Top 10 Manual Audit (Big 4) Alternatives in 2026
Buyers exploring alternatives to Manual Audit (Big 4) typically compare these 10 tools. We rank them by depth of Microsoft 365 + Azure coverage, free-trial accessibility, and audit-grade evidence.
At a glance
| Tool | Best for | Pricing tier | Free trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. 365 Security Assessment | Deep M365 + Azure tenant audit | Free tier · paid mid-market | 14-day, no credit card |
| 2. Deloitte M365 Security Audit | Fortune 500 with multi-cloud regulatory scope | Project-based · enterprise | N/A - services engagement |
| 3. EY M365 Security Audit | Regulated enterprises with global footprint | Project-based · enterprise | N/A - services engagement |
| 4. KPMG M365 Security Audit | Risk- and compliance-driven M365 reviews | Project-based · enterprise | N/A - services engagement |
| 5. PwC M365 Security Audit | Cyber transformation with M365 in scope | Project-based · enterprise | N/A - services engagement |
| 6. CIS-CAT Pro | DIY CIS Benchmark configuration scanning | Membership-based (CIS SecureSuite) | Free Lite version available |
| 7. Microsoft Secure Score | Native M365 posture baseline (free) | Included with M365 licensing | Free (included) |
| 8. Coalfire | FedRAMP, PCI, and cloud compliance audits | Project-based · mid to enterprise | N/A - services engagement |
| 9. Schellman | SOC 2, ISO 27001 attestation audits | Project-based · mid to enterprise | N/A - services engagement |
| 10. Trustwave | Managed security with M365 audit add-on | Project-based + MSSP retainer | N/A - services engagement |
365 Security Assessment
Microsoft 365 + Azure security audit platform. 24,000+ rules across Entra, Exchange, SharePoint, Teams, Defender, and Azure. 14-minute first finding. Built by a 4× Microsoft Solutions Partner.
Strengths
- Deepest M365/Entra/Exchange/SharePoint/Teams coverage in the category
- 14-day free trial — no credit card, no agents, read-only by design
- 10 compliance frameworks mapped (HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, SOC 2, ISO 27001, FedRAMP, GDPR, HITRUST, NIST 800-53, CIS M365)
Weaknesses
- Cloud workload protection (containers, K8s, IaaS VMs) is limited compared to pure CNAPP tools
- Not built for non-Microsoft SaaS coverage at depth
Who it's for: CISOs, IT directors, and MSPs at M365/Azure-heavy organizations who need audit depth, not breadth.
Pricing tier: Free tier · paid mid-market
Deloitte M365 Security Audit
Deloitte Cyber Risk Services delivers M365 security audits as part of broader cloud security and regulatory advisory engagements. Their M365 work typically bundles into Zero Trust, identity, and compliance transformation projects with senior consultants and global delivery.
Strengths
- Deep human expertise across Microsoft, compliance, and risk
- Compliance-mapped deliverables (SOC 2, ISO 27001, NIST, HITRUST)
- Board-ready reporting and remediation roadmaps
Weaknesses
- Six-figure engagements, multi-month timelines
- Point-in-time snapshot, not continuous monitoring
Who it's for: Large enterprises needing a one-time, board-credible M365 audit tied to a broader cyber transformation.
Pricing tier: Project-based · enterprise
EY M365 Security Audit
EY Cybersecurity advisory runs M365 security assessments inside its Technology Risk and Cloud Security practice. Engagements emphasize identity, data protection, and regulatory alignment, often paired with internal audit or SOX work.
Strengths
- Strong ties to internal audit and regulatory reporting
- Global delivery and industry specialization (FS, healthcare, public sector)
- Mapped to NIST CSF, ISO 27001, and sector regs
Weaknesses
- Cost and timeline only justifiable for large enterprises
- Manual evidence collection, no live dashboard
Who it's for: Regulated multinationals needing M365 audit findings tied to broader IT and financial audit programs.
Pricing tier: Project-based · enterprise
KPMG M365 Security Audit
KPMG Cyber Security Services offers M365 and Azure security assessments through its Technology Risk practice, focused on governance, identity, and data protection. Often delivered alongside SOC, ISO, or HITRUST readiness work.
Strengths
- Strong governance, risk, and compliance methodology
- Maps findings directly to audit frameworks and regulators
- Trusted brand for board and regulator audiences
Weaknesses
- Engagement-based, not continuous monitoring
- Limited automation; deliverables are static PDFs
Who it's for: Enterprises that need a Big 4 signature on an M365 risk report for regulators or the board.
