Best SOC 2 software for early-stage startups: how to choose
We don't rank vendors. Instead, here are the criteria that matter at seed and Series A stage, with each platform's published facts. Platforms are listed alphabetically.
Criteria that matter early
- Entry price at your headcount. Many list prices are tiered by employee count.
- Startup program or discount. Check what's actually offered, in writing.
- Audit bundled or separate. This changes your total first-year cost.
- Auditor compatibility. Make sure a firm you trust works with the platform.
- Frameworks you'll need next, such as ISO 27001 or HIPAA.
| Platform | Published pricing | Startup program | Audit included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delve | Not published on site. AWS Marketplace: Foundation Package from $12,000/yr (1–20 employees; scales with headcount)source | Not published | Nosource |
| Drata | Not published on site. AWS Marketplace: Foundation $15,000/yr (1–50 FTE); alt. listing $25,000 platform (100 FTE) + $7,500 per frameworksource | Not published (startup page exists, no discount stated)source | Nosource |
| Hyperproof | Not published (demo request)source | Not published | No |
| Scrut Automation | Not published on site. AWS Marketplace: $15,000/yr for organizations up to 20 employees; audit fees separatesource | Not published | Nosource |
| Secureframe | Fundamentals starting at $7,500/year; higher tiers by quotesource | Not published | Nosource |
| Sprinto | Not published on site. AWS Marketplace: Starter Platform $7,500/yr (up to 100 employees) + first framework from $2,000source | Not published | Nosource |
| Thoropass | Not published on site. AWS Marketplace: Compliance Platform from $8,700/yr (incl. first framework) + SOC 2 Audit Subscription from $5,800/yrsource | Not published | Yessource |
| Vanta | Not published on site (demo for pricing). AWS Marketplace: Essentials from $14,000/yr, Plus $21,500, Professional $23,000 (starting costs, 1–20 employees)source | Vendor states startup-specific pricing is available on request; free trial typically 5–7 dayssource | Nosource |
Head-to-head comparisons
- Vanta vs Drata
- Vanta vs Secureframe
- Drata vs Sprinto
- Drata vs Secureframe
- Vanta vs Thoropass
- Drata vs Scrut Automation
- Secureframe vs Sprinto
Related: Type 1 vs Type 2 · How long SOC 2 takes · Our methodology
Frequently asked questions
What is the best SOC 2 software for an early-stage startup?
There is no single best tool. We don't rank platforms. Compare published entry price, startup programs, whether the audit is bundled, and auditor compatibility against your own headcount and deadline.
Which SOC 2 platforms publish a price?
Secureframe publishes a starting price of $7,500/year for Fundamentals. Several others (Vanta, Drata, Sprinto, Thoropass, Scrut, Delve) list prices on AWS Marketplace. Hyperproof does not publish pricing.
Do any platforms include the audit?
Of the platforms we track, Thoropass is the one that sells the audit alongside its platform. The others work with separate partner audit firms.
Do I need software to get SOC 2?
No. Software helps with evidence collection and monitoring, but the report comes from an independent CPA firm.
Vendor facts last verified 2026-10-15 (see each row). No affiliate relationships influence the order shown here.