Trying to understand the Rapid7 penetration testing price can be confusing. It is often bundled into large subscriptions where the cost depends on how many assets you have. Even if a single pentest has a project fee, the total cost gets much bigger because it's tied to their whole platform. For some companies, this can easily push the annual cost over $50,000.
Understanding Rapid7's Pricing Structure
When you hear "Rapid7," you might think of them only as a penetration testing company. But their pricing is built around a much larger ecosystem of tools.
Services like manual pentesting often come packaged with their main software products. These work on a subscription model based on the number of "assets" you have, like servers, computers, and applications. For an MSP or vCISO just looking for a simple, project-based risk assessment, this model can be a big surprise.
This asset-based pricing means your costs can grow unpredictably. As your client's business adds more technology, their costs go up. This can become a major financial strain, especially if they only need a specific test for compliance frameworks like SOC 2, HIPAA, or PCI DSS.
To understand the Rapid7 penetration testing price, you need to know what assets yu need tested. For example, Rapid7's InsightVM service reportedly starts around $11,580 per year for 500 assets. Their InsightIDR tool starts at about $35,340 annually for the same asset count. When you add a custom pentest on top of these subscriptions, the total investment becomes quite large.
For many MSPs and GRC firms, this bundled model is a headache. You need affordable, predictable pricing to deliver value, not a complex subscription you can't control. This is where a channel-only partner makes a big difference. We offer white label pentesting on a simple, per-project basis with no hidden fees. You get a high-quality, manual test from certified experts (OSCP, CEH, and CREST) without the enterprise price. You can learn more about how pricing models affect your business in our guide here: https://www.msppentesting.com/blog-posts/penetration-testing-price. This straightforward approach puts you in control.
Comparing Rapid7 Costs To Channel-Focused Alternatives
Let's look at the financial differences between these two models. The table below shows how a subscription like Rapid7's compares to a project-based, channel-only partner.
Service ComponentRapid7 Enterprise Model (Estimated Annual)Channel-Only Partner Model (Typical Project)Key Difference for MSPsVulnerability ScanningBundled in platform fee (e.g., ~$11,580/yr)Included as part of the pentest projectNo recurring subscription cost for scanning tools.Manual Penetration TestCustom Quote + Subscription PrerequisiteFixed Project Fee (e.g., $4,000 - $15,000)Transparent, one-time cost without platform lock-in.Reporting & RemediationIntegrated into the platform subscriptionDelivered as part of the fixed project feeYou own the report and client relationship directly.Minimum CommitmentHigh (often starts at 500 assets)None (pay per test)Flexibility to serve clients of all sizes affordably.
The channel-only model is a more direct and cost-effective path. It removes long-term commitments, giving you the freedom to deliver what your clients need at a price that makes sense.
Why High Pentesting Costs Harm Your MSP Business
For any MSP, vCISO, or GRC firm, the goal is to provide great service while making a profit. When a core service like penetration testing has a high price tag and long delays, it hurts your business. High costs squeeze your margins, making it hard to price your own services competitively.
It’s not just about money, it’s also about time. Waiting weeks or months for a pentest report stalls your client's projects. That delay puts their compliance goals for frameworks like SOC 2, HIPAA, and PCI DSS at risk. You end up with an unhappy client because your vendor was too slow.
The Problem With Slow And Inflexible Testing
The old-school pentesting industry moves very slowly. Many big providers are backlogged, so you are just another number in a long line. For a reseller, this slow timeline creates big business problems.
Here’s how those delays hurt your business:
- Missed Compliance Deadlines: A client needing a risk assessment for an ISO 27001 audit cannot wait around. A vendor delay can cause them to fail their audit, which makes you look bad.
- Stalled Sales Cycles: You cannot close a deal or finish a project until the pentest report is complete. Long lead times mean your revenue is stuck.
- Lost Client Trust: When you promise a quick turnaround and can't deliver, it breaks the trust you've built. You look unreliable, even if it is not your fault.
This industry-wide issue of high prices and slow delivery puts partners like you in a tough spot. You need a solution that is fast, affordable, and built for your business.
How Inflated Prices Damage Your Profit Margins
Speed is one issue, but the cost is another. Enterprise-level pricing, like the Rapid7 penetration testing price, is designed for huge companies, not the clients you serve. This forces you into a difficult choice.
You can either absorb the high cost yourself and lose your profit, or pass it to your client and risk losing the deal. Neither is a good option. This is where an affordable, channel-focused partner makes all the difference. By working with a provider that sells only through partners, you get expert-level, manual pentesting without the high enterprise cost.
