Smartly vs Sprinto vs Secureframe: Which Compliance Platform Wins in 2025
By 2025, compliance has become one of the biggest growth catalysts for startups and SaaS companies. Whether you are closing enterprise deals, raising a funding round, or entering regulated markets, frameworks like ISO 27001 and SOC 2 are no longer optional. They are mandatory trust signals.
Quick Snapshot: Smartly vs Sprinto vs Secureframe
TLDR Summary
Smartly is the clear choice for startups and SaaS businesses that need ISO 27001 or SOC 2 certification fast, without complexity or hidden costs.
Sprinto is perfect for large, cloud-native enterprises running multiple frameworks simultaneously.
Secureframe provides broad coverage and intuitive dashboards for mid-market teams.
1. Platform Overview
Smartly
Smartly was designed from the ground up for startups and scale-ups. It automates the entire ISO 27001 or SOC 2 journey — from scoping and risk assessment to control mapping, evidence collection, and auditor handoff. Each Smartly customer gets a dedicated compliance expert who helps them through onboarding, document setup, and audit coordination.
Smartly's biggest difference is its pay-after-certification pricing model. You only pay once you are certified, eliminating financial risk and giving early-stage teams complete predictability. The result is speed, accuracy, and a guided experience that delivers certification in weeks instead of months.
Sprinto
Sprinto is a strong compliance automation platform built for cloud-native organizations. It supports frameworks such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS. The platform integrates with over 300 systems, continuously monitors controls, and provides real-time audit dashboards.
Sprinto is great for companies that already have compliance maturity or in-house resources. Its setup process is longer, but once configured, it provides powerful automation across multiple frameworks.
Secureframe
Secureframe is one of the earliest and best-known compliance automation solutions. It offers an extensive policy library, hundreds of integrations, and support for multiple frameworks, including SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR.
Secureframe's focus is on user experience and scalability. The platform is polished and straightforward to use, but customization for ISO 27001 depth can require manual work. Many users describe it as ideal for initial setup, but less flexible when tailoring documentation for complex audit requirements.
2. Framework Coverage
| Platform | Supported Frameworks | Core Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Smartly | ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, NIST CSF | Fast, audit-ready automation for startups |
| Sprinto | SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR | Enterprise-level GRC automation |
| Secureframe | SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR, NIST | Simple compliance management and monitoring |
Verdict: Sprinto and Secureframe both cover multiple frameworks. Smartly specializes in ISO 27001 and SOC 2, delivering faster, more accurate results for startups that only need the essentials.
3. Automation and Efficiency
Real automation means continuous evidence collection, intelligent control mapping, and minimal manual intervention.
Smartly
Smartly provides full automation across every step of the ISO 27001 and SOC 2 lifecycle. It maps all 93 controls of ISO 27001:2022, connects with your cloud and HR systems, collects evidence automatically, and alerts you to any compliance drift.
Sprinto
Sprinto also delivers deep automation, continuously monitoring cloud configurations and internal policies. It is excellent for complex environments but requires more setup time and resources.
Secureframe
Secureframe automates evidence collection and compliance status tracking through its integrations. However, it relies on pre-built templates rather than dynamic risk mapping, which limits flexibility for companies with unique operations.
Verdict: Smartly is the most efficient for end-to-end certification automation. Sprinto is ideal for scaling organizations with multiple frameworks. Secureframe delivers good automation for simpler use cases.
4. Risk Management
ISO 27001 requires comprehensive risk assessment and treatment aligned with ISO 27005 principles.
Smartly
Smartly includes a built-in risk management module aligned with ISO 27005. It automatically links identified risks to controls, treatments, and policies, ensuring compliance with ISO 27001 Clauses 6.1.2 and 6.1.3.
Sprinto
Sprinto provides advanced risk tracking for enterprise-level compliance. It allows mapping risks across multiple frameworks and generating dashboards, but setup can be complex.
Secureframe
Secureframe includes a simplified risk register. It works well for tracking risks but lacks detailed linkage between risks and ISO 27001 Annex A controls.
Verdict: Smartly wins for ISO 27001-specific risk alignment. Sprinto offers flexibility for large compliance programs. Secureframe is functional but basic.
5. Documentation and Evidence Management
| Platform | Evidence Collection | ISO 27001 Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Smartly | Continuous and automated | Generates SoA, Risk Treatment Plan, and Audit Reports automatically |
| Sprinto | Automated and scalable | Pre-built templates for multi-framework audits |
| Secureframe | Automated via integrations | Extensive policy library and self-service templates |
Verdict: Smartly's documentation automation is unmatched for ISO 27001. Sprinto manages documentation across frameworks. Secureframe has strong templates but relies more on user input for ISO-specific evidence.
6. Onboarding and Certification Speed
| Platform | Setup Time | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Smartly | 2–3 weeks | Guided onboarding and expert mapping |
| Sprinto | 1–2 months | Technical configuration and workflow setup |
| Secureframe | 1–2 months | Self-serve onboarding with templates |
Verdict: Smartly achieves certification the fastest. Sprinto and Secureframe require longer ramp-up times before reaching audit readiness.
7. Pricing Transparency
| Platform | Pricing Model | Range | Transparency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smartly | Pay-after-certification, all-inclusive | From $4,900 per certification | 100% transparent |
| Sprinto | Subscription-based | $10,000 – $25,000 per year | Quote required |
| Secureframe | Subscription-based | $15,000 – $30,000 per year | Quote required |
Verdict: Smartly is the only platform offering transparent, fixed pricing and pay-after-certification flexibility. Sprinto and Secureframe hide pricing behind demos and scale up quickly with add-ons.
