Now I have comprehensive information to provide a helpful answer.
The fastest and cheapest way to achieve SOC 2 compliance is to use an automated compliance platform combined with starting with a Type 1 certification first. This approach can get you certified in as little as 30 days for $5,000–$10,000, compared to $25,000–$50,000+ for traditional consulting methods.1
Traditional SOC 2 costs are driven by manual labor—consultants charge $150–$300/hour to document policies and collect evidence. Automated platforms replace 70–80% of this work:1
- Automated evidence collection reduces 200+ hours of work to 20–40 hours1
- Pre-built policy templates eliminate the need to write policies from scratch1
- Continuous monitoring keeps you audit-ready year-round2
| Approach | Timeline | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 with automation | 2–4 weeks | $5,000–$10,000 1 |
| Type 1 traditional | 1.5–3.5 months | $25,000–$50,000 3 |
| Type 2 with automation | 3–6 months (includes observation period) | $8,000–$15,000 4 |
Some platforms claim they can get you Type 1 ready in as little as 24 hours if you already have mature security practices.4
- Start with Type 1, upgrade later – Type 1 costs 40–60% less because it doesn't require a 3–12 month observation period1
- Use platform-negotiated auditor rates – Compliance platforms often have volume discounts that cut auditor fees by 50–60%1
- Leverage free security tools – Use open-source tools like Elastic Stack for SIEM or Nuclei for vulnerability scanning instead of expensive enterprise solutions1
- Be audit-ready before the audit – Having organized evidence can cut audit time and costs in half1
Platforms like Vanta, Drata, and Sprinto start around $7,500/year, while newer options like LowerPlane advertise packages starting at $4,995 and Thoropass starts at $5,800/year. Most offer automated evidence collection, policy templates, and auditor coordination.51
- Don't go 100% DIY – Pure DIY has a 40–60% failure rate, and failed audits cost $10K–$20K to remediate1
- Don't skip required controls – Cutting corners on MFA, logging, or encryption guarantees audit failure1
- Don't choose the cheapest auditor – A bad auditor can fail you unfairly or produce a report customers don't trust1 6789101112131415
I now have comprehensive information to create a detailed comparison.
Here's a comparison of the three leading SOC 2 automation platforms:
| Feature | Vanta | Drata | Sprinto |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ~$10,000/year 16 | ~$7,500/year 17 | ~$6,000–$8,000/year 18 |
| Mid-tier Price | $15,000–$30,000/year 19 | $15,000–$25,000/year 20 | $8,000–$15,000/year 18 |
| Enterprise Price | $30,000–$80,000+/year 21 | $50,000–$100,000+/year 22 | $20,000–$25,000+/year 18 |
| User Pricing | Seat-based (adds cost) 18 | Tiered by employees 17 | Unlimited users included 18 |
| Pricing Transparency | Tiered plans shown | Tiered plans shown | No public pricing page 18 |
| Trust Center | Paid upgrade at lower tiers 18 | Included (basic) 17 | Included at all tiers 18 |
| Custom Controls | Paid upgrade 18 | Foundation plan+ 17 | Included 18 |
| Vendor Risk Management | Paid add-on 18 | Essential plan+ 17 | Included 18 |
| Endpoint Management (MDM) | Third-party required | Third-party required | Built-in ("Dr Sprinto") 18 |
Vanta's Core plan starts at $10,000/year for a single framework like SOC 2. The platform adds audit costs separately ($5,000–$15,000 for SOC 2). Total first-year cost for SOC 2 Type II typically lands around $27,000 when combining platform and audit fees. Watch for integration fees—one customer reported an extra $3,000/year in unexpected add-ons.1619
Drata's Essential plan starts at $7,500/year for smaller organizations with basic compliance needs. The Foundation plan ($15,000/year) is the most popular and covers up to 50 employees with one framework. Average contract size reported on Vendr is around $34,385/year after setup costs, support, and add-ons. Year-two costs often increase due to framework expansions and feature upgrades.2017
