While ISMS.online is a well-established name in information security management, Smartly offers a faster, more focused, and locally attuned alternative, especially for businesses operating in Southeast Asia and across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
Below, we break down the key differences that make Smartly a more strategic, efficient, and results-driven compliance partner.
1. Honest Reviews: What Users Say About ISMS.online
ISMS.online has helped many organizations manage complex compliance frameworks, but user feedback highlights some recurring challenges that impact speed and usability:
Navigation and User Interface
Many users mentioned that the platform can be unintuitive and difficult to navigate, particularly for new users. The interface feels dated, and finding the right modules or documents sometimes requires extra clicks or training.
Steep Learning Curve
Users reported that ISMS.online takes time to learn. While comprehensive, its wide feature set can be overwhelming without guided onboarding. One reviewer noted that the system is "user friendly only after a training session."
Feature Limitations and Hidden Costs
Some controls reference tools that are not included in the main package, such as the Policy Pack feature. Users found out about these add-ons only after encountering them mid-implementation.
Integration and Automation Gaps
Several users wished for more integrations with tools like Jira, Slack, or cloud providers. The limited integration options make it harder to automate workflows and align compliance tasks with daily operations.
Declining Support
Long-term users mentioned that customer support quality has diminished over time. While the system still works well, it can take longer to get clear answers or fixes.
Cost and Complexity
Reviewers described ISMS.online as "not the cheapest" and noted that while it delivers value, the total cost increases with add-ons and multi-framework use.
In short, ISMS.online is a powerful governance platform, but its complexity, hidden feature costs, and limited regional support can make it less efficient for organizations focused solely on ISO 27001 certification.
2. Full Focus on ISO 27001
ISMS.online is a comprehensive GRC solution that supports multiple frameworks such as ISO 27001, ISO 27701, and GDPR. While this flexibility can benefit larger enterprises, it also adds complexity for teams that only need ISO 27001 certification.
Smartly, by contrast, is purpose-built exclusively for ISO 27001. Every feature, workflow, and checklist exists for one purpose: helping teams get certified faster.
This focused approach allows Smartly to deliver:
- ✓Clause-by-clause guidance for every ISO 27001 control
- ✓Streamlined workflows without the clutter of other frameworks
- ✓Faster development of ISO-specific templates and updates
- ✓A deeper understanding of audit expectations and evidence preparation
For teams whose primary goal is ISO 27001 certification, this specialization means less confusion, fewer irrelevant steps, and faster progress toward audit readiness.
3. Certification Speed: 15 to 30 Days
Smartly's streamlined design helps clients reach audit readiness in just 15 to 30 days, while ISMS.online users often follow longer timelines due to the platform's multi-framework structure and broader scope.
Smartly accelerates certification by providing:
- •Instant gap analysis through manual or integrated workflows
- •More than 40 auto-fill templates covering all ISO evidence types
- •Mock audit scoring and export-ready ISO documentation packs
- •Real-time task tracking and clear ownership assignment
ISMS.online is known for its robust document management, but the learning curve and multi-standard design can slow down smaller or mid-sized teams. Smartly's built-for-speed system eliminates unnecessary complexity, so you can focus on achieving certification faster and with confidence.
4. Regional Advantage: Built for APAC Businesses
ISMS.online primarily operates across U.K. and U.S. time zones, which can create challenges for teams based in Asia-Pacific, such as delayed responses, late support hours, or templates that don't align with regional audit practices.
Smartly, headquartered in Southeast Asia, was created with APAC companies in mind. This regional advantage ensures:
Live Support
Support and demos during your business hours
Local Templates
Policies customized to local regulations and auditor expectations
Regional Partners
Partnerships with regional certification bodies for faster coordination
With Smartly, clients gain real-time access to compliance specialists who understand local standards and can help address region-specific documentation and governance challenges immediately.
5. Feature Comparison: Smartly vs ISMS.online
| Feature | Smartly | ISMS.online |
|---|---|---|
| Framework Focus | ISO 27001 only | ISO 27001, ISO 27701, GDPR, and more |
| Gap Analysis | Clause-level, manual or integration-based | Available |
| Evidence Management | 40+ ISO-specific templates, ownership tracking | Available, multi-framework |
| Audit Preparation | Mock audit scores, ISO-specific exports | General audit readiness tools |
| Trust Center | Public-facing, with granular content control | Included |
| Live Support | Real-time APAC-aligned expert support | Limited outside U.K./U.S. hours |
| Regional Tailoring | Custom templates for Southeast Asia audits | Standardized global templates |
6. Expert Guidance, Not Just Software
At Smartly, compliance is not a self-serve checklist. It is a guided journey.
Each client receives:
- ✓Direct access to ISO 27001 compliance experts
- ✓Personalized onboarding and dedicated walkthroughs
- ✓Live human support at every major stage of the process
This hands-on approach ensures you move quickly and confidently toward certification without feeling lost in documentation, frameworks, or audit jargon.
While ISMS.online offers a library of resources and templates, Smartly delivers personalized guidance with faster response times and regionally relevant advice.
7. Transparent, All-Inclusive Plans
Unlike complex tiered pricing models with add-ons and separate audit fees, Smartly offers two all-inclusive ISO 27001 certification plans. Both cover everything from the first consultation to final certification with no hidden charges.
Smartly Core
For teams starting their ISO journey, designed to achieve certification within about 30 days.
Certification fee (covered)
Internal audit fee (covered)
Expert guidance from initial assessment to final audit
Access to Smartly Core software and automation tools
Smartly Autopilot
For teams that want an even faster and more supported experience.
Everything in Smartly Core, plus:
Personalized 1:1 account management and VIP support
Guaranteed responses within half a working day
Three weekly 30-minute check-in calls to stay on track
Access to Smartly Autopilot platform features
100% All-Inclusive Guarantee
Both plans come with Smartly's 100% All-Inclusive Guarantee. That means no hidden fees, no unexpected add-ons, 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, ensuring total transparency and trust.
The Bottom Line
ISMS.online is a robust platform for managing multiple governance frameworks, but that breadth comes with complexity, a steep learning curve, and higher long-term costs.
Smartly is the focused alternative built for speed, simplicity, and regional precision. It eliminates unnecessary steps, delivers human-led support in APAC hours, and helps you achieve ISO 27001 certification in as little as 15 to 30 days.
If your goal is fast, guided, and regionally relevant ISO 27001 certification without hidden costs or lengthy onboarding, Smartly is the better compliance partner.