You've Got Options. Let's Be Honest About All of Them.
Geek Squad, HelloTech, vendor support, local IT shops. They all exist. Here's what they're actually good at, where they fall short, and why we built Rogue Support to fill the gap.
If you need help with your home network, you'd think there'd be a dozen good options. But the options that exist aren't always great for what most customers actually need.
Let's walk through your actual options. I'll be straight with you about all of them, including where they might be better than us.
Quick Comparison
| Rogue Support | Geek Squad | HelloTech | Vendor Support | Local IT Shop | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $120/hr | $149-$249/service | $79-$99/hr | Free (limited) | $100-$250/hr |
| Service Type | Remote | In-store, in-home, remote | In-home | Chat/email | In-person |
| Networking Expertise | Specialist | Generalist | Variable | Own brand only | Business-focused |
| VLANs & Advanced Config | Yes | No | No | Limited | Sometimes |
| UniFi / Prosumer Gear | Yes | No | No | Own brand only | Maybe |
| Choose Your Technician | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Subscription Required | No | Optional | Optional | No | Often |
The Options, Explained
Best Buy Geek Squad
They're everywhere and handle basic consumer tech. But their agents are generalists, and networking is just one item on a very long list.
When they make sense:
You need hands-on help with a basic consumer WiFi setup, or you need someone physically present to swap hardware.
HelloTech
Like Uber for tech support. Sounds familiar, right? But quality varies wildly, and the most common complaint is technicians just don't show up.
When they make sense:
You need a basic physical installation (TV mount, simple router swap) and the task is straightforward enough that skill level doesn't matter much.
Vendor Support (Ubiquiti, etc.)
Free 24/7 chat support that won't help you design your network, recommend devices, or configure anything beyond basic settings.
When they make sense:
You have a specific product issue (firmware bug, device won't adopt, hardware defect) and you're patient enough to wait.
Local IT Shops / MSPs
Excellent work for businesses. But most MSPs don't want residential clients, and the ones that do charge enterprise prices.
When they make sense:
You need physical cable runs, rack installation, or other hands-on infrastructure work that requires on-site presence.
Where Rogue Support Fits
We built Rogue Support because none of these options work for a specific (and growing) group of people: home users who want serious networking.
$120 per hour. No membership fees. No subscription. No trip charge. No minimum contract.
Real Talk: When NOT to Use Rogue Support
If you need someone to physically plug in a router, Geek Squad or a local tech can handle that.
If your budget is tight and the task is super basic, HelloTech at $79/hr might make more sense.
If you have a straightforward product defect, vendor support (free) is the right first call.
If you need cable runs or rack installation, you need someone local and on-site.
But if you need someone who actually understands networking? VLANs, firewall rules, network design, UniFi configuration? That's us.
Ready to Get Real Networking Help?
Submit a ticket and get bids from vetted networking professionals. No commitment, no membership, no surprises.