Most big vendors see you as just another customer. A true channel-only partner sees you as their only customer. We are a channel-only partner and will never compete with you for your clients; our success is 100% tied to yours. This partnership model solves the industry's problems. It allows you to offer high-quality, white label pentesting under your own brand with fast reports from certified pros (OSCP, CEH, CREST).
Comparing Rapid7 Pricing With Industry Averages
To understand the Rapid7 penetration testing price, you need to compare it to what others charge. Enterprise brands often have a higher price just for their name, not always for better manual pentesting.
For an MSP or vCISO, knowing industry averages is a powerful tool. It helps you show clients what a fair price looks like and justifies choosing a partner who delivers great results without the high cost. It’s about making smart financial choices without sacrificing security.
Breaking Down Typical Penetration Testing Costs
The price of a penetration test depends on what you are testing. Think of it like a home inspection. Checking the locks on your doors is different from checking every window and wire inside. Each requires a different amount of effort.
For MSPs, choosing the wrong partner can lead to major problems.
As the chart shows, high costs and slow reports create friction. This directly impacts your ability to serve clients and meet compliance deadlines.
A Clear Comparison Of Pentesting Prices
So, what should you expect to pay? Industry benchmarks show a wide range, but they give a clear idea of what is reasonable. External network tests typically cost between $2,000 and $15,000, while internal network tests are between $5,000 and $30,000. Full mid-market tests often range from $15,000 to $30,000.
In contrast, bundled services from providers like Rapid7 can push those costs to $150,000 or more. You can explore guides that show how vendors build their pentesting cost estimates for more context.
This price gap is usually not due to a difference in testing quality. It is often because of brand overhead and complex subscription models. The key takeaway for a reseller is simple: you can get a top-tier, manual penetration test from OSCP and CREST certified professionals for much less. Do not let big-brand pricing convince you that effective security must be expensive. The table below compares typical costs for different penetration tests.
Pentesting Scope And Average Price Comparison
Penetration Test TypeCommon Industry Price RangeEnterprise Platform Price Range (e.g., Rapid7)Primary Cost DriverExternal Network Test$4,000 - $15,000$10,000 - $25,000+Number of IP addresses and complexity of the perimeter.Internal Network Test$6,000 - $20,000$15,000 - $40,000+Number of internal assets, subnets, and user roles tested.Web Application Test$5,000 - $30,000$12,000 - $60,000+The complexity of the application and its business logic.Compliance Pentest$8,000 - $25,000Bundled with larger compliance platform fees.The specific framework (PCI DSS, HIPAA, SOC 2).
The data is clear. By choosing a channel-only partner for white label pentesting, you avoid the "brand tax" and get affordable, expert-driven services. This smarter approach means you can meet any risk assessment or GRC requirement without getting locked into an expensive ecosystem.
The Advantage Of A True Channel-Only Partner
If you're an MSP, vCISO, or a GRC company, your choice of partner is critical. The last thing you need is a vendor who tries to sell directly to your clients. A channel-only partner eliminates that risk completely.
A channel-only model means we only work through partners like you. We never compete with you for your clients. Our success is tied to yours, building a real partnership based on trust.
This approach was designed to solve industry problems like high prices and slow reports. Instead of dealing with the high Rapid7 penetration testing price, you get an affordable service that fits your clients' budgets.
Owning The Client Relationship With White Label Pentesting
One of the best parts of our partnership is white label pentesting. It lets you offer our expert penetration testing services under your own brand. Your client sees you as the security expert from start to finish.
This is a game-changer for building your authority. You are delivering a critical security solution as part of your own offering. You own the entire client relationship, from the first talk to the final report.
Here is what that means for your business:
- Stronger Brand: You become the go-to expert for cybersecurity.
- Increased Client Loyalty: Clients who see you as a trusted security advisor will stay with you.
- Higher Profit Margins: You set the final price, giving you control over your profits.
This model turns penetration testing from a cost into a profitable, brand-building service that you control.
Gaining Speed And Expertise To Drive Your Business
In the world of compliance, speed is crucial. A client needing a risk assessment for SOC 2, HIPAA, or PCI DSS cannot wait weeks for a report. Our model is built for the speed your business needs.
We deliver complete reports in days, not months, keeping your projects on track. This is possible because our focus is on supporting our partners. To see how this benefits partners, check out the advantages of pentesting for the channel.
A true partnership gives you both speed and expertise. Our team brings top credentials to every project. They are experts in manual pentesting and hold industry-leading certifications your clients trust.
- OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional): The top certification for practical hacking skills.
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker): Shows a broad knowledge of hacking tools and techniques.
- CREST (Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers): A globally respected certification for high professional standards.
This combination of an affordable, channel-only model, fast delivery, and certified expertise gives you a competitive advantage. You can offer top-tier security services that drive compliance and boost your bottom line.
