In today's digital landscape, customers and partners want proof that you'll keep their data safe. That proof typically comes in the form of security certifications like SOC 2 or ISO 27001, which can be expensive and time-consuming to achieve. This review examines how Vanta is changing that equation, what it costs, and whether alternatives might better suit your needs.

What Does Vanta Actually Do? Making Security Compliance Simple

At its core, Vanta helps companies prove they're trustworthy. Instead of manually gathering hundreds of security evidence documents and spending months preparing for audits, Vanta connects to your business systems and automatically collects, monitors, and organizes everything you need.

Think of Vanta as your security assistant that:

  • Automatically checks if your systems are properly secured
  • Collects evidence proving you follow security best practices
  • Warns you when something needs fixing (before it becomes a problem)
  • Helps you get ready for security certifications like SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and more
  • Keeps monitoring so you stay compliant year-round

Vanta Pricing: What Will It Cost Your Business?

Vanta doesn't publish official pricing on their website, but based on customer reports:

Core Plan:

  • Starting around $10,000 per year
  • Good for: Small businesses seeking basic compliance
  • Includes: Core frameworks and basic evidence collection

Plus Plan:

  • Good for: Growing companies with multiple compliance needs
  • Includes: More frameworks, customization options, and integrations

Growth Plan:

  • Good for: Large organizations with complex requirements
  • Includes: Dedicated support, advanced features, and prioritized service

Your final cost depends on company size, which frameworks you need, and contract length (multi-year deals typically receive discounts).

The Buyer's Perspective: Pros and Cons

What Users Love

  • Time Savings: Reduces audit prep time
  • Business Impact: Helps close deals faster by proving security compliance
  • Simplicity: Makes complex compliance understandable for non-security experts
  • Continuous Monitoring: Provides real-time alerts rather than point-in-time checks

Common Complaints

  • Price Point: it's a significant investment for smaller companies
  • Integration Issues: Some users report connections requiring multiple reconnects
  • False Positives: Compliance checks sometimes flag issues that aren't actually problems
  • Limited Customization: Can be rigid for companies with unique security processes

Top Alternatives to Vanta: How They Compare

Drata

  • Pricing: Similar to Vanta, starting around $8,000/year
  • Best For: Companies valuing personalized support.
  • Integration Depth: Fewer integrations (170+ vs. Vanta's 375+) but reportedly more thorough

Secureframe

  • Pricing: competitive compared to Vanta.
  • Key Differentiator: Strong focus on user experience and guided workflows
  • Best For: Organizations needing more guidance through the compliance process
  • Limitation: Some users report less extensive integration options

Note: Secureleap, a specialized security and compliance partner, offers not only Vanta licenses but also Drata and Secureframe licenses. Contact us for more info.

Is Vanta Right for Your Business?

Consider Vanta if:

  • You need to achieve compliance quickly to close important deals
  • You're managing multiple compliance frameworks simultaneously
  • You value extensive integrations with your existing tech stack
  • You have budget flexibility for a comprehensive solution

Look elsewhere if:

  • You're a small company with limited budget (under $10K annually)
  • You need significant customization for unique compliance requirements
  • You prefer more hands-on, personalized support.

How to Get Started with Vanta

While Vanta offers direct purchasing options, companies seeking implementation support have alternatives. Secureleap, a specialized security and compliance partner, offers Vanta licenses either standalone or bundled with SOC 2 or ISO 27001 audit services. This combined approach provides both the technology platform and expert guidance through your compliance journey. Contact us for more info.

The Bottom Line: Beyond the Certification

Security compliance isn't just about checking boxes—it's about building trust with customers and protecting your business. While platforms like Vanta automate much of the process, remember that automation is only part of the equation. The real value comes from embedding security practices into your company culture and operations.

Whether you choose Vanta or an alternative solution, the investment in security automation today helps protect your business from costly breaches, accelerates sales cycles, and builds the foundation of trust that modern businesses require.