Buying outright gives you ownership. Leasing preserves cash flow. The right choice depends on your budget, growth plans, and how fast your technology needs change.
$25,000 - $50,000
Full payment at purchase
$0 - $2,500
First month's payment only
$0 after purchase
Plus maintenance and repairs
$800 - $1,500/mo
Fixed lease payment
$25,000 - $50,000
Plus $2,000-$5,000 repairs
$28,800 - $54,000
Monthly payments × 36 months
Replace when budget allows
Often 5-7 years between refreshes
Built-in refresh every 3-4 years
Always current technology
Large capital expenditure
Impacts cash reserves significantly
Predictable operating expense
Preserves cash for growth
Capital asset — depreciate over 3-5 years
CCA deductions (Class 50)
Operating expense — deduct monthly
Full deduction in current year
You handle disposal or resale
Data wiping, recycling, storage
Return to lessor
They handle disposal
Full control over specs
Buy exactly what you need
Limited to lessor's catalog
May have fewer options
| Factor | Buy | Lease |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost (25 laptops) | $25,000 - $50,000 Full payment at purchase | $0 - $2,500 First month's payment only |
| Monthly Cost | $0 after purchase Plus maintenance and repairs | $800 - $1,500/mo Fixed lease payment |
| 3-Year Total Cost | $25,000 - $50,000 Plus $2,000-$5,000 repairs | $28,800 - $54,000 Monthly payments × 36 months |
| Technology Refresh | Replace when budget allows Often 5-7 years between refreshes | Built-in refresh every 3-4 years Always current technology |
| Cash Flow Impact | Large capital expenditure Impacts cash reserves significantly | Predictable operating expense Preserves cash for growth |
| Tax Treatment | Capital asset — depreciate over 3-5 years CCA deductions (Class 50) | Operating expense — deduct monthly Full deduction in current year |
| End of Life | You handle disposal or resale Data wiping, recycling, storage | Return to lessor They handle disposal |
| Customization | Full control over specs Buy exactly what you need | Limited to lessor's catalog May have fewer options |
Costs based on business-grade laptops ($1,000-$2,000 each). Server and network equipment costs differ significantly. Consult your accountant for tax advice specific to your situation.
Whether you're buying or leasing, we can help you choose the right equipment, get competitive pricing, and handle the full deployment. Free consultation — no obligation.
Or take our free IT security self-assessment to see where your business stands.
Answer 5 quick questions to get a tailored recommendation.
1. Can your business comfortably invest $25,000-$50,000 in hardware right now?
2. How fast is your team growing?
3. How important is having the latest technology?
4. Does your accountant prefer capital expenses or operating expenses?
5. Do you want to deal with old equipment disposal and data wiping?