PTaaS vs pentest vs bug bounty
Compare coverage, reporting, workflow, cost predictability, and internal effort—then choose the testing model that fits your security program.
Three ways to test
The right model depends on how often you test, what evidence you need, and how much internal triage you can support.
One-off pentest
Scoped, time-boxed testing for a defined application, API, mobile app, or network.
Blaze pricing: from $4,999
Best for: audits, launches, defined scopes
Coverage: Point-in-time snapshot
Continuous testing / PTaaS
Reusable annual pentest capacity for recurring assessments, live findings, and a smoother remediation workflow.
- Blaze plans: from $19,999/year
- 1 credit = 1 day of pentesting
- Coverage: Continuous throughout the year
Bug bounty
An open or private researcher program that rewards valid vulnerability reports.
- Pricing: variable by platform and payouts
- Best for: mature public attack surfaces
- Coverage: Unpredictable, researcher-driven
Compare the testing models
Coverage, reporting, workflow, and budgeting side by side.
Cadence & scope
One-off pentest
Continuous / PTaaS
Bug bounty
Testing Frequency
Scheduled per engagement
Recurring across the year
Ongoing, researcher-driven
Time to Start
Depends on scope and scheduling
Reusable capacity reduces repeat procurement
Program setup varies
Scope Control
Fixed for the engagement
Flexible across the annual program
Program-defined scope; researcher-driven focus
Tester Continuity
Provider-dependent
Continuity across recurring assessments
Varies by researcher
Findings & evidence
One-off pentest
Continuous / PTaaS
Bug bounty
Finding Delivery
Criticals can be shared early; report at end
Live findings plus formal reports
As researchers submit
Report Quality
Formal assessment report
Live findings plus formal reports
Submission quality varies
Fix validation
Depends on the package
Can be included per assessment
Depends on program policy
Compliance evidence
Formal report and evidence
Formal reports plus live evidence
Not a substitute for a pentest report
Workflow & collaboration
One-off pentest
Continuous / PTaaS
Bug bounty
Workflow integrations
Provider-dependent
Jira, Slack, and workflow integrations
Platform-dependent
CI/CD Integration
Usually scheduled manually
API and webhook-enabled workflows
Not scope-driven
Developer Collaboration
Debrief and remediation support
Ongoing access to findings and testers
Program or platform messaging
Budget & internal effort
One-off pentest
Continuous / PTaaS
Bug bounty
Pricing Model
Fixed per engagement
Annual testing capacity
Platform fees plus rewards
Cost Predictability
Predictable per scope
Predictable annual capacity
Variable
Internal Resource Needs
Low to moderate
Low to moderate
Higher triage and program management
Which testing model fits?
Start with your testing cadence, evidence needs, and internal capacity.
Choose a one-off pentest if…
You need a defined assessment for an audit, launch, customer request, or specific scope.
Choose continuous testing if…
You test repeatedly through the year and want reusable capacity, live findings, and a smoother remediation workflow.
Add a bug bounty if…
You already have a mature security program and can continuously triage researcher submissions.
Not sure which model fits?
Tell us what you ship, how often it changes, and what evidence you need. We’ll recommend the right testing model.