How To Choose Your Best Pentesting Partner
Choosing a penetration testing provider is a big decision. It affects your client's security and your ability to meet compliance goals. It is easy to be tempted by the lowest price, but a real partner offers much more.
You need someone whose methods, speed, and business model fit yours. The right partner becomes an extension of your team, helping you build your security services without problems.
Look For Manual Pentesting By Certified Experts
Automated scans are good for finding common issues but miss complex flaws. This is where manual pentesting is essential. Your partner needs a team of certified professionals who think like hackers.
Look for pentesters with top certifications. These are proof of their skills.
- OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional): This is the gold standard for hands-on attack skills.
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker): Shows a strong knowledge of ethical hacking methods.
- CREST (Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers): A globally respected certification for high ethical standards.
A team with OSCP and CREST certified experts will find the critical vulnerabilities that scanners miss, giving your clients a real risk assessment.
Prioritize Clear Reports And A Fast Turnaround
A pentest is only as good as its report. A long, technical document doesn't help your clients. A great partner delivers clear, actionable reports that explain risks and provide a roadmap for fixing them.
Speed is also important. When a client has a SOC 2, HIPAA, or ISO 27001 deadline, you cannot wait weeks for a report. Ask potential partners about their average delivery time. A provider built for the channel should deliver reports in days, not months.
The challenge with enterprise vendors is the gap between their price and the value they offer the channel. While Rapid7 is well-known, their pentests often start at $15,000-$50,000+. It is not surprising that 40% of reviewers point to cost as a major issue. You can read more reviews on Rapid7's pricing model to see why this is a common complaint.
Ask The Right Questions During Your Evaluation
When you are choosing a partner, you need to get past the sales pitch. Knowing how to write a cybersecurity proposal can help you spot a solid offer.
Ask specific questions to understand how they operate and if they are a good fit for a reseller model.
- "Do you offer a channel-only model?" This is the most important question. You need a guarantee they will never sell directly to your clients.
- "What is your testing methodology?" Have them explain their process for different types of tests.
- "Can you provide a sample white-labeled report?" This is the best way to judge the quality of their work. You can learn more about finding the right pentest partner in our guide.
- "What is your average turnaround time for report delivery?"
- "What experience do you have with compliance frameworks like PCI DSS?"
Choosing a partner that is affordable, manual, and channel-focused is a strategic move that protects your client relationships and improves your bottom line.
Answering Pentesting FAQs For MSPs And Resellers
Getting started with penetration testing can be confusing. To help, we have answered the most common questions from MSPs, vCISOs, and GRC firms.
This is your guide to making smart pentesting decisions. We will skip the jargon and give you the straight answers you need.
What Factors Really Influence Pentesting Prices?
A penetration test is not priced randomly. The cost depends on the size and complexity of what is being tested. Think of it like securing a building: a small shop is easier to check than a large office.
It is the same with technology. A simple external network test on a few IP addresses will be more affordable than a deep dive into a custom web application. The more time and expertise a certified pentester needs, the higher the cost.
How Does A White-Label Model Benefit My Business?
A white-label pentesting model is a game-changer for any MSP or reseller. It means you can offer our expert services under your own brand. To your client, you are the security expert.
This builds trust and brand authority. You own the relationship, control the pricing, and position yourself as a security partner, not just an IT provider. The biggest advantage is control. You manage client communication and can build a profitable security service.
What's The Real Difference In Manual And Automated Testing?
Think of automated testing like a spell checker. It finds common errors but does not understand context. It cannot tell you if your story has a major flaw.
Manual pentesting is like having an expert editor. Our certified professionals (OSCP, CEH, CREST) think like real attackers. They find complex flaws that automated scanners miss. For compliance with frameworks like SOC 2, HIPAA, and PCI DSS, manual testing is essential.
How Long Does A Typical Pentest Take To Complete?
This is where a channel-only partner stands out. Traditionally, it can take weeks or even months to get a report. That kind of delay can halt your client's projects and compliance deadlines.
Our process is built for speed because we know you cannot wait. A typical engagement, from start to finish, is fast. Once the test is done, you will have a complete report in a few business days, not weeks.
Why Should I Choose A Channel-Only Partner For Pentesting?
The answer is trust. A channel-only partner like us will never compete with you. We do not have a direct sales team trying to take your clients. Our success is tied to your success.
This eliminates the biggest fear MSPs have when working with a vendor. You get access to top-tier, affordable security services without risk. It is a true partnership built to help you grow your security offerings and serve your clients better.
Ready to stop overpaying for slow, inflexible penetration testing? MSP Pentesting offers affordable, manual, white-labeled pentesting exclusively for the channel. Contact us today to learn how our partnership can help you win more deals and secure your clients.
Learn more at https://msppentesting.com.
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