The Thoropass alternative: the bundle, operated year-round
Not a new platform. The one you have, running continuously.
The alternative here isn't a different platform, it's not running the eleven months between audits alone. Thoropass bundles the platform and the audit, which solves auditor sourcing well. It doesn't solve what happens the rest of the year, and that's the part we run, on top of your existing Thoropass subscription.
What Thoropass actually costs once you add it up
Thoropass has the most transparent pricing in this category, but it still varies by scope. The figures below are estimates, not confirmed list prices.
Thoropass's own bundling keeps year-one cost relatively contained, often reported around $20,000-$40,000, but that figure doesn't include what it costs internally to run the program between audits.
These are estimates, not quotes. Actual pricing depends on framework scope and company size.
Bundling the audit doesn't bundle the program
Thoropass is the closest platform-category player to what Auditbahn does, and it's worth being specific about where the overlap ends.
The audit is the deliverable, not the program
Thoropass is built around getting you to a clean audit report. What you do with your controls in the months after is still on your team.
No guidance between cycles
Teams commonly report having the audit handled but no direction on what to prioritize or fix once the report is filed.
Questionnaires aren't included
Vendor security reviews from prospects still take days of internal time to answer, same as with any platform-only option.
No EU regulatory coverage
DORA, NIS2, and the EU AI Act sit outside Thoropass's scope today, which matters if you sell into Europe.
Auditbahn: the program that runs year-round
Thoropass gets you through the audit. We run the program every month of the year, including the audit itself, on a retainer.
We manage the full year, not just audit season
Control maintenance, evidence currency, and risk and policy upkeep continue between audit cycles, not just in the weeks before one.
We handle vendor questionnaires
Security reviews from prospects are drafted from your evidence and routed to you for approval.
We cover EU frameworks natively
DORA, NIS2, and the EU AI Act are standard service lines, not a gap you patch separately.
We work with independent auditors
We prepare and accompany you through the audit. The independent auditor, not us, makes the certification decision.
Already running Thoropass? We can operate it for you directly, no migration required. See Managed Thoropass
Thoropass vs. Auditbahn: what actually changes
| Aspect | Thoropass | Auditbahn |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | A compliance platform with the audit bundled in, removing the need to source an auditor separately. Program management between cycles isn't included. | Continuous program management year-round, plus audit preparation and accompaniment with independent auditors. |
| Who owns the work between audits | Your team. Thoropass's own profile notes this is the most common complaint: guidance stops once the report is filed. | We do, continuously: control maintenance, evidence currency, vendor reviews, and policy upkeep don't pause after certification. |
| Monthly cost | Bundled annual subscription covering platform and audit; program management outside that scope is a separate cost if you bring in help. | $5,500/month for the first three months, then $3,500/month (month-to-month list price), or $5,000/$3,000 with a 12-month commitment. Independent auditor fees are separate and fixed-scope. See /pricing. |
| EU regulatory coverage | Not covered today (DORA, NIS2, EU AI Act). | Covered as a standard part of the service. |
Who this is actually for
Consider switching to Auditbahn if
- You've used Thoropass or a similar bundle and the months between audits felt unguided.
- You need DORA, NIS2, or EU AI Act coverage alongside SOC 2 or ISO 27001.
- Vendor questionnaires are a regular part of your sales process and need a managed response.
- You want one accountable team for the whole year, not just the audit window.
Stick with Thoropass if
- Your primary pain is sourcing and coordinating an auditor, and you have internal capacity to run the program otherwise.
- You want the fastest possible path to an audit report and don't need ongoing program management.
- Your customer base has no EU regulatory exposure.
Common questions
What's the difference between Thoropass and Auditbahn?
Thoropass bundles a compliance platform with an in-house audit firm, getting you through a specific audit cycle. Auditbahn runs the compliance program continuously, including audit preparation and accompaniment with an independent auditor, across every month of the year.
Does Thoropass manage vendor questionnaires?
No. Thoropass's own positioning is focused on the platform and the bundled audit; responding to buyer security questionnaires isn't part of the service.
What does Thoropass cost?
Thoropass has the most transparent pricing in the compliance platform category, but it still varies by scope. Estimates commonly cited are $15,000-$30,000/year for a SOC 2 bundle and $30,000-$60,000/year for multi-framework coverage. These are estimates, not confirmed prices.
Can Auditbahn work alongside an existing Thoropass subscription?
Yes. We can pick up program management around your existing audit relationship, or transition you to an independent auditor if that fits your situation better.
Compare other options
Our services: SOC 2, ISO 27001, DORA, NIS 2, or see the full comparison hub.
Not sure which fits your situation?
Tell us where you are with Thoropass today and what's happening between your audit cycles. If the bundle alone already covers what you need, we'll say so.
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