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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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
They serve SaaS, financial services, healthcare tech, and e-commerce, combining technical know-how with sector expertise for reliable SOC 2 audits.
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.
They serve technology & cloud providers, healthcare organizations, financial institutions, and data centers, offering industry-specific SOC 2 expertise.
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 serves financial services, healthcare, technology, and R&D, delivering audits that combine global reach with specialized industry knowledge.
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 serves technology, financial services, healthcare, telecom, and BPO sectors, providing global SOC 2 audits that combine expertise with practical, actionable insights.
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 serves private companies, private equity groups, public companies, and growing businesses, blending compliance expertise with strategic guidance for stronger operations.
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.
They serve financial services, technology, healthcare, government, real estate, blockchain, education, manufacturing, and non-profits, combining technical expertise with practical SOC 2 auditing solutions.
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.
They serve manufacturing, financial services, and employee benefit plans, combining compliance expertise with practical solutions to strengthen security posture.
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.
Specializes in cloud-first and AI-powered organizations, delivering audits aligned with modern, technology-driven environments.
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.
Serves clients globally across industries, including AI, technology, and cross-sector organizations, delivering high-volume, high-quality SOC 2 audits.
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.
They support SaaS, healthcare, fintech, MSPs, and other data-sensitive industries with audits rooted in deep technical expertise.
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 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.
| Auditor | Strengths / What They’re Known For | Pricing Style | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holbrook & Manter | Century-old firm, tailored audits, hands-on guidance | Fixed tiers by company size | SMBs, SaaS, healthcare, finance |
| Barnes Dennig | Personalized audits, strong internal controls expertise | Custom pricing | Tech, healthcare, finance, data centers |
| PwC | Global scale, SOC 2+, AI-driven audits, multi-framework alignment | High-end, enterprise-level | Large enterprises, regulated sectors |
| EY | Global consistency, high-volume SOC reporting, risk-focused |
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.
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.
Senior Security Consultant
| Custom enterprise pricing |
| Tech, finance, healthcare, telecom |
| BMF | Audit + business insights, strategic recommendations | Value-based pricing | Private companies, PE firms, growing businesses |
| EisnerAmper | Tech-enabled workflows, efficient audits, long-term partnerships | Custom quotes | Finance, tech, government, blockchain, education |
| Wipfli | Risk-based audits, HITRUST expertise, strong prep support | Custom, risk-aligned | Manufacturing, finance, employee benefit plans |
| BARR Advisory | Fast audits, modern security focus, multi-framework efficiency | Custom, partnership-based | Cloud-first, AI, global tech companies |
| A-LIGN | #1 SOC 2 issuer, global reach, A-SCEND platform | Custom but optimized for scale | Global SaaS, AI, tech, cross-industry |
| KirkpatrickPrice | Highly technical auditors, deep remediation guidance | Transparent, environment-based | SaaS, healthcare, fintech, MSPs |
| Armanino | Tech-driven audits, advisory-focused, efficient processes | Custom, mid-market friendly | SaaS, fintech, healthcare, pro services |
