The average cost of a penetration test in 2026 is usually $10,000 to $35,000 for a standard commercial engagement. Smaller, tightly scoped web application, API, SaaS, mobile, or external network pentests can start around $5,000 to $10,000. Larger cloud, internal network, product security, IoT, and red team engagements can range from $25,000 to $ 150,000 or more.
Pricing depends on what is being tested, how complex the environment is, the number of user roles, endpoints, applications, cloud accounts or IPs in scope, the required testing depth, reporting expectations, compliance requirements, tester seniority, and whether retesting is included.
A simple unauthenticated website is not priced like a multi-tenant SaaS platform with APIs, SSO, admin roles, payment flows, cloud infrastructure, and compliance evidence requirements.
Penetration testing, also called pen testing or ethical hacking, is a crucial component of any mature organization’s cybersecurity strategy, and it’s gaining traction as companies become more aware of direct and third-party cyber risks, requiring pentesting as part of vendor cybersecurity assessments before signing contracts with suppliers. Additionally, attestations and regulations coming into force, such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, DORA, NIS 2 and GDPR, also require security testing at least annually as part of compliance.
When hiring penetration testing services, one question often arises: how much does a penetration test cost?
This guide breaks down the nuances that affect penetration testing costs and pricing, discussing relevant topics such as the quality, depth, testing coverage, scope of the assessment and the common commercial models among pentest providers.
Furthermore, we’ll provide an overview of the most common types of pentesting, such as mobile and web application testing, and discuss the pricing factors and average costs associated with each, enabling you to make the right decisions when hiring a penetration testing company to evaluate your organization’s defenses.
Penetration testing cost by type: 2026 pricing table
| Penetration test type | Average 2026 cost | Blaze starting price | Typical duration | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SaaS/Web application pentest | $5,000-$30,000 | From $4,999 | 1-3 weeks | SaaS apps, portals, customer-facing apps. Best to support compliance requirements such as SOC 2 and ISO 27001 |
| API pentest | $5,000-$20,000 | From $4,999 | 1-2 weeks | REST, GraphQL, SOAP, gRPC, microservices |
| Mobile app pentest | $5,000-$30,000 | From $5,299 | 1-2 weeks | iOS, Android, React Native, Flutter apps |
| Network pentest | $5,000-$35,000+ | From $4,999 for focused external scopes; quote-based for broader internal scopes | 1-3+ weeks | Public-facing systems and perimeter security, Active Directory, lateral movement, internal attack paths, etc. |
| Cloud pentest | $10,000-$40,000+ | From $7,500, but varies | 1-3 weeks | Cloud IAM, compute, storage, serverless, containers, Kubernetes, network controls, and cloud attack paths |
| Product security assessment | $25,000-$100,000+ | Quote-based | 3-8+ weeks | Deep product review, threat modeling, code-assisted pentesting |
These are planning ranges, not fixed quotes. A provider should still scope the number of assets, user roles, endpoints, cloud accounts, and other factors before giving a final price.
How we calculated these penetration testing cost ranges
The pricing ranges in this guide are based on Blaze’s own commercial data, including roughly 900 penetration testing quotes sent in 2025 alone across SaaS, fintech, healthcare, cloud, e-commerce, and technology companies.
We also benchmarked these ranges against publicly available pricing and procurement data, including published RFPs and tenders, UK Government Digital Marketplace listings, AWS Marketplace penetration testing offers, and pricing information from vendors that publicly disclose their rates or package prices, as well as with conversations with security leaders responsible for purchasing pentesting services.
These figures are intended as planning ranges, not fixed quotes. Final penetration testing pricing depends on the exact scope, methodology, testing depth, number of assets and user roles, reporting requirements, compliance needs, timeline expectations, and whether remediation testing is included.
Penetration testing pricing and cost factors
When considering penetration test cost, it’s important to recognize that various factors, such as project scope, size and pentester experience, come into play.
In this section, we’ll explore key aspects that usually influence pricing and the overall cost of a pen test, helping you understand how to adjust your budget accordingly and what to expect when requesting a quote for pentesting services.
