Penetration testing cost in 2026
Penetration testing costs $5,000 to $35,000 per test in 2026, and most people pay about $20,000.
What moves the price
- The number of apps, IP addresses, user roles and cloud accounts in scope changes the price.
- The type of test matters, because a web app test costs less than a cloud or red team test.
- Rules such as SOC 2, HIPAA or PCI DSS can raise the price.
- Tester skill and hands on manual work cost more than scans alone.
- Retesting and report detail can add to the cost.
- Where you live. Prices in big cities usually run higher than in small towns.
What is included
A quote usually covers hands on testing, a written report with proof of each problem, and advice on fixes. Many firms include one free retest of fixed issues within 30 to 90 days. Extra scope, standalone retests and advice hours cost more.
Penetration test cost by test type
| Test type | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Web app (simple to complex) | $5,000 to $30,000 |
| API | $5,000 to $20,000 |
| Mobile app | $5,000 to $30,000 |
| External network | $5,000 to $20,000 |
| Internal network | $7,000 to $35,000 |
| Cloud | $10,000 to $40,000+ |
| Red team | $50,000 to $150,000+ |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: Blaze Information Security.
Yearly budget by company size
| Company size | Yearly budget |
|---|---|
| Small business (1 to 50 staff) | $8,000 to $20,000 |
| Mid size (50 to 500 staff) | $20,000 to $50,000 |
| Enterprise (500+ staff) | $50,000 to $150,000+ |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: Blaze Information Security.
Ways to pay less
- Set a clear scope with IP counts, apps and user roles before asking for quotes.
- Ask how many tester days and how many retests are in the price.
- Ask about an annual deal or bucket of days if testing will repeat.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages. They do not all measure the same thing, so the ranges on this page come from putting them side by side.
- Blaze Information Security: Penetration Testing Cost & Pricing (May 11, 2026)
- Compass IT Compliance: How Much Does Penetration Testing Cost In 2026? (published Jun 2025)
- Qualysec: Cost of a Penetration Test in the United States (updated Jun 24, 2026)
Common questions
How much does this cost in 2026?
Penetration testing costs $5,000 to $35,000 per test in 2026, and most people pay about $20,000. Most people pay about $20,000 per test. The low end is $5,000 and the high end is $35,000.
What changes the price the most?
The biggest factors are: The number of apps, IP addresses, user roles and cloud accounts in scope changes the price; The type of test matters, because a web app test costs less than a cloud or red team test; Rules such as SOC 2, HIPAA or PCI DSS can raise the price.
How can I pay less?
Set a clear scope with IP counts, apps and user roles before asking for quotes. Ask how many tester days and how many retests are in the price. Ask about an annual deal or bucket of days if testing will repeat.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 3 named price guides: Blaze Information Security, Compass IT Compliance, Qualysec. Each one is linked on this page with the date we read it.
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