--- title: "Break Fix vs Managed Services: Which Is Right for Your Business?" description: This article takes a look at break fix vs managed services so that you can decide which might be best for you. 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[Mindy Gallagher](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/mindy-gallagher) : Oct 28, 2019, 12:00:00 AM [Managed IT Services](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) Running a business is complicated and expensive. That's why every decision is important. One of the biggest decisions every business owner has to make is whether to use a break fix or [managed services](https://www.alura.com/blog/top-5-it-managed-services-benefits-for-businesses.php) for their IT support. Both types of services have become increasingly popular in recent years with small businesses and yet the two are very different.  This article takes a look at break fix vs managed services so that you can decide which might be best for you. Keep reading to see a summary of the most important facts. ## Advantage of a Break Fix Service This type of service is the IT equivalent of [hiring a plumber](https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/save-when-hiring-a-plumber/) when you need your pipes repaired. The way it basically works is the break fix services solves your IT problem and then charges a fee based on the labor and time involved. The primary advantage of a break fix service is that you are only obligated to pay when services are needed rather than paying a set monthly fee. ## Disadvantage of a Break Fix Service The primary disadvantage of this type of service is that fact that the person dispatched from outside your company to address the problem won't have a working history or knowledge of your system. Thus this could delay the repair and prolong any downtime for your team. ## Advantage of a Managed Service Hiring a managed IT service means shifting responsibility for the status of your system to the service provider. This allows you to relax knowing that the system will be proactively monitored 24/7. The biggest advantage of this type of IT service is that your system will receive constant preventative care rather than only when something goes wrong. Your system will be monitored by a team of [IT professionals](https://www.itworld.com/article/2696004/12-characteristics-of-successful-it-professionals.html) with the expertise to handle any problem the moment it's noticed. This is great for providing you with peace of mind to focus on more important matters. Another advantage is the fact that you'll understand all costs upfront thus you won't have to worry about any surprise fees that might arise with a break fix service. ## Disadvantage of a Managed Service The most significant disadvantage of a managed IT service is cost. After all you will most likely be required to pay a monthly fee for the service. An initial setup fee will also likely be involved. This expense might dissuade many companies and yet you'll likely find that it's a small price to pay for the reliability of having your system constantly monitored by IT professionals. ## Break Fix vs Managed Services When it comes to deciding between break fix vs managed services the choice mostly boils down to your company's needs and budget.  A break fix service might save you a few dollars here and there but you'll also face the possibility of putting your system at risk. That's what makes a managed service so appealing to companies who rely on their systems to run without interruption.  [Click here](https://www.alura.com/blog/5-great-reasons-to-outsource-your-it-support.php) to learn 5 major reasons you should be outsourcing your IT support. - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) #### ![BusinessOwnerGuidetoM&A-1](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BusinessOwnerGuidetoM%26A-1.png?width=303&height=209&name=BusinessOwnerGuidetoM%26A-1.png) #### Download our eBook*THE ULTIMATE ROADMAP TO CMMC COMPLIANCE* by filling out the form below! [![A Business Checklist For Maintaining a Secure Network](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/1101.jpg)](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/a-business-checklist-for-maintaining-a-secure-network) #### [A Business Checklist For Maintaining a Secure Network](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/a-business-checklist-for-maintaining-a-secure-network) [Mindy Gallagher](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/mindy-gallagher) : Oct 11, 2021, 12:00:00 AM Maintaining network security is crucial. Otherwise you run the risk of having a data breach occur at your business that can be particularly difficult... [Managed IT Services](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) [Read More](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/a-business-checklist-for-maintaining-a-secure-network) [![Is Outsourcing to an IT Support Company Right for Your Business?](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/1103.jpg)](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/is-outsourcing-to-an-it-support-company-right-for-your-business) #### [Is Outsourcing to an IT Support Company Right for Your Business?](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/is-outsourcing-to-an-it-support-company-right-for-your-business) [Mindy Gallagher](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/mindy-gallagher) : Oct 25, 2021, 12:00:00 AM As a small business owner you have a lot of responsibilities to take care of. In an age where all businesses rely on technology your tech needs often... [Managed IT Services](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) [Read More](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/is-outsourcing-to-an-it-support-company-right-for-your-business) [![How to Find the Best Managed IT Company](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/1107.jpeg)](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/how-to-find-the-best-managed-it-company) #### [How to Find the Best Managed IT Company](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/how-to-find-the-best-managed-it-company) [Mindy Gallagher](https://alura.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/mindy-gallagher) : Nov 15, 2021, 12:00:00 AM Are you in need of an IT company for your business? Well then you're not alone. Many companies struggle to find the right IT company with the... 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