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RiscLens
Independent Analysis

Vanta vs Merge Dev: Which Compliance Platform is Better in 2026?

Compare Vanta and Merge Dev 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 Vanta and Merge Dev are established compliance automation platforms. Your choice depends on team size, budget, and compliance scope.

Vanta

  • Starting at $10,000/year
  • Best for: Fast-moving startups wanting quick SOC 2 certification

Merge Dev

  • Starting at Contact Sales
  • Best for: Enterprise organizations
Last updated Jan 2026By RiscLens Research TeamOur methodology1,850 reviews analyzed

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

Independent research·No vendor payments·Updated Feb 2026
Feature
Vanta
Merge Dev
Industry Fit
Startups and Mid-Market SaaS
N/A
Multi-Framework Support
30+ frameworks (SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA)
null+ frameworks ()
Common Frameworks
SOC 2, ISO 27001
SOC 2, ISO 27001
Starting Price
$10,000/year
Contact Sales
Auditor Included
Integrations
300+
N/A
Frameworks Supported
30+
N/A
Automation Level
High
N/A
G2 Rating
4.6/5 (1850 reviews)
N/A
Best For
Fast-moving startups wanting quick SOC 2 certification
N/A

Pricing Comparison

Vanta

Starting Price$10,000/year
Typical Range$10,000 - $80,000/year
Hidden CostsSeparate auditor fees ($8,000 - $20,000), add-on modules
Auditor IncludedNo (separate fee)
Full Pricing Guide →

Merge Dev

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

Both platforms typically require a custom quote, though $10,000/year is the reported starting point. For 2026, we recommend Vanta for speed to compliance with broad integrations and Merge Dev for undefined.

Our Verdict

Choose Vanta if: Fast-moving startups wanting quick SOC 2 certification

Choose Merge Dev if: null

Bottom Line: Vanta is better for startups and growth-stage companies. Merge Dev is better suited for null.

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

Merge Dev Pros & Cons

Pros

    Cons

      Best-fit snapshot

      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

      Merge Dev

      • •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 Vanta cheaper than Merge Dev?

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

      Which is better for startups: Vanta or Merge Dev?

      Vanta is generally better suited for startups with Startups and Mid-Market SaaS. Merge Dev targets null, which may be more than early-stage companies need.

      Can I switch from Vanta to Merge Dev?

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

      Do Vanta or Merge Dev include audit services?

      Neither Vanta nor Merge Dev 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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