Compliance automation pricing compared: Vanta, Drata, Secureframe and Certifyi
Entry tiers cluster around $8,000 to $20,000 per year, growth tiers $15,000 to $50,000, and enterprise $35,000 to $100,000 or more. The bigger differences are structural: Drata scales with headcount, Vanta with framework count, and most charge $3,000 to $15,000 for each additional framework.
The market ranges
These figures come from public market research and buyer-reported numbers. Treat them as planning estimates, not quotes.
| Vendor | Entry | Growth | Enterprise | Extra framework |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanta | $10,000 - $20,000 | $25,000 - $50,000 | $50,000 - $100,000+ | $5,000 - $15,000 |
| Drata | $10,000 - $18,000 | $20,000 - $45,000 | $45,000 - $80,000+ | $3,000 - $10,000 |
| Secureframe | $8,000 - $15,000 | $15,000 - $35,000 | $35,000 - $70,000+ | $4,000 - $12,000 |
| Certifyi | From $8,000 (published) | Custom | Custom | Included |
Cost drivers differ more than headline prices
Two vendors can quote similar first-year numbers and diverge sharply at renewal, because they scale on different variables.
- Headcount-based: your bill rises when you hire, even if compliance scope is unchanged
- Framework-based: your bill rises when a customer demands a second certification
- Scope-based: your bill tracks what is actually in the audit boundary
The fees that arrive after signature
Ask about these before signing
- Per-framework licence fees
- Implementation or onboarding packages, commonly $2,000 to $10,000
- Premium support tiers billed separately
- Custom integrations at professional-services rates
- Multi-year commitment required to reach the quoted rate
What is never included
No platform fee covers the external auditor, and it should not. The audit opinion must come from an independent CPA firm or certification body. Budget $8,000 to $20,000 for a first SOC 2 Type 2 audit and $4,000 to $12,000 for a penetration test if your scope requires one.
If a vendor bundles the audit into their subscription, ask precisely how auditor independence is preserved.
How to compare fairly
- Model three years, not one, using your actual hiring plan
- Add the second framework you will realistically need
- Include onboarding and support tiers in the total
- Add auditor and pen test separately for every vendor
- Compare total cost of the outcome, not the licence line
Key takeaways
- Entry pricing is broadly similar; renewal behaviour is not.
- Headcount versus framework versus scope is the real difference.
- Per-framework fees are the most common budget surprise.
- The auditor is always separate and should be paid directly.
Frequently asked questions
Why is pricing not published?
Most vendors price by negotiation on headcount, frameworks and term length, which also makes direct comparison harder. Certifyi publishes a starting price.
Which is cheapest?
At entry, Secureframe and Certifyi start lowest. Over three years the answer depends far more on your hiring and framework plans than the entry tier.
Can we negotiate?
Usually yes, particularly on multi-year terms and at quarter end. Negotiate the per-framework fee and onboarding as hard as the licence.
Do these prices include the audit?
No. Every vendor excludes the external audit fee, which is paid directly to the CPA firm or certification body.
Get audit-ready in 8 to 12 weeks
Certifyi pairs the platform with a named compliance lead, at published pricing from $8,000/year.
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