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Independent Analysis

A-LIGN vs Scytale: Which Compliance Platform is Better in 2026?

Compare A-LIGN and Scytale head-to-head. See pricing, features, integrations, and our expert verdict on which compliance automation platform is right for your business.

Summary

Updated February 2026

Both A-LIGN and Scytale 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

Scytale

  • Starting at $8,000/year
  • Best for: Non-technical teams new to compliance
Last updated Jan 2026By RiscLens Research TeamOur methodology350 reviews analyzed

Sources: G2 Crowd, Capterra, Vendor Documentation, User Interviews

Independent research·No vendor payments·Updated Feb 2026
Feature
A-LIGN
Scytale
Industry Fit
Mid-Market
Startups and SMBs
Multi-Framework Support
25+ frameworks (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA)
15+ frameworks (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA)
Common Frameworks
SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS
SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS
Starting Price
$6,000/year
$8,000/year
Auditor Included
Integrations
100+
100+
Frameworks Supported
25+
15+
Automation Level
Medium
Medium
G2 Rating
4.3/5 (200 reviews)
4.7/5 (150 reviews)
Best For
Companies wanting one relationship for compliance
Non-technical teams new to compliance

Pricing Comparison

A-LIGN

Starting Price$6,000/year
Typical Range$6,000 - $50,000/year
Hidden CostsAudit fees start at $15,000
Auditor IncludedYes
Full Pricing Guide →

Scytale

Starting Price$8,000/year
Typical Range$8,000 - $30,000/year
Hidden CostsAuditor fees separate
Auditor IncludedNo (separate fee)
Full Pricing Guide →

A-LIGN is generally the more budget-friendly entry point, starting at $6,000/year compared to Scytale's $8,000/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 Scytale for simplest path for first-time compliance.

Our Verdict

Choose A-LIGN if: Companies wanting one relationship for compliance

Choose Scytale if: Non-technical teams new to compliance

Bottom Line: Scytale is better for startups and growth-stage companies. A-LIGN is better suited 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

Scytale Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Very user-friendly interface
  • Excellent for beginners
  • Strong customer support
  • Affordable pricing
  • Guided compliance journey

Cons

  • Less suitable for complex needs
  • Fewer integrations
  • Limited customization

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

Scytale

  • Best fit: Non-technical teams new to compliance
  • Frameworks: SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR
  • Integrations: 100+ supported systems
  • Target market: Startups and SMBs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A-LIGN cheaper than Scytale?

A-LIGN generally has lower starting prices ($6,000/year) compared to Scytale ($8,000/year). However, total cost depends on your specific needs and any add-ons.

Which is better for startups: A-LIGN or Scytale?

Scytale is generally better suited for startups with Startups and SMBs. A-LIGN targets Mid-Market, which may be more than early-stage companies need.

Can I switch from A-LIGN to Scytale?

Yes, most compliance platforms support data export. However, evidence migration may require manual effort. Both A-LIGN and Scytale offer onboarding support for migrating customers.

Do A-LIGN or Scytale include audit services?

A-LIGN includes bundled audit services. Scytale requires a separate auditor.

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 →

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