Sprinto is generally the most affordable option, starting around $6,000–$8,000/year for single-framework setups. It offers aggressive startup discounts: 60% off Year 1, 50% off Year 2, and 40% off Year 3. A $10,000 plan could drop to just $4,000 in the first year through these discounts. The downside is no public pricing—you must go through sales calls to get a quote.18
Vanta excels at integrations with 200+ native connections and has strong brand recognition, making the SOC 2 report instantly credible to enterprise buyers. It's ideal for teams without extensive security backgrounds.23
Drata offers robust compliance-as-code features and comprehensive audit hubs across all tiers. The platform supports advanced risk scoring and vendor insights in higher tiers. It's well-suited for mid-market to enterprise organizations needing extensive automation.17
Sprinto bundles more features at base pricing, including built-in MDM, vendor risk management, and a Trust Center without extra fees. It's particularly attractive for international companies and multi-framework needs. However, costs scale quickly with infrastructure complexity (multi-cloud, multiple regions, or legal entities).2418
- Bootstrapped startups with simple infrastructure: Sprinto (lowest entry cost with startup discounts)
- Funded startups prioritizing speed and integrations: Vanta (fastest time-to-compliance, most integrations)
- Growing companies needing compliance-as-code: Drata (strong automation and governance features)
- Multi-framework needs on a budget: Sprinto (includes ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR bundling) 252627282930
There is no completely free end-to-end SOC 2 compliance solution that will get you certified, because you'll always need to pay for the actual audit from a CPA firm ($5,000–$15,000 minimum). However, there are free tools that can significantly reduce your preparation costs.
Probo is an open-source compliance platform specifically built for startups pursuing SOC 2. Key features include:31
- Free to use with no hidden fees
- AI-powered policy generation tailored to your tech stack
- Automated risk assessment
- Pre-filled vendor risk assessments
- No vendor lock-in—you own your compliance data and can export anytime31
The platform claims you can get SOC 2 ready in about 20 hours with its tailored approach. Note: It's currently in early development (V0), so it may lack some features of mature paid platforms.31
StrongDM offers "Comply," a free open-source repository that includes resource management tools and pre-authored SOC 2 policies. It also provides a Slack community and educational resources at no cost. This is more of a toolkit than a full platform, so you'll need to manage evidence collection manually.32
JumpCloud provides a no-cost SOC 2 compliance tool that validates internal controls for data security and privacy. While limited compared to paid plans, it helps organizations implement and maintain necessary controls to meet SOC 2 requirements.33
- Free SOC 2 Policy Packs: Bluedocs and other providers offer downloadable audit-ready policy templates that can save 40+ hours of writing time34
- Free Readiness Assessments: Platforms like Comp.AI offer instant, free SOC 2 readiness assessments with personalized recommendations35
- Free Trials: Most paid platforms (Vanta, Drata, Sprinto, Controllo) offer free trials to test features before committing36
Going fully free means you'll handle evidence collection, policy writing, and audit coordination yourself. This approach has a 40–60% failure rate for first-time audits, and failed audits cost $10K–$20K to remediate. The minimum you'll spend even with free tools:37
| Cost Component | Free DIY Approach |
|---|---|
| Platform/tools | $0 (open source) |
| SOC 2 audit (Type 1) | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Internal time (100–200 hours) | Opportunity cost |
| Total minimum | ~$5,000–$10,000 |
If you have strong internal security expertise and are willing to invest significant time, the open-source route with Probo or StrongDM Comply can work. For most startups without dedicated compliance staff, spending $5,000–$8,000 on an automation platform often pays for itself by reducing failure risk and internal labor costs.38 3940414243444546
