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Vanta cracked the code on making compliance less painful, and we all noticed. But as we move through 2025, the game has changed. Costs are creeping up. Flexibility now sits behind paywalls. And founders who were happy with Vanta two years ago are quietly asking: is there something better?
This isn't a hit piece. Vanta built something genuinely useful. But if you're evaluating your options, or if you just got your renewal quote and did a double-take, it’s worth looking at what else is out there.
Why Look for Vanta Alternatives?
Vanta is a solid product. But three things tend to push companies toward alternatives:
1. Pricing
Vanta uses per-seat pricing. For a 10-person startup, that might feel manageable. For a 50-person team going through SOC 2 for the first time, the math starts to sting — especially when you add integrations, frameworks, and features that sit behind higher tiers.
That’s before you factor in auditor fees, which Vanta doesn’t cover (you find your own). Some customers report total first-year costs north of $20,000 once everything is tallied.
2. Feature gating
Some features that feel like they should be standard — like certain integrations, advanced reporting, or multi-framework support — require upgrading to higher tiers. If you need SOC 2 + HIPAA, for example, you’re paying more than the base price suggests.
3. Support
At scale, Vanta’s support is fine. But smaller customers sometimes report feeling like they’re navigating on their own. If you’re new to compliance and want a hand-held experience, that matters.
None of these are dealbreakers for everyone. But for companies that are cost-sensitive, early-stage, or running lean compliance programs, it’s worth looking at alternatives.
When Does It Make Sense to Switch?
Before jumping to alternatives, it’s worth asking: why are you looking?
If it’s purely cost, a cheaper tool might solve that — but make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Some tools are cheaper because they do less, require more manual work, or charge separately for audit support.
If it’s features, figure out specifically what you need. Multi-framework support? Better HR integrations? A trust center? Not all platforms handle all of these equally well.
If it’s the audit experience, ask how each vendor handles auditor relationships — whether they have preferred auditors, what the handoff looks like, and whether they help you prep.
With that framing, here’s how the main alternatives stack up.
The Main Vanta Alternatives in 2025
1. Drata
Drata is probably Vanta’s closest competitor in terms of positioning and feature set. It targets mid-market and enterprise companies with a well-designed platform and strong automation.
What it does well: Deep integrations (300+), polished UI, strong audit trails, good multi-framework support. If you need SOC 2, ISO 27001, and HIPAA, Drata handles all three without feeling like a bolt-on.
Where it falls short: Pricing is also per-seat and can climb quickly. Some users report the onboarding takes longer than expected. Support quality has mixed reviews at scale.
Best for: Companies with 50+ employees or those that need enterprise-grade compliance workflows.
2. Thoropass (formerly Laika)
Thoropass differentiates by bundling the audit into the product. You don’t just buy compliance software — you get access to accredited auditors through the same platform. That’s a genuinely different model.
What it does well: Audit-first design means the platform is built around what auditors actually need. Less scrambling at audit time. For first-timers, having the auditor inside the product is reassuring.
Where it falls short: The bundled model means less flexibility — you can’t bring your own auditor as easily. Some companies prefer using a Big 4 firm or a specific auditor they already trust. Pricing can be higher than pure-software alternatives.
Best for: Companies that want a one-stop-shop experience, especially for first-time SOC 2 audits.
3. Secureframe
Secureframe has carved out a strong niche among fast-moving startups that want to move quickly without the enterprise price tag. It’s got a clean interface, solid automation, and good coverage for the most common frameworks.
What it does well: Fast onboarding, clean UI, good value for early-stage companies. Covers SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and more. Has a training module for employee security awareness (useful for SOC 2 CC9.2).
Where it falls short: Some power users report less flexibility on customizing controls. Support varies by plan tier. Doesn’t have the same depth of integrations as Drata or Vanta at the high end.
Best for: Seed to Series A startups looking for fast time-to-audit without a bloated platform.
4. Sprinto
Sprinto is a newer entrant that’s grown quickly, particularly among startups in Asia-Pacific and Europe. It’s built around automated control monitoring and has a modern, well-designed interface.
What it does well: Strong automation, good multi-framework coverage, solid onboarding support. Has gained a reputation for being responsive and founder-friendly. Pricing is competitive, especially for smaller teams.
Where it falls short: Less brand recognition than Vanta or Drata in the U.S. market. The auditor network is smaller (though growing). Some integrations are still maturing.
Best for: International startups and companies that want competitive pricing without sacrificing automation.
5. ComplyJet
ComplyJet was built specifically for early-stage startups that are going through compliance for the first time — usually to close an enterprise deal. The platform is designed to be fast, transparent, and affordable, without the complexity that larger tools carry.
What it does well: Flat pricing (not per-seat) means your cost doesn’t scale with headcount. 350+ integrations. AI-assisted policy drafting gets you to a first draft in minutes. White-glove support included. Trust Center for sharing certifications with prospects.
Where it falls short: Less brand recognition than the category leaders. Some enterprise-specific features (very large org structures, complex custom control frameworks) are still maturing.
Best for: Startups under 50 employees pursuing SOC 2 or ISO 27001 for the first time. Especially strong for teams that want hand-held support without a per-seat bill.
