Here are the Top 10 Penetration Testing Companies You Should Consider Hiring

Choosing the right penetration testing company can make or break your security strategy. With countless vendors promising quick fixes and flashy reports, finding a team that actually delivers real security insights is tougher than it should be. 

In this Software Secured guide, we break down the top 10 penetration testing companies that go beyond the checklist to give you real protection.  

Why Listen to Us? 

Software Secured has spent over a decade in the trenches of cybersecurity, working with SaaS companies that demand more than basic check-the-box testing. Our team delivers manual, high-impact penetration tests that help companies stay compliant and secure. This list reflects what we know from real-world experience, not theory.

We were looking for a penetration testing partner who could give us assurance that our security posture and guide us through what we needed to improve. Software Secured demonstrated their penetration testing expertise, at a competitive price. We were pleased with the results and the communication with Software Secured throughout the process.

Tega McKinney,Director of Engineering at Motiva Ventures

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Why Choosing the Right Penetration Testing Vendor Matters

A penetration test is only as good as the team behind it. Pick the right one, and you’ll get real security gains that move your business forward. The right choice ensures: 

• Faster Compliance: Helps you meet SOC 2, HIPAA, and ISO 27001 requirements faster with testing that satisfies auditors and regulators without draining your team.
• Stronger Security: Identifies real-world risks early and fix them before attackers find and exploit weak points in your product or infrastructure.
• Enterprise Trust: Builds confidence with enterprise customers who demand serious proof that you can protect their data and their reputation.
• Less Developer Waste: Frees up your developers by skipping false positives and only flagging what actually matters for your security roadmap.
• Real Insights, Not Noise: Provides manual, expert-driven findings that uncover vulnerabilities scanners miss instead of bloated, automated reports.  

Next, let's look at 10 penetration testing vendors that actually deliver.

Top 10 Penetration Testing Vendors To Consider

Providers vary widely in methodology, pricing models, response times, and expertise. Before we get to the detailed review, here’s a quick comparison table to help you spot the differences at a glance.

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Now, let’s have a deeper breakdown of what each vendor brings to the table.

1. Software Secured

The first penetration testing vendor on the list is Software Secured. 

Since 2010, we’ve been helping SaaS companies get serious about security. Our full-time team of Canadian security experts delivers manual penetration testing that digs deeper than scanners ever could. We don’t just find issues, we give you a clear plan to fix them fast. 

Key Services

• Pentest Essentials: Annual web app and network pentesting to meet compliance without draining your developers’ time.
• Pentest 360: End-to-end testing for web, mobile, and APIs, backed by threat modeling and security roadmaps.
• Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS): Ongoing, on-demand testing with unlimited retesting and real-time results through our Portal.
• Secure Code Review: Manual source code analysis to catch issues scanners miss and secure your build pipeline.
• Secure Cloud Review: Deep assessment of your cloud configurations to harden infrastructure and close security gaps.

Pricing

Our pricing is transparent and flexible. Pentest Essentials starts at $5,400, Pentest 360 starts at $10,000. Internal Network Pentest begins at $6,800. We also offer Augmented Security Services and Threat Modeling Solutions for additional security, depending on your needs. 

For detailed pricing information, check our pricing page. 

Pros

• In-depth manual testing mapped to 5 industry standards
• Offers niche testing (hardware, IoT, blockchain, etc.)
• Offers security code review and instructor-led training
• Excellent client support and reporting

Cons

• No continuous testing
• Basic pricing, must contact for detailed pricing

Best Suited For

We’re built for companies that want real security, not just a checkbox.

• SaaS startups and scaleups
• Teams needing SOC 2, HIPAA, or ISO 27001 compliance
• Companies preparing for enterprise deals or audits
• Organizations serious about maturing their security programs

2. Cobalt.io

Founded in 2013, Cobalt.io delivers penetration testing through their Pentest as a Service (PtaaS) model. They combine a crowdsourced community of security researchers (Cobalt Core) with a SaaS platform that integrates into dev workflows. Their focus is speed, flexibility, and real-time collaboration.

Key Services

• Web, Mobile, and API Testing: Blend of manual testing and platform-driven coordination for faster results.
• Network Penetration Testing: Internal and external assessments to uncover real threats, not just noise.
• Cloud Security Testing: Configuration reviews to catch misconfigurations before they become incidents.
• Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST): Automated scanning for runtime security issues.

Pricing

Cobalt.io uses a credit-based pricing model. Credits are bought upfront and used flexibly for different testing needs. Pricing details are custom and vary by scope.

Pros

• Rapid test initiation (within 24 hours)
• Strong integration and reporting features

Cons

• Onboarding can be repetitive
• Credit-based pricing requires upfront planning

Best Suited For

Best for agile teams that need fast, flexible security testing without building a full in-house security function.

