Smartly vs Drata vs Sprinto: The Real 2025 Compliance Showdown
In today's competitive SaaS landscape, ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certifications have become non-negotiable. Whether you are a startup trying to close your first enterprise deal or a scaling company securing investor trust, security compliance is now the currency of credibility. That is where compliance automation platforms come in. They promise to simplify audits, eliminate spreadsheets, and get your company certified faster. But with so many tools on the market, it can be hard to tell which one actually delivers on that promise.
Quick Snapshot: Smartly vs Drata vs Sprinto
TLDR Summary
Smartly is the precision tool for startups that want ISO 27001 or SOC 2 certification fast, guided, and done right — in as little as 15 to 30 days.
Drata is the enterprise powerhouse. Perfect for large organizations managing several frameworks with dedicated compliance teams.
Sprinto is the scalable automation engine for mid-size companies juggling multiple frameworks simultaneously.
1. Platform Overview
Drata
Drata is one of the most recognized compliance automation tools in the market. It offers deep integrations, extensive framework coverage, and real-time monitoring. For large companies with complex security operations, Drata delivers visibility and scalability.
However, Drata's complexity also makes it slower and more expensive for smaller teams. Many users report that setup and configuration require significant time, and the total cost quickly rises once you add premium integrations and audit features.
Sprinto
Sprinto has built a strong reputation for automation and scalability. It connects to your systems, maps controls automatically, and supports multiple frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, and more.
Its automation depth makes it a solid option for mid-size to large organizations managing multiple frameworks simultaneously. But for startups that just want ISO 27001 or SOC 2 certification, Sprinto's multi-framework approach can feel like overkill.
Smartly
Smartly is the fastest-rising compliance automation platform for startups and growing SaaS companies. Built specifically for ISO 27001 and SOC 2, Smartly helps teams get certified in as little as 15 to 30 days through an all-inclusive, guided process.
Unlike Drata or Sprinto, Smartly is laser-focused. Every feature, template, and workflow is designed around one goal — to get you certified quickly, confidently, and without hidden costs.
2. Framework Coverage
| Platform | Frameworks Supported | Core Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Smartly | ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type I & II, GDPR, NIST CSF | Deep automation for ISO 27001 and SOC 2 |
| Drata | SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS, NIST CSF | Broad enterprise coverage |
| Sprinto | SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS | Multi-framework automation and scalability |
Verdict: Drata and Sprinto excel at serving multi-framework enterprises. Smartly focuses entirely on ISO 27001 and SOC 2 — the two certifications that matter most for startups — giving it unmatched speed and depth in those areas.
3. Automation and Efficiency
Smartly
Smartly delivers real-time automation for evidence collection, control validation, and risk management. Once connected to your systems, it automatically maps controls, identifies gaps, and tracks remediation progress.
Drata
Drata offers a sophisticated automation engine but relies heavily on manual oversight during onboarding and customization. While strong in breadth, it requires configuration and time before automation feels seamless.
Sprinto
Sprinto automates control mapping across multiple frameworks. Its monitoring is robust, but users report integration gaps, especially when using less common tools or hybrid environments.
Verdict: All three automate compliance, but Smartly wins for efficiency. It minimizes setup friction, focuses on ISO 27001 specifics, and maintains automation without overcomplicating workflows.
4. Risk Management
Smartly
Smartly uses an ISO 27005-aligned risk register that automatically links risks to controls, treatment actions, and owners. The system produces clear visual dashboards showing mitigation progress in real time.
Drata
Drata includes a risk module, but it is generic and designed for cross-framework use. It lacks the depth and ISO-specific alignment that Smartly provides.
Sprinto
Sprinto offers risk management integrated across frameworks but requires manual customization for ISO 27001 risk treatment plans.
Verdict: Smartly's risk management is more precise, faster to implement, and fully aligned with ISO 27001:2022.
5. Evidence Management
| Platform | Evidence Model | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Smartly | Real-time evidence automation | Collects and refreshes data continuously with direct integrations |
| Drata | Scheduled syncs | Powerful evidence engine but often requires manual verification |
| Sprinto | Automated mapping | Good coverage but can be inconsistent depending on integration quality |
Verdict: Smartly's evidence handling is cleaner and faster, reducing manual work and keeping you audit-ready at all times.
6. Onboarding and Time to Certification
| Platform | Average Time to Audit Readiness | Support Model |
|---|---|---|
| Smartly | 15 – 30 days | Guided onboarding with ISO experts |
| Sprinto | 2 – 3 months | Assisted onboarding via consultants |
| Drata | 3 – 6 months | Self-serve setup and onboarding |
Verdict: Smartly is the clear winner in speed. Sprinto is moderate, while Drata's enterprise complexity leads to the longest setup times.
7. Pricing Transparency
| Platform | Pricing Model | Cost Range | Transparency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartly | All-inclusive annual plan, pay after certification | From $4,900 per certification | Fully transparent |
| Sprinto | Subscription with add-ons | $8,000 – $20,000 | Semi-transparent |
| Drata | Subscription with paid upgrades | $10,000 – $25,000 | Opaque, enterprise-tier quotes |
Verdict: Smartly's pricing is the simplest and fairest. You pay once, only after certification. Sprinto and Drata both rely on layered subscriptions that can escalate quickly.
8. Regional Relevance and Support
Drata
Drata operates primarily in North America, which can result in timezone and communication gaps for APAC clients.
Sprinto
Sprinto is global but U.S.-centric in its support hours and template design.
