January 31, 2025
by Soundarya Jayaraman / January 31, 2025
Every time I sit down with my InfoSec team, one thing becomes clear: managing governance, risk, and compliance feels like trying to hit a moving target. Regulations change, risks evolve, and no matter how robust the processes are, something always slips through the cracks. If you’re a compliance officer, risk manager, audit or even a CIO, you know exactly what I mean.
I’ve heard stories of teams buried under spreadsheets, scrambling to respond to audits, or wasting hours tracking down the latest policy updates. That’s probably why you’re here—looking for the best GRC software that can simplify all of that chaos and make your work more efficient.
As someone who writes extensively about cybersecurity and consults with experts in the field, I’ve had a front-row seat to the challenges professionals like you face. That’s why I’ve done the research to identify the 7 best governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) software for 2025.
In this article, I'll cover everything you need to know about these GRC tools—features, pros, cons, my personal review, and what other users have to say.
**These are the top-rated products in the enterprise risk management category, according to G2 Grid Reports. Pricing is available on request for most of these tools except for the one I have mentioned here.
Whether you’re trying to streamline audits, gain better insights into risk, or ensure your organization stays compliant, this guide will help you find the right fit for your needs.
When I think about governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) software, I see it as a way to bring structure and clarity to the complex task of managing risks and compliance.
I’ve had countless conversations with my security, IT, and compliance teams, and one thing is clear: GRC really comes down to having processes in place to mitigate risk. But the right GRC tools go a step further—they make those processes easier and more efficient.
For example, automation is a huge quality-of-life improvement in GRC software. Instead of manually tracking when a regulatory compliance review is due, identifying gaps in risk assessments, or following up on audit tasks, a good GRC platform does the heavy lifting.
It sends timely reminders when actions need to be taken, like updating policies, conducting risk analyses and compliance audits, or submitting audit reports. It’s like having a guide that walks you through every step of a complex regulatory process, ensuring nothing gets overlooked—similar to how a software installation wizard simplifies setup.
GRC software brings everything under one roof. It ensures policies are followed, risks are managed effectively, and compliance requirements are met—all without the chaos of spreadsheets or scattered tools. For my team, it’s not just about convenience; it provides a clear view of challenges and the confidence to address them efficiently.
I started with G2 grid reports to create a shortlist of top-performing tools in 2025. Then, I turned to my InfoSec and compliance team to understand what features matter most to them in their day-to-day workflows.
Once I had a clearer picture, I explored these tools myself, diving into their capabilities and identifying what stood out—both the good and the bad. To add another layer of insight, I used AI to summarize reviews from other users, which gave me a better understanding of how these tools perform in real-world scenarios.
By combining all this research, I was able to find the five GRC tools that deliver the best balance of functionality, ease of use, and value.
One thing to note is that most of these GRC platforms only offer demos instead of full access unless you commit to a paid plan. Nonetheless, the demos show enough functionality to really understand their value and how they could fit our needs.
When I evaluated GRC tools, I didn’t just look at surface-level abilities. I took a deep dive into what matters most to InfoSec, compliance, and risk teams, ensuring my criteria were detailed and technical enough to meet their needs. Here’s what I prioritized:
After evaluating 15+ GRC tools, I narrowed my list down to seven. These tools stand out, offering the functionalities, efficiency, and reliability GRC professionals need.
The list below contains genuine user reviews from enterprise risk management software. To be included in this category, a solution must:
*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.
AuditBoard is one of the top GRC tools in the market; half of Fortune 500 companies use it. After exploring its features, I get the hype.
What caught my attention—and the attention of many professionals I’ve spoken to—is how user-friendly and intuitive the interface is. Whether it’s auditors, stakeholders, or compliance teams, the platform seems designed with their needs in mind.
I like how well AuditBoard brings everything related to GRC together. It brings all your risk-related information together in one centralized location, links it directly to your audit plans, and integrates everything into a single, unified platform for management.
One of my favorite functionalities of the tool is the AuditBoard Business Intelligence or ABI dashboard. They go beyond being just visually appealing—they provide actionable, real-time insights into risk management, audit trails, and control testing. It’s these features that make navigating the complexities of GRC not just easier but also more efficient.
Another personal favorite of mine is AuditBoard AI, powered by generative AI. It helps with many document creation tasks, such as setting up vendor questionnaires of third-party software, generating new controls, risks, and issues based on our inputs, or summarising audit reports.
Personally, I’m impressed with AuditBoard's integration capabilities. The platform integrates well with existing workflows, connecting with tools such as data warehouses, CRM or ERP systems, ticketing platforms, HR software, and even identity management tools. This interoperability reduces the need for manual data transfers, which, I believe, will allow teams to work more cohesively across departments.
That said, no tool is perfect, and AuditBoard is no exception. Its customization options are robust. However, some users I spoke with mentioned that setting up the ABI dashboards can be time-consuming, which is something to consider if you're pressed for time or resources.
Another point I came across was that the platform frequently rolls out new updates, which is great. But in practice, it can catch users off guard. There have been a few times when a new feature was automatically enabled without much notice, confusing users or causing some changes to their dashboards. I feel this could be better managed with clearer communication.
Overall, AuditBoard delivers on its promise to simplify and enhance GRC processes. From centralizing risk and audit management to offering real-time insights and integrations, it’s clear why it’s a go-to choice for many organizations.
"Audit Board offers almost everything you need to manage the Audit world. The various models allow you to build the solution and tailor it to your needs. What amazed me the most was the Academy program and the community that supports you before and after your implementation Project.