3. BreachLock

BreachLock was founded in 2019 to provide on-demand Pentest as a Service by combining manual testing from certified experts with automated tools. Their client portal provides real-time updates, making it easier for teams to track progress and results.  

Key Services

• Web, Mobile, and API Testing: Manual and automated assessments designed to catch high-risk vulnerabilities fast.
• Network Penetration Testing: External and internal network testing to uncover weak spots before attackers do.
• Cloud Security Assessments: Reviews of cloud environments for misconfigurations and access risks.
• Compliance Testing: Security assessments tailored for PCI DSS, HIPAA, and SOC 2 requirements.

Pricing

BreachLock’s offers three different pricing packages: Standard, Extended, Extensive. Each is suited to different organization sizes. Full pricing details only available on request.  

Pros

• Compliance assessments (PCI, SOC2, HIPAA)
• Continuous testing and scalability

Cons

• Fewer long-term client reviews
• No public pricing

Best Suited For

Ideal for companies needing scalable, compliance-ready pentesting without building an in-house team.

4. HackerOne

Established in 2012, HackerOne runs one of the largest bug bounty platforms, connecting companies to a global community of ethical hackers. Their Pentest as a Service taps into this network for rapid, crowdsourced vulnerability discovery.  

Key Services

• Web, Mobile, and API Testing: Focused on critical OWASP vulnerabilities and real-world attack scenarios.
• Cloud Security Testing: Identifies misconfigurations and access issues across major cloud providers.
• AI and LLM Security Testing: Specialized tests for AI systems, targeting data leaks and model risks.
• Compliance Assessments: Testing aligned with frameworks like SOC 2 and ISO 27001.

Pricing

Pricing depends on scope. Therefore, custom quotes are built around program size and testing needs. You can get one after scheduling a demo. 

Pros

• Global researcher base
• Fast vulnerability discovery
• Tailored engagement models

Cons

• High report volume can slow triage
• Submission quality varies

Best Suited For

Great for teams needing fast, flexible security coverage without scaling internal testing teams.

5. NetSPI

NetSPI was founded in 2001 as a pen testing vendor with a manual-first approach. It’s backed by a large team of in-house certified experts, alongside a PTaaS platform offering real-time reporting and collaboration. NetSPI is a popular choice for big players in highly regulated industries.

Key Services

• Web, Mobile, and API Testing: Deep assessments targeting business logic and technical flaws.
• Network Penetration Testing: Internal and external network testing to find real-world exposure.
• Cloud Security Testing: Configuration and architecture reviews for cloud environments.
• Social Engineering Testing: Phishing and vishing campaigns to assess human vulnerabilities.

Pricing

NetSPI customizes pricing based on project size and complexity. You’ll need to reach out for a tailored quote.

Pros

• Manual, consistent testing approach
• PTaaS platform with real-time insights

Cons

• Scheduling needs advance planning
• Focused on large enterprises

Best Suited For

Best for large organizations in finance, healthcare, and government needing deep, methodical penetration testing.

6. Synack

Blending automation with human expertise, Synack runs continuous penetration testing powered by AI and their vetted Synack Red Team. Since 2013, their platform has given enterprises real-time analytics, asset discovery, and clear vulnerability tracking, designed for companies that need security at scale, not just a once-a-year checkup.

Key Services

• Web, Mobile, and API Testing: Deep investigation into common and business logic vulnerabilities.
• Cloud Security Testing: Reviews to catch misconfigurations and risky cloud setups.
• AI and LLM Security Testing: Specialized assessments focused on securing AI systems.
• Attack Surface Management: Continuous asset discovery and monitoring to reduce exposure.

Pricing

Synack’s pricing is customized based on testing scope and needs. Options range from short-term projects to full continuous testing models.

Pros

• Combines automation with expert validation
• Continuous, scalable testing
• Strong data and threat analytics

Cons

• Onboarding can take time 
• Testing VM setup can be resource-heavy and needs strong internal coordination

Best Suited For

Great for enterprises needing scalable, always-on security testing with human and AI-driven insights.

7. NCC Group

Founded in 1999, NCC Group is one of the heavyweights in cybersecurity. With a full-time, global team of certified professionals, they focus on manual, in-depth penetration testing across infrastructure, cloud, and applications for enterprises with complex, high-assurance security needs.

Key Services

• Application Security Testing: Full-scope testing across web, mobile, and native applications.
• Network Infrastructure Testing: Deep assessments of internal and external network security.
• Cloud Security Assessments: Reviews cloud environments for misconfigurations and vulnerabilities.
• Hardware and IoT Testing: Specialized security evaluations for hardware and embedded systems.

Pricing

Pricing is fully customized based on scope and project needs. Expect tailored quotes, which are available on request.  

