"How much does a penetration test cost?" It's one of the first questions organizations ask—and the answer ranges from $5,000 to $100,000+. This guide breaks down what drives those costs and helps you budget appropriately for your security testing needs.
2025 Penetration Testing Pricing Overview
| Test Type | Typical Range | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Small Web Application | $5,000 - $15,000 | 3-5 days |
| Medium Web Application | $15,000 - $30,000 | 1-2 weeks |
| Large/Complex Application | $30,000 - $60,000 | 2-4 weeks |
| API Penetration Test | $10,000 - $25,000 | 1-2 weeks |
| Network Pentest (External) | $5,000 - $20,000 | 3-7 days |
| Network Pentest (Internal) | $15,000 - $40,000 | 1-2 weeks |
| Mobile App (iOS or Android) | $10,000 - $30,000 | 1-2 weeks |
| Cloud Infrastructure (AWS/Azure) | $15,000 - $45,000 | 1-3 weeks |
What Drives Penetration Testing Costs?
Scope & Complexity
More endpoints, features, and user roles mean more testing time. A 10-page marketing site costs far less than a complex SaaS platform.
Testing Duration
Time is the primary cost driver. More thorough testing takes longer. Most providers charge by the day ($1,500-$3,000/day).
Tester Expertise
Provider Type
Big 4 firms charge premium rates. Boutique consultancies are mid-range.
Retesting
Traditional firms charge extra for retests (often $2,000-$5,000+). Some providers include unlimited retesting.
Reporting Needs
Executive briefings, compliance-specific reports, and attestation letters may add costs.
Pricing Models Compared
Traditional Consulting
- Per-engagement pricing
- 6-8 week lead times
- Retests cost extra
- Deep expertise available
PTaaS (Platform)
- Subscription pricing
-
- Unlimited retests
- On-demand testing
Bug Bounty
- Pay per vulnerability
- Unpredictable costs
- Variable quality
- No compliance reports
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Retesting Fees
Most traditional providers charge $2,000-$5,000+ per retest. With 10+ vulnerabilities, that adds up fast.
Scope Creep Charges
If testing reveals more systems than initially scoped, you'll face change orders.
Rush Fees
Need results faster than 6-8 weeks? Expect 25-50% premium for expedited testing.
Report Customization
Executive presentations, custom compliance mappings, or attestation letters often cost extra.
ROI of Penetration Testing
A single penetration test costing $15,000 represents just 0.3% of the average breach cost. Finding and fixing vulnerabilities proactively is orders of magnitude cheaper than incident response.
Why Consider PTaaS?
PTaaS platforms like ManticoreAI offer significant advantages for modern development teams:
Budgeting Recommendations
- Startups: Budget $5,000-$15,000/year for basic coverage
- SMBs: Budget $15,000-$40,000/year for comprehensive testing
- Enterprise: Budget $50,000-$200,000+/year across applications
- Consider PTaaS: Subscription models often deliver more value than per-engagement
Get a Quote
ManticoreAI offers audit-grade penetration testing with no hidden fees, unlimited retests, and 48-hour delivery.