Smartly vs Sprinto: Which Compliance Partner Gets You Certified First?
ISO 27001 compliance is a major milestone for any security-conscious organization. Choosing the right partner can be the difference between a fast, confident certification and months of unnecessary complexity and cost.
Lam Anh
October 21, 2025 • 4 min read
Sprinto is a recognized name in the compliance automation space, offering tools that support multiple standards. But for teams that want a faster, more focused, and regionally relevant ISO 27001 journey, Smartly delivers a clearer advantage, especially for companies in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
Here's how the two platforms compare, and why Smartly is becoming the preferred choice for teams seeking simple, guided, and cost-transparent ISO 27001 certification.
Sprinto Reviews: Common Limitations
Sprinto's users generally appreciate its automation and responsive customer support, but many have reported consistent challenges that can slow down implementation or limit flexibility:
⚠️ Integrations Still Incomplete
Certain popular tools like Vercel and some custom applications are not yet supported. Users have noted that "integration was a bit of an issue" and required manual fine-tuning during testing.
⏱️ Setup Time and Complexity
Several users mentioned that initial setup can be time-consuming, particularly when mapping controls across multiple business functions or adapting templates for hybrid environments.
📝 Template Inflexibility
The system description template "could be a little more flexible" for companies with complex product mixes, and the SDLC template leans more toward waterfall than agile methodologies.
🐛 Buggy or Inconsistent Integrations
Some users described back-and-forth troubleshooting to fix connection issues or backend bugs, though Sprinto's support team was responsive and quick to help.
🎨 Limited Customization
Customizing dashboards or reports to specific team needs often requires Sprinto support rather than self-service configuration.
Overall, Sprinto delivers a capable automation experience, but its flexibility, integrations, and multi-framework scope can make ISO 27001 projects more complex than necessary for smaller or regional teams.
Full Focus on ISO 27001
Sprinto supports multiple standards including SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA. This broad coverage provides versatility but can also introduce unnecessary layers for teams focused on ISO 27001.
Smartly is different. It focuses exclusively on ISO 27001, allowing for unmatched depth and simplicity.
This specialization enables Smartly to:
- Guide you through every ISO clause and control with precision
- Maintain a cleaner, faster workflow free from irrelevant frameworks
- Continuously optimize templates, documentation, and audit readiness features for ISO 27001 alone
Sprinto's multi-framework model works well for enterprises juggling several standards. But for startups and growing companies that just need ISO 27001 certification fast, Smartly's focused approach offers far greater efficiency and clarity.
Certification in 15–30 Days
Smartly
to audit readiness and certification
Sprinto
standard certification timeline
Smartly achieves this speed by providing:
- Clause-level gap analysis that instantly identifies control gaps
- More than 40 pre-built templates and auto-filled evidence documentation
- Mock audit scoring and ISO-specific document exports ready for external review
Several Sprinto users noted that the initial setup and mapping process can take longer than expected, particularly when customizing across teams or environments. Smartly eliminates these barriers with clear onboarding workflows and hands-on expert guidance that ensure quick progress from day one.
Built for APAC: Regional Support and Relevance
Sprinto's global operations are managed primarily from the United States, which can make timezone coordination and local support slower for clients in Asia-Pacific.
Smartly, headquartered in Southeast Asia, was built from the ground up to serve APAC companies.
This regional focus translates to:
- Live demos, onboarding, and expert support aligned with APAC business hours
- Policy templates and workflows adapted to local regulatory expectations
- Strong partnerships with regional certification bodies and auditors for smoother, faster audits
APAC-based teams often face delays working with US-based compliance tools due to timezone differences and global templates. Smartly's local presence and relationships ensure faster responses, better alignment with regional norms, and fewer audit-day surprises.
Transparent, All-Inclusive Plans
Unlike Sprinto's subscription model, which can vary based on add-ons and integrations, Smartly provides two all-inclusive ISO 27001 certification plans that cover everything you need with no hidden costs and no surprises.
Smartly Core
For teams beginning their ISO 27001 journey, typically achieving certification in about 30 days.
- Certification fee (covered)
- Internal audit fee (covered)
- Expert guidance from first assessment to final certification
- Access to Smartly Core automation platform and documentation tools
Smartly Autopilot
For teams that want a faster, more supported experience.
Includes everything in Smartly Core, plus:
- Personalized 1:1 account management and VIP support
- Guaranteed responses within half a business day
- Three weekly 30-minute check-in calls for continuous progress tracking
- Full access to Smartly Autopilot features and advanced dashboards
100% All-Inclusive Guarantee
Both plans come with Smartly's 100% All-Inclusive Guarantee, which means:
- No hidden fees or upsells
- All costs for certification fully covered
- Audits conducted by Smartly's partnered and internationally accredited auditors
Sprinto users have mentioned that while the pricing is competitive, additional frameworks or custom integrations can increase the total cost. With Smartly, pricing is fixed and transparent. You pay only once, and only after certification.
More Than Software: A Guided Journey
Automation tools make compliance faster, but without expert guidance, teams can still lose time understanding evidence, interpreting clauses, or managing auditor expectations.
Smartly blends automation with real human expertise to ensure you're supported at every step.
With Smartly, you get:
- Direct access to ISO compliance specialists who guide you through each stage
- Personalized onboarding and dedicated implementation tracking
- Hands-on support to resolve documentation gaps or evidence issues
- Proactive progress check-ins to keep your project audit-ready
Sprinto's customer support team is praised for responsiveness, but users still report occasional bugs, interface quirks, or backend follow-ups. Smartly's guided model minimizes these disruptions by combining reliable software with active human involvement, making the entire process simpler, faster, and mistake-proof.
Feature Comparison: Smartly vs. Sprinto
| Feature | Smartly | Sprinto |
|---|---|---|
| Framework | ISO 27001 only | ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA |
| Certification Speed | 15-30 days | 2-3 months |
| Gap Analysis | Clause-by-clause, manual/integration support | Available, broader multi-framework scope |
| Evidence Management | 40+ auto-fill templates, upload/link, ownership tracking | Available, multi-standard approach |
| Audit Preparation | ISO-specific exports, mock audit scoring, checklists | Included |
| Trust Center | Public-facing, selectively shareable | Included |
| Live Support | Real-time APAC-aligned expert support | Available, timezone-dependent |
| Regional Tailoring | Tailored to APAC regulatory needs | Global templates |
| Pricing Model | All-inclusive, pay after certification | Subscription with add-ons |
| Guidance Style | Expert-led, hands-on support | Automation-led |
The Bottom Line
Sprinto offers a broad, well-designed compliance automation tool that can help companies manage multiple frameworks effectively. However, for organizations focused solely on ISO 27001 certification, Smartly provides a faster, simpler, and more transparent path that fits real business needs in the APAC region.
Smartly doesn't aim to be everything for everyone. It is purpose-built for ISO 27001, and that focus delivers measurable results: quicker certification, full cost transparency, and expert guidance from start to finish.
If your goal is to get certified confidently and efficiently, Smartly is the better ISO 27001 partner.