SOC 2 vs ISO 27001
The short version: SOC 2 gives you a CPA firm's report on your controls. ISO 27001 gives you a certificate for your information security management system. Which one you need depends on what your buyers ask for.
| SOC 2 | ISO 27001 | |
|---|---|---|
| Defined by | AICPA (Trust Services Criteria) | ISO/IEC (international standard) [source] |
| Outcome | Attestation report with a CPA firm opinion. Not a certificate | Certificate issued by an accredited certification body [source] |
| Who audits | Licensed CPA firm | Accredited certification body [source] |
| Criteria | Security (mandatory) plus optional Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, Privacy | Clauses 4–10 (ISMS) plus Annex A controls [source] |
| Time covered | Type 1: a point in time. Type 2: a past period, typically 6–12 months | Forward-looking 3-year certificate cycle with surveillance audits in years 2 and 3 [source] |
| Pass/fail? | No pass/fail; a qualified opinion signals issues | Certified or not certified [source] |
| Where it is most asked for | Primarily US buyers | Global, especially outside North America [source] |
How to choose
- Check the security questionnaires you're already getting. Buyers usually name the framework they want.
- Mostly US customers: sources point to SOC 2 first.
- Mostly international or EU customers: sources point to ISO 27001 first.
- Need both: build controls once and map them to both frameworks.
Standard text: ISO/IEC 27001 on iso.org. Related: SOC 2 Type 1 vs Type 2 · SOC 2 checklist · SOC 2 cost
Frequently asked questions
Is SOC 2 or ISO 27001 better?
Neither is universally better. Buyers ask for the specific one their process requires. Sources describe SOC 2 as the common US expectation and ISO 27001 as the global one.
Is SOC 2 a certification?
No. SOC 2 produces an attestation report issued by a CPA firm. ISO 27001 produces a certificate.
Can one replace the other?
Not formally. The control sets overlap substantially, so evidence can be reused, but each has its own audit and deliverable.
How long is ISO 27001 valid?
Three years, with surveillance audits in years 2 and 3 and a recertification audit after that, per Hyperproof and Scrut.
Last verified 2026-10-16.