How much does a pentest cost in 2025?
In today’s digital landscape, where the average cost of a data breach continues to climb, investing in proactive security is no longer optional; it has become essential.
For businesses considering a penetration test, understandably, the first question is often, “How much will it cost?”
The answer is actually not so simple, and it’s rarely a single figure.
In 2025, professional penetration testing can range from $5,000 for a short-timed focused assessment to well over $50,000 for a comprehensive enterprise engagement, with highly complex environments reaching $100,000 or more.
Understanding this range is key to making an informed decision. This article breaks down the core drivers of penetration testing costs.
Why Does the Cost of a Pentest Vary So Much?
A penetration test is not a commodity; it’s a professional service tailored to your unique environment.
The final quote is a direct reflection of the time, expertise, and resources required to simulate a real-world attack against your systems.
The primary variables that shape the cost are:
- Scope and Complexity: The number of IP addresses, applications, and systems to be tested.
- Testing Methodology: The depth of analysis (black-box vs. white-box, following a specific pentest framework for compliance).
- Asset Type: The specific technology being tested (e.g., web app, network, API).
The Core Drivers of Your Pentest Quote
1. Scope, Scale, and Complexity
This is the most significant cost factor. Testing a single web application is straightforward, but assessing an entire corporate network with hundreds of servers, multiple custom applications, and complex cloud infrastructure requires substantially more time and labor. A clearly defined scope, agreed upon before the project starts, is crucial for an accurate quote and a successful test.
2. Type of Test and Methodology
The testing approach significantly impacts effort and price.
| Methodology | Description | Typical Cost Range (2025) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Box | Tester has no prior knowledge of the system, simulating an external hacker. | $5,000 - $50,000 | Testing external attack surfaces and security monitoring. |
| Gray Box | Tester has limited internal knowledge (e.g., a user account). | $6,000 - $35,000 | A balanced, cost-effective approach for most tests. |
| White Box | Tester has full system knowledge (e.g., source code, architecture diagrams). | $7,000 - $40,000+ | Finding deep, complex vulnerabilities in specific systems. |
3. The Target Asset: What Are You Testing?
Different assets require specialized skills and testing time, leading to varied price brackets.
| Asset Type | Typical Cost Range (USD) | Key Cost Influencers & Source |
|---|---|---|
| Web Application | $5,000 - $30,000+ | Number of dynamic pages, user roles, input forms, and business logic complexity. |
| Network (External) | $5,000 - $20,000 | Number of public IP addresses and servers in scope. |
| Network (Internal) | $7,500 - $30,000 | Size of the internal network, number of devices, and domain complexity. |
| Mobile Application | $12,500 - $40,000 | Platform (iOS/Android), features, and backend API integration. |
| Cloud Environment | $10,000 - $50,000 | Number of services (AWS, Azure, GCP), configuration complexity, and architecture. |
| API | $5,000 - $30,000 | Number of endpoints and authentication/authorization complexity. |
How to Budget and Procure a Pentest
Understanding Pricing Models
Vendors typically structure engagements in a few key ways:
- Fixed-Price Project: A set fee for a pre-defined scope. This offers budget predictability and is common for standard tests.
- Time and Materials (T&M): Billed based on actual effort (e.g., per day or hour). This offers flexibility if the scope is fluid but requires careful management.
- Retainer or Subscription: A pre-purchased block of testing days to be used flexibly over time, often at a discounted rate. This model supports continuous testing programs.
Asking the Right Questions
When evaluating vendors, it might be a good way to start by asking:
- Can you provide a detailed sample report?
- What experience do your testers have?
- What is your process for scoping and communication?
- Do you have a process for re-testing vulnerabilities after an audit is finished?
Maximizing Your Security Investment
To get the best value:
- Start with a Scoping Workshop: Invest time upfront to align with your vendor on goals, boundaries, and expectations.
- Prioritize Based on Risk: Focus initial tests on your most critical assets—customer-facing applications, databases, and internet-facing systems.
- Plan for the Full Cycle: Budget for remediation support and retesting. A standalone retest can cost between $2,000 and $5,000, which is a critical step to ensure vulnerabilities are actually fixed.
Ultimately, the cost of a penetration test should be measured against the risk it mitigates. In an era of escalating cyber threats, this proactive investment is not an expense but a strategic safeguard for your business, data, and reputation. For small companies seeking a trusted, affordable partner to start their security journey, exploring tailored solutions from providers like Fenrir can be an excellent first step.
Not to toot our own horn, but fenrir.pro have been offering affordable pentests following industry standards since 2023, with expertise in the medical and financial fields.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your cybersecurity needs, we’d be glad to discuss with you, contact us!
References for the pricing
- DeepStrike. (2025, August 25). Penetration Testing Cost 2025: Real Benchmarks, ROI & Budgeting Guide. https://deepstrike.io/blog/penetration-testing-cost
- TCM Security. (2024, July 12). How Much Does a Penetration Test Cost in 2025?. https://tcm-sec.com/how-much-does-a-penetration-test-cost/
- RSI Security. (2025, June 9). How Much Does Penetration Testing Cost?. https://blog.rsisecurity.com/how-much-does-penetration-testing-cost/
- Bluefin. (2025, August 12). IBM’s 2025 Cost of a Data Breach Report: Key Findings and the Biggest Attacks. https://www.bluefin.com/bluefin-news/ibms-2025-data-breach-report-key-findings-and-the-years-biggest-attacks/
Illustration photo by Pavel Danilyuk: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-man-writing-on-paper-posted-on-white-board-7869057/