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    ·By Budget Security

    How Much Does a Penetration Test Cost in 2026?

    The short answer: a professional manual penetration test costs between €849 and €50,000+ depending on scope, type, and provider. Online platforms like Budget Security start at €849/day. Traditional consulting firms typically charge €5,000 to €50,000 per engagement.

    Penetration Test Cost by Type

    Test TypeTraditional FirmBudget Security
    Web Application€5,000 - €25,000From €849
    External Network€3,000 - €15,000From €849
    Internal Network€5,000 - €30,000From €849
    API€3,000 - €15,000From €849
    Mobile App (iOS/Android)€8,000 - €30,000From €1,407
    Cloud Infrastructure€10,000 - €40,000Contact us

    Get an instant estimate: Use our free penetration test cost calculator to see exactly what your test would cost based on your specific scope.

    What Drives Penetration Testing Costs?

    1. Scope and Complexity

    The number of applications, IP addresses, API endpoints, or mobile platforms directly affects cost. A single web application with 10 pages costs far less than an enterprise environment with 50 applications, multiple network segments, and complex authentication flows.

    2. Test Type

    Web application testing focuses on OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities and business logic flaws. Network testing covers infrastructure, services, and configuration. API testing examines authentication, authorization, and injection points. Mobile testing adds platform-specific checks for iOS and Android. Each requires different skills and time.

    3. Provider Model

    Traditional consulting firms charge €1,000 to €2,500 per tester per day. A large portion of that covers overhead: sales teams, account managers, project managers, office space, and profit margins. Budget Security cuts these layers out of the equation and passes the savings to you. The testers are equally qualified (OSCP, OSWE certified). The delivery model is simply more efficient.

    4. Compliance Requirements

    If you need a pentest for SOC 2, ISO 27001, NIS2, or PCI DSS compliance, the report must meet specific documentation standards. Budget Security reports are structured for compliance from the start, with no extra charge for the formatting auditors require.

    5. Retesting

    After fixing vulnerabilities, you may need a retest to confirm remediation. Some providers charge full price for retests. Budget Security offers retesting as an affordable add-on through the platform.

    Cheap Pentests vs. Affordable Pentests

    Not all low-cost pentesting is the same. There's an important distinction:

    Cheap pentests (avoid)

    • Automated scans repackaged as "pentests"
    • No manual testing by qualified testers
    • Generic reports from scanning tools
    • Miss business logic and authentication flaws
    • Won't satisfy compliance auditors

    Affordable pentests (Budget Security)

    • Real manual testing by OSCP-certified testers
    • Lower cost through operational efficiency
    • Detailed findings with evidence of exploitation
    • Business logic and authentication testing included
    • Compliance-ready reports (SOC 2, NIS2, ISO 27001)

    Budget Security delivers proper manual penetration testing at a lower price by removing unnecessary overhead from the process. Our testers hold the same certifications and follow the same methodologies as those at firms that charge five times more.

    Get Your Pentest Cost Estimate

    Use our free calculator to see exactly what your penetration test would cost. Enter your scope, get a price. No calls, no forms, no waiting.

    Open cost calculatorRequest early access

    Penetration Test Cost FAQ

    How much does a penetration test cost in 2026?
    Penetration test costs range from under €1,000 for small-scope tests on online platforms like Budget Security, to €20,000-€50,000+ for large enterprise engagements with traditional consulting firms. The average cost is €5,000-€15,000 per engagement.
    Why is penetration testing so expensive?
    Traditional pentesting firms charge €1,000-€2,000+ per day because their pricing includes overhead from sales teams, account managers, project managers, and office costs. Self-serve platforms like Budget Security eliminate this overhead, offering the same quality testing from €849 per day.
    What factors affect pentest cost?
    The main cost factors are: scope (number of applications, IPs, or endpoints), test type (web app, network, API, mobile), complexity (authentication, business logic), compliance requirements (SOC 2, NIS2 reporting), and the provider's pricing model.
    Is cheap penetration testing worth it?
    It depends on what 'cheap' means. Automated-only scan services (€100-€500) are not real pentests and miss critical vulnerabilities. Budget Security offers affordable manual pentesting starting at €849/day with qualified testers at a lower price through operational efficiency, not reduced quality.
    How often should you do a penetration test?
    At minimum annually, or after any significant change to your infrastructure, applications, or network. Many compliance frameworks (SOC 2, PCI DSS, NIS2) require at least annual testing. Quarterly testing is recommended for organizations with frequent releases.
    Can I get a penetration test cost estimate online?
    Yes. Budget Security offers a free online cost calculator at budgetsecurity.com/pentest-pricing where you can get an instant estimate based on your scope. No sales calls required.