A-LIGN vs Vanta: Which Compliance Platform is Better in 2026?
Compare A-LIGN and Vanta 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 Vanta 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
Vanta
- Starting at $10,000/year
- Best for: Fast-moving startups wanting quick SOC 2 certification
Sources: G2 Crowd, Capterra, Vendor Documentation, User Interviews
Pricing Comparison
A-LIGN
Vanta
A-LIGN is generally the more budget-friendly entry point, starting at $6,000/year compared to Vanta's $10,000/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 Vanta for speed to compliance with broad integrations.
Our Verdict
Choose Vanta if: Fast-moving startups wanting quick SOC 2 certification
Bottom Line: Vanta 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
Vanta Pros & Cons
Pros
- Industry leader with most integrations
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Fast implementation (days not weeks)
- Strong brand recognition with buyers
- Vetted auditor network
Cons
- Higher price point than competitors
- Auditor fees separate
- Limited customization for enterprises
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
Vanta
- •Best fit: Fast-moving startups wanting quick SOC 2 certification
- •Frameworks: SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR
- •Integrations: 300+ supported systems
- •Target market: Startups and Mid-Market SaaS
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A-LIGN cheaper than Vanta?
A-LIGN generally has lower starting prices ($6,000/year) compared to Vanta ($10,000/year). However, total cost depends on your specific needs and any add-ons.
Which is better for startups: A-LIGN or Vanta?
Vanta is generally better suited for startups with Startups and Mid-Market SaaS. A-LIGN targets Mid-Market, which may be more than early-stage companies need.
Can I switch from A-LIGN to Vanta?
Yes, most compliance platforms support data export. However, evidence migration may require manual effort. Both A-LIGN and Vanta offer onboarding support for migrating customers.
Do A-LIGN or Vanta include audit services?
A-LIGN includes bundled audit services. Vanta 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
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