Drata vs Lacework: Which Compliance Platform is Better in 2026?
Compare Drata 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 Drata and Lacework are established compliance automation platforms. Your choice depends on team size, budget, and compliance scope.
Drata
- Starting at $15,000/year
- Best for: Technical teams needing deep customization and visibility
Lacework
- Starting at $20,000/year
- Best for: Cloud-heavy organizations with security focus
Sources: G2 Crowd, Capterra, Vendor Documentation, User Interviews
Pricing Comparison
Drata
Lacework
Drata is generally the more budget-friendly entry point, starting at $15,000/year compared to Lacework's $20,000/year. For 2026, we recommend Drata for deep automation and enterprise-grade control and Lacework for security-driven compliance for cloud.
Our Verdict
Choose Lacework if: Cloud-heavy organizations with security focus
Bottom Line: Both platforms serve similar markets. Your choice should depend on specific feature priorities and budget constraints.
Drata Pros & Cons
Pros
- Deepest automation in market
- Excellent for complex tech stacks
- Strong custom control support
- Real-time compliance status
- Audit Hub reduces auditor back-and-forth
Cons
- Higher starting price
- Can be complex for non-technical teams
- Smaller integration library than Vanta
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
Drata
- •Best fit: Technical teams needing deep customization and visibility
- •Frameworks: SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR
- •Integrations: 150+ supported systems
- •Target market: Mid-Market and Enterprise
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 Drata cheaper than Lacework?
Drata generally has lower starting prices ($15,000/year) compared to Lacework ($20,000/year). However, total cost depends on your specific needs and any add-ons.
Which is better for startups: Drata or Lacework?
Neither platform is specifically designed for startups. Consider alternatives like Vanta, Sprinto, or Secureframe for early-stage companies.
Can I switch from Drata to Lacework?
Yes, most compliance platforms support data export. However, evidence migration may require manual effort. Both Drata and Lacework offer onboarding support for migrating customers.
Do Drata or Lacework include audit services?
Neither Drata nor Lacework 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
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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