Ascent vs Vanta: Which Compliance Platform is Better in 2026?
Compare Ascent and Vanta 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 Vanta are established compliance automation platforms. Your choice depends on team size, budget, and compliance scope.
Ascent
- Starting at Contact Sales
- Best for: Growing teams
Vanta
- Starting at $10,000/year
- Best for: Fast-moving startups wanting quick SOC 2 certification
Sources: G2 Crowd, Capterra, Vendor Documentation, User Interviews
Pricing Comparison
Ascent
Vanta
Both platforms typically require a custom quote, though $10,000/year is the reported starting point. For 2026, we recommend Ascent for undefined and Vanta for speed to compliance with broad integrations.
Our Verdict
Choose Vanta if: Fast-moving startups wanting quick SOC 2 certification
Bottom Line: Vanta is better for startups and growth-stage companies. Ascent is better suited for null.
Ascent Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
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
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ascent cheaper than Vanta?
Pricing varies based on company size and requirements. Request quotes from both vendors for accurate comparison.
Which is better for startups: Ascent or Vanta?
Vanta is generally better suited for startups with Startups and Mid-Market SaaS. Ascent targets null, which may be more than early-stage companies need.
Can I switch from Ascent to Vanta?
Yes, most compliance platforms support data export. However, evidence migration may require manual effort. Both Ascent and Vanta offer onboarding support for migrating customers.
Do Ascent or Vanta include audit services?
Neither Ascent nor Vanta 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
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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