11 Best SOC 2 Auditors to Trust

Ever notice how picking the wrong SOC 2 auditor can derail your compliance plan? Here’s a fact: third-party breaches caused 35.5% of all security incidents in 2024. That’s not minor — it’s a serious risk. Choosing the right auditor isn’t paperwork. It’s protection.

Yes, the price stings. Small and mid-size companies often pay $7,000 to $60,000. But here’s the kicker: audit success depends just as much on who audits you as your controls.

The options are overwhelming. EY issues 3,000+ SOC reports yearly. Prescient Security has completed 3,500+ audits. A-LIGN promises faster compliance. Confusing? Absolutely.

We’ve done the heavy lifting. Here’s a breakdown of 11 trusted, AICPA-regulated SOC 2 auditors — from global giants to specialized boutiques — so you can pick a partner who actually gets your business.

Why Choosing the Right SOC 2 Auditor Matters

Picking a SOC 2 auditor isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a critical business decision. A poorly chosen auditor can slow your compliance, increase costs, and leave gaps in security that hackers are all too happy to exploit. In 2024, over one-third of security incidents involved third-party breaches, highlighting how essential your auditor’s expertise is.

The right auditor does more than verify controls—they guide your organization, identify hidden risks, and provide actionable recommendations that strengthen operations. They know the nuances of your industry, whether it’s SaaS, fintech, healthcare, or cloud infrastructure, and can tailor audits to fit your unique environment.

Conversely, a misaligned auditor may deliver generic reports, miss critical gaps, and leave your team scrambling during follow-ups or client reviews. Choosing wisely reduces audit friction, accelerates compliance, and ultimately protects your reputation and data. In short: the auditor you pick can make or break your SOC 2 journey.

11 Best SOC 2 Auditors You Can Trust

Looking for the perfect SOC 2 auditor? The partner you choose can make or break your compliance journey. We’ve cut through the noise and evaluated the industry’s most trusted firms—each known for expertise, reliability, and real-world results.

If you’re evaluating SOC audit services, the firms below offer some of the most trusted and proven options in the industry.

Here’s a look at the top 11 SOC 2 auditors:

1. Holbrook & Manter
2. Barnes Dennig
3. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
4. Ernst & Young (EY)
5. Bober Markey Fedorovich (BMF)
6. EisnerAmper
7. Wipfli
8. BARR Advisory
9. A-LIGN
10. KirkpatrickPrice
11. Armanino

11 Best SOC 2 Auditors

Let’s get into each of these in detail and see what makes them stand out in the SOC 2 audit space.

1. Holbrook & Manter

Holbrook & Manter has been a trusted SOC 2 auditor for over a century, blending deep experience with modern audit practices. They focus on audits that are thorough, practical, and tailored to each business.

Holbrook & Manter Features

• Tailored Audit Approach: Custom audits for your organization’s needs.
• Dedicated Project Managers: One point of contact for continuity.
• Pre-Assessment Consulting: Identify issues before the formal audit.
• Continuous Monitoring Options: Ongoing support post-certification.

Holbrook & Manter Pricing

• Small (1–50 employees): $15K–$25K
• Medium (51–250): $25K–$40K
• Large (251+): $40K+
• Flexible payment options, including quarterly installments.

Holbrook & Manter Certifications

• CPA license
• PCAOB registration
• CISA certified professionals
• CISSP certified professionals

Holbrook & Manter Industry Focus

They serve SaaS, financial services, healthcare tech, and e-commerce, combining technical know-how with sector expertise for reliable SOC 2 audits.

2. Barnes Dennig

Barnes Dennig is known for personalized SOC 2 audits, avoiding the “one-size-fits-all” approach. They combine assurance, IT, and internal control expertise to deliver practical, accurate results for businesses of all sizes.

Barnes Dennig Features

• Readiness Assessment: Identify necessary policies and procedures before the formal audit.
• SOC 2 Type 1 & Type 2 Reports: Evaluate controls at a point in time and over time.
• SOC 3 Reports: High-level summaries suitable for marketing purposes.
• Customized Documentation: Reports tailored to reflect your organization, not a template.

Barnes Dennig Pricing

• Pricing is customized based on complexity, scope, expertise, and project duration.
• No hidden fees; costs are discussed upfront and tailored to your needs.

Barnes Dennig Certifications

• CPA licensed professionals
• Experienced in SAS 70 and SSAE 16 reporting standards
• Expertise in internal controls across industries

Barnes Dennig Industry Focus

They serve technology & cloud providers, healthcare organizations, financial institutions, and data centers, offering industry-specific SOC 2 expertise.

3. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

PwC is a global powerhouse with over 364,000 professionals in 150+ countries, combining scale with deep SOC 2 expertise. Their audits focus on compliance, risk management, and strengthening security posture.

PwC Features

• SOC Readiness Assessment: Identify gaps and remediate before the audit.
• Customized SOC 2+ Reports: Integrate frameworks like NIST, HITRUST, or GDPR.
• SECO Program: Coordinate multiple attestations efficiently.
• AI-Powered Audits: Save time without compromising quality.

