Smartly vs. Secureframe: Which One Delivers ISO 27001 Faster
ISO 27001 certification has become essential for startups and tech companies that want to prove their security maturity and win enterprise deals. While Secureframe is known for its simplicity and automation, Smartly delivers a faster, more transparent, and more guided certification experience.
The compliance platform you choose will determine how quickly and confidently you reach certification. Smartly is built specifically for ISO 27001 and optimized for teams across Asia-Pacific.
This comparison highlights how Smartly and Secureframe differ across focus, speed, usability, and real-world performance.
1. Focus: ISO 27001 Only vs. Multi-Framework Platform
Secureframe supports multiple frameworks such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR. Its flexibility is useful for companies managing several certifications, but it can add complexity for teams focused on one goal.
Smartly is dedicated exclusively to ISO 27001. Every template, workflow, and piece of guidance is designed for this single standard.
Smartly's single-framework advantage:
Step-by-step guidance for every ISO 27001 control
No clutter or unnecessary frameworks
Faster updates and deeper ISO expertise
2. Speed: From Months to Weeks
Both platforms automate evidence collection and monitoring, but the difference in timelines is significant. Secureframe users typically become audit-ready in 60 to 90 days, while Smartly clients reach certification readiness in 15 to 30 days.
Why Smartly is faster:
Instant gap analysis, manually or through integrations
More than 40 auto-fill ISO templates
Mock audit scoring and export-ready documentation
Hands-on onboarding to maintain progress
Secureframe automates efficiently, but users mention slower syncs in some integrations, occasional false positives, and limited coverage for niche systems. Smartly avoids these delays by focusing on ISO 27001 and providing direct human support to resolve gaps immediately.
3. Usability: Intuitive Software vs. Simplified Guidance
Secureframe earns praise for its clean dashboard and simple onboarding, but some users describe it as feature-heavy for casual users. Others note that multi-cloud setups can feel complicated and that the controls tab and policy editor could be easier to navigate.
Smartly removes this friction by focusing only on what ISO 27001 requires. The interface is streamlined, the workflows are ISO-specific, and every screen is built to reduce confusion.
In summary: Secureframe is easy to start with, but Smartly stays simple from day one until certification day.
4. Support: Self-Serve Simplicity vs. Guided Human Help
Secureframe's onboarding process is smooth, yet much of the experience becomes self-directed afterward. Reviews often mention that teams could use more personal guidance when configuring integrations or interpreting complex requirements.
Smartly takes a partnership approach:
Direct access to ISO experts from start to finish
Real-time human support during APAC business hours
Three weekly progress check-ins for Autopilot users
Built-in connections with regional certification bodies
This guidance shortens timelines and eliminates uncertainty for teams that are new to ISO 27001.
5. Integrations and Automation
Both platforms integrate with major services like AWS, GCP, Okta, and Google Workspace. However, Secureframe users frequently report limited options for smaller HR or legacy systems.
Examples include:
Paycor and other HR tools requiring manual uploads
CSV-based evidence imports for non-standard systems
Occasional sync delays or redundant alerts
Cross-framework mapping that needs manual adjustments
Smartly keeps things simpler by automating the essentials and providing guided support for any remaining manual steps. This ensures consistent results without forcing teams to spend time troubleshooting integrations.
6. Reporting and Oversight
Secureframe provides solid compliance tracking but lacks flexibility for executive reporting. Several users mentioned wanting clearer summaries for board updates and more custom dashboard options.
Smartly includes clause-level readiness scoring and mock audit reports that summarize progress instantly. This gives leadership teams real visibility without requiring separate exports or data manipulation.
7. Feature Comparison: Smartly vs. Secureframe
| Feature | Smartly | Secureframe |
|---|---|---|
| Framework | ISO 27001 only | SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR |
| Gap Analysis | Clause-level, manual or integration-based | Available |
| Evidence Management | 40+ ISO templates, auto-fill, progress tracking | Templates, some manual uploads |
| Audit Preparation | Mock audit scoring, ISO-specific exports | General audit readiness tools |
| Support | Real-time human guidance in APAC hours | Chat and ticket-based support |
| Regional Tailoring | Localized templates and auditor network | U.S.-centric approach |
8. Transparent, All-Inclusive Pricing
Secureframe uses a tiered pricing structure where audit costs depend on framework and provider. Smartly keeps pricing completely transparent. Two clear plans cover every step from assessment to certification, with no hidden charges.
100% All-Inclusive Guarantee
Both plans include Smartly's 100% All-Inclusive Guarantee, which covers every required cost for ISO 27001 certification. No upsells, no fine print, and no post-audit fees.
9. Common Pain Points Reported by Secureframe Users
Secureframe continues to be one of the most trusted compliance tools on the market, but reviews reveal recurring friction points that Smartly has addressed from day one:
Integrations with smaller tools often require manual uploads
Some alerts produce false positives for temporary access roles
Executive dashboards are limited in customization
Multi-cloud setups are harder to navigate
Overly detailed features can overwhelm new users
A few integrations need fine-tuning to sync properly
While these are not dealbreakers, they reflect where Smartly's narrow focus, human support, and regional expertise provide a more reliable path to certification.
10. More Than Software: A True Compliance Partner
Smartly blends automation with expert guidance. Instead of leaving users to interpret ISO controls on their own, Smartly's team works side-by-side with clients to prepare documentation, close gaps, and connect with accredited auditors.
This partnership means teams can stay focused on their product while Smartly takes care of the certification process from start to finish.
Conclusion
Secureframe is a great fit for startups that want a simple, self-serve way to get started with compliance. Its automation is strong and its templates are easy to use.
However, if your company wants ISO 27001 certification fast, supported by real experts and a transparent all-in-one plan, Smartly is the clear choice.
With Smartly, startups certify in weeks instead of months, avoid hidden costs, and receive human guidance every step of the way.
It is compliance made simple, personal, and built for real startup speed.