Ascent vs AuditBoard: Which Compliance Platform is Better in 2026?
Compare Ascent and AuditBoard 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 AuditBoard are established compliance automation platforms. Your choice depends on team size, budget, and compliance scope.
Ascent
- Starting at Contact Sales
- Best for: Growing teams
AuditBoard
- Starting at $50,000/year
- Best for: Large enterprises with dedicated audit teams
Sources: G2 Crowd, Capterra, Vendor Documentation, User Interviews
Pricing Comparison
Ascent
AuditBoard
Both platforms typically require a custom quote, though $50,000/year is the reported starting point. For 2026, we recommend Ascent for undefined and AuditBoard for enterprise-wide grc consolidation.
Our Verdict
Choose AuditBoard if: Large enterprises with dedicated audit teams
Bottom Line: AuditBoard is designed for enterprise scale. Ascent is a better fit for null.
Ascent Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
AuditBoard Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive enterprise GRC
- SOX and internal audit expertise
- Scales to largest organizations
- Strong board reporting
- AI-powered workflows
Cons
- Expensive ($50K+ minimum)
- Months-long implementation
- Too complex for SMBs
Best-fit snapshot
Ascent
- •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.
AuditBoard
- •Best fit: Large enterprises with dedicated audit teams
- •Frameworks: SOX, SOC 2, ISO 27001, NIST
- •Integrations: 80+ supported systems
- •Target market: Fortune 500 and Large Enterprise
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ascent cheaper than AuditBoard?
Pricing varies based on company size and requirements. Request quotes from both vendors for accurate comparison.
Which is better for startups: Ascent or AuditBoard?
Neither platform is specifically designed for startups. Consider alternatives like Vanta, Sprinto, or Secureframe for early-stage companies.
Can I switch from Ascent to AuditBoard?
Yes, most compliance platforms support data export. However, evidence migration may require manual effort. Both Ascent and AuditBoard offer onboarding support for migrating customers.
Do Ascent or AuditBoard include audit services?
Neither Ascent nor AuditBoard 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
Top 3 Alternatives to AuditBoard
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
Still deciding?
Use our SOC 2 Cost Calculator to estimate your total compliance investment.
Calculate Your Costs