A-LIGN vs Drata: Which Compliance Platform is Better in 2026?
Compare A-LIGN and Drata head-to-head. See pricing, features, integrations, and our expert verdict on which compliance automation platform is right for your business.
Summary
Updated February 2026Both A-LIGN and Drata are established compliance automation platforms. Your choice depends on team size, budget, and compliance scope.
A-LIGN
- Starting at $6,000/year
- Best for: Companies wanting one relationship for compliance
Drata
- Starting at $15,000/year
- Best for: Technical teams needing deep customization and visibility
Sources: G2 Crowd, Capterra, Vendor Documentation, User Interviews
Pricing Comparison
A-LIGN
Drata
A-LIGN is generally the more budget-friendly entry point, starting at $6,000/year compared to Drata's $15,000/year. Crucially, A-LIGN includes bundled auditor fees, which can save $8,000–$15,000 in out-of-pocket costs compared to the other. For 2026, we recommend A-LIGN for single vendor for software and audit and Drata for deep automation and enterprise-grade control.
Our Verdict
Choose Drata if: Technical teams needing deep customization and visibility
Bottom Line: Drata is designed for enterprise scale. A-LIGN is a better fit for Mid-Market.
A-LIGN Pros & Cons
Pros
- Largest SOC 2 auditor globally
- Single vendor for everything
- Predictable combined pricing
- Deep audit expertise
- Strong in federal compliance
Cons
- Software less feature-rich
- Bundle dependency
- Less automation depth
Drata Pros & Cons
Pros
- Deepest automation in market
- Excellent for complex tech stacks
- Strong custom control support
- Real-time compliance status
- Audit Hub reduces auditor back-and-forth
Cons
- Higher starting price
- Can be complex for non-technical teams
- Smaller integration library than Vanta
Best-fit snapshot
A-LIGN
- •Best fit: Companies wanting one relationship for compliance
- •Frameworks: SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS
- •Integrations: 100+ supported systems
- •Target market: Mid-Market
Drata
- •Best fit: Technical teams needing deep customization and visibility
- •Frameworks: SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR
- •Integrations: 150+ supported systems
- •Target market: Mid-Market and Enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A-LIGN cheaper than Drata?
A-LIGN generally has lower starting prices ($6,000/year) compared to Drata ($15,000/year). However, total cost depends on your specific needs and any add-ons.
Which is better for startups: A-LIGN or Drata?
Neither platform is specifically designed for startups. Consider alternatives like Vanta, Sprinto, or Secureframe for early-stage companies.
Can I switch from A-LIGN to Drata?
Yes, most compliance platforms support data export. However, evidence migration may require manual effort. Both A-LIGN and Drata offer onboarding support for migrating customers.
Do A-LIGN or Drata include audit services?
A-LIGN includes bundled audit services. Drata requires a separate auditor.
Alternatives to Consider
About this data: Our research team reviews and verifies platform information through vendor relationships, public documentation, and market analysis. Data is updated regularly.
Learn about our methodology →Related Comparisons
Still deciding?
Use our SOC 2 Cost Calculator to estimate your total compliance investment.
Calculate Your Costs