Smartly
Smartly, headquartered in Southeast Asia, was built specifically for APAC startups. It offers:
- Real-time human support during APAC business hours
- Templates aligned with regional auditor expectations
- Partnerships with accredited local certification bodies for faster scheduling
Verdict: Smartly dominates this category, providing local relevance and human expertise that global tools often lack.
9. Platform Experience
Smartly
Smartly features a modern, ISO-focused interface with progress tracking, clause coverage, and readiness scores. Everything is clean, direct, and easy to understand.
Drata
Drata is powerful but dense, built for large teams managing many frameworks.
Sprinto
Sprinto provides a balanced dashboard but can overwhelm smaller teams with multi-framework configurations.
Verdict: Smartly delivers the most intuitive and purpose-built experience for ISO 27001 and SOC 2.
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10. Customer Support
Smartly
Smartly offers live, proactive support through ISO specialists who walk you through every step. Autopilot users receive guaranteed half-day response times and weekly check-ins.
Sprinto
Sprinto provides helpful chat support but remains reactive. Some users note slow follow-ups for integration issues.
Drata
Drata uses ticket-based support limited to U.S. hours, which causes delays for international users.
Verdict: Smartly's hybrid model of automation plus human guidance provides the best experience, especially for first-time certification teams.
11. Scalability
Smartly
Smartly scales from single-framework certifications to multi-framework maturity without adding complexity.
Sprinto
Sprinto scales well for multi-framework organizations but may require configuration work to maintain consistency across standards.
Drata
Drata scales best for enterprises but is excessive for smaller companies.
Verdict: Smartly offers the best scalability balance for fast-growing startups and mid-market teams.
12. Common User Pain Points
Drata Users Report
- Complex onboarding and heavy configuration requirements
- Limited integrations for certain MDM or background-check tools
- Hidden feature costs after initial purchase
- Timezone delays for non-U.S. clients
Sprinto Users Report
- Incomplete integrations for custom applications
- Template inflexibility for complex environments
- Setup time longer than expected
- Occasional bugs requiring backend assistance
Smartly Users Report
None of the above. Its ISO-specific model eliminates complexity, and users highlight its guided approach and clear pricing as major advantages.
13. Feature Comparison Summary
| Feature | Smartly | Drata | Sprinto |
|---|---|---|---|
| Framework Focus | ISO 27001 & SOC 2 only | Multi-framework | Multi-framework |
| Automation Depth | Real-time, ISO-specific | Broad, complex | Wide, cross-framework |
| Gap Analysis | Clause-level, manual or integrated | Generic | Available |
| Evidence Management | 40+ ISO templates, auto-fill | Scheduled sync | Automated mapping |
| Audit Preparation | Mock audit scoring, ISO exports | Generic checklists | Included |
| Regional Tailoring | APAC-optimized | U.S.-centric | Global generic |
| Pricing Transparency | All-inclusive, pay after cert | Hidden | Tiered |
| Readiness Speed | 15 – 30 days | 3 – 6 months | 2 – 3 months |
| Support Model | Human-guided, real-time | Ticket-based | Chat-based |
| Best Fit | Startups & APAC SaaS | Enterprises | Multi-framework scale-ups |
14. Which One Fits Your Business
Choose Smartly if:
- You are a startup or SaaS company focused on ISO 27001 or SOC 2
- You want a predictable, all-inclusive cost structure
- You value human guidance and regional expertise
- You need to certify in weeks, not months
Choose Drata if:
- You are a large enterprise managing multiple frameworks simultaneously
- You have internal compliance resources to handle complex setups
Choose Sprinto if:
- You manage multiple compliance standards and prioritize cross-framework automation
- You are prepared for slightly longer implementation timelines
15. Real-World Performance
Drata delivers comprehensive automation for big companies but can be costly and complex for smaller ones.
Sprinto balances automation and integrations for multi-framework needs but often feels heavy for single-framework projects.
Smartly strips away the noise. It gives startups exactly what they need — a clear roadmap, full automation, and expert guidance to get ISO 27001 or SOC 2 certified faster than any other platform.
16. Transparent Plans
Smartly Core
For startups beginning their ISO 27001 journey. Achieve certification in about 30 days.
Includes:
- Certification and internal audit fees
- Expert onboarding and guided documentation
- Access to Smartly Core automation platform
Smartly Autopilot
For teams that want even faster delivery with premium support.
Includes everything in Core, plus:
- 1:1 account management
- Guaranteed half-day response time
- Three weekly progress calls
- Access to advanced dashboards
Both plans include Smartly's 100 percent All-Inclusive Guarantee covering all certification costs. No hidden fees, no upsells, and no post-audit surprises.
17. Final Verdict
Drata, Sprinto, and Smartly each bring value to the compliance automation ecosystem, but they serve different purposes.
- Drata is the enterprise powerhouse. Perfect for large organizations managing several frameworks with dedicated compliance teams.
- Sprinto is the scalable automation engine for mid-size companies juggling multiple frameworks.
- Smartly is the precision tool for startups that want ISO 27001 or SOC 2 certification fast, guided, and done right.
If your goal is to achieve certification in weeks, not months, while staying on budget and supported by experts who understand your regional context, Smartly is the clear winner.
18. Why Smartly Is the Smart Choice for 2025
Smartly redefines what compliance automation should be. It replaces complexity with clarity, consultants with real guidance, and endless fees with all-inclusive pricing.
- It is built for speed
- It is built for startups
- And most importantly, it is built to help you win ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certification — fast, simple, and affordable
For teams ready to move from compliance chaos to certification confidence, Smartly is the smartest way forward.