How Much Does a Penetration Test Cost in 2026?

Understanding Penetration Testing Costs

Penetration testing is one of the most effective ways to identify and fix security vulnerabilities before attackers find them. But the question on every business owner's mind is: how much does it cost?

The answer isn't simple because penetration testing costs depend on multiple factors specific to your organization. However, understanding the pricing landscape will help you make informed decisions about your security investment.

General Penetration Testing Price Ranges

Here's what you can expect to pay for penetration testing services in 2026:

• Basic/Quick-Start Assessment: $1,000 - $3,500 (limited scope, external networks only)
• Standard Assessment: $3,500 - $10,000 (single application or network, limited scope)
• Comprehensive Assessment: $10,000 - $25,000 (multiple systems, deeper testing)
• Enterprise Engagement: $25,000 - $100,000+ (full infrastructure, multi-month engagements)

The wide range reflects the diversity of organizations and their security needs. A small business with 10 employees and basic network infrastructure will pay far less than a multi-site enterprise with complex systems.

What Factors Affect Penetration Testing Costs?

Several key variables influence the final price of a penetration test:

1. Scope and Scale

The larger the area you want tested, the more time required. Testing a single web application costs less than testing an entire network with 500 endpoints. Scope is often the biggest cost driver.

2. Complexity of Systems

Legacy systems, custom-built applications, and cloud infrastructure often require more sophisticated testing approaches. Modern, well-documented systems are typically faster to assess.

3. Testing Type

External network pentests are usually less expensive than comprehensive internal network tests. Cloud assessments, application testing, and wireless security testing each have different cost structures.

4. Compliance Requirements

If you need testing for PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOC 2, or other compliance frameworks, the assessment will be more detailed and structured, increasing costs by 15-30%.

5. Turnaround Time

Standard 2-3 week turnaround costs less than expedited 5-day assessments. Rush requests typically add 20-40% to the final price.

6. Reporting Depth

Executive summaries cost less than detailed technical reports with remediation guidance and evidence documentation.

Average Costs by Testing Type

Trident Shell's Transparent Pricing

At Trident Shell Security, we believe in transparent, straightforward pricing. We offer several packages designed for Maryland SMBs:

• Quick-Start Pentest ($1,500): 5-day assessment perfect for small businesses new to penetration testing. Includes external network assessment and executive summary.
• Full Security Assessment ($2,500): Comprehensive evaluation including internal and external networks, detailed reporting, and remediation guidance. 10-day delivery.
• Annual Security Program ($4,500): Four quarterly assessments tracking your progress. Best value for ongoing security improvement.

All Trident Shell assessments are conducted by Miguel Sánchez, OSCP and CRTO certified, ensuring expert-level analysis and actionable recommendations.

How to Reduce Penetration Testing Costs

You don't need to cut corners to save money on penetration testing. Consider these strategies:

• Start Small: Begin with an external network assessment, then expand to internal testing in subsequent assessments.
• Focus Scope: Test your critical systems first, such as payment processing or customer databases, rather than everything at once.
• Plan Ahead: Standard turnaround times cost less than expedited services. If you don't need results in 5 days, you could save money with 2-3 week engagements.
• Go Annual: Multi-assessment programs often cost 10-20% less per assessment than individual one-off tests.
• Prepare Your Environment: Having network documentation and system inventories ready can reduce assessment time by 15-25%.

The ROI Case for Penetration Testing

While penetration testing costs money upfront, it delivers significant return on investment:

• Insurance Discounts: Many cyber insurance carriers offer 10-15% premium discounts for companies with recent penetration test results.
• Breach Prevention: Identifying vulnerabilities before attackers costs thousands, not millions. The average data breach costs $4.45 million.
• Compliance: Meeting PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and SOC 2 requirements protects your business from fines and legal liability.
• Reputation: Demonstrating proactive security to customers and partners builds trust and competitive advantage.

A $2,500 penetration test that helps you avoid a breach or earn insurance discounts pays for itself many times over.

Making Your Decision

When evaluating penetration testing costs, remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best. Focus on:

• Tester certifications (OSCP, GPEN, CEH)
• Clear scope definition and deliverables
• Professional reporting and remediation guidance
• Follow-up support and retesting options

Trident Shell Security offers the Maryland SMB sweet spot: expert-level testing, transparent pricing, and rapid turnaround.