Ascent vs Clerk: Which Compliance Platform is Better in 2026?
Compare Ascent and Clerk 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 Ascent and Clerk are established compliance automation platforms. Your choice depends on team size, budget, and compliance scope.
Ascent
- Starting at Contact Sales
- Best for: Organizations running multi-framework compliance programs
Clerk
- Starting at Contact Sales
- Best for: Organizations running multi-framework compliance programs
Sources: G2 Crowd, Capterra, Vendor Documentation, User Interviews
Pricing Comparison
Ascent
Clerk
Both platforms typically require a custom quote, though Contact Sales is the reported starting point. For 2026, we recommend Ascent for centralized compliance execution with ascent and Clerk for centralized compliance execution with clerk.
Our Verdict
Choose Clerk if: Organizations running multi-framework compliance programs
Bottom Line: Both platforms serve similar markets. Your choice should depend on specific feature priorities and budget constraints.
Ascent Pros & Cons
Pros
- Structured compliance workflows
- Support for audit preparation
Cons
- Typically requires onboarding and implementation planning
Clerk Pros & Cons
Pros
- Structured compliance workflows
- Support for audit preparation
Cons
- Typically requires onboarding and implementation planning
Best-fit snapshot
Ascent
- •Best fit: Organizations running multi-framework compliance programs
- •Frameworks: SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS
- •Integrations: 20+ supported systems
- •Target market: Scaling and enterprise security teams
Clerk
- •Best fit: Organizations running multi-framework compliance programs
- •Frameworks: SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS
- •Integrations: 20+ supported systems
- •Target market: Scaling and enterprise security teams
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ascent cheaper than Clerk?
Pricing varies based on company size and requirements. Request quotes from both vendors for accurate comparison.
Which is better for startups: Ascent or Clerk?
Neither platform is specifically designed for startups. Consider alternatives like Vanta, Sprinto, or Secureframe for early-stage companies.
Can I switch from Ascent to Clerk?
Yes, most compliance platforms support data export. However, evidence migration may require manual effort. Both Ascent and Clerk offer onboarding support for migrating customers.
Do Ascent or Clerk include audit services?
Neither Ascent nor Clerk include audit services in their base pricing. You will need to engage a separate auditor, typically costing $8,000-$25,000 additionally.
Alternatives to Consider
Top 3 Alternatives to Ascent
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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