How do I choose a SOC 2 auditor as a first-time buyer?
March 6, 20262 min readSOC 2 Cost and Budget
How Do I Pick the Right Auditor?
Your SOC 2 auditor is a licensed CPA firm, not a consultant. They examine your controls, test your evidence, and issue the report. For a startup's first audit, the right firm is small, experienced with cloud-native companies, and priced for your budget.
What to Look For
| Criterion | Good Sign | Red Flag |
|---|---|---|
| Client profile | Works with startups and SaaS companies | Mostly enterprise or manufacturing clients |
| Pricing | Fixed-fee, transparent pricing | Hourly billing with no estimate |
| Timeline | Can start within 2–4 weeks | Booked 3+ months out |
| Communication | Responsive, plain-language communication | Jargon-heavy, slow to respond |
| Team size | Small, dedicated team (2–3 people) | Rotating staff or offshore testing |
| Technology | Comfortable with cloud-native infrastructure | Asks about on-premises servers |
Questions to Ask Before Signing
- What is your fixed fee for a Type I audit scoped to Security only?
- How many SOC 2 audits have you completed for companies under 50 employees?
- What is your typical timeline from engagement to report delivery?
- Who will be my primary contact during the audit?
- What evidence format do you prefer (shared drive, portal, or direct submission)?
- Do you offer a readiness assessment as part of the engagement?
Where to Find Startup-Friendly Auditors
- Ask other startup founders who they used
- Check Screenata, Drata, or Vanta partner directories for auditor recommendations
- Look for firms that advertise SOC 2 for startups specifically
- Consider firms like Johanson Group, Prescient Assurance, or Sensiba that focus on tech companies
Pricing Expectations
Expect $7,000–$12,000 for a Type I with Security scope from a startup-friendly firm. Type II runs $10,000–$18,000. Get three quotes before committing.