Decoding Managed Security Service Pricing Models

When you're looking at managed security services, there's no single price tag. The cost is all over the map because it’s built around what you actually need. For a small business just getting started, you might see prices hover around $2,275 per month for the basics. For larger companies with complex environments, the monthly bill can easily run anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000.

What really drives that final number is the pricing model you land on. It could be per-device, per-user, or a tiered package. The services included in the deal also play a huge role in the final cost.

Understanding Common Security Service Pricing Models

Trying to make sense of managed security service pricing can feel like a puzzle. As an MSP, vCISO, or GRC professional, you know clear, predictable costs are key to building client trust. The real challenge is finding a partner who delivers top-tier services like real manual pentesting without the sticker shock common in this industry.

This is why understanding different pricing structures is so important. Each model has its pros and cons depending on your client’s size and compliance needs, like SOC 2, HIPAA, or PCI DSS. Finding an affordable partner who understands the channel is the key to your success.

Explaining The Three Main Pricing Structures

Most security partners use one of three main billing methods. Each is designed for a different kind of business. Picking the right one is the first step to a solution that's both effective and affordable for your clients.

• Per-Device Pricing: This is simple. You pay a flat fee for every endpoint being monitored, like a laptop, server, or firewall. It's straightforward and makes budgeting easy when you know your asset count.
• Per-User Pricing: Here, the cost is tied to the number of employees. This is often better for companies where everyone uses multiple devices, keeping the billing from getting too complicated.
• Tiered Pricing: This approach bundles services into packages, like a Bronze, Silver, and Gold setup. Tiers offer a simple way to scale services as a client’s security needs and budget change.

The complexity of an organization’s environment is a key factor influencing the cost of managed security services. Prices can range widely, with the specific pricing model playing a significant role in the final monthly fee. You can learn more about how network complexity affects security costs and what to expect.

To make it even clearer, let's compare these models directly. This will help you see which structure makes the most sense for your clients. They get the protection they need without paying for extras they don't use.

Comparing Common Managed Security Pricing Structures

Here's a quick look at the main pricing models in managed security. This table shows what they're based on and who they fit best.

Pricing ModelHow You're BilledBest ForCommon Cost StructurePer-DeviceA fixed fee for each monitored assetBusinesses with shared workstations or a predictable number of devicesFlat monthly fee per server, firewall, or endpointPer-UserA fixed fee for each employeeRemote-first companies or businesses where employees use multiple devicesMonthly subscription based on total headcountTieredA set price for a pre-defined bundle of servicesBusinesses that want a simple, all-in-one package with clear service levelsSubscription fee for a specific package (e.g., Basic, Pro)

Understanding these differences puts you in a better position to guide your clients. It also makes it easier to find a white label pentesting provider that gets your channel-only model. You need a partner ready to work with you, not against you.

Key Factors That Influence Security Service Costs

Ever get a security quote and the numbers are all over the place? It's not random. There are solid reasons for the massive range in managed security service pricing. For any MSP, vCISO, or GRC firm looking for a quality, affordable partner, knowing these cost drivers is the first step.

The final price isn’t just pulled out of a hat. It’s calculated based on your client's unique setup, their risks, and the protection they need. It’s our job to provide fast, effective testing without the inflated prices.

How Your Client’s Digital Footprint Affects Price

The simplest factor is the size of the environment you need to protect. A small office with 10 employees is much easier to secure than a company with 500 remote workers. More assets mean more doors for an attacker to try to open.

This is why providers look closely at two core metrics:

• Number of Users: How many people are on the network? Every user is a potential target for phishing.
• Number of Devices: This covers every endpoint, from servers and workstations to firewalls. Each one needs to be watched.

The infographic below breaks down how these pieces build the final cost.

As you can see, the cost per user and per device sets a baseline. The complexity of the environment can really ramp up the final number.

Why The Complexity of The IT Environment Matters

It’s not just about counting heads and hardware. The intricacy of the IT setup itself plays a huge role. A simple, flat network is far cheaper to manage than a sprawling infrastructure with multiple offices and cloud environments.

