Most Popular SOC2 Compliance Companies

The most popular SOC 2 compliance companies can be broken down into a few categories: the large, traditional accounting/audit firms, the specialized mid-market and tech-focused firms, and the modern, software-driven platforms.

Here’s a breakdown of the most prominent players in each category.

1. The “Big Four” Accounting Firms

These are the global leaders in audit and assurance. They are typically engaged by the largest enterprises (Fortune 500), late-stage startups preparing for IPO, and companies in highly regulated industries.

• Deloitte: Has a massive security and risk management practice. They are a go-to for complex, global SOC 2 audits.
• PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers): Known for a strong risk assurance practice and is very popular with large tech and financial services companies.
• EY (Ernst & Young): Offers a robust technology risk assurance service line, frequently working with large enterprises.
• KPMG: Has a strong IT Attestation practice and is a common choice for large, established companies.

Best for: Large enterprises, global companies, and pre-IPO startups with complex needs and large budgets.

2. Specialized & Tech-Focused Audit Firms

These firms have built their reputation specifically on serving the technology sector, particularly SaaS companies and mid-market businesses. They are often considered more agile and understanding of modern tech stacks than the Big Four.

• A-LIGN: Arguably one of the most popular and visible names in the tech space. They are a pure-play security and compliance firm, heavily marketing their “one-stop-shop” model and proprietary compliance platform, A-SCEND.
• Schellman & Co.: A highly respected and well-established firm that specializes in IT security audits (SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS). They are known for their technical depth and are a top competitor to the Big Four for tech companies.
• RSM US LLP: A large accounting firm that has a strong, dedicated focus on the middle market. They are a great alternative for companies that find the Big Four too large but want a firm with a broad service offering.
• BDO USA & Baker Tilly: Similar to RSM, these are large accounting firms with strong, growing technology audit practices that cater well to the mid-market.

Best for: Mid-market B2B SaaS companies, venture-backed startups, and tech firms that want auditors who "speak their language."

3. Modern Compliance Automation Platforms (with Tied Auditors)

This is a newer, fast-growing category. These companies provide software to automate the entire compliance process (evidence collection, control monitoring, policy management) and then partner with or have in-house audit firms to perform the actual audit. This creates a more integrated and efficient experience.

• Vanta: The market leader in this category. Vanta’s software automates evidence collection and monitoring. They then connect you with their partner audit firm (which is often A-LIGN or another preselected firm) to perform the audit, streamlining the entire process.
• SecureFrame: A direct competitor to Vanta, offering a similar model of automation software paired with a curated network of audit firms to perform the SOC 2 examination.
• Drata: Another major player in the compliance automation space. Drata focuses heavily on continuous control monitoring and also has a partner network of audit firms to conduct the formal audit.

Best for: Startups and SMBs looking for the fastest, most streamlined path to their first SOC 2 report. They are ideal for companies that lack a large compliance team.

How to Choose the Right Company for You?

“Popular” doesn’t always mean “right for you.” Your choice should depend on:

1. Your Company Size & Stage:
   • Startup/Series A: An automation platform (Vanta, Drata, SecureFrame) is often the best starting point.
   • Growth-Stage/Mid-Market Tech: A specialized firm like A-LIGN or Schellman is an excellent fit.
   • Enterprise/Pre-IPO: You’ll likely be considering the Big Four or a top-tier specialist like Schellman.
2. Your Industry & Customers:
   • Do your enterprise customers recognize and trust the auditor’s name? Some procurement departments have preferences.
3. Budget:
   • The Big Four are the most expensive, followed by specialized firms. The automation platforms often bundle software and audit costs, which can be cost-effective for simpler scopes.
4. Scope & Timeline:
   • How complex is your environment? Do you need a Type I (point-in-time) or Type II (over a period)? Be upfront about your timeline; some firms have long waitlists.

Summary Table

Final Recommendation: For most B2B tech companies today, the shortlist typically includes A-LIGN, Schellman, or starting with an automation platform like Vanta, Drata, or SecureFrame and using their partnered audit firm. The Big Four come into play as a company reaches a later stage of growth and complexity.