SOC 2 vs ISO 27001 vs PCI DSS
SOC 2, ISO 27001, and PCI DSS are the three most requested compliance frameworks in tech. They serve different purposes, different audiences, and different regulatory contexts. Here is how they compare and how to choose.
AICPA (US)
SOC 2
Service Organization Control 2
Audit report (CPA firm)
ISO (International)
ISO 27001
ISO/IEC 27001
Management system certification
PCI Security Standards Council
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard
Industry compliance requirement
Side-by-side comparison
Key differences across the dimensions that matter for your business.
| Dimension | SOC 2 | ISO 27001 | PCI DSS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | AICPA (US) | ISO (International) | PCI Security Standards Council |
| Type | Audit report by CPA firm | Management system certification | Industry compliance requirement |
| Who demands it | SaaS buyers, enterprise procurement | Government, enterprise, global buyers | Card brands, acquirers, merchants |
| Is it mandatory? | No (contractual) | No (contractual) | Yes, if you handle card data |
| Criteria | 5 Trust Services Criteria (Security is mandatory) | Clauses 4-10 + 93 Annex A controls | 12 requirements, 250+ sub-requirements (v4.0) |
| Output | Audit report shared with customers | Certificate from accredited body (valid 3 years) | Self-assessment (SAQ) or Report on Compliance (ROC) |
| Time to first result | 4-8 weeks (Type I) 6-12 months (Type II) | 6-12 months | Ongoing; quarterly compliance |
| Typical total cost | $15,000-$50,000+ | $20,000-$80,000+ | $5,000-$50,000+ (depends on level) |
| Auditor type | Licensed CPA firm (US) | Accredited certification body | Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) |
| Best for | SaaS companies selling to enterprises | International businesses, government contractors | Any business that processes card payments |
Swipe sideways to compare columns
Open the policies that make the comparison actionable
Use these starting documents to turn the control into evidence. Adapt each template to your scope, systems, legal obligations and actual operating process.
Which one do you need?
Follow this decision tree to find your starting point.
Do you process, store, or transmit payment card data?
Yes
You need PCI DSS. This is mandatory if you handle card data, regardless of what other frameworks you pursue.
No
Continue to the next question.
Do your customers (especially enterprise or US-based) ask for a SOC 2 report?
Yes
SOC 2 is your priority. It is the most common security credential requested by SaaS buyers.
No
Continue to the next question.
Do you sell internationally, to government, or to enterprises that require ISO certification?
Yes
ISO 27001 is your priority. It is the globally recognised standard and travels best across borders.
No
Start with SOC 2. It is the fastest path to a credible security credential for most SaaS companies.
You may need more than one
It is common for SaaS companies to pursue SOC 2 and ISO 27001 together. PCI DSS stands alone if you handle card data. Compliance automation platforms like Vanta, Drata, and Secureframe map controls across frameworks so you implement once and satisfy multiple requirements.
Platforms to automate compliance
These platforms map controls, collect evidence automatically, and keep you audit-ready across frameworks.
Vanta
Vanta
The market-leading compliance automation platform.
Custom quote
Drata
Drata
Automated, continuous compliance with deep integrations.
Custom quote
Secureframe
Secureframe
Guided compliance automation with hands-on support.
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Related guides
What Is SOC 2? A Plain-English Guide
SOC 2SOC 2 Implementation Checklist
ISO 27001What Is ISO 27001? A Plain-English Guide
ISO 27001The ISO 27001 Certification Process
PCI DSSWhat Is PCI DSS? A Plain-English Guide
Frequently asked questions
Can I get SOC 2 and ISO 27001 at the same time?
Yes. Most compliance automation platforms map controls across both frameworks, so you implement once and satisfy both requirements. The overlap between SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria and ISO 27001 Annex A controls is roughly 60-70%.
Does ISO 27001 satisfy SOC 2 requirements?
Partially. ISO 27001 covers many of the same controls as SOC 2 Security criterion, but SOC 2 requires additional controls around Availability, Processing Integrity, and Confidentiality (if selected). You would still need a separate SOC 2 audit.
How long does it take to get SOC 2 audit-ready?
A Type I report can often be prepared in 4-8 weeks from project start. A Type II report requires an observation period, commonly 6-12 months. Most companies start with Type I readiness and then build toward Type II operating evidence.
Is PCI DSS required for all businesses?
No. You only need PCI DSS if you process, store, or transmit payment card data. The requirement comes from card brands, not government regulation. If you never handle card data, PCI DSS does not apply to you.
Which is cheaper: SOC 2 or ISO 27001?
SOC 2 is generally less expensive, typically $15,000-$50,000 total, while ISO 27001 costs $20,000-$80,000+. ISO 27001 requires a more extensive management system and accredited certification body, which drives up cost.
How often do I need to renew SOC 2?
SOC 2 reports are typically valid for 12 months. Most companies pursue annual Type II audits. Some enterprise customers require bi-annual audits. Unlike ISO 27001, there is no formal certificate expiry.
Ready to start?
Pick the framework that matches your buyers and start with a compliance automation platform. Most companies get audit-ready in 2-3 months with the right tool.