Best SOC 2 auditors by use case
Nine buyer-matched picks from our 19-firm directory. We don't crown a single "best" auditor — the right firm depends on your stage, scope, and what your customers will accept. Every pick links to its full profile; prices carry their source labels.
Zero Day CPA
Best for: Best for early-stage startups on a tight budget
Why: A boutique CPA focused on SOC 1/2/3 and HIPAA for B2B SaaS, with the lowest published planning range in this directory ($7K–$10K) and flexible remote delivery. You talk to the people doing the work.
Not ideal when: A small team — confirm capacity and timelines, and check that your specific customers will accept the report.
Thoropass
Best for: Best published pricing for startups and SMBs
Why: The rare auditor that publishes package pricing: Type 1 + Type 2 from $9,995 (firm-published). The licensed CPA entity (Laika Compliance, LLC dba Thoropass Assurance) issues the report while the platform handles evidence — and you can keep Vanta or Drata if you already use them.
Not ideal when: Packages fit standard scopes up to 500 employees; complex environments need custom quotes. If your procurement policy bars platform-affiliated auditors, settle that before you start.
Sensiba
Best for: Best for SaaS scaleups wanting flat-fee, remote-first audits
Why: A top-75 firm with 2,300+ startup and technology clients, flat-fee remote audits, and a Drata alliance partnership. Big-firm credibility with a startup-shaped delivery model.
Not ideal when: Confirm flat-fee scope boundaries in writing — added Trust Services Criteria can move the price.
MJD Advisors
Best for: Best no-frills SOC specialist for small tech companies
Why: A CPA firm concentrated on SOC reporting rather than tax or financial-statement audit. The narrow model keeps engagements focused — and the $15K–$35K planning range reflects it.
Not ideal when: Limited adjacent-framework breadth; confirm ISO/PCI needs before signing.
BARR Advisory
Best for: Best for cloud-native companies going multi-framework
Why: Deep cloud specialization (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) plus CMMC C3PAO authorization and ISO 27001/27701/42001 accreditation. One relationship can carry SOC 2, ISO, and CMMC work.
Not ideal when: A consulting-heavy practice — verify the attest team is separate to preserve auditor independence.
360 Advanced
Best for: Best for bundling SOC 2 with testing and other frameworks
Why: Integrated audit, advisory, and penetration-testing services across SOC, ISO, HITRUST, PCI, and FedRAMP. Useful when you want one vendor across several assurance tracks.
Not ideal when: Ask which legal entity will sign your report in your state — it varies.
KirkpatrickPrice
Best for: Best mid-market all-rounder
Why: An established Nashville assurance practice with SOC, PCI, and HITRUST under one roof and a $12K–$45K planning range. The middle ground between a boutique and an enterprise firm.
Not ideal when: It's an audit firm, not a GRC platform — ask how evidence collection works with your stack.
Schellman
Best for: Best for regulated, enterprise, and federal-adjacent buyers
Why: A top-50 firm that stakes its name on independence — no consulting agenda, no hourly billing, no interns on engagements — with FedRAMP, HITRUST, CMMC, and ISO 42001 breadth for complex programs.
Not ideal when: Premium positioning and process. Overkill (and overpriced) for a straightforward first startup SOC 2.
Deloitte
Best for: Best when a Big Four name is required
Why: Global delivery and the brand recognition some regulated or enterprise buyers explicitly demand. Belongs on the shortlist when acceptance risk matters more than speed or price.
Not ideal when: The highest pricing ($60K–$400K planning range) and slowest scheduling here. Only pay the premium when a contract, board, or investor actually requires it.
How to use this shortlist
- Start with the acceptance requirement. Ask your customer or procurement team whether they require a named firm tier or a US CPA. Don't pay a brand premium without a real requirement.
- Match the firm to your scope. Check Trust Services Criteria, systems, locations, and observation period before comparing prices.
- Get scoped quotes. Use our RFP checklist and comparison worksheet to normalize proposals before comparing totals.
Get quotes from your shortlist
Tell us your scope once — matched auditors reply with ballparks, timelines, and what makes them different.