$ diff --left=synack --right=cobalt
Two PtaaS models with different researcher pools. Synack is vetted-only; Cobalt is an open marketplace with vetting at engagement level. Both quote-only.
Synack wins on researcher-vetting depth and federal-grade access controls; that is what its 32% lower-cost-than-traditional marketing claim is built around. Cobalt wins on programme breadth and faster start times across non-regulated assets. Both are quote-only as of June 2026.
Last verified June 2026
Vetted-researcher continuous testing
Synack Red Team uses a vetted researcher pool with background-check requirements. Markets a 32% lower-cost claim against traditional pen test but publishes no rates.
Credit-pool PtaaS
Cobalt routes engagements through a published credit unit (1 credit = 8 hours of offensive testing). Open marketplace model with vetting at engagement assignment.
$ heatmap --features
| Feature | Synack | Cobalt |
|---|---|---|
| Published price | ✗ | ✗ |
| Credit unit published | ✗ | ✓ |
| Vetted-only researcher pool | ✓ | ◐ |
| Federal-friendly access controls | ✓ | ◐ |
| Fastest typical start | ◐ | ✓ |
| AI / model pen testing in catalog | ✓ | ◐ |
| Continuous testing model | ✓ | ✓ |