Factors that increase complexity include:

• Hybrid Environments: Juggling on-premise servers with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure requires specialized skills.
• Legacy Systems: Old software or hardware can be a nightmare to secure and often needs custom workarounds.
• Network Segmentation: While a security best practice, managing many segmented networks increases the monitoring workload.

A complex environment demands more expert hours. This is especially true for services like manual pentesting, where a certified pro with an OSCP or CEH has to understand the entire architecture to spot hidden weaknesses. We pride ourselves on the speed and skill of our testers.

How Compliance And Regulatory Demands Impact Cost

For many businesses, cybersecurity is about meeting legal and industry standards. Staying compliant with frameworks like SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS, or ISO 27001 is a serious investment. A security partner is critical for navigating these requirements.

A provider will charge more for clients who need compliance support. This is because it involves:

1. Specialized Knowledge: The team must know the specific controls and rules for each framework.
2. Detailed Reporting: Pulling together audit-ready reports is time-consuming.
3. Continuous Monitoring: Many regulations require 24/7 monitoring, which adds to operational costs.

These frameworks set the security bar, which directly dictates the scope of services your client needs. We help our partners meet these needs with fast, affordable testing.

Defining The Scope of Services And Advanced Testing

Finally, the specific services you pick will move the needle on price. Basic monitoring is one thing, but a real security program is much more. Advanced services add critical layers of protection but also come with a higher cost.

Services like a detailed risk assessment or a full penetration testing engagement aren't always in basic packages. Our focus is on providing affordable, high-quality manual pentesting done by certified experts (OSCP, CEH, CREST). This hands-on testing is far better than automated scans and a must for compliance. As a reseller, offering these advanced white label pentesting services lets you deliver huge value.

Comparing Per-Device Versus Per-User Pricing Models

Choosing a pricing model can feel like a tough decision. Do you pay for each computer or for each person using them? This directly impacts your clients' budgets, so you have to get it right. Let’s break down the two most common options to help you guide your clients to the most affordable choice.

This isn't just about picking the cheaper option. For an MSP or vCISO, recommending the right model shows you understand your client’s business. You're building a security plan that fits their workflow and wallet.

When Per-Device Pricing Is The Smartest Choice

Per-device pricing is as straightforward as it gets. You pay a set fee for every asset you protect, whether it’s a server, laptop, or phone. This model is very predictable, which is a massive plus for any client with a tight budget.

Think about a factory where employees on different shifts share the same few workstations. A per-user model here would be a waste of money. Paying per-device is the clear winner since you only cover the hardware that needs protection.

This approach is also a great fit for businesses with:

• High employee turnover in roles using shared equipment.
• A static, predictable number of endpoints.
• On-site operations where employees don't use multiple personal devices.

Per-device pricing simplifies cost forecasting. You count the assets, multiply by the fee, and you have your monthly cost. It cuts out the guesswork tied to changing headcounts or BYOD policies.

But that simplicity can also be its biggest weakness. In a remote-first world where one employee uses multiple devices, per-device costs can skyrocket. That's where the other model shines.

When Per-User Pricing Offers Better Value

The per-user model flips the script. You pay a flat fee for each employee, no matter how many devices they use. This structure is designed for today's flexible work culture, covering the individual instead of just their computer.

Take a remote tech startup. Every employee has a company laptop and a personal phone with work email. Billing per-device would mean paying for multiple endpoints for one person. The per-user model simplifies this to a single, predictable monthly fee per employee.

This model is almost always the most affordable choice for:

• Remote or hybrid companies where device counts per person are high.
• Organizations with strong BYOD policies.
• Businesses focused on user-centric security.

Of course, managed security service pricing varies a lot based on what’s included. Basic monitoring might average $45 per endpoint, while premium services can jump to $73. You can find more insights on how MSSP pricing models are evolving in 2025.

As a reseller, knowing these scenarios lets you act as a strategic advisor. You’re not just selling a service; you're helping clients optimize their security spending. This builds the trust needed for long-term partnerships.

Evaluating Tiered And A La Carte Service Plans

After the per-device versus per-user debate, another choice appears. Do you pick a pre-packaged, tiered plan, or build a custom security stack? Both approaches to managed security service pricing have their merits. The right call depends on your client's needs and budget.

