How Much Does a Pen Test Cost in 2026? Pricing Guide with Real Ranges

One of the most common questions we hear is: how much does a penetration test cost? The honest answer is that it depends on what you are testing, how thoroughly, and who is doing the work. But that is not particularly helpful when you are trying to build a budget, so here are real-world pricing ranges based on our analysis of providers in the UK and US markets.

Pricing by Test Type

Web application penetration testing typically costs between $4,000 and $50,000 or more. A straightforward test of a simple web application with a handful of user roles might fall in the $4,000 to $10,000 range. A complex multi-tenant SaaS platform with dozens of API endpoints, role-based access controls, and integrations will land in the $15,000 to $50,000 range with a mid-tier or premium provider.

Network penetration testing ranges from $5,000 to $60,000. External network tests, which assess your perimeter defences from the internet, are generally less expensive than internal tests that simulate an attacker who has already gained a foothold inside your network. The number of IP addresses, subnets, and hosts in scope is the primary cost driver.

Cloud security assessments start around $8,000 and can reach $75,000 or more for complex multi-cloud environments. These tests evaluate your AWS, Azure, or GCP configuration alongside traditional infrastructure testing, and require testers with specific cloud platform expertise.

Mobile application testing typically costs $5,000 to $40,000 per platform (iOS or Android). Backend API testing is often scoped separately. If your mobile app communicates with an API, budget for both.

Red team engagements are the most expensive, ranging from $20,000 to $200,000 or more. These multi-week engagements simulate sophisticated, real-world attacks across technical, physical, and social engineering vectors. They require experienced senior consultants and significant planning.

Factors That Drive the Price Up or Down

Scope and complexity are the biggest cost drivers. More targets, more user roles, more integrations, and more complex business logic all increase the effort required. A single-page marketing site is a fraction of the cost of an enterprise platform.

Accreditation requirements affect pricing. CREST-accredited testing commands a premium over unaccredited work, typically 20% to 40% more. However, many compliance frameworks and enterprise procurement processes require accredited testing, so this is often non-negotiable.

Tester experience matters. Senior consultants with CREST CCT, OSCP, or GXPN certifications have higher day rates than junior testers. For complex applications, the extra cost is usually justified by deeper findings and better reporting.

Timeline and urgency can add 20% to 50% to the price. If you need testing completed within one to two weeks, expect to pay a rush premium. Booking four to six weeks in advance typically yields better pricing and availability.

Reporting depth varies between providers. Some include comprehensive reports with executive summaries, detailed technical findings, proof-of-concept evidence, and remediation guidance as standard. Others charge extra for detailed reporting or retesting.

Budget vs Mid-Range vs Premium Providers

Budget providers (typically smaller firms or offshore teams) lean on automated scanning with some manual validation. Reports may be template-based. This tier suits straightforward compliance requirements on lower-risk systems.

Mid-range providers are typically established firms with CREST or ISO 27001 accreditation. They combine automated tools with substantial manual testing and produce detailed reports. Most organisations find the best value here.

Premium providers offer senior-led engagements, bespoke methodology, and comprehensive deliverables. They are the right choice for critical infrastructure, financial services, and complex environments where the stakes justify the investment.

How to Get Good Value

Define your scope clearly before requesting quotes. Vague requirements lead to inflated estimates or, worse, inadequate testing that misses critical areas.

Get two to three quotes from providers at different tiers. Use our comparison tool to evaluate them side by side based on accreditations, services, and reviews.

Ask about retesting. Some providers include one free retest, which can save thousands if significant issues are found. Others charge for retesting as a separate engagement.

Plan ahead. Booking four to six weeks in advance avoids rush premiums and ensures availability. Many providers offer small discounts for annual retainer agreements or multi-engagement contracts.

Finally, do not optimise purely on price. The cheapest quote rarely delivers the best security outcome. A thorough test from a competent provider that finds real vulnerabilities is worth significantly more than a cheap scan that gives you a false sense of security.

Visit our pricing page for a detailed breakdown of costs by test type, or browse the provider directory to request quotes from accredited providers.