A-LIGN vs Lacework: Which Compliance Platform is Better in 2026?
Compare A-LIGN and Lacework 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 Lacework 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
Lacework
- Starting at $20,000/year
- Best for: Cloud-heavy organizations with security focus
Sources: G2 Crowd, Capterra, Vendor Documentation, User Interviews
Pricing Comparison
A-LIGN
Lacework
A-LIGN is generally the more budget-friendly entry point, starting at $6,000/year compared to Lacework's $20,000/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 Lacework for security-driven compliance for cloud.
Our Verdict
Choose Lacework if: Cloud-heavy organizations with security focus
Bottom Line: Lacework 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
Lacework Pros & Cons
Pros
- Deep cloud security
- Massive integration library (375+)
- Continuous automated testing
- Strong threat detection
- Multi-cloud support
Cons
- Security-centric pricing
- Overkill for compliance only
- Complex implementation
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
Lacework
- •Best fit: Cloud-heavy organizations with security focus
- •Frameworks: SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS
- •Integrations: 375+ supported systems
- •Target market: Cloud-Native Enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A-LIGN cheaper than Lacework?
A-LIGN generally has lower starting prices ($6,000/year) compared to Lacework ($20,000/year). However, total cost depends on your specific needs and any add-ons.
Which is better for startups: A-LIGN or Lacework?
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 Lacework?
Yes, most compliance platforms support data export. However, evidence migration may require manual effort. Both A-LIGN and Lacework offer onboarding support for migrating customers.
Do A-LIGN or Lacework include audit services?
A-LIGN includes bundled audit services. Lacework requires a separate auditor.
Alternatives to Consider
Top 3 Alternatives to A-LIGN
Top 3 Alternatives to Lacework
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
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