Side-by-Side: Vanta vs. the Alternatives
Here’s how the main tools stack up on the dimensions that matter most for early-stage companies:
Pricing Model
Framework Coverage
Audit Support
Integrations
Support Model
Framework-Specific Comparisons
Not all compliance needs are the same. Here’s how Vanta stacks up against alternatives across the frameworks that matter most:
SOC 2
SOC 2 is where Vanta built its reputation, and it’s still strong here. But so are Drata, Secureframe, and Sprinto. The differentiator for most companies is now price and support quality — not automation capability.
ComplyJet handles SOC 2 with the same automation depth, but without per-seat pricing — a meaningful difference for teams between 20–60 people.
ISO 27001
ISO 27001 is more documentation-heavy than SOC 2, and not all platforms handle it equally well. Vanta has expanded its ISO support, but some customers report that the experience isn’t as polished as SOC 2.
Thoropass and Drata both have solid ISO 27001 implementations. ComplyJet built for ISO 27001 from the start and includes AI-assisted policy drafting to handle the documentation load.
HIPAA
HIPAA isn’t an audit in the traditional sense — there’s no certification, just a self-attestation process. But having a platform that tracks HIPAA controls and generates documentation helps when enterprise customers or legal teams ask for proof.
Most major platforms handle HIPAA. The differences are in how they handle BAAs, employee training, and whether HIPAA is included in the base price or gated.
PCI DSS
PCI DSS is a specialized framework, and not every platform does it well. If PCI DSS is your primary need, prioritize platforms with QSA partnerships or built-in PCI workflows. Vanta, Drata, and Secureframe all have PCI coverage; smaller platforms may not.
What to Watch Out For
A few things that don’t show up in feature comparison tables:
Hidden costs: Auditor fees, premium integrations, additional frameworks, and advanced reporting are often not included in the quoted price. Always ask for a full-year cost estimate, including the audit.
Implementation time: Some platforms take weeks to fully onboard. If you have a deal deadline (a prospect asking for SOC 2 before signing), time matters. Ask about typical onboarding timelines and what’s required from your team.
What happens at renewal: Compliance is ongoing. The initial year is usually the hardest, but year two requires continuous monitoring, evidence collection, and staying current with control changes. Make sure the platform you choose is built for long-term use, not just the first audit.
Auditor relationships: Some platforms work with a preferred set of auditors; others are auditor-agnostic. If you already have an auditor you trust (or a Big 4 relationship), make sure the platform supports external auditors.
Questions to Ask Every Vendor
Before signing up for any compliance tool, get answers to these:
- What’s the total cost for year one, including the audit?
- Is pricing per-seat or flat? How does it change as we grow?
- What frameworks are included in the base price?
- How long does onboarding typically take?
- Do you have preferred auditors, or can we bring our own?
- What does support look like — dedicated contact, Slack channel, ticketing?
- What’s the process for continuous monitoring after the audit?
How ComplyJet Fits In
We’ll be direct: ComplyJet is built for the customer Vanta started targeting and has since moved away from — the early-stage startup that needs compliance quickly, affordably, and with real support.
Flat pricing means you know what you’re paying. 350+ integrations means your stack is probably covered. AI-assisted policy drafting means you’re not staring at a blank page. And white-glove support means someone answers when you have a question.
If you’re comparing options, the ComplyJet website has a full breakdown of frameworks and pricing. Or, if you want to compare directly, use the comparison tool to match features against your exact needs.
If you’re comparing options, the ComplyJet website has a full breakdown of frameworks and pricing. Or, if you want to compare directly, use the comparison tool to match features against your exact needs
The Bottom Line
Vanta is a good product. If it’s working for you, there’s no reason to switch. But the market has matured, and there are now real alternatives that serve different needs — whether that’s lower cost, better audit support, or a platform designed specifically for where you are right now.
The best compliance tool is the one your team will actually use, that fits your budget, and that gets you through the audit without drama. Use the questions above to pressure-test any vendor, and don’t take the first quote you get.
FAQs
Is Vanta worth it for a small startup?
It depends on your budget and how much hand-holding you need. Vanta is capable, but per-seat pricing means it gets expensive fast. For very small teams, alternatives like ComplyJet (flat pricing) or Secureframe may offer better value.
What’s the cheapest way to get SOC 2 certified?
The cheapest path combines a lower-cost compliance platform with an independent auditor. Flat-price tools like ComplyJet reduce the software cost; choosing an independent CPA firm over a Big 4 reduces audit fees.
Can you switch compliance platforms mid-audit?
Technically yes, but it’s painful. Most auditors want to see a consistent evidence trail. If you’re switching, try to do it before you kick off the audit period (usually 6 months before your target date).
Does Vanta cover ISO 27001?
Yes, Vanta has ISO 27001 support. But the experience isn’t as mature as its SOC 2 offering. If ISO 27001 is your primary goal, compare it carefully against Drata, Thoropass, or ComplyJet.
What’s the difference between Vanta and Drata?
Both are strong products with similar feature sets. Drata tends to skew slightly more enterprise; Vanta has broader brand recognition. Pricing is comparable — both use per-seat models. The real differentiator is often the sales experience and which auditors you want to work with.
Comparison Tables
If you're comparing options, the ComplyJet website has a full breakdown of frameworks and pricing. Or, if you want to compare directly, use the comparison tool to match features against your exact needs
- Use the comparison tool to match features against your exact needs
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