How Much Does Penetration Testing Cost in 2026? Full Pricing Guide

Many business owners are surprised by how inconsistent the quotations for penetration testing costs they receive are. One vendor gives a $6,000 test proposal while another shoots a $30,000 quote, and both claim to cover the entire app or software.

So, which one to go for? What factors actually influence the cost?

The cost of penetration testing really depends on how well a vendor knows your scope, compliance requirements, and the level of assurance you need. Understanding the factors that drive the penetration testing costs is critical if you aim to seek meaningful outcomes.

So, if you’ve decided to go for penetration testing to avoid falling victim to any kind of cyber attack, the question to ask shouldn’t be “how much would pen testing cost?” Instead, ask, “What kind of risk factors would it eliminate? How deep do I need it to go? What all drills would I be paying for?”

Having offered professional penetration testing services to businesses for over 13 years, Excellent Webworld experts have analyzed and solved all kinds of security hazards. We’ve created this penetration testing cost guide to answer your cost-related queries and help you understand how to choose the right level of penetration testing for your business’s risk profile.

What is Penetration Testing and Why Does It Matter?

Penetration testing, or ethical hacking, is like a friendly hacker trying to break into your systems, apps, or network, not to harm you, but to show where your security is weak before real hackers get there.

Even one tiny flaw can open the door to a serious data breach. That could mean leaked customer info, system crashes, legal trouble, and a hit to your reputation that’s hard to fix.

In 2025 alone, over 28,000 new vulnerabilities were disclosed, including 28,377 reported in a recent risk prioritization study, and nearly 42% of organizations reported phishing or social engineering attacks. With these rising threats, you might wonder how many cyber attacks happen per day? Knowing the answer helps you understand why penetration testing is no longer optional; it’s a crucial part of smart business planning.

In short, penetration testing helps you find and fix weaknesses before cybercriminals exploit them. And the right test, done at the right time, can save you far more than the price you pay upfront.

Average Cost of Penetration Testing in 2026

So, how much does penetration testing cost in 2026?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the penetration testing cost:

• Basic website test: USD 2,000 – USD 5,000
  Ideal for simple sites with limited features. This is where web application penetration testing cost is usually on the lower side.
• Mid-size application or API: USD 10,000 – USD 25,000
  Common for growing platforms or SaaS tools. These tests dig deeper and often include external pen testing cost and some compliance checks.
• Large enterprise or complex infrastructure: USD 25,000 – USD 50,000+
  These are full-scale ethical hacks that involve cloud setups, internal networks, mobile apps, and more. If your company handles sensitive data, the PCI penetration testing cost might also come into play here.

Of course, how much penetration testing costs varies depending on your goals, the testing method (manual vs. automated), and compliance needs.

Understanding the cost of penetration testing upfront helps you avoid surprises and plan better because skipping this check can cost far more in the event of a breach.

What Factors Influence Penetration Testing Pricing?

Pen testing and it’s pricing isn’t a one-size-fits-all. As we’ve mentioned above, there are several factors that decide the amount you need to be paying to get it done. Here’s the complete breakdown of the factors that affect the cost of penetration testing.

1. Size of the Company & Digital Infrastructure

The larger your company, the more assets you have. You manage more servers, cloud accounts, APIs, and websites. Each asset needs review, validation, and reporting. Larger environments demand longer test cycles and deeper analysis. You should inventory assets early. Clear scope control keeps spending aligned with risk. You also need retesting after fixes. More systems increase coordination time.

2. Scope of Testing (Web, API, Mobile, Network)

Testing a simple website is cheaper than testing multiple digital assets.
For example:

• Web application penetration testing cost is often lower than
• Network or mobile testing, which needs more in-depth evaluation.
• Each extra element increases the external penetration testing cost.

3. Compliance Requirements (HIPAA, PCI DSS, etc.)

You must follow PCI DSS or HIPAA rules when selecting a software development service. Auditors expect proof, logs, and repeatable methods. Testers perform deeper validation and structured reporting. Extra reviews and retesting follow fixes. These steps raise PCI penetration testing cost. You should plan timelines, evidence needs, and budget early.

