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RiscLens
Independent Analysis

Drata vs Smartkarrot: Which Compliance Platform is Better in 2026?

Compare Drata and Smartkarrot 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 Drata and Smartkarrot 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

Smartkarrot

  • Starting at Contact Sales
  • Best for: Enterprise organizations
Last updated Jan 2026By RiscLens Research TeamOur methodology920 reviews analyzed

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

Independent research·No vendor payments·Updated Feb 2026
Feature
Drata
Smartkarrot
Industry Fit
Mid-Market and Enterprise
N/A
Multi-Framework Support
25+ frameworks (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA)
null+ frameworks ()
Common Frameworks
SOC 2, ISO 27001
SOC 2, ISO 27001
Starting Price
$15,000/year
Contact Sales
Auditor Included
Integrations
150+
N/A
Frameworks Supported
25+
N/A
Automation Level
Very High
N/A
G2 Rating
4.8/5 (920 reviews)
N/A
Best For
Technical teams needing deep customization and visibility
N/A

Pricing Comparison

Drata

Starting Price$15,000/year
Typical Range$15,000 - $100,000/year
Hidden CostsSeparate auditor fees ($10,000 - $25,000), implementation services
Auditor IncludedNo (separate fee)
Full Pricing Guide →

Smartkarrot

Starting PriceContact Sales
Typical RangeCustom pricing
Hidden CostsNone disclosed
Auditor IncludedNo (separate fee)
Full Pricing Guide →

Both platforms typically require a custom quote, though $15,000/year is the reported starting point. For 2026, we recommend Drata for deep automation and enterprise-grade control and Smartkarrot for undefined.

Our Verdict

Choose Drata if: Technical teams needing deep customization and visibility

Choose Smartkarrot if: null

Bottom Line: Drata is designed for enterprise scale. Smartkarrot is a better fit for null.

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

Smartkarrot Pros & Cons

Pros

    Cons

      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

      Smartkarrot

      • •Best fit: teams prioritizing audit readiness and faster implementations.
      • •Framework coverage varies by plan and auditor requirements.
      • •Integration depth varies by data source and plan.
      • •Commonly used by growth-stage B2B teams.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Is Drata cheaper than Smartkarrot?

      Pricing varies based on company size and requirements. Request quotes from both vendors for accurate comparison.

      Which is better for startups: Drata or Smartkarrot?

      Neither platform is specifically designed for startups. Consider alternatives like Vanta, Sprinto, or Secureframe for early-stage companies.

      Can I switch from Drata to Smartkarrot?

      Yes, most compliance platforms support data export. However, evidence migration may require manual effort. Both Drata and Smartkarrot offer onboarding support for migrating customers.

      Do Drata or Smartkarrot include audit services?

      Neither Drata nor Smartkarrot 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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