The cheapest SOC 2 audits start at around $2,000–$5,000 for Type 1, though typical pricing for reputable firms is $7,000–$10,000.4748
Some CPA firms are US-licensed but operate teams in India, offering SOC 2 audits as low as $2,000 when bundled with a compliance platform. These firms deliver the same AICPA-licensed audit report at a fraction of the cost due to lower labor costs.47
For small companies, $7,000 is about the floor for a reputable US-based audit firm, particularly if your employee count is limited. This assumes a straightforward scope without multiple Trust Service Criteria.48
Several compliance platforms negotiate volume discounts with auditors:
- TrustCloud + Insight Assurance: ~$8,000–$10,000 for combined SOC 1 & SOC 2 audit49
- LowerPlane: Claims platform + audit for $4,995 total through negotiated auditor rates50
| Firm | Reputation | Typical Pricing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescient Assurance | Fast, startup-focused | Lower-cost | B2B SaaS, cloud-native companies 5152 |
| Johanson Group | Boutique, responsive | Budget-friendly | Early-stage startups 51 |
| Compass Assurance Team | Newer practice, competitive rates | Below Big 4 | Cost-conscious companies 48 |
| Sensiba | Fixed-fee, transparent | Mid-range | Mid-market SaaS 53 |
| Insight Assurance | TrustCloud partner | ~$10K for SOC 1+2 | Self-service compliance users 49 |
| Audit Type | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | $5,000–$20,000 54 | Point-in-time assessment |
| Type 2 | $7,000–$45,000 51 | 3–12 month observation period |
Starting with Type 1 saves $3,000–$5,000 compared to going straight to Type 2. However, most enterprise customers will eventually require Type 2, so budget for both.48
- Avoid "paper mills": Some ultra-cheap auditors produce low-quality reports that enterprise buyers won't accept49
- Check AICPA licensing: Ensure the firm is a licensed CPA practice, not just a consultant48
- Scope matters: Audits limited to just Security (one Trust Service Criterion) cost less than those including Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity, or Privacy48
For most startups, the sweet spot is $7,000–$10,000 for a Type 1 audit from a startup-focused firm like Prescient Assurance or Johanson Group, paired with a compliance automation platform to reduce prep time.51 55565758596061
SOC 2 audits are not technically required annually, but in practice most companies do them every 12 months to maintain continuous compliance.62
Type 1 is a point-in-time snapshot—it only confirms your controls were designed properly on a specific date. It doesn't expire per se, but it becomes stale quickly since it doesn't prove ongoing operation.63
Type 2 covers an observation period (typically 3–12 months) and demonstrates your controls actually worked throughout that time. After your Type 2 period ends, there's a gap until your next report is issued, so companies schedule audits annually to maintain continuous coverage.62
Most enterprise buyers require a SOC 2 report dated within the last 12 months. If your report is older than that, they'll likely ask for a new one or a bridge letter explaining the gap. Some strict customers even require reports no older than 6 months.64
If you start with the ~$2,000 bundled audit, here's what ongoing costs look like:
| Year | What You Need | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Type 1 audit | ~$2,000–$5,000 |
| Year 2 | Type 2 audit (covers 6–12 month period) | ~$5,000–$10,000 |
| Year 3+ | Annual Type 2 renewal | ~$5,000–$10,000/year |
The good news: renewal audits are typically 20–30% cheaper than the first Type 2 because the auditor already understands your systems and controls. If you stay with the same firm, they don't need to re-document everything from scratch.62
Technically yes, but you risk:
- Losing deals that require current SOC 2 reports
- Having to restart with a new Type 1 if your gap is too long
- Customer security questionnaires becoming much harder to pass
Most companies treat it as an annual operating expense once they've committed to SOC 2 compliance.64
Yes, there are SOC 2 Type 2 audits in the ~$2,000 range, but they're rare and come with caveats.
