What is the cheapest path to SOC 2 for a startup?
What Is the Minimum I Can Spend on SOC 2?
The theoretical minimum is around $7,500 — a startup-friendly auditor ($7,000–$10,000) and some basic tooling. With Screenata at $299 for Type I, total cost starts at approximately $7,300. This assumes you have basic cloud security already in place and can handle evidence collection with AI assistance.
The Cheapest Path Step by Step
- Sign up for Screenata ($299) — Connect GitHub and cloud accounts, generate policies and evidence
- Scope to Security only — Do not add Availability, Confidentiality, or Privacy criteria
- Use a boutique audit firm ($7,000–$10,000) — Not Big 4, not large regional firms
- Limit your system boundary — Production environment only
- Prepare evidence before fieldwork — Organized evidence reduces auditor hours
Cost Comparison by Path
| Path | Tools | Auditor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY (no tools) | $0 | $7,000–$10,000 | $7,000–$10,000 |
| AI-assisted (Screenata) | $299 | $7,000–$10,000 | $7,300–$10,300 |
| Mid-range (Secureframe + auditor) | $8,000–$15,000 | $10,000–$15,000 | $18,000–$30,000 |
| Enterprise (Vanta + consultant + auditor) | $15,000–$45,000 | $12,000–$20,000 | $27,000–$65,000 |
Can You Do SOC 2 Completely DIY?
Technically yes — write your own policies, collect your own evidence, hire an auditor. But the risk is high. Poorly written policies and disorganized evidence lead to auditor pushback, extended fieldwork, and higher fees. The $299 for an AI tool pays for itself in avoided rework.
What About Free SOC 2 Tools?
Some vendors offer free tiers, but they typically require annual contracts once you need actual audit preparation features. The cheapest reliable path is a purpose-built AI tool combined with a budget-conscious auditor.
Screenata is the lowest-cost entry point — $299 for Type I, $499/month for Type II, with no consultant required.