Comparing A-LIGN and Thoropass

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About A-LIGN

A-LIGN provides audit services across multiple compliance frameworks including SOC 2, ISO 27001, HITRUST, PCI, and FedRAMP through their A-SCEND platform. Their system maps evidence across different frameworks to reduce duplicate work when pursuing multiple certifications. The company uses quote-based pricing that varies depending on scope and how much clients use their workflow tooling. A-SCEND serves as a portal for evidence collection and reuse, connecting with client systems and standard compliance tools.

About Thoropass

Thoropass is a modern alternative to legacy IT security auditors, combining enterprise-grade audits with AI-native speed and precision to help companies identify risk, build trust, and reduce the cost of compliance. Their platform automates evidence collection across integrations, maps controls across multiple frameworks, and includes built-in auditor workflows, while their team conducts the actual audits for SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI, HITRUST and more. The service lets companies work with their assigned auditor throughout the year rather than just at the annual review cycle, and can run audits for multiple frameworks simultaneously from one set of unified controls across frameworks. Pricing is quote-based, with costs that vary based on organizational complexity and scope.

What do users say?

We've used AI to analyze a number of reviews from third-party sites like G2, Reddit, and Capterra, and here's what the AI found:

Based on reviews, A-LIGN appears to receive positive feedback for their audit services, with users highlighting their helpful and organized approach to PCI audits, flexibility in working around client schedules, and knowledgeable audit teams. However, some users note that A-LIGN's services are not the cheapest option available and can be relatively expensive compared to competitors, though many indicate the quality justifies the cost.

Based on reviews, Thoropass appears to be well-regarded for its comprehensive audit services, with users highlighting the platform's ability to streamline traditionally complex compliance processes and provide strong expert guidance throughout audit preparation and execution. Users consistently praise the responsive customer support, intuitive platform design, and effective automation capabilities that help reduce manual work and preparation time for various compliance frameworks. While some users note concerns about pricing compared to competitors and potential complexity for smaller organizations, the majority of feedback suggests positive experiences with Thoropass's audit services and overall compliance support.

Comparison

A-LIGN offers a broad range of compliance services with their A-SCEND platform, holding extensive accreditations including FedRAMP 3PAO status and ISO certification body credentials. While their platform is available at no charge and provides solid evidence mapping across frameworks, they lack built-in trust center capabilities and comprehensive PCI tooling compared to more integrated solutions.

Thoropass combines audit services with comprehensive automation in a single platform, featuring AI-powered evidence collection, integrated Trust Center, and strong PCI capabilities as both a QSAC and ASV. Their unified approach eliminates vendor fragmentation and provides embedded auditor access from day one, though they don't offer FedRAMP 3PAO services that some enterprises may require.

Category	A-LIGN	Thoropass
Audit Delivery	✅	✅
Compliance Automation	❌	✅
AI Evidence Review	✅	✅
Multi-Framework Mapping	✅	✅
Trust Center	❌	✅
Pentesting Services	✅	✅
Government Frameworks	✅	❌
PCI ASV	❌	✅

Audit Delivery

A-LIGN maintains extensive audit credentials including SOC auditor status, ISO certification body accreditation through ANAB and UKAS, PCI QSA, HITRUST assessor, FedRAMP 3PAO, and CMMC C3PAO. Their broad accreditation portfolio makes them suitable for organizations requiring formal certifications across multiple regulated frameworks.

Thoropass operates as an AICPA peer-reviewed CPA firm for SOC assessments and holds PCI QSAC and HITRUST assessor credentials. While their audit capabilities are solid for most commercial needs, they lack the specialized government framework accreditations that some enterprises require.

Trust Center

A-LIGN does not advertise built-in trust center capabilities or automated security questionnaire features as part of their A-SCEND platform. Organizations needing these capabilities would need to implement separate solutions or manual processes.

Thoropass provides a comprehensive Trust Center with NDA-gated document sharing, public certification displays, and AI-powered security questionnaire automation. This integrated approach helps organizations streamline customer due diligence processes and reduce sales friction.

Government Frameworks

A-LIGN holds FedRAMP 3PAO status and their A-SCEND platform achieved FedRAMP 20x Low authorization in September 2025. They also maintain CMMC C3PAO credentials, making them well-positioned for organizations requiring federal compliance or working with government contractors.

Thoropass does not publicly list FedRAMP 3PAO credentials or specialized government framework capabilities. Organizations requiring federal authorization to operate or CMMC compliance would need alternative solutions for these specific requirements.

PCI ASV

A-LIGN operates as a PCI QSA but does not advertise Approved Scanning Vendor capabilities. Organizations requiring PCI vulnerability scanning would need to coordinate with separate ASV providers or manage additional vendor relationships.

Thoropass serves as both PCI QSAC and Approved Scanning Vendor, providing end-to-end PCI compliance including quarterly vulnerability scans, report on compliance, and attestation of compliance services. This integrated approach simplifies PCI program management for payment processing organizations.

Conclusion

A-LIGN serves organizations best when broad regulatory compliance is essential, particularly those requiring FedRAMP authorization, CMMC compliance, or accredited ISO certifications through recognized certification bodies. Their extensive accreditation portfolio and free A-SCEND platform make them ideal for enterprises with complex regulatory requirements or existing GRC tool investments that need experienced audit services alongside their current workflows.

Thoropass provides superior value for startups, mid-market companies, and organizations prioritizing operational efficiency over regulatory breadth. Their integrated platform combining automation, audit services, Trust Center, and year-round guidance eliminates vendor fragmentation while accelerating time-to-compliance. Organizations focused on commercial frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, and HITRUST will find Thoropass's unified approach and use of AI reduces overhead and improves audit cycle speed while improving audit rigor and quality.