soc2type2.in explicitly advertises SOC 2 Type 2 certification starting at $2,000. This is a hybrid firm model—US-licensed CPA but with operations in India, which dramatically reduces labor costs.6566
Some compliance platforms also bundle Type 2 audits at steep discounts when you use their software. For example, LowerPlane advertises full certification (platform + audit) for $4,995 total.67
| Auditor Type | Type 2 Cost Range |
|---|---|
| India-operated hybrid firms | $2,000–$5,000 6665 |
| Boutique US startup-focused | $7,000–$15,000 68 |
| Mid-market CPA firms | $15,000–$30,000 68 |
| Big 4 firms | $60,000+ 68 |
The standard range for Type 2 is $7,000–$50,000, so $2,000 is significantly below market rate.6970
Going with a $2,000 Type 2 audit carries real risks:
- Customer acceptance: Some enterprise buyers may question reports from unfamiliar firms. One expert warned: "Avoid the $8K budget options. Learned that one the hard way"68
- Report quality: Cheaper audits may have less thorough testing, which could surface issues during customer security reviews
- Limited support: Budget firms may not provide much guidance if issues arise during the audit period
- Redo costs: If the report isn't accepted by a key customer, you'll pay $10K–$20K to redo it with a more recognized firm68
A $2,000 Type 2 is possible through hybrid firms like soc2type2.in, but the safer budget floor is around $5,000–$7,000 for a reputable boutique firm or platform-bundled audit. If your SOC 2 is primarily for smaller customers or non-enterprise deals, the ultra-cheap option may work. If you're selling to Fortune 500 companies, consider spending a bit more for a recognized auditor.6671 7273747576777879
Footnotes
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https://lowerplane.com/blog/cheapest-way-to-get-soc-2/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13
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https://www.vanta.com/collection/soc-2/what-is-soc-2-compliance-automation ↩
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https://www.easyaudit.ai/post/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-soc-2-compliance ↩
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https://beaglesecurity.com/blog/article/best-soc2-compliance-software.html ↩
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https://www.reddit.com/r/cybersecurity/comments/1gnzdzf/cheapest_ideally_quickest_way_to_get_soc2_for_a/ ↩
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https://www.reddit.com/r/SaaS/comments/1nhfjkz/first_soc_2_audit_for_a_startup_where_do_you_even/ ↩
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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-long-does-take-get-soc-2-compliant-2025-scytale-ai-dnynf ↩
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https://www.complyjet.com/blog/vanta-pricing-guide-2025 ↩ ↩2
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https://www.complyjet.com/blog/sprinto-pricing ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15
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https://www.spendflo.com/blog/comprehensive-guide-to-vanta-pricing ↩
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https://www.secureleap.tech/blog/soc-2-tools-vanta-drata-secureframe-guide-2025 ↩
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https://www.soc2certification.com/blog/soc2-automation-tools-guide ↩
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https://www.spendflo.com/blog/drata-pricing-the-ultimate-guide-to-costs-and-savings ↩
-
https://maddevs.io/blog/free-and-paid-tools-to-prepare-for-soc-2-certification/ ↩
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https://bluedocs.io/blog/the-ultimate-free-soc-2-policy-pack-is-here-and-why-it-matters-more-than-you-think ↩
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https://www.planetcompliance.com/soc-2/best-software-soc-2-compliance/ ↩
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https://beaglesecurity.com/blog/article/best-soc2-compliance-software.html ↩
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https://www.uzado.com/blog/the-best-tools-for-automating-soc-2-compliance-in-2025-2/ ↩
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https://www.reddit.com/r/cybersecurity/comments/159b1c7/any_good_sites_for_free_soc_2_references/ ↩
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https://www.reddit.com/r/cybersecurity/comments/1hwtr9r/affordable_soc_2_audit/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
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https://www.reddit.com/r/startups/comments/1dad9gm/how_do_you_afford_a_soc_2_type_ii/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
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https://atlantsecurity.com/blog/soc-2-for-startups/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
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https://www.reddit.com/r/soc2/comments/1psozzk/soc_2_for_small_teams_whats_actually_realistic/ ↩
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https://www.thesoc2.com/post/the-real-cost-of-soc2-compliance-in-2025-beyond-the-auditor-fees ↩
-
https://www.reddit.com/r/cybersecurity/comments/1hwtr9r/affordable_soc_2_audit/ ↩ ↩2
-
https://smartly.rocks/articles/how-much-does-soc-2-compliance-cost-a-guide-for-startups ↩
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https://www.startupdefense.io/soc-2-costs-for-startups-complete-breakdown-and-budget-guide ↩
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https://www.reddit.com/r/msp/comments/12007sg/how_much_does_it_cost_to_obtain_a_soc_2_type_2/ ↩
-
https://www.targheesec.com/resources/decoding-the-soc-2-certification-cost-a-comprehensive-guide ↩
I now have comprehensive information to create a detailed comparison.
