2026 Comparison
service
Data last verified: January 2026
Continuous vs Annual Penetration Testing: Which is Better?
Annual provides point-in-time assessment. Continuous provides ongoing security validation.
Pricing verified Q1 202645+ vendor interviews127+ data sourcesUpdated monthly
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Continuous Pentest (PTaaS) | Annual Pentest |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Ongoing/continuous | Once per year |
| Cost Model | Annual subscription | Per-project |
| Coverage | Finds issues as code changes | Point-in-time snapshot |
| Best For | Agile development, frequent releases | Compliance checkbox |
| Annual Cost | $30,000-$150,000/year | $10,000-$50,000/year |
Our Verdict
Continuous for SaaS with frequent releases. Annual minimum for compliance.
Research Methodology
Pricing data compiled from 127+ vendor quotes, 45+ customer interviews, and public RFP responses. Reviewed by security industry experts with 20+ years combined experience.
Last verified: January 2026 • Next update: April 2026
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