Comparing PWC and Thoropass

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About PWC

PWC's auditor offering provides SOC 1 and SOC 2 reporting along with what they call "SOC 2+" mappings that connect to various regulatory and industry frameworks. The service operates on an enterprise, quote-based pricing model where costs depend on scope and specific requirements like NIST or HITRUST add-ons. They offer digital assurance portals for evidence exchange and can integrate with client systems and compliance tools. The approach seems geared toward organizations that need highly customized reporting and attestation work, though this typically comes with longer lead times and higher costs than standardized alternatives.

About Thoropass

Thoropass is a modern alternative to legacy auditors like PWC, combining enterprise-grade audits with AI-native speed and precision to help companies identify risk, build trust, and reduce the cost of compliance. The platform automates evidence collection and monitoring while their auditors—many formerly from larger firms—work with clients throughout the process rather than just at the end. They can run audits for multiple frameworks simultaneously from one set of controls, and offer services beyond traditional auditing like penetration testing. The model aims to eliminate the typical handoff between compliance tools and separate audit firms, though pricing isn't published and may vary based on organizational complexity.

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, PWC's audit services are recognized for their in-depth expertise, strategic insights, and strong brand reputation, with users appreciating the quality of deliverables and professional service delivery. However, some users report concerns about service quality variations, contract complexity, and inconsistent customer experiences. The reviews indicate that while PWC offers technical knowledge and global reach, users also point to high costs as a consideration.

Based on reviews, Thoropass is described as a comprehensive compliance automation and audit platform that users find simplifies compliance, with particular praise for its user-friendly dashboard and task-oriented roadmap that makes audits feel less overwhelming. Users highlight Thoropass's strong audit trail capabilities, comprehensive automation features, and responsive customer support, with some noting significant reductions in compliance overhead. Users generally rate the platform highly for its ease of use and detailed tracking capabilities.

Comparison

PWC brings the prestige and global reach of a Big Four firm, delivering enterprise-grade SOC reporting with customizable "SOC 2+" mappings to regulatory frameworks like NIST and HITRUST. However, their traditional approach relies on quote-based pricing, separate client portals for collaboration, and longer engagement cycles typical of legacy audit firms.

Thoropass combines compliance automation with in-house audit services, offering transparent pricing and 100+ integrations that eliminate the handoff between preparation and audit execution. Their platform-native approach includes embedded auditors, real-time evidence collection, and the ability to run multiple framework audits simultaneously from a single control set.

Category	PWC	Thoropass
Pricing Model	Quote-based ❌	Fixed fee with no overruns ✅
Platform Integration	Basic portal ❌	200+ connectors ✅
Multi-Framework Support	SOC 2+ mapping ✅	Unified cycles ✅
PCI Capabilities	Not listed ❌	QSAC + ASV ✅
Audit Automation	Manual process ❌	AI-powered ✅
Response Time	Standard SLA ❌	1-2 day response time ✅

Pricing Model

PWC operates on traditional Big Four quote-based pricing, requiring custom scoping calls and enterprise-level budget discussions for each engagement. Their pricing structure lacks transparency and can include unexpected scope creep costs typical of large consulting engagements.

Thoropass uses quote-based pricing but promotes "quote in 24 hours" turnaround times. Thoropass has a significantly lower price tag because of the consolidation of audit and compliance into one platform. Although pricing does vary for each organization, initial scoping is representative of the true price tag.

Platform Integration

PWC provides Connect, a secure client portal for document exchange and basic progress tracking, but lacks native integrations with modern security stacks. Their approach requires manual evidence gathering and relies on traditional audit methodologies that can create bottlenecks.

Thoropass also uses quote-based pricing but promotes "quote in 24 hours" turnaround times and occasionally offers promotional credits. Thoropass has a significantly lower price tag because of the consolidation of audit and compliance into one platform. Although pricing does vary for each organization, initial scoping is representative of the true price tag.

Multi-Framework Support

PWC delivers SOC 2+ services that map controls to various regulatory frameworks like NIST, HITRUST, and GDPR within customized attestations. This approach provides flexibility for complex compliance requirements but operates within separate engagement workflows.

Thoropass enables unified audit cycles where shared controls across SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI, and HITRUST can be assessed simultaneously. This consolidated approach eliminates redundant work and accelerates multi-framework certification timelines by 62%.

PCI Capabilities

PWC's PCI DSS capabilities are not clearly documented on their public-facing materials, requiring procurement verification for Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) status. This lack of transparency can complicate vendor evaluation for payment processing organizations.

Thoropass operates as both a PCI QSAC (Qualified Security Assessor Company) and Approved Scanning Vendor, delivering Report on Compliance (RoC) and quarterly vulnerability scanning through a single provider. This consolidation reduces vendor management overhead and ensures consistent PCI compliance execution.

Audit Automation

PWC employs traditional audit methodologies supported by internal tools like Aura and Halo, but relies heavily on manual evidence review and client interaction cycles. Their process follows established Big Four protocols that can extend engagement timelines.

Thoropass leverages AI-powered evidence review and automated control testing to streamline audit execution. Their platform continuously monitors compliance posture and pre-validates evidence quality, enabling auditors to focus on risk assessment rather than administrative tasks.

Response Time

PWC provides standard client support through their global service delivery model, with response times varying based on engagement scope and regional availability. Support operates through traditional consulting firm structures and escalation paths.

Thoropass commits to two-business-day response times through their Trust Center SLA, with embedded auditor access throughout the engagement lifecycle. This always-on availability ensures continuous alignment and eliminates typical audit communication delays.

Conclusion

PWC is an optimal choice for global enterprises requiring Big Four brand recognition, complex multi-jurisdictional SOC reporting, or highly customized attestations that map to specific regulatory requirements. Organizations with established compliance teams, substantial budgets, and stakeholders who value traditional audit firm prestige will find PWC's enterprise-grade delivery and global reach compelling. However, their price, capabilities, and manual approach may be overkill for mid-market and smaller enterprises.

Thoropass serves as the ideal solution for mid-market SaaS, fintech, and healthcare companies seeking to eliminate audit friction while maintaining rigorous standards. Startups and growth-stage organizations that prioritize speed, transparency, and integrated workflows will benefit from Thoropass's modern approach to compliance automation and embedded audit expertise, particularly when pursuing multiple frameworks simultaneously.