4. Testing Methodology (Manual vs. Automated)

• Automated scans are cheaper, but manual tests are more accurate.
• Manual testing = better results, but a higher cost of penetration testing.
• A good pentest usually combines both for the best outcomes and aligns with vibe coding security practices to ensure systems are secure by design. Consider consulting a vibe coding cleanup specialist to audit your current security implementation.

5. Complexity of Applications

You handle static pages and dynamic apps built by a mobile app development company, with multiple user roles, payments, and real-time features. Each function needs validation, workflow checks, and security verification. More components increase test time and reporting. Higher complexity directly raises PCI penetration testing cost. Plan scope and resources carefully.

6. Experience of the Pentesters

Senior ethical hackers charge higher rates. You gain deeper coverage and precise findings. Experts detect logic flaws, auth gaps, and chained attacks. Automated tools miss these risks. Clear reports guide fixes and retests. Faster remediation protects assets. Strong expertise shapes web application penetration testing cost and long-term security. You plan budgets with confidence.

7. Urgency or Timeline of the Test

Urgency impacts scope and pricing. Short deadlines force teams to reassign staff and extend work hours. You pay for priority access and parallel testing. Reviews and reporting move faster. Quality control still applies. These adjustments raise penetration testing costs. You should align timelines early. Planned schedules reduce rush fees and improve testing depth.

8. Remediation Support & Retesting

Some vendors stop after findings. Others guide fixes and validate results. You receive clear steps, patch advice, and follow-up tests. Retesting confirms closure. Extra effort raises the question of how much penetration testing costs. You gain faster risk reduction. Strong support shortens exposure and audit gaps.

Is Penetration Testing Worth the Investment?

Is penetration testing really worth the cost? In one word—yes. Let’s put it into perspective.

The penetration testing cost might seem high upfront—anywhere between USD 2,000 and 50,000 depending on your needs. But compare that to the average cost of a data breach, which in 2025 has soared past USD 4.5 million globally. Even for small businesses, a single breach can lead to massive data loss, legal trouble, customer churn, and compliance penalties.

“Cybersecurity isn’t an expense—it’s a shield.”

Paying the cost of penetration testing today helps avoid far more painful losses tomorrow.

Here’s How Pen Testing Saves Money Long-Term:

• Data Protection
  A good pentest uncovers hidden risks in your systems before hackers do. It strengthens defenses, protects sensitive customer info, and ensures your network security policies are robust and up to date.
• Compliance
  If you’re under PCI DSS or other regulatory rules, pentesting isn’t optional. Failing an audit could cost far more than the pci penetration testing cost itself.
• Customer Trust
  People trust secure platforms. One breach can wreck your brand. Regular web application penetration testing builds confidence and loyalty.

Whether you’re a startup or an enterprise, investing in external penetration testing now is far cheaper than reacting to an attack later.

So, how much does penetration testing cost? It depends, but the better question is, how much would a breach cost you?

How Often Should You Perform Penetration Testing?

If you’re serious about protecting your digital assets, penetration testing shouldn’t be a one-time thing.

So, how frequently should penetration testing be done?
Most cybersecurity experts recommend testing at least once a year. But depending on your business, you may need it more often as part of a comprehensive cybersecurity risk management plan

Here’s When You Should Do a Pen Test:

• After major code updates or application launches
• Before or after integrating new systems or third-party tools
• When preparing for or maintaining compliance audits like PCI DSS
• If you’ve never done it before and want to know your true risk
• After a breach, to ensure it won’t happen again

While one-time tests provide a snapshot, ongoing penetration testing offers continuous insight into new vulnerabilities. It’s especially helpful for businesses running web applications or handling sensitive data.

Yes, the penetration testing cost may seem like a regular line item, but it’s small compared to the cost of penetration testing only after a breach.

For highly regulated sectors, like finance or healthcare, the pci penetration testing cost becomes part of staying audit-ready and breach-free.

If you’re wondering, how much does penetration testing cost when done regularly? Many providers offer external penetration testing packages that reduce costs over time compared to repeated one-off tests.

In short, don’t just ask how much penetration testing costs; ask how much peace of mind and prevention it brings each year.