Company reputation and the experience of the penetration testing team
The reputation of the penetration testing company and the skills of the security team conducting the pen test are crucial factors in determining its cost.
Experienced penetration testers with relevant industry certifications, such as CREST, OffSec‘s Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), OSCE, OSWE, SANS, etc., may command higher fees. Still, their expertise can ultimately lead to more valuable results, helping organizations better understand and address their security risks.
Choosing a qualified pentesting company with a reputable team of offensive security certified professionals who can identify hidden vulnerabilities that less experienced testers might miss ensures a more comprehensive assessment and reduces the chances of costly incidents and data breaches. A provider with a proven track record and more experienced professionals will usually deliver a thorough evaluation and produce detailed documentation that is more useful for remediation.
Scope size and complexity of the project
The scope and complexity of a penetration test significantly impact its cost. Projects with larger scope or more complex environments generally require more time and resources to assess, resulting in increased costs. Factors such as the number of systems, applications or assets being tested, as well as the complexity of the project, can significantly impact the overall price.
The presence of custom code, legacy systems, or unique integrations can also increase the pentesting cost due to the extra effort required to assess them thoroughly.
Compliance considerations and industry-specific requirements
Certain industries, such as healthcare and finance, may have specific regulatory requirements or industry standards that must be met during a pen test. Adhering to these requirements can add complexity to the testing process and result in higher costs.
Compliance with regulations and frameworks such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, TIBER EU, CBEST, SOC 2 or ISO 27001 may require additional steps or specialized knowledge, increasing the cost of penetration testing.
Retesting and remediation support
Some penetration testing companies offer additional support services, such as remediation testing, to help clients implement recommended security improvements or provide ongoing consultation. These services can be important for organizations looking to enhance their security posture, but can also increase costs. It’s essential to weigh the benefits of this added support against the associated costs to determine the most appropriate option for your company.
Here at Blaze Information Security, we offer one round of fix validation up to 90 days, free of charge, in most pen testing engagements. It helps to close security holes and validate that security issues have been fixed, catching unpatched systems that could otherwise contribute to a security breach or put critical assets at risk.
How commercial models influence pentest pricing
By understanding how different commercial models can influence pentest pricing, organizations can make more informed decisions when selecting a cybersecurity vendor and allocating a budget for security testing. Let’s now discuss the most common commercial models vendors employ.
Credits model or bucket of days
Some providers offer a credits model, also known as a bucket of days. The organization purchases a set number of testing days or credits in advance and uses them across multiple assessments.
This model can work well for teams that need recurring testing throughout the year, such as SaaS companies with frequent releases, DevSecOps teams, or organizations managing several compliance deadlines.
Purchasing a bucket of days in advance often comes with discounted rates, which can help organizations save on overall penetration testing costs. However, it’s essential to monitor the use of these days or credits carefully and ensure they are used efficiently, as any unused portion may expire after a set period (usually 12 months) or become a sunk cost for the organization.
Retainer-based pentesting
Retainers involve an ongoing relationship with a pentest provider. The organization pays a monthly or quarterly fee for a set amount of testing, advisory, or remediation support.
This model is useful when the provider builds knowledge of the environment over time. Returning testers can often work faster and find deeper issues because they already understand the architecture, historical findings, and business risks.
Fixed-price service packages
Fixed-price penetration testing packages give organizations a clear price, scope, and deliverables before work starts. This model is useful for well-defined engagements such as a web app pentest, an API pentest, a SOC 2 pentest, an ISO 27001 pentest, or a PCI DSS pentest.
The risk is that fixed-price packages may not cover unusual or complex requirements unless the scope is carefully defined. If the application has more roles, endpoints, integrations, or environments than expected, the quote may need to be adjusted.
Time and materials
The time-and-materials pricing model involves billing organizations for the actual time spent on penetration testing and any additional materials or resources required. This model can be more flexible than fixed-price packages or retainers, allowing organizations to pay only for the services they need. However, predicting the final cost of the assessment can be more challenging, as it depends on the actual time and resources consumed during testing.
Penetration testing cost per hour
Penetration testing providers commonly charge $250 to $300 per hour for standard professional services. Specialized work, such as reverse engineering, product security, cloud attack path analysis, or red team operations, can cost more.
