While Delve is a known player in compliance automation, Smartly offers a faster, more focused, and regionally tailored alternative, particularly for companies in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Here's a detailed comparison between Smartly and Delve, and why Smartly gives your company a sharper, more efficient path to ISO 27001 certification.
Key Differences at a Glance
The Honest Truth: Delve's Limitations
After analyzing user feedback and online discussions, a clear picture emerges of where Delve shines and where it falls short.
Scalability and Multi-Framework Support
Delve excels at helping startups get their first certification quickly, especially SOC 2. However, once you need to manage multiple frameworks such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, and GDPR, Delve becomes less effective. It lacks robust cross-framework mapping, which means adding a second certification can feel like starting over. For scaling companies, that adds unnecessary work and time.
Integration Limitations
Delve integrates with major tools like AWS, GitHub, and Slack, but its library of integrations is smaller than that of leading competitors. If your tech stack includes less common tools, you may end up collecting evidence manually. That defeats much of the purpose of using automation.
The Managed Audit Experience: Pro or Con?
Delve often acts as an intermediary between you and your auditor. For first-time teams, this can be convenient and reduce anxiety. But for teams that prefer transparency and control, this "black box" model can be frustrating. It depends on whether you want a fully managed service or a hands-on, collaborative experience.
Final Verdict on Delve
Delve is great for early-stage startups that need their first SOC 2 or HIPAA certification fast. But for companies with long-term compliance goals or multi-framework ambitions, its limited scalability, integration gaps, and pricing opacity make it less ideal.
If you need to pass one audit quickly, Delve is a strong short-term partner. If your goal is to grow with ISO 27001 as your core trust signal, Smartly is the better long-term choice.
Built Exclusively for ISO 27001
Smartly focuses entirely on ISO 27001. Every template, feature, and support process is purpose-built for this standard. Delve, by contrast, spreads its attention across multiple frameworks, which can dilute ISO 27001 depth.
Clause-by-Clause Gap Analysis
Designed specifically for ISO 27001
ISO-Specific Templates
Export-ready documentation
Deep Audit Understanding
Certification pathway expertise
If ISO 27001 is your main priority, a specialized platform like Smartly delivers greater precision, fewer distractions, and faster results.
Faster Certification Timeline
High-efficiency path to certification
Typical timeline with managed-audit model
How Smartly Accelerates the Process
Instant Gap Identification
Manual or integrated assessments
40+ Auto-Fill Templates
Dynamic evidence tracking
ISO-Focused Checklists
Mock audit scoring and exportable packages
Smartly gives you real-time visibility and hands-on control of your progress from day one, while Delve's managed-audit model can slow the process with intermediary communication.
Regional Support That Matches Your Time Zone
Delve, like many U.S.-based compliance tools, can leave APAC teams waiting overnight for responses or updates.
Smartly's APAC Advantage
Live demos and support during your working hours – No more waiting overnight for responses
Customized compliance workflows for regional auditor expectations
Direct connections with local certification bodies and auditors
This local relevance ensures smoother communication, fewer delays, and better context for regional standards and audit styles.
Feature Comparison: Smartly vs. Delve
| Feature | Smartly | Delve |
|---|---|---|
| Framework Focus | ISO 27001 only | Multiple frameworks |
| Gap Analysis | Clause-level, manual or integration | Available |
| Evidence Management | 40+ auto-fill templates, ownership tracking | Available |
| Audit Preparation | ISO-focused exports, mock audit scoring | Generic audit preparation |
| Trust Center | Public-facing with fine-grained control | Included |
| Live Support | Real-time APAC-aligned expert support | Limited outside U.S. hours |
| Regional Tailoring | Adapted to Southeast Asia | U.S.-centric templates |
Expert Guidance, Not Just Software
At Smartly, compliance is not a self-serve checklist. It is a guided journey.
ISO Specialists
Direct access to compliance experts
Personalized Onboarding
Documentation walkthroughs tailored to you
Live Human Guidance
Support at every key stage
Transparent, All-Inclusive Plans
Unlike Delve's model, which may include add-on costs or variable pricing for audits, Smartly offers two all-inclusive ISO 27001 certification plans.
Smartly Core
For teams starting their ISO 27001 journey, designed to achieve certification within about 30 days.
- Certification fee (covered)
- Internal audit fee (covered)
- Expert guidance from first assessment to final audit
- Access to Smartly Core software and automation tools
Smartly Autopilot
For teams that want a faster, more supported experience.
Includes everything in Core, plus:
- Personalized 1:1 account management and VIP support
- Guaranteed response times within half a working day
- Three weekly 30-minute progress check-ins
- Access to Smartly Autopilot software suite
100% All-Inclusive Guarantee
Both plans come with Smartly's 100% All-Inclusive Guarantee. That means no hidden fees and full coverage of all required costs for ISO 27001 certification. Every certification is conducted by Smartly's partnered auditors and internationally accredited certification bodies.
Our plans ensure that there are no surprises or extra charges. You know exactly what you are paying for: complete ISO 27001 certification, from start to finish.
The Bottom Line
Delve is an impressive automation platform that helps early-stage companies achieve compliance quickly, especially for SOC 2 or HIPAA. However, when it comes to ISO 27001 certification, Smartly offers a faster, deeper, and regionally adapted experience that scales better with your company's long-term security goals.
With Smartly, you get transparency, human expertise, and an all-in-one platform built exclusively for ISO 27001.
If your goal is to achieve certification quickly and confidently while staying aligned with APAC business realities, Smartly is the better choice.