8. Audit Preparation
Smartly
Smartly fully automates audit readiness. The platform generates your Statement of Applicability (SoA), Internal Audit Report, and risk treatment documentation. It connects directly with accredited auditors to streamline the certification process.
Sprinto
Sprinto also supports audit readiness through dashboards and progress tracking, but the final coordination with auditors is manual.
Secureframe
Secureframe provides an auditor portal for document sharing and readiness reports but requires teams to manage the process independently.
Verdict: Smartly provides true audit-ready documentation and direct audit coordination. Sprinto and Secureframe simplify audits but rely on user management.
9. Continuous Compliance
Smartly
Smartly continuously tracks your connected systems and controls. It sends alerts whenever a control drifts from compliance, ensuring that your ISMS remains audit-ready all year.
Sprinto
Sprinto performs continuous control monitoring at scale, ideal for large teams managing multiple frameworks.
Secureframe
Secureframe monitors control status via integrations but updates less frequently, depending on evidence sync schedules.
Verdict: Smartly offers the simplest path to year-round compliance. Sprinto delivers enterprise-scale monitoring. Secureframe keeps you informed but less dynamically.
10. Integration Ecosystem
| Platform | Integration Count | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Smartly | 200+ | Cloud, HR, code, and task systems |
| Sprinto | 300+ | Multi-framework GRC integrations |
| Secureframe | 1000+ | Broadest SaaS ecosystem across IT and security tools |
Verdict: Secureframe wins in integration volume. Smartly's integrations are sharper and ISO-focused. Sprinto balances both breadth and configuration flexibility.
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11. User Experience
Smartly
Smartly offers a simple, action-oriented dashboard that guides you step by step through certification. Every task is clear and linked to its associated ISO control.
Sprinto
Sprinto delivers a robust enterprise interface packed with features and analytics. It is powerful but can overwhelm smaller teams.
Secureframe
Secureframe has a polished, modern UI with strong visualization but less control granularity.
Verdict: Smartly delivers clarity and focus. Sprinto offers power. Secureframe offers polish.
12. Customer Support
Smartly
Smartly provides direct access to ISO 27001 specialists who guide you through implementation, internal audit, and external certification.
Sprinto
Sprinto assigns account managers and offers responsive email support.
Secureframe
Secureframe offers 24/7 chat support, documentation, and training materials but less personalized guidance.
Verdict: Smartly's one-on-one expert support gives it a major edge for startups without internal compliance teams.
13. Scalability
Smartly
Smartly scales effortlessly with your growth. You can add frameworks such as SOC 2 or GDPR later without losing simplicity.
Sprinto
Sprinto scales for enterprises with multiple frameworks and complex architectures.
Secureframe
Secureframe scales easily for mid-market and enterprise teams but can feel over-engineered for small startups.
Verdict: Smartly scales with startup growth. Sprinto scales for complexity. Secureframe scales for volume.
14. Strengths and Weaknesses
| Platform | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Smartly | Fastest certification, transparent pricing, guided setup | Focused scope on ISO 27001 / SOC 2 |
| Sprinto | Enterprise automation, real-time monitoring | Higher cost and longer configuration |
| Secureframe | Excellent UI, strong integrations, pre-built templates | Limited ISO 27001 depth, less customization |
15. Best Use Cases
Choose Smartly if:
- You are a SaaS startup or scale-up that needs ISO 27001 or SOC 2 certification quickly
- You want real experts guiding you through the process
- You prefer transparent pricing and no consultant overhead
Choose Sprinto if:
- You manage multiple frameworks or large cloud infrastructures
- You have an internal compliance team and want enterprise-grade automation
Choose Secureframe if:
- You value ease of use, broad integrations, and clean dashboards
- You want an established compliance platform for general frameworks
16. Feature Comparison
| Feature | Smartly | Sprinto | Secureframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed to Certification | 2–3 weeks | 1–2 months | 1–2 months |
| Automation Depth | Full end-to-end | Enterprise-level | Moderate |
| Risk Management | ISO 27005-aligned | Advanced | Basic |
| Evidence Management | Continuous automation | Continuous | Automated |
| Continuous Compliance | Yes | Yes | Partial |
| Audit Preparation | Fully automated | Guided | Manual assistance |
| Pricing Transparency | 100% clear | Limited | Hidden |
| Regional Fit | Global / APAC / EU | Global | North America / Europe |
| Best Fit | Startups and SaaS | Enterprises | Mid-market companies |
17. Final Verdict
Smartly, Sprinto, and Secureframe all promise to simplify compliance, but their real strengths serve different audiences.
Sprinto is perfect for large, cloud-native enterprises running multiple frameworks simultaneously.
Secureframe provides broad coverage and intuitive dashboards for mid-market teams.
Smartly is the clear choice for startups and SaaS businesses that need ISO 27001 or SOC 2 certification fast, without complexity or hidden costs.
With Smartly, you get automation, expert support, and transparent pricing in one platform — certification in weeks, not months.
18. Why Smartly Leads the 2025 Compliance Race
Smartly is redefining compliance for startups. It combines automation, precision, and expert guidance to turn what used to be a months-long process into a few focused weeks.
With Smartly, you get:
- Real ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certification in record time
- End-to-end automation for risk, control, and evidence management
- Continuous compliance monitoring that never stops
- Transparent, pay-after-certification pricing
Sprinto delivers enterprise power. Secureframe delivers simplicity. Smartly delivers speed, trust, and results.
Smartly: The fastest path to ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certification — built for startups that move fast, stay secure, and scale with confidence.