Hourly pricing is common for advisory work, retesting beyond the included validation window, time-and-materials engagements, or open-ended product security assessments. Fixed-price pricing is usually easier for standard web, API, mobile, external network, and compliance-driven pentests.
Bundled services
Some penetration testing providers may offer bundles or add-ons that package multiple types of assessments or related services at a discounted rate. Bundled services can provide organizations with a more comprehensive security assessment while potentially reducing the overall cost.
Organizations should carefully evaluate whether the bundled services meet their specific needs and if the potential cost savings justify any trade-offs in the depth or scope of the testing.
Existing supplier relationships
Existing relationships between an organization and the pentest provider can also affect pricing. If a provider has previously worked with the organization, has performed regular penetration testing engagements, and has a deep understanding of its systems and infrastructure, they may be able to offer more competitive pricing. This is because the provider can leverage their prior knowledge to reduce the time and effort required for the assessment.
Additionally, providers may be willing to offer discounts or other incentives to maintain a long-term relationship with the organization.
Pentest services commercial models
Factors that affect penetration testing cost
Types of penetration tests and their pricing factors
In this section, we’ll explore some of the most common types of penetration testing, the factors that influence their cost, and the average price range for each type of assessment in current market rates based on our experience.
SaaS/web application penetration testing cost
The average cost of web application penetration testing ranges from $5,000 to $30,000 in 2026. Smaller web apps with a limited number of roles and workflows tend to sit at the lower end. Complex SaaS platforms with APIs, admin functionality, integrations, payments, SSO, and multi-tenant authorization usually sit at the higher end.
| SaaS/web app scope | Blaze typical pricing | Typical duration | What is tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple SaaS app | $4,999-$8,999 | 3-7 testing days | Authentication, session management, OWASP Top 10, basic authorization |
| Medium SaaS app | $8,999-$20,000 | 1.5-2 weeks | Multiple roles, APIs, file upload, business logic and access control |
| Complex SaaS app | $20,000-$30,000+ | 2-3+ weeks | Multi-tenant isolation, SSO/OAuth, payment flows, third-party integrations, and admin portals |
Pricing factors include the number of applications, features, user roles, API endpoints, authentication flows, file upload areas, payment workflows, third-party integrations, and testing approach. Grey-box testing is often the best value for application security because testers receive credentials and basic context, allowing them to spend more time testing real risk rather than discovering the application from scratch.
For SaaS companies, the highest-value testing typically focuses on authorization and tenant isolation. Issues such as IDOR, broken object-level authorization, cross-tenant data leakage, weak admin controls, insecure SSO implementation, and over-permissive APIs are often more important than generic scanner findings.
Blaze offers web application penetration testing through the AWS Marketplace, with pricing starting at $4,999.
API penetration testing cost
API penetration testing usually costs $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the number of endpoints, authentication model, data sensitivity, business logic, and API technologies in scope.
| API scope | Blaze typical pricing | What affects the price |
|---|---|---|
| Small API | $4,999-$10,000 | Limited endpoints, simple auth, one or two user roles |
| Medium API | $10,000-$15,000 | More endpoints, sensitive data, role-based access, business workflows |
| Complex API | $15,000-$20,000+ | Multi-tenant access, complex logic, APIs handling payments |
API pentesting focuses on the vulnerabilities that matter most in modern applications: broken object-level authorization, broken function-level authorization, weak authentication, mass assignment, excessive data exposure, rate-limit bypass, SSRF, unsafe third-party API consumption, and business logic abuse.
Blaze offers API penetration testing through AWS Marketplace with pricing from $4,999:Â 
API penetration testing.
Mobile application penetration testing cost
Mobile application penetration testing usually costs $5,000 to $30,000. The final price depends on whether the test covers iOS, Android, or both platforms; whether backend APIs are included; and whether the app uses features such as biometrics, NFC, local encryption, certificate pinning, push notifications, or offline storage.