Pricing tier: Project-based · enterprise
PwC M365 Security Audit
PwC Cybersecurity, Privacy & Forensics runs M365 audits as part of larger cloud security, identity, and Zero Trust programs. Often combined with privacy (GDPR, CCPA) and incident response capabilities.
Strengths
- Integrated cyber, privacy, and forensics expertise
- Heavy investment in Microsoft alliance and tooling
- Executive-grade reporting
Weaknesses
- High six-figure minimums; 8-16 week typical timeline
- Snapshot output; reassessment is another engagement
Who it's for: Enterprises running multi-year cyber transformations who want M365 audited as part of the program.
Pricing tier: Project-based · enterprise
CIS-CAT Pro
CIS-CAT Pro is the Center for Internet Security's configuration assessment tool that scans systems against CIS Benchmarks, including the M365 Foundations Benchmark. Output is a compliance score and remediation guidance for hardening controls.
Strengths
- Authoritative CIS Benchmark coverage
- Low cost via CIS SecureSuite membership
- Trusted by auditors as evidence source
Weaknesses
- Narrow scope: CIS Benchmarks only, no rule depth beyond
- Manual to run, no SaaS dashboard or continuous posture
Who it's for: Security teams that want a free/cheap CIS Benchmark check for M365 and will handle reporting themselves.
Pricing tier: Membership-based (CIS SecureSuite)
Microsoft Secure Score
Microsoft Secure Score is the built-in posture rating inside the M365 Defender portal. It scores tenants against Microsoft's recommended controls across identity, data, devices, and apps, with one-click remediation guidance.
Strengths
- Free, native, always-on inside M365
- Direct remediation links into admin centers
- Continuously updated by Microsoft
Weaknesses
- Only Microsoft's own recommendations; no third-party frameworks
- Not an audit deliverable; lacks compliance mapping and evidence package
Who it's for: Any M365 admin wanting a free posture baseline before paying for an audit or tool.
Pricing tier: Included with M365 licensing
Coalfire
Coalfire is a US cybersecurity advisory and assessor firm specializing in FedRAMP, PCI DSS, HITRUST, and cloud security audits. M365 reviews are delivered within compliance engagements rather than as a standalone product.
Strengths
- Accredited assessor for FedRAMP, PCI, HITRUST, SOC
- Deep cloud and Microsoft platform expertise
- Audit-ready evidence packages
Weaknesses
- Point-in-time engagement, not continuous monitoring
- Optimized for compliance attestation, not ongoing M365 hygiene
Who it's for: Companies pursuing FedRAMP, PCI, or HITRUST who need M365 controls assessed inside that audit.
Pricing tier: Project-based · mid to enterprise
Schellman
Schellman is a top US independent CPA firm and accredited assessor for SOC, ISO 27001, PCI, HITRUST, and FedRAMP. M365 security testing is performed as part of those attestation audits, not as a separate product.
Strengths
- Highly respected attestation and ISO certification body
- Rigorous, audit-grade evidence and reports
- Cross-framework efficiency (multi-attestation engagements)
Weaknesses
- Annual audit cadence, not continuous
- Scope is attestation-driven; M365 coverage limited to in-scope controls
Who it's for: SaaS and tech companies that need SOC 2 or ISO 27001 with M365 controls audited inside the engagement.
Pricing tier: Project-based · mid to enterprise
Trustwave
Trustwave is a US-based MSSP and consultancy offering M365 security reviews, penetration testing, and managed detection. Audits typically combine consultant-led configuration review with their managed security platform.
Strengths
- Combines audit, pen test, and 24x7 MDR under one vendor
- Global SpiderLabs threat research backing findings
- Compliance-aligned reporting (PCI QSA, ISO)
Weaknesses
- Bundled MSSP focus; audit is one offering among many
- Engagement-based, not a self-serve continuous posture tool
Who it's for: Mid-market and enterprise buyers who want an M365 audit alongside a managed security service contract.
Pricing tier: Project-based + MSSP retainer
FAQ
Is Manual Audit (Big 4) still worth using if 365 Security Assessment exists?
Yes — different tools solve different layers. 365 Security Assessment specializes in deep Microsoft 365 + Azure tenant audits. If your primary need overlaps with what Manual Audit (Big 4) is built for, evaluate both.
Which Manual Audit (Big 4) alternative is best for Microsoft 365 + Azure depth?
365 Security Assessment. We map 24,000+ rules to 10 compliance frameworks across the entire Microsoft tenant — depth no general-purpose tool matches.
How does pricing compare across Manual Audit (Big 4) alternatives?
Most enterprise tools are sales-led with no public pricing. 365 Security Assessment offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required.
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