Why Compliance Tools Are No Longer Optional
Security compliance has become the new trust currency for startups.
Whether you are chasing your next funding round or closing an enterprise deal, one question will always come first: "Can you share your ISO 27001 or SOC 2 certificate?"
The problem is that traditional compliance methods are painfully slow and expensive. Manual spreadsheets, endless checklists, and confusing auditor handoffs can drag on for months.
Modern compliance tools changed that. They automate evidence collection, track controls in real time, and help teams get certified faster than ever.
But not every platform delivers on the promise. Some are overpriced. Some look sleek but lack depth. And others quietly hide costs behind add-ons and "premium" tiers.
To help you cut through the noise, we reviewed the six best compliance tools for startups in 2025, ranking them by speed, value, and real usability.
One platform stood out across every category: Smartly.
Smartly — Best Price, Fastest Certification, Simplest Experience
Best for: Startups that want ISO 27001 or SOC 2 certification in under 30 days, with clear pricing and real human guidance.
Smartly was built for one purpose: to make ISO 27001 certification fast, simple, and accessible for startups.
It is not a generic GRC system trying to be everything for everyone. It is a focused, all-in-one solution that delivers results in weeks, not months.
What makes it number one:
Speed
Get audit-ready in 15 to 30 days, not six months.
Clarity
One all-inclusive price covers certification, internal audit, expert guidance, and software access.
Support
You are paired with real ISO experts who guide you from start to finish.
Regional advantage
Based in Southeast Asia, Smartly provides live support in your working hours.
Purpose-built features
Clause-by-clause gap analysis, 40+ auto-fill templates, mock audit scoring, and complete auditor exports.
Smartly gives startups everything they need to certify once and scale fast. No hidden fees. No slow consultants. No overcomplicated setup.
If your goal is to become certified quickly and confidently, Smartly is the clear winner.
Sprinto — Best for Multi-Framework Automation at Scale
Best for: Teams managing multiple standards like SOC 2, ISO 27001, and GDPR.
Sprinto has earned its reputation for deep automation and powerful integrations. It connects with your engineering, HR, and security systems to track compliance automatically across multiple frameworks.
Strengths
- • Real-time monitoring of security controls.
- • 200+ integrations across SaaS and infrastructure tools.
- • Strong automation for evidence collection and risk mapping.
Where it falls short
- • Costs increase quickly as you expand frameworks.
- • Less personalized support compared to smaller providers.
- • Broad design makes it slower for single-framework certifications.
Sprinto is a great choice for larger startups that need to manage multiple frameworks. For smaller teams focused on getting ISO 27001 or SOC 2 fast, Smartly's focus and pricing are hard to beat.
Drata — Best for Enterprise-Grade Security Teams
Best for: Companies with established security operations and large compliance budgets.
Drata is the heavyweight of the compliance automation world. It offers deep integrations, continuous monitoring, and a polished enterprise experience.
Strengths
- • Advanced automation with strong real-time control visibility.
- • Wide coverage of frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR.
- • Integrated risk assessment and remediation management.
Weaknesses
- • One of the most expensive platforms available.
- • Long setup and onboarding for smaller companies.
- • Focused on enterprise complexity rather than startup speed.
Drata delivers enterprise-grade control and visibility, but most startups will find it excessive in both scale and cost.
Vanta — Best for Startup-Friendly Automation and Visibility
Best for: Fast-growing startups preparing for investor or enterprise security reviews.
Vanta was one of the first to bring compliance automation to startups and remains a trusted brand for small and mid-sized SaaS companies.
Strengths
- • Smooth onboarding and beginner-friendly UX.
- • Continuous monitoring across major frameworks.
- • Strong reputation and wide auditor ecosystem.
Weaknesses
- • Price increases quickly with team size and added frameworks.
- • Less hands-on guidance compared to dedicated providers.
- • Limited regional support outside North America.
Vanta is perfect for early-stage companies getting started with compliance. However, Smartly's faster timelines, transparent pricing, and human-led approach make it a stronger long-term fit for startups in Asia-Pacific and beyond.
Secureframe — Best for Simple, Fast Compliance Onboarding
Best for: Teams that want to achieve SOC 2 or ISO 27001 quickly without much setup.
Secureframe wins points for simplicity. It is easy to set up, integrates with popular tools, and guides first-time users through every step.
Strengths
- • Pre-built policies and templates for major frameworks.
- • Seamless integration with AWS, GCP, GitHub, and Okta.
- • Clean dashboard with intuitive progress tracking.
Weaknesses
- • Limited flexibility for niche frameworks.
- • Not ideal for companies scaling into complex compliance needs.
Scrut Automation — Best for Risk-First Compliance and Cross-Framework Control
Best for: Regulated startups that want to align risk management with compliance.
Scrut Automation focuses on building a unified view of risk and compliance. It is especially useful for companies managing several frameworks simultaneously.
Strengths
- • 50+ supported frameworks and 75+ pre-mapped policies.
- • Risk-based automation and central control mapping.
- • Real-time risk and compliance tracking.
Weaknesses
- • Complex interface for smaller teams.
- • Slower onboarding for single-framework certifications.
- • Requires integration with other tools for full coverage.
Scrut is ideal for risk-mature organizations, but early-stage startups will find it more complex than necessary.
Bonus Mentions
AuditBoard
An enterprise-grade GRC platform built for internal audit and risk teams. Perfect for large corporations, but overkill for startups seeking ISO 27001 or SOC 2.
Thoropass (Laika)
A hybrid platform that combines automation with consulting services. Great for teams that want hands-on help, though the price point is higher than most self-serve tools.
How We Ranked These Platforms
Our evaluation was based on five factors that matter most to startups:
1. Speed to certification and ease of implementation
2. True automation vs. manual filler work
3. Clarity and transparency of pricing
4. Quality and availability of support in Asia-Pacific time zones
5. Human guidance versus pure self-service software
Smartly scored highest across all categories. It is the only tool that combines speed, affordability, and expert guidance while being built specifically for ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certification.
The Final Verdict
Each platform brings something to the table. Sprinto and Drata dominate at enterprise scale. Vanta and Secureframe simplify early compliance. Scrut and AuditBoard provide risk-heavy control environments.
But if your startup needs to get ISO 27001 certified fast, on budget, and with zero confusion, the answer is clear.
Smartly delivers the fastest certification timelines, the most transparent pricing, and real human support that works around your schedule.
It is compliance built for startups — simple, focused, and fast enough to actually keep up with how you work.
Get compliant in weeks, not months. Grow faster. Win client trust sooner.
Choose Smartly.