Free SOC 2 tool

Free SOC 2 Audit Cost Calculator for SaaS Startups

Estimate your likely SOC 2 audit cost across CPA firm fees, compliance automation software, internal preparation time, penetration testing, policy work, and Type I vs Type II scope.

Download PDF Read the startup guide

Interactive SOC 2 inputs

Company size

Readiness stage

Timeline

Budget range

Cloud

Identity

Ticketing

HRIS

Code repository

Rule-based vendor shortlist

Based on your inputs, this shortlist prioritizes vendors by company size, budget, timeline, integrations, and readiness stage.

Secureframe

Last reviewed 2026-05-20

100 match

Why matched

Fits 11-50 company size.
Fits the $15k-$30k budget range.
Works with a 3-6 months SOC 2 timeline.

Watchouts

Validate exact integrations and auditor workflow needs for complex enterprise environments.

Pricing: Pricing is typically quote-based and depends on scope, frameworks, and company profile.

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Sprinto

Last reviewed 2026-05-20

100 match

Why matched

Fits 11-50 company size.
Fits the $15k-$30k budget range.
Works with a 3-6 months SOC 2 timeline.

Watchouts

Check auditor partner options and support hours for your region and timeline.

Pricing: Quote-based packages may vary by frameworks, entity count, and integration scope.

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Vanta

Last reviewed 2026-05-20

100 match

Why matched

Fits 11-50 company size.
Fits the $15k-$30k budget range.
Works with a 3-6 months SOC 2 timeline.

Watchouts

Confirm renewal pricing and framework expansion costs before signing.

Pricing: Public pricing is usually quote-based; expect scope, company size, and frameworks to affect the final quote.

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Instant rule-based result

$20,500-$43,700

Estimated first-year SOC 2 budget for a 11-50 SaaS team at the preparing for type i stage.

Audit and CPA firm$7,175-$15,295

Automation software$6,150-$12,236

Internal prep and evidence work$5,125-$11,799

Security testing and policy support$2,050-$4,370

Top gaps to close

Create and approve core access, incident response, vendor risk, and change policies.
Run access reviews for identity, production, code repositories, and admin tools.
Centralize screenshots, exports, tickets, and control owner evidence.

Estimated first-year cost

$20,500-$43,700

This is a rule-based planning tool, not legal, accounting, audit, or compliance advice. Confirm scope, pricing, and control requirements with your auditor and vendors.

Who should use this tool

Best for SaaS teams planning SOC 2 budget before choosing an auditor, compliance automation platform, or implementation support.

SOC 2 cost categories included

CPA firm audit fees for Type I and Type II reports
Compliance automation software such as Vanta, Drata, Secureframe, Sprinto, or a manual tracker
Internal preparation time, evidence work, penetration testing, security tools, and policy support

How to use the SOC 2 certification cost estimate

Set a first-year SOC 2 budget before asking auditors or vendors for quotes
Compare Type I vs Type II cost drivers and decide whether automation is worth it
Prepare audit firm, platform, and penetration testing questions before procurement

Typical first-year budget drivers

Company size, cloud complexity, Trust Services Criteria, and audit period length
Whether controls and evidence already exist before the audit starts
How much manual remediation is needed before Type II observation begins

What the PDF report should help you decide

Whether the audit invoice is only a small part of the real SOC 2 budget
Which cost line items to confirm in writing before signing a quote
Which readiness gaps could create rework, change orders, or timeline delays

FAQ

What costs are included in the SOC 2 audit cost calculator?

The estimate includes auditor fees, compliance automation software, internal preparation time, policy work, penetration testing, and optional consulting support.

Why do SOC 2 certification costs vary so much?

Costs vary by report type, company size, cloud complexity, existing security maturity, auditor selection, and whether the company uses automation software or consultants.

Does the SOC 2 audit fee include compliance software?

Usually no. The CPA audit fee is typically separate from compliance automation software, penetration testing, security tools, remediation work, and internal employee time.

Why is SOC 2 Type II usually more expensive than Type I?

Type II usually costs more because controls must operate over an observation period and the team must maintain evidence, reviews, exceptions, and fieldwork support for longer.

Should startups budget for SOC 2 Type I or Type II first?

Many startups begin with Type I when customers need proof of controls quickly, then move to Type II after a monitoring period. Enterprise deals often require Type II.

Related SOC 2 guides

SOC 2 Resource Hub Best Compliance Automation Platforms Best SOC 2 Compliance Vendors Vanta vs Drata vs Secureframe Pricing SOC 2 Audit Requirements SOC 2 Controls List SOC 2 Certification Process SOC 2 Compliance Framework SOC 2 Audit Costs Vendor SOC 2 Report Request Checklist SOC 2 Linkable Assets SOC 2 Startup Guide

More free SOC 2 tools

Free SOC 2 Readiness Checklist for StartupsCheck your SOC 2 readiness in minutes with a free interactive checklist for startups.SOC 2 Vendor Comparison Tool: Rule-Based Vanta, Drata, Secureframe ShortlistCompare SOC 2 automation platforms by pricing risk, startup fit, audit readiness, integrations, timeline, and readiness stage.