Top GRC Software: Compare Features & Pricing

Apptega vs. Risk Cognizance vs. 6clicks vs. Drata vs. Vanta vs. MetricStream: Choosing the Right GRC Platform

The landscape of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) platforms is rich with options, each catering to different organizational needs and priorities. In our previous discussion, we compared Apptega and Risk Cognizance. Now, we're expanding our view to include four more prominent players: 6clicks, Drata, Vanta, and MetricStream, to provide a more comprehensive guide for selecting the best GRC solution for your organization, especially if you're an MSP or MSSP.

Governance, Risk, Compliance Platform Comparison

Key Comparison Criteria:

1. Features:

• Risk Cognizance: Boasts a more extensive list of features, including modules for Enterprise Risk Management, Attack Surface Management, Third-Party Risk Management, Project Management, Policy Management, Automated Risk Assessments, Dark Web Monitoring, and more. It positions itself as an all-in-one IT and security compliance application.
• Apptega: Focuses on core GRC functionalities like framework support, automated assessments, framework crosswalking, risk management, audit management, vendor risk management, and reporting. While robust, its feature list appears less expansive than Risk Cognizance.
• 6clicks: Known for its comprehensive risk management capabilities, policy management, and a unique "content library" of pre-built templates and controls. It also emphasizes its partner program for consultants and MSPs.
• Drata: Primarily focuses on security compliance automation, particularly for achieving certifications like SOC 2, ISO 27001, and PCI DSS. It emphasizes continuous monitoring and evidence collection.
• Vanta: Similar to Drata, Vanta focuses on automating security compliance for frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and PCI DSS, with a strong emphasis on ease of setup and use for startups and growing companies.
• MetricStream: An enterprise-grade platform offering a wide range of integrated solutions for governance, risk, compliance, and quality management, suitable for large and complex organizations.

2. Framework Support:

• Risk Cognizance: Supports over 50 frameworks, including many industry-specific ones.
• Apptega: Supports over 30 frameworks, covering major standards.
• 6clicks: Offers support for a wide range of international and local standards, including ISO 27001, SOC 2, PCI DSS, GDPR, HIPAA, and various Australian and UK-specific frameworks.
• Drata: Primarily focuses on automating compliance for SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, HIPAA, and FedRAMP.
• Vanta: Supports SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, and potentially others.
• MetricStream: Supports a vast array of global and industry-specific regulations and standards, given its enterprise focus.

3. Ease of Use:

• Risk Cognizance: Is also praised for its ease of use on platforms like Gartner and G2. This indicates that both platforms are recognized for their usability.
• Apptega: Is consistently praised for its user-friendly interface and simplicity.
• 6clicks: Generally considered user-friendly, with a focus on making GRC accessible.
• Drata: Known for its intuitive interface and streamlined setup process, particularly for security compliance automation.
• Vanta: Emphasizes ease of use and quick setup, making it popular among startups.
• MetricStream: Being an enterprise-level platform, it can be more complex to implement and use compared to the others, often requiring specialized expertise.

4. Automation:

• Risk Cognizance: Appears to offer more extensive AI-powered automation across various GRC processes.
• Apptega: Provides key automation features like fast-track automated assessments and framework crosswalking.
• 6clicks: Offers automation in risk assessments, policy distribution, and reporting.
• Drata: Heavily focuses on continuous monitoring and automated evidence collection for security compliance.
• Vanta: Automates the evidence collection process and provides continuous monitoring for security frameworks.
• MetricStream: Offers robust workflow automation across its integrated GRC modules.

5. MSP/MSSP Support:

• Risk Cognizance: Explicitly supports MSPs and MSSPs with GRCaaS enablement and a multi-tenant platform.
• Apptega: Tailored for MSPs, focusing on business growth and efficiency.
• 6clicks: Has a strong partner program designed for consultants and MSPs, offering multi-tenancy and tools for serving multiple clients.
• Drata: Primarily focused on direct-to-business, with less emphasis on specific MSP/MSSP features in its core offering.
• Vanta: Primarily focused on direct-to-business, with less emphasis on specific MSP/MSSP features in its core offering.
• MetricStream: While powerful, its enterprise focus might make it less directly tailored for typical MSP/MSSP operations.

