A-LIGN vs BARR Advisory
How two SOC 2 audit firms compare on price, timeline, framework coverage, and fit — and how to decide between them.
| A-LIGN | BARR Advisory | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $25K–$120K | $15K–$50K |
| Type 2 timeline | 10–22 weeks | 8–18 weeks |
| Firm tier | National firm | National firm |
| Frameworks | SOC 1, SOC 2 Type 1, SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR | SOC 1, SOC 2 Type 1, SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR |
| Industry focus | SaaS, Fintech, Healthcare, AI / ML, GovTech | SaaS, Fintech, Healthcare, GovTech |
| Regions | United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Global | United States, Global |
| AICPA-licensed | Yes | Yes |
| Headquarters | Tampa, Florida | Shawnee Mission, Kansas |
How A-LIGN and BARR Advisory differ
On price, BARR Advisory typically comes in lower ($15K–$50K) than A-LIGN ($25K–$120K), though scope drives the final quote. Both cover a comparable set of 7 frameworks, so either can bundle SOC 2 with your other assurance needs.
A-LIGN strengths
- ✓Single provider for SOC, ISO, HITRUST, FedRAMP, CMMC, and PCI
- ✓Global delivery footprint across multiple continents
- ✓Large client base (5,000+ organizations)
BARR Advisory strengths
- ✓Specializes in cloud service providers and regulated industries
- ✓Combines attestation with advisory like virtual CISO
- ✓International reach across 20+ countries
Which should you choose?
Lean toward BARR Advisory if budget is the priority and its scope fits; lean toward A-LIGN if you want the broadest framework coverage in a single engagement. A-LIGN additionally brings AI / ML experience that BARR Advisory does not list. Both are AICPA-licensed, so either can issue a report your customers will accept — the fastest way to decide is to get quotes from both on identical scope.
Frequently asked questions
Is A-LIGN or BARR Advisory cheaper for SOC 2?
A-LIGN typically ranges $25K–$120K and BARR Advisory $15K–$50K. On typical midpoints, BARR Advisory tends to be the lower-cost option, but neither publishes fixed pricing, so a scoped quote from each is the only reliable comparison.
Which covers more frameworks, A-LIGN or BARR Advisory?
A-LIGN lists more frameworks (SOC 1, SOC 2 Type 1, SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR), which is an advantage if you plan to bundle SOC 2 with other assurance standards.
Are A-LIGN and BARR Advisory both AICPA-licensed CPA firms?
Yes. Both A-LIGN and BARR Advisory are AICPA-licensed CPA firms, which is required to issue a SOC 2 report. Either firm's report carries the same recognition with your customers.