Home › Guides › How much does SOC 2 cost for a startup?
How much does SOC 2 cost for a startup?
Last checked: 2026-10-16
A startup's SOC 2 bill is usually three buckets: the auditor, a compliance platform (optional), and everything it takes to close control gaps. None of the platforms we checked publishes a full price list, so we give you ranges only where a source states them and mark them as estimates.
1. The audit fee
Third-party sources disagree. Drata (a vendor) reports $7,500–$60,000 for Type 1 and $12,000–$100,000+ for Type 2; TrustNet (an auditor) reports $10,000–$25,000 and $20,000–$60,000 as typical. Full table and sources are in How much does SOC 2 cost? unverified
2. A compliance platform
Platforms automate evidence collection, but pricing is mostly quote-based. What we could confirm:
- Vanta: plans named Essentials, Plus, Professional, Enterprise; custom quote via demo.
- Sprinto: two plans (Foundation, Growth) plus add-ons; contact vendor.
- Scytale: plan names only (Build, Scale, Enterprise); consulting packages exist.
- Comp AI: price quoted on a 20-minute call and depends on frameworks and company size.
- Drata, Secureframe, Scrut Automation: no prices on the pages we checked unverified.
We do not quote platform prices because we could not verify any. Ask each vendor for a written quote for your headcount.
3. Costs people forget
- Penetration testing, often requested by customers (some platforms offer it as an add-on, e.g. Scytale and Thoropass).
- Security tooling, policies and training to close gaps.
- Internal team time.
- Re-audit every year to keep a current Type 2 report.
Ways to keep cost down
- Scope to Security only unless customers ask for more criteria.
- Check whether the platform includes the audit or just introduces auditors: see our platform table.
- Get at least two auditor quotes.
- Decide Type 1 vs Type 2 first: Type 1 vs Type 2.
Related: Best SOC 2 software for small teams · SOC 2 timeline · Vanta vs Drata
Affiliate disclosure: AuditPicks may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no cost to you. No affiliate programs are active yet, and order is not ranked by commission. See our disclosure. Not affiliated with the AICPA; SOC 2 is a mark of the AICPA.