This type of assessment aims to uncover security weaknesses that attackers could exploit against the backend and those with physical access to the device, potentially compromising sensitive data or the app’s functionality.
| Mobile scope | Blaze typical pricing | What is tested |
|---|---|---|
| Single platform | $5,299-$9,999 | iOS or Android app, local storage, auth, traffic, API interaction |
| iOS and Android | $10,000-$25,000 | Both platforms, platform-specific controls, and shared backend APIs |
| Complex mobile ecosystem | $20,000-$30,000+ | Mobile app, backend API, sensitive workflows, reverse engineering, advanced protections |
Mobile app pentesting identifies vulnerabilities in Android and iOS applications, their backend APIs, device-side storage, transport security, authentication flows, and platform-specific security controls. Testing can follow OWASP MASVS and include both dynamic testing and reverse engineering, where appropriate.
External network penetration testing cost
External network penetration testing usually costs $5,000 to $20,000.
An external pentest simulates an attacker targeting internet-facing systems. It focuses on exposed services, misconfigurations, outdated software, weak authentication, remote access services, perimeter defenses, cloud-hosted assets, and paths from the internet into sensitive systems.
| External network scope | Blaze typical pricing | What affects the price |
|---|---|---|
| Small perimeter | $5,000-$10,000 | Limited public IPs and services |
| Medium perimeter | $10,000-$15,000 | More hosts, VPN, exposed admin panels, mixed cloud/on-prem assets |
| Large perimeter | $15,000-$20,000+ | Many services, multiple environments, complex attack surface |
Internal network penetration testing cost
Internal network penetration testing usually costs $7,000 to $35,000.
An internal pentest simulates an attacker who already has access to the internal network, such as through a compromised endpoint, rogue device, malicious insider, or stolen VPN credentials. It evaluates lateral movement, privilege escalation, Active Directory weaknesses, segmentation, insecure protocols, credential exposure, and paths to sensitive systems.
| Internal network scope | Blaze typical pricing | What affects the price |
|---|---|---|
| Small internal network | $7,000-$15,000 | Limited subnet, fewer systems, simple environment |
| Medium internal network | $15,000-$25,000 | Active Directory, multiple subnets, business-critical systems |
| Complex internal network | $25,000-$35,000+ | Multiple sites, segmentation, hybrid cloud, goal-oriented objectives |
Cloud penetration testing price
Cloud penetration testing costs vary widely, ranging from $10,000 to $40,000.
Cloud penetration testing evaluates the security of an organization’s cloud environment, including the infrastructure, applications and data stored within the cloud. Pricing factors for this test include the number and complexity of cloud services being used and any regulatory compliance requirements specific to the organization’s industry.
IoT penetration testing cost
IoT penetration testing usually costs $10,000 to $50,000 or above.
IoT pentesting focuses on connected devices and the systems around them: firmware, mobile apps, cloud APIs, radio protocols, hardware debug interfaces, update mechanisms, local storage, authentication, and communication between devices, apps, and backends.
Pricing factors include the number and type of devices, whether firmware protections must be bypassed, whether hardware access is needed, whether protocols such as Bluetooth Low Energy or ZigBee are in scope, and whether the test includes the cloud and mobile ecosystem around the device.
Product security assessment cost
Product security assessments usually have broad scopes that cover several elements of a product, sometimes including code review and can range from $25,000 to over $100,000.
These engagements are broader than a standard pentest. They may combine threat modeling, architecture review, secure code review, application pentesting, API testing, cloud assessment, CI/CD review, and abuse-case analysis. They are best suited for companies building security-sensitive products, regulated platforms, fintech systems, healthtech products, developer platforms, or infrastructure software.
The cost depends on product complexity, architecture, threat model, number of components, codebase size, depth of review, and the seniority of the specialists required.
Red team exercise cost
Depending on these factors, the price tag for a goal-oriented, threat intelligence-led red team exercise can range from $50,000 to $150,000 or more.
Red team assessments simulate real-world attacks to test an organization’s security defenses and incident response. Pricing depends on the size and complexity of the organization, attack sophistication, required expertise, and any mandated framework, such as CBEST or TIBER EU. Depending on the rules of engagement, scenarios may include phishing, vishing, pretexting, and technical intrusion paths.
