August 25, 2025
Understand real 2025 pentest costs by asset, methodology, and compliance plus how to calculate ROI and set an accurate security budget.
Mohammed Khalil
A high quality, professional penetration test in 2025 typically costs between $5,000 and $50,000, with largescale enterprise projects easily exceeding $100,000. This price isn't arbitrary; it's a direct reflection of the engagement's scope, the complexity of your digital environment, and the specific testing methodology used. As a crucial rule of thumb, be wary of any service advertised for less than $4,000, as it's likely an automated vulnerability scan, not a comprehensive, manual led penetration test. Ultimately, this cost should be viewed as a critical investment in risk mitigation, especially when compared to the average cost of a data breach in the U.S., which now surpasses a staggering $10.22 million.
If you're asking "how much does a penetration test cost," you'll find the answer is a frustratingly wide range, typically from $5,000 for a simple assessment to over $50,000 for a complex one. You've come to the right place for a clear answer, but the most important question isn't just about the final number.
The real question is: "What factors determine the value and price of a pentest?" In the 2025 threat landscape, where AI powered phishing campaigns are on the rise and infostealer malware enables rapid credential theft, a simple automated scan is no longer enough.
Proactive, expert-led security validation is essential for identifying the kind of exploitable vulnerabilities listed in CISA's KEV (Known Exploited Vulnerabilities) catalog before they cause a breach.
This guide breaks down every component of penetration testing costs, helping you understand what you're paying for, how to scope an engagement accurately, and how to justify the investment. For those new to the concept, understanding what penetration testing service is the perfect starting point.
The significant price variation in penetration testing quotes comes down to a few key variables. Understanding these factors is the first step toward procuring a test that aligns with both your security needs and your budget.
The size and intricacy of your environment are the single biggest drivers of your final quote. More assets and more complex systems mean more time and effort are required from the testing team. Vendors typically quantify scope using metrics like:
However, the relationship between scope and cost isn't linear. A "complexity multiplier" effect comes into play with interconnected systems.
Testing two standalone applications is one thing; testing two applications that communicate with each other is more than twice the work. The tester must assess each application individually, the security of the communication channel between them, and the potential for multistage attacks that pivot from one to the other.
The amount of information you provide the testing team defines the methodology, which directly impacts the time required and the final cost. Here’s a scannable breakdown:
For a deeper dive into these approaches, explore our guide on black box vs white box testing explained.
Here are some typical cost benchmarks for the most common types of penetration tests, based on market analysis:
Learn more about our web application penetration testing services, see the difference between internal and external penetration tests, or check out our mobile app penetration testing solution.
When you buy a penetration test, you are not just buying a report; you are buying an expert's time and creativity. Hourly rates for testers typically range from $100 to $300, with senior consultants commanding premium rates.
Look for testers with respected, handsome certifications like the OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), which requires passing a grueling 24hour practical exam. While a test from an OSCP certified team may cost more upfront, their ability to uncover complex business logic flaws often delivers a far greater return on investment.
These experts follow established methodologies from authoritative bodies like the OWASP Web Security Testing Guide and NIST SP 800115: Technical Guide to Information Security Testing and Assessment.
To help with budgeting, here is a compact overview of typical cost ranges grouped by category.
If your need for a penetration test is driven by a compliance mandate, expect the cost to be higher. Regulations transform a technical assessment into a formal, audit readiness exercise with strict documentation and reporting requirements.
A critical word of caution: don't fall into the "compliant but not secure" trap. A cheap, narrowly scoped test might be enough to check a box for an auditor, but it can leave you dangerously exposed to real-world threats that fall outside the compliance framework.
Your annual security testing budget will generally scale with the size and complexity of your organization. Here are some common benchmarks:
The location and reputation of your testing provider also play a significant role in the final price.
The way you procure testing services can also impact the overall cost and value.
It's essential to frame the cost of a penetration test not as an operational expense, but as an investment in risk reduction. The business case becomes clear when you compare the cost of a test to the cost of a breach.
According to the 2025 IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average global cost of a data breach is now $4.44 million. In the United States, that number skyrockets to an average of $10.22 million per incident. Breaches originating from phishing, the most common attack vector, cost an average of $4.8 million to remediate.
Consider this simple calculation: if a comprehensive web application penetration test costs $30,000, and it prevents a single, average-sized U.S. data breach, the return on investment is over 340 to 1 ($10,220,000 / $30,000).
This powerful data point provides a clear justification for the security budget and is a key factor in penetration testing for cyber insurance eligibility.
The vendor's invoice is only part of the total financial commitment. A comprehensive budget must account for significant internal costs and follow-up activities.
To get an accurate and comparable quote from vendors, you need to provide a clear and detailed scope. To help you prepare, we've created a downloadable Pentest Cost Estimator Checklist. Use this worksheet to gather the essential details vendors need.
1. What is the average cost of a penetration test?
The average cost of a penetration test is between $5,000 and $50,000. This wide range depends heavily on the scope, complexity, and methodology of the test.
2. How much does a third party penetration test cost?
A third party penetration test typically costs between $5,000 and $50,000+. The prices in this guide are for engaging an external firm, which is the standard industry model for objective security assessments.
3. How much does penetration testing cost in the UK?
Penetration testing in the UK is often priced at a daily rate, which can range from £600 to over £3,000 per day. The final cost depends on the duration and complexity of the engagement.
4. Why are some penetration tests so cheap?
Services advertised for under $4,000 are almost always automated vulnerability scans, not true penetration tests. They lack the manual analysis of a human expert. Learn more about vulnerability assessment vs penetration testing.
5. How much does it cost to become a penetration tester?
The cost to become a penetration tester is primarily for training and certifications. For example, the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification can cost between $1,700 and $2,050.
6. How much does an internal vs external network pentest cost?
An external network test typically costs between $5,000 and $20,000. An internal network test is generally more complex, often costing between $7,000 and $40,000.
7. Are penetration tests cost effective?
Yes, penetration tests are highly cost effective. A typical test costing between $10,000 and $50,000 is a sound investment when compared to the average cost of a U.S. data breach, which is now over $10 million.
The threats of 2025 demand more than just awareness; they require readiness. If you're looking to validate your security posture, identify hidden risks, or build a resilient defense strategy, DeepStrike is here to help. Our team of practitioners provides clear, actionable guidance to protect your business.
Explore our penetration testing services for businesses to see how we can uncover vulnerabilities before attackers do. Drop us a line, we’re always ready to dive in.
Mohammed Khalil is a Cybersecurity Architect at DeepStrike, specializing in advanced penetration testing and offensive security operations. With certifications including CISSP, OSCP, and OSWE, he has led numerous red team engagements for Fortune 500 companies, focusing on cloud security, application vulnerabilities, and adversary emulation. His work involves dissecting complex attack chains and developing resilient defense strategies for clients in the finance, healthcare, and technology sectors.