Tiered Flat-Rate Packages
- Starts around $1,500/month for 10–15 users
- Increases with added services like compliance, advanced security, or 24/7 support
Great for firms who want predictable monthly costs.
3. À la Carte or Project-Based
- Hourly or one-off projects (e.g., $150–$250/hour)
- Common for firms needing just a migration, audit, or occasional support.
Real-World Examples from Ontario Firms
Small Law Firm (10 staff):
- Flat monthly rate of $1,600/month
- Includes endpoint protection, Microsoft 365 management, backups, helpdesk
Mid-Sized Accounting Firm (25 staff + remote team):
- $4,200/month
- Includes 24/7 support, security awareness training, compliance support, cloud file storage
What’s Typically Included
Most MSPs include:
- Helpdesk support (remote and sometimes on-site)
- System monitoring and patching
- Antivirus/endpoint protection
- Backup and disaster recovery
- Email and productivity suite management (Microsoft 365/Google Workspace)
- IT strategy and planning
What’s Not Usually Included
- Hardware purchases (laptops, firewalls)
- Specialized software support (e.g., legal or accounting applications)
- Large-scale projects (migrations, office moves)
- After-hours or holiday support (unless specified)
How to Avoid Getting Overcharged
- Ask for a breakdown of services.
- Request a sample report or SLA.
- Make sure cybersecurity isn’t an afterthought.
- Avoid lowball pricing, it often hides hidden costs.
So, What Should You Expect to Pay?
For law firms and accountants in Ontario, here’s a quick guide:
| Firm Size | Typical Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solo/Small (1–5) | $500–$1,000 | Light support, basic protection |
| 6–15 staff | $1,200–$2,500 | Standard managed services |
| 16–30 staff | $2,500–$5,000 | Advanced security, compliance |
| 30+ staff | Custom quote | Tailored solutions |
Final Thoughts: Transparency Builds Trust
If an MSP won’t give you a ballpark price or won’t explain what you’re paying for it’s a red flag.
Want Real Numbers? Let’s Chat.
We’ll walk you through what your firm actually needs and give you a straight answer on what that would cost. No pressure, no tech jargon.
👉 Schedule a free 15-minute quote