PwC Pricing

• Standard SOC 2: $150,000+
• Custom SOC 2+ and SECO: Pricing varies by scope and complexity.
• Enterprise-level service with global reach and support.

PwC Certifications

• CPA licensed professionals
• CISA certified auditors
• COBIT framework expertise
• AI assurance specialists

PwC Industry Focus

PwC serves financial services, healthcare, technology, and R&D, delivering audits that combine global reach with specialized industry knowledge.

4. Ernst & Young (EY)

EY is a global leader in SOC 2 audits, issuing over 3,000 reports annually for more than 900 clients. Their approach emphasizes consistency, risk management, and building stakeholder trust.

EY Features

• Global Consistency: High standards across all locations.
• Readiness Assessments: Spot and fix gaps before audits.
• Complete SOC Portfolio: SOC 1, SOC 2, SOC 3, and supply chain audits.
• Technology Risk Focus: Strengthen security posture while achieving compliance.

EY Pricing

• Custom pricing based on client size and audit complexity.
• Protects clients from repetitive audit requests.
• Partnership approach rather than a one-off transaction.

EY Certifications

• CertifyPoint accredited ISO management systems
• AICPA leadership in shaping standards
• Global AI assurance expertise

EY Industry Focus

EY serves technology, financial services, healthcare, telecom, and BPO sectors, providing global SOC 2 audits that combine expertise with practical, actionable insights.

5. Bober Markey Fedorovich (BMF)

BMF stands out by combining SOC 2 auditing with actionable business insights. They focus on helping clients not just meet compliance requirements, but also improve operations and strengthen internal controls.

BMF Features

• Future-Focused Auditing: Identify upcoming risks and anticipate challenges.
• Real Business Advice: Provide recommendations to enhance processes and efficiency.
• Constant Communication: Keep clients informed throughout the audit journey.
• Custom Internal Audit Plans: Tailored solutions aligned with specific business goals.

BMF Pricing

• Value-based packages designed around client needs.
• Flexible options to suit different budgets.
• Focused on delivering measurable improvements, not just a certificate.

BMF Certifications

• PCAOB registration
• Allinial Global membership
• AICPA membership
• Positive peer reviews

BMF Industry Focus

BMF serves private companies, private equity groups, public companies, and growing businesses, blending compliance expertise with strategic guidance for stronger operations.

6. EisnerAmper

EisnerAmper blends technology with SOC 2 auditing, focusing on efficiency, accuracy, and long-term client partnerships. They handle audits for a wide range of industries, ensuring compliance without unnecessary overhead.

EisnerAmper Features

• Tech-Powered Workflows: Streamline audit processes and reduce manual effort.
• Full Journey Support: Guidance from readiness to SOC 2 certification.
• High Client Retention: Experienced teams ensure continuity year after year.
• Focused Auditing: Prioritize high-risk areas, avoiding unnecessary reviews.

EisnerAmper Pricing

• Custom quotes based on client requirements.
• No hidden fees or unnecessary add-ons.
• Long-term partnerships rather than one-time audits.

EisnerAmper Certifications

• CPA licensed professionals
• Security and compliance specialists
• Active members of relevant industry associations

EisnerAmper Industry Focus

They serve financial services, technology, healthcare, government, real estate, blockchain, education, manufacturing, and non-profits, combining technical expertise with practical SOC 2 auditing solutions.

7. Wipfli

Wipfli is a pioneering SOC 2 auditor, recognized as one of the first HITRUST Authorized External Assessor firms in the U.S. They focus on risk-based audits and practical guidance for compliance readiness.

Wipfli Features

• Risk-Based Focus: Prioritize controls that matter most to your organization.
• Full SOC Coverage: SOC 1, SOC 2, SOC 2+, and SOC 3 audits.
• Cloud Controls Matrix: Assess beyond basic SOC 2 requirements.
• Readiness Support: Help clients prepare thoroughly before audits.
• Evidence Guidance: Step-by-step support to ensure documentation accuracy.

Wipfli Pricing

• Custom quotes reflecting organizational needs.
• Risk-based pricing to optimize resource allocation.
• Transparent, value-driven approach without hidden costs.

Wipfli Certifications

• HITRUST Authorized External Assessor
• PCAOB registered auditors
• Deep multi-framework expertise

Wipfli Industry Focus

They serve manufacturing, financial services, and employee benefit plans, combining compliance expertise with practical solutions to strengthen security posture.

8. BARR Advisory

BARR Advisory positions itself as a true security partner, not just an auditor. They focus on rapid, multi-framework SOC 2 audits that reduce client workload while improving compliance outcomes.

BARR Advisory Features

• Real Partnership: Collaborate closely to strengthen overall security posture.
• Fast Results: Draft SOC 2 reports within 30 days after the examination period.
• Multi-Framework Approach: Combine PCI DSS, SOC 2, ISO 27001, and HITRUST audits efficiently.
• Proven Client Wins: SOC reporting clients see a 70% reduction in compliance questionnaires.

