How Much Does Penetration Testing Cost in 2026?
The honest answer to "how much does a penetration test cost?" is the one nobody likes: it depends. But that is not an excuse for vague, contact-us-only pricing. Once you understand the handful of factors that actually move the number, you can predict a fair price within a reasonable range and recognize a quote that is too cheap to be worth buying. This guide breaks down real 2026 pricing, what drives it, and how to get an accurate quote quickly.
The short answer: typical 2026 ranges
Prices below are indicative ranges for a professional, manual penetration test in Europe and the UK. A tightly scoped assessment sits at the low end; a large, complex, or compliance-heavy environment sits at the top. At The Pentest Company, engagements start at 2,500 EUR for a single, well-defined scope.
| Assessment type | Typical range (EUR) | What drives it |
|---|---|---|
| Web application (single app) | 4,000 - 15,000 | Number of roles, user journeys, and API endpoints |
| External network / infrastructure | 2,500 - 10,000 | Number of live public IPs and exposed services |
| Internal network | 5,000 - 20,000 | Size of the estate, Active Directory complexity |
| Mobile app (iOS or Android) | 5,000 - 15,000 | Platform count, backend API surface |
| Cloud configuration review (AWS/Azure/GCP) | 4,000 - 18,000 | Number of accounts, services, and identities |
| AI / LLM application | 6,000 - 20,000 | Model access, tool integrations, agent complexity |
| Red team / ransomware simulation | 15,000+ | Objectives, duration, evasion requirements |
What actually drives the price
A pentest is priced in tester-days. Everything below changes how many days a thorough job takes.
Scope and size. The number of applications, IP addresses, API endpoints, user roles, and unique workflows is the single biggest factor. Ten API endpoints and three user roles is a very different job from one hundred endpoints and eight roles.
Depth and methodology. An automated scan with a human glance costs a fraction of a manual test that chains vulnerabilities the way a real attacker would. Aligning to a formal methodology such as OWASP, PTES, or the OWASP Mobile Application Security standard adds rigor, and time.
Tester seniority. Senior testers with active offensive certifications cost more per day but find more, waste less of your time, and write reports your engineers can act on. A cheap junior can miss the finding that mattered.
Retesting and aftercare. A quote that includes free retesting of your fixes is worth more than a lower quote that charges again to confirm the issue is closed.
Day rate versus fixed price
You will see two pricing models. A day rate (commonly 1,000 to 1,600 EUR per tester-day in this market) is transparent but shifts scoping risk to you. A fixed price for a defined scope shifts that risk to the provider and is easier to budget. We prefer fixed pricing for well-scoped work because it removes surprises for both sides. Either way, ask how many tester-days the quote assumes, then a large quote and a small one become directly comparable.
Red flags of a quote that is too cheap
- A four-figure price for a large, multi-application environment usually means an automated scan relabeled as a pentest.
- No scoping call. Nobody can price a test accurately without understanding your environment first.
- No named methodology and no sample report.
- Retesting billed as a separate engagement.
- The report is a raw tool export with no manual validation or business context.
What a good quote includes: a clear scope, the methodology, the number of tester-days, the seniority of the testers, the report format (executive summary plus technical detail with CVSS ratings and proof of concept), a remediation plan, and at least one free retest to confirm your fixes worked.
How to get an accurate quote fast
You do not need a formal document. Bring these details to a scoping call and most providers can quote within a day:
scoping checklist
# What to bring to a scoping call
- Asset type(s): web app / API / mobile / external IPs / internal network / cloud / AI
- Rough size: number of apps, endpoints, user roles, live IPs, or cloud accounts
- Test perspective: unauthenticated, authenticated, or assumed-breach
- Environment: production or a representative staging copy
- Drivers: ISO 27001, SOC 2, PCI DSS, or a customer security review
- Timeline and any change-freeze windowsThe more precise these are, the tighter and fairer your quote will be. Vague scope forces every provider to price in a safety margin, which costs you money.
Our approach to pricing
We publish transparent tiers so you are never guessing. Essential starts at 2,500 EUR for a single well-defined scope, Growth from 5,000 EUR for multiple applications and deeper coverage, and Enterprise is custom-scoped for complex estates. Every engagement includes free retesting and a quote within 24 hours of a scoping call. See the full breakdown on our pricing page, or read how to choose a penetration testing company before you compare providers.
Ready for a real number? Tell us about your environment and we will send a fixed-price scope within a day.