This is where a good MSP or vCISO proves their worth. You can steer clients toward the smartest, most affordable option instead of just an easy sale.

Tiered pricing is all about simplicity. Think "Bronze, Silver, Gold," where each level adds more services. This model is perfect for businesses that need a solid security program but don't want to get lost in technical details.

On the other hand, a la carte pricing gives you total control. You can hand-pick every single service. It's the go-to for clients with unusual risks or strict compliance rules like HIPAA or PCI DSS.

The Simplicity Of Choosing Tiered Package Deals

Tiered packages are popular because they make buying simple. The provider bundles services like endpoint protection and vulnerability scanning into a few neat choices. Your client just has to pick the tier that fits their risk appetite and wallet.

For example, a small business just starting with security might be fine with a "Bronze" package covering the basics. As they grow, they can jump to a "Silver" tier that adds a risk assessment or more advanced threat detection. It's a clear upgrade path.

This model is the right fit for:

• Clients wanting a straightforward, "set it and forget it" solution.
• Businesses with standard security needs that fit into pre-defined packages.
• Organizations that prioritize simplicity and predictable monthly costs.

The main catch? Your client might pay for a service they don't really need. If a package includes an irrelevant feature, part of their monthly fee is wasted.

The Flexibility Of Custom A La Carte Services

The a la carte, or "build your own," approach is the opposite. It gives you the power to create a completely customized security program. This is ideal for clients with specific requirements, like those in regulated industries meeting HIPAA, PCI DSS, or ISO 27001 controls.

Imagine a software company that needs strong application security but handles its own network monitoring. An a la carte model lets them invest in services like white label pentesting without paying for redundant network tools. This ensures every dollar is put to good use.

The a la carte model is a powerful tool for optimizing costs. It empowers you to build a lean, effective security posture that directly addresses a client's unique vulnerabilities and compliance mandates, ensuring they never pay for shelfware.

This approach is the clear winner for:

• Clients with unique or non-standard IT environments.
• Organizations that need to satisfy specific compliance requirements.
• Businesses with mature internal IT teams that can handle some security functions in-house.

Choosing between these models requires understanding your client's business. You're not just a reseller; you're a strategic partner. To add specialized offerings, you can learn more about our secure testing services. By picking the right services, like manual penetration testing from OSCP or CEH certified pros, you deliver huge value without bloated costs.

Uncovering Hidden Costs In Managed Security Services

The sticker price on a security proposal is rarely the whole story. For an MSP or vCISO, the real challenge is spotting hidden charges that turn an affordable quote into a budget-breaker. These surprise fees are where many providers pad their profits, and they can kill client trust.

A low monthly fee can suddenly blow up because of extra costs you assumed were standard. Knowing where these charges hide is the first step to finding a transparent partner. We believe in straightforward pricing with no surprises.

Watching Out For Steep Onboarding And Setup Fees

One of the first traps is the initial setup fee. Some providers charge a massive one-time cost just to deploy their tools. This fee can run into thousands of dollars, wrecking the total cost in the first year.

Always ask for a clear breakdown of all onboarding costs. A true partner who wants a long-term relationship will keep these fees low or get rid of them. They should be eager to get you started, not penalize you for signing on.

The Problem With Incident Response Retainer Fees

Many security providers will try to sell you on incident response (IR) retainers. These are pre-paid blocks of hours for their emergency team. It sounds like a smart safety net, but these retainers often go unused, meaning your client pays for nothing.

A true partner won't lock you into a retainer. They'll have a straightforward, pay-as-you-go model for incident response. You should only pay for emergency help when you actually need it, which keeps monthly costs predictable.

Avoiding Extra Charges For Compliance Reporting

For clients needing to meet compliance frameworks like SOC 2, PCI DSS, or HIPAA, reporting is everything. This is another place for hidden costs to appear. A provider might offer security monitoring at a great price but then charge a huge premium for audit-ready reports.

Before you sign anything, confirm what level of reporting is included. Ask point-blank if generating documentation for specific frameworks costs extra. These reports are non-negotiable for any GRC company or reseller.