BARR Advisory Pricing

• Pricing varies based on audit complexity and scope.
• Unified audit approach saves time and money.
• Focus on long-term partnership and client value.

BARR Certifications

• ISO 17021 accreditation (ANAB)
• ISO 27001:2022 accredited
• Meets ANAB, AICPA, and HITRUST requirements
• Qualified Security Assessor for PCI DSS

BARR Industry Focus

Specializes in cloud-first and AI-powered organizations, delivering audits aligned with modern, technology-driven environments.

9. A-LIGN

A-LIGN dominates the SOC 2 audit space as the world’s #1 issuer of SOC 2 reports. They focus on efficiency, global reach, and simplifying audits through technology.

A-LIGN Features

• Complete Service Menu: SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2 reports.
• A-SCEND Platform: Centralized dashboard for evidence collection and tracking.
• 24-Hour Response: Rapid support throughout the audit process.
• Smart Evidence Reuse: Apply the same documentation across multiple frameworks.
• Global Auditor Network: 400+ auditors worldwide ready to serve clients.

A-LIGN Pricing

• Custom pricing tailored to client requirements.
• Efficiency savings via unified methodology and resource optimization.

A-LIGN Certifications

• ISAE 3000 Integration for global compliance
• 20+ years of SOC 2 experience
• Multiple framework expertise

A-LIGN Industry Focus

Serves clients globally across industries, including AI, technology, and cross-sector organizations, delivering high-volume, high-quality SOC 2 audits.

10. KirkpatrickPrice

KirkpatrickPrice is known for its highly technical SOC 2 audits led by practitioners who have real security engineering backgrounds. Instead of a checklist-led process, they take a hands-on, advisor-style approach that helps clients strengthen controls while achieving compliance. Their audits are detailed, practical, and aligned with modern cloud environments.

KirkpatrickPrice Features

• Technical Auditors: Former security engineers who understand real-world implementations.
• Audit Readiness Support: Identify gaps early and streamline evidence collection.
• Continuous Compliance: Guidance and tools to help teams stay audit-ready year-round.
• Detailed Remediation Help: Clear, actionable fixes with context, not generic advice.

KirkpatrickPrice Pricing

• Transparent pricing based on environment size.
• Includes readiness, audit, and post-audit guidance.
• Designed to be accessible for SMBs and mid-market firms.

KirkpatrickPrice Certifications

• Qualified Security Assessors
• CPA-licensed auditors
• HITRUST CSF assessors
• Multi-framework experts

KirkpatrickPrice Industry Focus

They support SaaS, healthcare, fintech, MSPs, and other data-sensitive industries with audits rooted in deep technical expertise.

11. Armanino

Armanino is a well-established SOC 2 auditor known for its technology-driven approach and strong advisory support. They emphasize efficiency, clear communication, and helping clients mature their security programs while achieving compliance. Their teams blend audit expertise with practical industry experience, making them a strong fit for modern, cloud-first organizations.

Armanino Features

• Tech-Enabled Audits: Streamlined evidence collection and faster review cycles.
• Readiness & Gap Assessments: Identify control weaknesses early with actionable fixes.
• Multi-Framework Expertise: SOC 1, SOC 2, SOC 3, ISO, HIPAA, and more.
• Advisory-Driven Approach: Support that goes beyond the audit to improve security posture.

Armanino Pricing

• Tailored quotes based on scope, control complexity, and environment size.
• Efficient workflows reduce audit hours and overall cost.
• Well-suited for growing mid-market companies.

Armanino Certifications

• CPA firm
• HITRUST assessor
• ISO auditors
• Experienced multi-framework teams

Armanino Industry Focus

Armanino serves technology, SaaS, fintech, healthcare, and professional services firms, delivering SOC 2 audits that blend speed, clarity, and expert guidance.

To help you compare all the top SOC 2 auditors at a glance, here’s a consolidated summary table.

Choosing the right SOC 2 auditor isn’t just about passing the audit — it’s about finding a partner who fits your tech, pace, and growth stage. Each firm offers a unique mix of expertise, pricing, and industry focus — the right choice depends on what your team truly needs.

Final Thoughts on SOC 2 Auditors You Can Trust

Finding the right SOC 2 auditor is more than a compliance task—it’s a strategic decision that affects your security, operations, and client trust. The auditors we’ve highlighted bring a mix of expertise, industry focus, and tailored guidance, whether you’re a global enterprise or a fast-growing startup.

A trusted auditor doesn’t just sign off on your controls—they help identify gaps, streamline processes, and provide insights that make your business stronger and more resilient. From massive firms with global reach to boutique shops with hands-on experience, the choice depends on your organization’s size, industry, and goals.

Remember, a SOC 2 audit isn’t just a report; it’s a reflection of your commitment to protecting data and building trust. Choosing the right partner ensures the process is efficient, actionable, and aligned with your long-term security strategy. Pick wisely—it pays off in confidence, compliance, and credibility.

Need a faster, cleaner path to SOC 2 compliance? Skip the confusion — get expert help and get audit-ready with confidence. Talk to our team to get started.