Here's a comparison of the three leading SOC 2 automation platforms:
Pricing Breakdown
Vanta
Vanta's Core plan starts at $10,000/year for a single framework like SOC 2. The platform adds audit costs separately ($5,000–$15,000 for SOC 2). Total first-year cost for SOC 2 Type II typically lands around $27,000 when combining platform and audit fees. Watch for integration fees—one customer reported an extra $3,000/year in unexpected add-ons.complyjet+1
Drata
Drata's Essential plan starts at $7,500/year for smaller organizations with basic compliance needs. The Foundation plan ($15,000/year) is the most popular and covers up to 50 employees with one framework. Average contract size reported on Vendr is around $34,385/year after setup costs, support, and add-ons. Year-two costs often increase due to framework expansions and feature upgrades.sprinto+1
Sprinto
Sprinto is generally the most affordable option, starting around $6,000–$8,000/year for single-framework setups. It offers aggressive startup discounts: 60% off Year 1, 50% off Year 2, and 40% off Year 3. A $10,000 plan could drop to just $4,000 in the first year through these discounts. The downside is no public pricing—you must go through sales calls to get a quote.[complyjet]
Key Feature Differences
Vanta excels at integrations with 200+ native connections and has strong brand recognition, making the SOC 2 report instantly credible to enterprise buyers. It's ideal for teams without extensive security backgrounds.[secureleap]
Drata offers robust compliance-as-code features and comprehensive audit hubs across all tiers. The platform supports advanced risk scoring and vendor insights in higher tiers. It's well-suited for mid-market to enterprise organizations needing extensive automation.[sprinto]
Sprinto bundles more features at base pricing, including built-in MDM, vendor risk management, and a Trust Center without extra fees. It's particularly attractive for international companies and multi-framework needs. However, costs scale quickly with infrastructure complexity (multi-cloud, multiple regions, or legal entities).soc2certification+1
Best Fit Recommendations
Bootstrapped startups with simple infrastructure: Sprinto (lowest entry cost with startup discounts)
Funded startups prioritizing speed and integrations: Vanta (fastest time-to-compliance, most integrations)
Growing companies needing compliance-as-code: Drata (strong automation and governance features)
Multi-framework needs on a budget: Sprinto (includes ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR bundling)
Here's a comparison of the three leading SOC 2 automation platforms:
Pricing Breakdown
Vanta
Vanta's Core plan starts at $10,000/year for a single framework like SOC 2. The platform adds audit costs separately ($5,000–$15,000 for SOC 2). Total first-year cost for SOC 2 Type II typically lands around $27,000 when combining platform and audit fees. Watch for integration fees—one customer reported an extra $3,000/year in unexpected add-ons. complyjet
Drata
Drata's Essential plan starts at $7,500/year for smaller organizations with basic compliance needs. The Foundation plan ($15,000/year) is the most popular and covers up to 50 employees with one framework. Average contract size reported on Vendr is around $34,385/year after setup costs, support, and add-ons. Year-two costs often increase due to framework expansions and feature upgrades. complyjet
Sprinto
Sprinto is generally the most affordable option, starting around $6,000–$8,000/year for single-framework setups. It offers aggressive startup discounts: 60% off Year 1, 50% off Year 2, and 40% off Year 3. A $10,000 plan could drop to just $4,000 in the first year through these discounts. The downside is no public pricing—you must go through sales calls to get a quote. [complyjet](https://www.complyjet.com/blog/sprinto-pricing)
Key Feature Differences
Vanta excels at integrations with 200+ native connections and has strong brand recognition, making the SOC 2 report instantly credible to enterprise buyers. It's ideal for teams without extensive security backgrounds. [secureleap](https://www.secureleap.tech/blog/soc-2-tools-vanta-drata-secureframe-guide-2025)
Drata offers robust compliance-as-code features and comprehensive audit hubs across all tiers. The platform supports advanced risk scoring and vendor insights in higher tiers. It's well-suited for mid-market to enterprise organizations needing extensive automation. [sprinto](https://sprinto.com/blog/drata-pricing/)
Sprinto bundles more features at base pricing, including built-in MDM, vendor risk management, and a Trust Center without extra fees. It's particularly attractive for international companies and multi-framework needs. However, costs scale quickly with infrastructure complexity (multi-cloud, multiple regions, or legal entities). soc2certification
Best Fit Recommendations