How to Choose the Right Penetration Testing Provider

With so many options out there, picking the right penetration testing company can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re a startup or an enterprise, the right partner can help you stay secure without breaking your budget.

So, what should you look for in a penetration testing provider?

1. Experience and Certifications

Look for testers with proven credentials like CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) or OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional). This shows they know what they’re doing—and how to break things safely.

2. Testing Methodology

The best providers follow trusted frameworks like OWASP, NIST, or PTES. These ensure your web application penetration testing cost is worth every penny by following industry best practices. Just as usability testing tools help refine digital experiences, these frameworks help refine your system’s security posture.

3. Comprehensive Service Range

Need external penetration testing? Or API, mobile, and network testing? Go for a team that offers a full range of services tailored to your setup and risk profile. A reliable cybersecurity services provider will cover all these areas.

4. Reporting & Actionability

Great testing means little without clear reporting. Choose providers who deliver actionable, easy-to-understand reports and not just a tech dump.

5. Transparency in Pricing

Always ask: how much does penetration testing cost, and what’s included? A good company will break down the cost of penetration testing clearly, whether it’s a one-time test or part of an ongoing plan.

6. Client Reviews & Case Studies

Past results speak volumes. Check for reviews, success stories, or case studies; especially if you’re concerned about pci penetration testing cost or testing for regulated industries.

Pro Tip: Don’t go for the cheapest option blindly. Low penetration testing cost often means limited coverage or automated-only scans. You need real experts for real protection.

By asking the right questions and knowing what to watch for, you’ll ensure your investment in penetration testing delivers both security and peace of mind.

Sample Penetration Testing Report: What Should You Expect?

If you’re spending on a penetration test, you’ll want to know what exactly you’re getting in return. Whether your penetration testing cost is on the lower or higher end, a professional report is the real value of the service.

So, what does a penetration testing report include? Here’s what to expect:

1. Executive Summary

A short, non-technical overview meant for business leaders. It explains the purpose, scope, and major findings without getting into the technical weeds. This part helps justify how much penetration testing cost by showing the risks prevented.

2. Detailed Vulnerability Findings

Each discovered issue is listed with details like:

• What the vulnerability is
• Where it was found (web, API, network, etc.)
• How it can be exploited

For example, if you’re doing a web application penetration test, expect specifics on login flaws, insecure cookies, or outdated software. Think of it like MVP testing for security, validating the critical features before they can be exploited.

3. Risk Levels

Every finding is ranked based on severity; critical, high, medium, or low. This helps prioritize what to fix first. Whether it’s an external penetration testing or internal one, these ratings show the true cost of penetration testing in terms of impact.

4. Fix Recommendations

This is where value meets action. The report will include steps to fix or patch each issue. Great reports even share references or best practices for remediation, especially crucial for teams with tight budgets who wonder how much does penetration testing costs versus fixing the breach after.

5. Retesting & Validation

Good vendors offer re-testing to confirm if fixes worked. This is important for compliance (like PCI penetration testing cost) and gives peace of mind.

Tip: A report that’s all jargon and no solutions isn’t helpful. Make sure your penetration testing provider explains everything in plain terms.

Whether your web application penetration testing cost is USD 5,000 or 50,000, the report is what turns findings into action and risk into resilience.

Why Choose Excellent Webworld for Penetration Testing?

Understanding penetration testing is essential for any business aiming to protect its digital assets. Whether you’re assessing how much penetration testing costs for a basic website or budgeting for a complex web application penetration testing, the investment is far smaller than the potential losses from a cyber breach.

At Excellent Webworld, we bring over a decade of expertise as both a software testing service provider and a software development company. Our team ensures your systems are tested thoroughly, keeping your infrastructure secure, compliant, and ready for anything.

Over 13 years of experience in various industries, our team of experts has successfully developed high-performance software solutions that integrate advanced AI technologies with more than 900 successful projects.

Got an idea? Let’s bring it to life— book your free consultation today.

FAQs on Penetration Testing Cost

Article By

Paresh Sagar

Paresh Sagar is the CEO of Excellent Webworld. He firmly believes in using technology to solve challenges. His dedication and attention to detail make him an expert in helping startups in different industries digitalize their businesses globally.