Other Common But Hidden Service Expenses

Beyond the big items, smaller fees can stack up and catch you off guard. Get clarity on a provider's policies for these common "gotchas":

• After-Hours Support: Does a call at 2 a.m. come with an emergency fee?
• Tool Integration: Will they charge extra for connecting to older systems?
• Advanced Scans: Is a detailed vulnerability scan or a full risk assessment included, or are those add-on projects?

Asking these tough questions upfront is how you find a partner with transparent managed security service pricing. Our model is built on providing affordable, fast, and effective manual pentesting without any hidden fees.

How The Market Boom Affects Your Service Costs

The cybersecurity market is exploding, which directly impacts managed security service pricing. As an MSP, vCISO, or GRC firm, you must understand these market forces to find a partner that's both high-quality and affordable. The demand for security is through the roof.

This creates a tricky situation. New players are flooding the market, sometimes dropping prices just to get started. Meanwhile, big providers are jacking up prices and quoting long lead times. That's why two quotes for the same service can be worlds apart.

Finding A Fair Price In A Crowded Market

The market's rapid growth shows how essential these services are. In 2022, the managed security services market was around $25.9 billion. It jumped to $28.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit $74.2 billion by 2032. You can dig into more of these managed security service statistics to see the full picture.

This boom creates a messy pricing environment. You're not just paying for a tool; you're paying for an expert. The demand for skilled security pros is higher than ever, especially for specialized work like manual pentesting which requires certified pros.

In a market this hot, finding a partner who is 100% channel-only is a huge advantage. Most providers will eventually try to sell directly to your clients. A true channel-only partner means you never compete with the company doing the work for you.

Partnering With A Company That Is The Solution

This is exactly why we exist. We built our entire business to solve this industry-wide headache. We are a channel-only partner. We only work through resellers like you, and we never compete with our MSP or vCISO clients.

Our focus is on delivering affordable, fast, and top-tier manual pentesting from certified pros with credentials like OSCP, CEH, and CREST. Our white label pentesting lets you sell world-class security assessments under your own name. We do the heavy lifting so you can focus on serving your clients.

Choosing The Right Security Pricing Strategy For You

Picking a security partner and their pricing model is a huge decision. As an MSP, vCISO, or GRC professional, your recommendation cements your role as a trusted advisor. It's about finding the sweet spot between solid protection and a price that makes sense.

The goal isn't to chase the lowest price tag; it's to lock in the best value. That means finding a provider with upfront managed security service pricing. They should use certified experts and be genuinely committed to the channel.

A Practical Checklist To Help Make Your Decision

To cut through the noise, you need a simple way to vet potential partners. This helps you compare apples to apples. Here’s a quick checklist to run through:

• Client's Business Model: Do they have a remote workforce? A per-user model is likely cost-effective. Do they work from one office with shared computers? Per-device pricing might be smarter.
• Compliance Needs: Do they need to meet SOC 2, HIPAA, or PCI DSS? You need a partner who can provide transparent pricing for audit-ready reports.
• Scope of Services: Do they need a full security suite or just specific services? Tiered plans are great for broad coverage, but a la carte is perfect for plugging gaps with manual pentesting.

Your final decision has to circle back to value. A slightly higher price for a manual penetration testing engagement by an OSCP certified expert will always provide more security and better compliance proof than a cheap, automated scan.

Balancing The Cost With Quality And Speed

In cybersecurity, you get what you pay for. The industry is full of providers with rock-bottom prices that come with slow service and automated-only testing. That approach doesn't just leave clients exposed; it hurts your reputation.

A real partner gets that for an MSP, speed is everything. Long waits for a risk assessment or pentest can derail a client's project. You need a provider who promises fast turnarounds without cutting corners on quality.

Partnering With The Right Company For Success

The right pricing strategy fits your client's reality and security goals. Whether it’s per-device, per-user, tiered, or a la carte, the best model gives them total protection. They shouldn't have to pay for services they’ll never use.

Your job is to guide them to that choice. By focusing on transparent, value-first partners, you can land on a solution that’s both effective and affordable. This makes you a strategic security advisor invested in their success.

Ready to partner with a channel-only provider that offers fast, affordable, and high-quality manual pentesting? At MSP Pentesting, we never compete with our partners. We're here to help you grow your business and deliver exceptional security services under your brand. Contact us today to learn more.