Pros

• Deep technical expertise across domains
• Niche testing for IoT, blockchain, and hardware

Cons

• Formal, complex engagement processes
• Longer lead times to start projects

Best Suited For

Best for enterprises in finance, healthcare, and government needing expert, highly specialized penetration testing.

8. Indusface WAS

Operating since 2004, Indusface focuses squarely on securing web and mobile applications. Headquartered in India, they pair traditional penetration testing with their AI-powered AppTrana platform, offering security beyond just vulnerability scans. 

Key Services

• Web and Mobile Application Testing: Finds vulnerabilities and business logic flaws in apps.
• API Security Testing: Looks deep into API endpoints, even behind login screens.
• AppTrana WAAP: AI-driven protection with malware monitoring and SSL management.
• CI/CD Integration: Embeds testing into the development pipeline for faster fixes.

Pricing

Pricing is available on a quote basis. Indusface customizes costs based on the number of apps and complexity of the environment.

Pros

• Helps with asset discovery and is easy to learn and deploy
• Built-in compliance support

Cons

• Limited to app and API security
• AI reliance may cause false negatives

Best Suited For

Perfect for teams focused on securing web applications and APIs while ticking compliance boxes.

9. Packetlabs

Built in 2011, Packetlabs made its name specializing in deep, manual penetration testing. With an OSCP-certified team and 100% Canadian data residency, they deliver tailored, thorough assessments. Packetlabs’ focus is sharp testing backed by high client satisfaction, not high-volume engagements.

Key Services

• Infrastructure Penetration Testing: Manual testing of internal systems and networks for security gaps.
• Application Penetration Testing: Web and mobile app assessments targeting real-world risks and logic flaws.
• Cloud Security Assessments: Evaluates cloud setups for misconfigurations and weaknesses.
• Cyber Maturity Assessments: Reviews of organizational cybersecurity posture and practices.

Pricing

Pricing is custom and based on scope and complexity. You’ll need to request a quote. 

Pros

• CREST and SOC 2 certified
• 100% Canadian data residency
• High client satisfaction scores

Cons

• Premium-level service cost
• Must request custom quotes

Best Suited For

Best for Canadian firms or companies wanting rigorous, manual testing with strong compliance and data residency guarantees.

10. Evolve Security

Starting in 2016, Evolve Security set out to combine real-world testing with security education. Their Darwin Attack® portal gives clients real-time visibility into testing progress. Evolve focuses on penetration testing across networks, apps, cloud environments, and even social engineering, with education baked into the process.

Key Services

• Application Penetration Testing: Deep testing of web, mobile, and API applications.
• Network Penetration Testing: Internal, external, and wireless network security assessments.
• Cloud Security Assessments: Testing across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud environments.
• Social Engineering Campaigns: Phishing and physical security tests to assess human risk.

Pricing

Pricing is fully customized. Companies must reach out to get a tailored quote.  

Pros

• Highly rated security training academy
• Real-time visibility through Darwin Attack®

Cons

• Instructor experience can vary
• Longer ramp-up for complex projects

Best Suited For

Perfect for companies that want real-time collaboration and value security testing paired with education.

How to Choose the Right Penetration Testing Vendor

Choosing the right penetration testing vendor can make the difference between finding real risks or wasting time. Here’s how to pick the one that fits:

1. Define Your Security Goals: Start with what you’re trying to protect — web apps, APIs, networks, or cloud. Clear goals help you filter vendors that specialize in the right areas and avoid generic, one-size-fits-all solutions.
2. Vet Their Expertise: Look beyond marketing. Check certifications like OSCP or CREST, review case studies, and make sure they’ve worked with companies similar to yours. Real-world experience beats flashy sales decks every time.
3. Understand Their Testing Approach: Ask how they balance manual testing and automation. Surface-level scans aren’t enough. The right vendor digs into business logic flaws and delivers clear, prioritized findings, not a 300-page vulnerability dump.
4. Check for Post-Test Support: Security doesn’t stop at the final report. A strong vendor should offer remediation advice, retesting, and be available when you hit questions later. Ongoing support is where real value shows up.

Software Secured Checks Every Box for Penetration Testing Success

This guide broke down top penetration testing providers and what to look for. Now, let’s talk about one that checks all the boxes - Software Secured. 

At Software Secured, we deliver manual, high-impact penetration testing powered by a full-time team of security experts. We help SaaS companies and growing businesses strengthen their security posture, meet compliance requirements, and close real risks, not just check a box.

Our testing is mapped to industry standards, and our approach ensures actionable insights without overwhelming your team. With unlimited retesting and hands-on support, we’re built for companies serious about security.

Ready to get started? Book a free consultation with Software Secured today.