GitLab vs Vanta
GitLab and Vanta are both security & identity tools. GitLab is aimed at developers and enterprise, while Vanta is aimed at small businesses and enterprise. Only GitLab has a free plan.
GitLab
DevSecOps platform with Git hosting, CI/CD, security scans and AI
Vanta
Automated SOC 2, ISO 27001 and GDPR compliance
| Pricing | Freemium · $29 | Paid |
| Starting price | $29/mo | Not published |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Built for | Developers, Enterprise, Small businesses | Small businesses, Enterprise |
| Platforms | web, linux | web |
| Country | US · 2014 | US · 2018 |
| Rating | — | — |
Choose GitLab if
Engineering teams that want source control, CI/CD and security scanning in one platform, with a self-hosting option.
- One platform replaces separate Git, CI and security tools
- Self-hosting suits regulated and air-gapped environments
- Flexible built-in CI/CD with your own runners
Look elsewhere if: Small teams that only need simple Git hosting or a dedicated planning tool (GitHub, Linear, Jira).
Choose Vanta if
B2B SaaS companies from seed to enterprise that need certifications to sell.
- Cuts compliance effort dramatically
- Broad integration coverage
- Trust Center speeds sales security reviews
Look elsewhere if: Companies without compliance requirements yet; address basics first.
GitLab vs Vanta pricing
GitLab
- Free$05 users per private group, 400 compute minutes, 10 GiB
- Premium$29/user/moBilled annually; 10,000 compute minutes, approvals, code owners
- UltimateCustomContact sales; security scans, compliance, 50,000 minutes
- GitLab Credits$1/creditUsage-based AI agent credits; volume discounts on commit
Vanta
- EssentialsCustomOne framework, Vanta AI Agent, Trust Center
- PlusCustomQuestionnaire automation (25/yr), access management
- ProfessionalCustomRisk management, 144 questionnaires/yr
- EnterpriseCustomFully customizable GRC package
GitLab · Key features
- Git repositories with merge requests, code owners and approval rules
- Built-in CI/CD pipelines with shared or self-hosted runners
- SAST, dependency, secret and container scanning in merge requests
- Container, package and Terraform module registries
- Issue boards, epics and roadmaps for planning
- Duo Agent Platform with agents for planning, security and code review
Cons
- Premium at $29 per user is costly for small teams
- Best security and compliance features need Ultimate
- Dense interface with a real learning curve
Vanta · Key features
- Continuous automated control monitoring
- Frameworks: SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR, PCI, custom
- Policy templates and employee security training
- Evidence collection and auditor collaboration
- Trust Center and security questionnaire automation
- Vendor risk management and access reviews
Cons
- Expensive for early-stage startups
- Pricing not public
- Still requires internal ownership
GitLab vs Vanta: FAQ
Do GitLab and Vanta have a free plan?
GitLab has a free plan. Vanta has no free plan.