6. AI Capabilities:

• Risk Cognizance: Heavily leverages AI for automation, insights, and various GRC tasks.
• Apptega: Uses AI for guided compliance and recommendations.
• 6clicks: Incorporates AI for risk analysis and potentially other areas.
• Drata: Less emphasis on explicit AI features, focusing more on automation through integrations and continuous monitoring.
• Vanta: Less emphasis on explicit AI features, focusing on automated evidence collection and monitoring.
• MetricStream: Integrates AI for advanced analytics and risk management in its enterprise platform.

7. Price Factor:

Pricing for GRC platforms is a critical consideration, but it's rarely straightforward. Most vendors offer subscription-based models with varying tiers and often require you to contact them for a custom quote based on your specific requirements. Factors influencing price include the size of your organization, the number of users, the specific modules and features you need, and the length of your contract.

General overview of the GRC platform comparison

Here's a very general overview, based on publicly available information and market understanding, keeping in mind these are rough estimates and require direct verification:

• Risk Cognizance: Given its broader feature set and target audience including both SMBs and larger enterprises, is pricing based on organization size and capabilities needed, beased on a modular approach. Starting at $400, potentially scaling significantly with organizational size and the modules selected. You will likely need to request a custom quote.
• Drata and Vanta: These platforms, often targeting startups and smaller companies, tend to have more transparent pricing seem to be 40 to 60% higher than Risk Cognizance. You might find starting prices listed on their websites, potentially ranging from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars per month, often scaling with the number of employees or connected systems.
• Apptega and 6clicks: These platforms, catering to SMBs and MSPs, likely offer tiered pricing plans. Some sources suggest starting prices could range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month, depending on the plan and features. For MSPs, pricing might be per client or based on a tiered structure related to the number of clients managed.
• MetricStream: As an enterprise-grade, integrated GRC platform, MetricStream is generally positioned at the higher end of the pricing spectrum. Their pricing is almost always customized based on the organization's scale, complexity, and specific modules deployed. Expect a significant investment, often requiring a direct discussion with their sales team.

Important Considerations for Price:

• Request Quotes: The most reliable way to get accurate pricing is to contact each vendor directly and request a custom quote based on your organization's specific needs.
• Evaluate Plans: Carefully review the features included in each pricing tier to ensure you're getting the necessary functionality without overpaying for unused features.
• Consider Contract Terms: Understand the length of the contract and any potential discounts for annual or multi-year agreements.
• Factor in Additional Costs: Don't forget to budget for implementation fees, training costs, and ongoing support, which can vary between vendors.

Platform Recognition:

It's also noteworthy that Risk Cognizance is ranked #3 on Gartner Peer Insights, indicating strong positive feedback from its users. Drata and Vanta also have strong positive ratings on platforms like G2. MetricStream is a recognized leader in the enterprise GRC market.

Which One is Right for You?

Your budget will undoubtedly play a significant role in your decision-making process.

• Budget-conscious startups focused on core security certifications might explore Risk Cognizance, Drata and Vanta first for potentially more transparent and accessible entry-level pricing.
• SMBs and MSPs seeking a balance of features and affordability could consider Risk Cognizance, Apptega and 6clicks, comparing their tiered plans and MSP-specific offerings.
• Organizations requiring a comprehensive platform with advanced features, potentially at a higher cost? Risk Cognizance and MetricStream offer extensive capabilities.
• Enterprises with complex needs and a willingness to invest in a robust, integrated solution? MetricStream is a strong contender, but Risk Cognizance also caters to larger organizations.

Top GRC Software: Compare Features & Pricing

The GRC platform landscape provides solutions for various needs and budgets. Risk Cognizance, Drata and Vanta offer streamlined security compliance for startups with potentially more transparent pricing. Risk Cognizance, Apptega and 6clicks cater well to SMBs and MSPs with tiered options and specific MSP features. MetricStream remains a leader for large enterprises investing in comprehensive GRC. Risk Cognizance, with its extensive features, strong framework support, AI capabilities, and positive user reviews, stands out as a robust option for a wide range of organizations, including MSPs/MSSPs, potentially at a mid to upper price point.

Ultimately, the best approach is to identify your core requirements, evaluate platforms based on those needs, and then engage with vendors to obtain accurate pricing information through custom quotes and demos. This will allow you to make an informed decision that aligns with both your functional and budgetary constraints.