Cynomi vs A-LIGN: Which Compliance Platform is Better in 2026?
Compare Cynomi and A-LIGN 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 Cynomi and A-LIGN are established compliance automation platforms. Your choice depends on team size, budget, and compliance scope.
Cynomi
- Starting at $5,000/year
- Best for: Managed service providers serving SMB clients
A-LIGN
- Starting at $6,000/year
- Best for: Companies wanting one relationship for compliance
Sources: G2 Crowd, Capterra, Vendor Documentation, User Interviews
Pricing Comparison
Cynomi
A-LIGN
Cynomi is generally the more budget-friendly entry point, starting at $5,000/year compared to A-LIGN's $6,000/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 Cynomi for scalable vciso services for msps and A-LIGN for single vendor for software and audit.
Our Verdict
Choose A-LIGN if: Companies wanting one relationship for compliance
Bottom Line: Both platforms serve similar markets. Your choice should depend on specific feature priorities and budget constraints.
Cynomi Pros & Cons
Pros
- Perfect for MSPs
- AI-powered assessments
- Client portal included
- Good pricing model
- Scales across clients
Cons
- Not for direct enterprise use
- Requires MSP expertise
- Limited without partner model
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
Best-fit snapshot
Cynomi
- •Best fit: Managed service providers serving SMB clients
- •Frameworks: SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, NIST
- •Integrations: 50+ supported systems
- •Target market: MSPs and MSSPs
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cynomi cheaper than A-LIGN?
Cynomi generally has lower starting prices ($5,000/year) compared to A-LIGN ($6,000/year). However, A-LIGN includes auditor fees which could make total cost comparable.
Which is better for startups: Cynomi or A-LIGN?
Neither platform is specifically designed for startups. Consider alternatives like Vanta, Sprinto, or Secureframe for early-stage companies.
Can I switch from Cynomi to A-LIGN?
Yes, most compliance platforms support data export. However, evidence migration may require manual effort. Both Cynomi and A-LIGN offer onboarding support for migrating customers.
Do Cynomi or A-LIGN include audit services?
Cynomi requires a separate auditor. A-LIGN includes bundled audit services.
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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