This range also reflects the high labor costs of multidisciplinary specialists, including threat intelligence, planning, infrastructure setup, opsec, multi-phase execution, and detailed debriefing and reporting, compared with a standard penetration test.
Average penetration testing pricing
Average penetration test pricing per country
Penetration testing day rates vary by country, provider tier, and consultant seniority. In our experience, the average daily or hourly rate for a pentest can differ significantly between the United States, the United Kingdom, Western Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific.
Below is the average range of daily and hourly rates we’ve encountered in the past few years working with clients in different geographies, analyzing the market and seeing pentest quotes from different providers and competitors:
The dangers of cheap penetration tests
A cheap penetration test can end up costing more if it creates a false sense of security. Very low-cost pentests are often rushed, heavily automated, or performed by less experienced testers. In many cases, they are vulnerability scans marketed as penetration tests.
The problem is not that automation is bad. Automated tools are useful for coverage. The problem is relying on automated output without manual validation, exploitability analysis, business logic testing, authorization review, and attack path development.
Be cautious if a provider:
- Promises a complex pentest done in 24-48 hours.
- Quotes a price far below the expected manual effort.
- Cannot explain how many tester-days are included.
- Provides only scanner output with a light narrative.
- Does not test authenticated areas.
- Does not include evidence, reproduction steps, and remediation guidance.
- Does not offer retesting or fix validation.
Inaccurate or incomplete results can cause organizations to overlook critical weaknesses that attackers could exploit. A low-quality pentest may satisfy a checkbox, but it does not meaningfully reduce risk.
Final remarks
Understanding the factors that drive a penetration test quote is essential for organizations seeking to invest in cybersecurity. Factors such as the scope and depth of the testing, pen tester expertise and the type of assessment all play a crucial role in determining the final price. Organizations must recognize the potential dangers of opting for cheap, too-good-to-be-true penetration tests, as they are often vulnerability-scanning services masquerading as pentesting and may leave significant security gaps unaddressed.
Considering the unique needs of their systems and infrastructure can help organizations select the most suitable type of security testing. Furthermore, being aware of the different commercial models and pricing structures available in the market can help organizations make informed decisions and budget effectively for their cybersecurity assessments.
Ultimately, investing in a thorough and reliable pen test can significantly improve an organization’s overall security posture, helping to safeguard its valuable assets and reputation in the long run.
If your organization is considering hiring penetration testing services or looking for a new penetration testing vendor, contact our experts for a quote.
FAQ
How much does penetration testing cost on average in 2026?
Penetration testing typically costs $5,000 to $35,000 for most web, API, mobile, network, and cloud engagements in 2026. Complex product security assessments, IoT tests, and red team exercises can exceed $50,000 to $150,000.
What is the average cost of a SaaS penetration test?
A SaaS penetration test usually costs $5,000 to $35,000, depending on the number of applications, user roles, APIs, SSO flows, tenant isolation requirements, and cloud infrastructure in scope.
What is the average cost of an API penetration test?
An API penetration test usually costs $5,000 to $20,000. The price depends on the number of endpoints, authentication model, API technologies, business logic, user roles, and data sensitivity.
What is the average cost of a mobile application penetration test?
A mobile application penetration test usually costs $5,000 to $30,000. Testing on both iOS and Android, reviewing backend APIs, and assessing advanced mobile features can increase costs.
How much does a SOC 2 penetration test cost?
A SOC 2 penetration test usually costs $8,000 to $25,000 for a standard SaaS scope. Smaller, focused SOC 2 pentests can start around $4,999 when the scope is limited to a web app, API, or SaaS product.
Why are penetration testing quotes so different?
Penetration testing quotes vary because scope, complexity, testing methodology, compliance requirements, reporting needs, pentester seniority, retesting, and provider model all affect the number of skilled testing days required.
Is a cheap pentest worth it?
Be cautious with very cheap pentests. Low-cost offers are often automated vulnerability scans marketed as manual penetration testing. A real pentest should include manual testing, exploitability validation, business logic review, evidence, remediation guidance, and retesting where applicable.
