// DECISION GUIDE
Break-fix vs managed IT support
Pay per repair, or a fixed monthly fee for ongoing cover? Here’s a clear, side-by-side look at break-fix versus managed IT support — so you can see which genuinely fits.
- ● Side by side
- ● Plain English
- ● No lock-in either way
// SIDE BY SIDE
Two ways to get IT support
| Break-fix (pay per repair) | Managed / monthly plan | |
|---|---|---|
| When you get help | After something breaks | Before and after — problems are caught early |
| Cost | Unpredictable, per job | One fixed monthly fee, from £18.25 per computer |
| Prevention & monitoring | – | ✓ included |
| Knows your setup | Starts fresh each time | The same team who know you |
| Security & backups kept up | Only if you ask | ✓ looked after for you |
| Best for | The occasional, non-critical fix | Anyone who relies on their tech |
Both are cancel-anytime with no lock-in. See the three-way comparison · Why monthly wins
What’s actually the difference?
Break-fix means you pay each time something goes wrong — like calling a plumber for a leak. It feels cheap because you only pay when you need it, but nothing is being done to stop the next problem, and help is reactive. Managed support (a monthly plan) means a fixed fee covers unlimited help plus the quiet work that prevents problems — maintenance, updates, security and backups — with the same team who know your setup.
So which costs more?
On paper the monthly fee looks like the bigger number. But once you add up emergency call-outs, the hours lost to downtime, and the cost of data you didn’t back up, break-fix often works out dearer — and far more stressful. For anyone who genuinely relies on their computers, managed support usually wins on both cost and peace of mind. If you only have a single, non-critical machine, break-fix can be fine. Still unsure? Our Plan Finder points you the right way.
// GOOD QUESTIONS
Frequently asked
Which costs more over a year?
It varies, but break-fix often costs more once you total emergency call-outs, downtime and any lost data. A monthly plan spreads the cost predictably and prevents many problems happening at all.
Can I start with break-fix and move to a plan later?
Yes — lots of customers call us for a one-off repair, then join a plan to avoid the next emergency. There are no long contracts either way.
Do I have to sign a long contract for managed support?
No — our plans are rolling and cancel-anytime. You stay because it’s working, not because you’re locked in.
Ready to stop firefighting?
Get predictable, proactive IT support that prevents problems instead of just reacting to them — from £18.25/month per computer, cancel anytime.
01202 775566 · help@365techies.co.uk · MON–FRI 9AM–5PM