After a few months of use, the whole company already feels the impact, especially on the reactiveness towards issues and Action Plans! We use the Audit board daily, both for fieldwork and Audit Management. After six months in the system, we are still Improving our process thanks to the features of the system and the constant updates and new functionalities offered."
- AuditBoard Review, Giacomo S, International Internal Auditor.
"The permissions matrix is a little complex from an administrator standpoint - need to make sure you spend the time understanding teams versus roles and how to customize them accordingly. This goes back to making the most of your implementation phase.
Also, there is almost always a new feature being released or enhanced. At times (like when enhancements just show up rather than needing to be enabled), features can confuse users or cause them to use functions when not desired. This should be minimized by having an active administrator."
- AuditBoard Review, Kylie G, Senior Auditor and Data Analyst.
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For me, Workiva truly shines when it comes to financial reporting and compliance. As someone who’s spent time exploring tools that simplify compliance and risk management, there are several reasons why I find Workiva invaluable.
Like in AuditBoard, I like that I can pull in data from my general ledger software, ESG reporting tools, HR systems and other tools directly into the system with a button push.
But, the most notable functionality to me is its ability to link data across multiple reports and documents. When working on something as critical as Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) or U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, even the smallest error in one section can create inconsistencies elsewhere.
Workiva takes that stress away by automatically updating linked data in real time. So, if I update the number in one file and push to 100 other links with a button click, everything gets updated automatically. This level of accuracy is a lifesaver when even minor oversights can lead to penalties or failed audits.
Collaboration is another reason I think Workiva is a must-have for GRC professionals. From what I have seen, reporting and audit preparation often involve multiple teams—finance, legal, IT, and risk management—and getting everyone on the same page can be a nightmare.
With Workiva, everyone can work on the same document simultaneously without worrying about version control. I found this incredibly transparent and saves a lot of time.
But there are some drawbacks I saw. One thing I’ve noted is that Workiva can slow down occasionally, especially when you have multiple tabs open or when there’s a lot of data involved. If you open just one extra tab, there’s a chance the system might freeze, which can be irritating during critical moments.
Another issue I’ve observed is some limitations in editing and formatting the documents, be it Word, presentation, or Excel files, using Workiva tools. For instance, documents imported from Word into Workiva can have some formatting issues, such as misaligned margins and unexpected page breaks. This can make document editing more time-consuming than it should be.
That said, Workiva is still one of the best GRC software for bringing together all your financial and ESG reporting into one place. If you’re looking for a solution to streamline your financial reporting and compliance processes and reduce the stress of managing large-scale reporting, I’d definitely recommend giving Workiva a try.
"Workiva has a very intuitive financial reporting platform. I can easily make formatting changes and ensure my document is SEC-compliant. Workiva also allows me to integrate data from various sources, automating data linking across reports, and improving accuracy.
Workiva also allows multiple users to work simultaneously on documents, ensuring real-time updates and reducing version control issues. I can easily track my work through easily generated redlines.
Workiva also provides great customer support. For any document or filing issue, I can reach a Workiva specialist within minutes."
- Workiva Review, Bo G, Director of SEC Reporting and Accounting.
"I feel like sometimes my brain goes faster than how long it takes to switch between a Workiva document and a Workiva spreadsheet. Sometimes, when I copy a source link and paste it into the Workiva document, it takes a while, and when I have numerous things to copy, it just ends up messing with my speed."
- Workiva Review, Daisy Y, Small Business.
Scrut Automation is one of those platforms that immediately stands out for its ability to simplify compliance without making the process feel like a never-ending checklist to me.
I’ve explored a lot of GRC tools, and what makes Scrut different is how well it balances automation with usability. Unlike some enterprise-heavy platforms that require months of onboarding, But from what I see, Scrut makes policy management, risk tracking, and compliance audits feel less like a burden and more like a structured, manageable process.
One of the first things I realized is how effective Scrut is at helping organizations maintain multiple compliance frameworks. Whether it’s ISO 27001, HIPAA, SOC 2, or cyber risk management, Scrut centralizes everything in one place, making it easier to navigate these overlapping requirements. Scrut’s automation features—especially for evidence collection and audit workflows—improves these processes significantly.
That said, Scrut has some drawbacks, too. While Scrut’s automation features are a huge plus, I did notice that the initial setup can be time-consuming. This isn’t entirely surprising—most GRC platforms mentioned here require some configuration—but it’s something to consider if you’re looking for a plug-and-play solution.
Additionally, the Scrut agent software, which automates evidence collection, could use some improvements, as some users have noted that it doesn’t always perform as expected.
Regardless of the drawbacks, if you’re in cybersecurity, health tech, fintech, or any industry where compliance is a moving target, I'd suggest you give Scrut a look. It’s especially useful for mid-sized companies that need a scalable, audit-friendly platform to manage policies, risks, and security frameworks in one place.
"Scrut Automation has significantly streamlined our compliance and security processes. The platform's user-friendly interface, comprehensive dashboard, and intuitive automation features make managing frameworks like ISO 27001, SOC 2, and GDPR effortless.
I particularly appreciate the automated evidence collection, which saves hours of manual work and reduces the risk of human error. The integrations with our existing tools (like AWS, Slack, and Jira) were seamless, ensuring all our data sources are covered."
- Scrut Automation Review, Karan A, Head of Domain Operations.
"While Scrut offers customizable controls, some organizations with highly complex requirements might find the pre-built template limiting. customization beyond a certain level requires manual intervention or workarounds. Scrut automation is very effective, but the one thing is that it provides many features, so for new users, it is overwhelming without sufficient training."
- Scrut Automation Review, Gautam M, DevOps Engineer.
IBM is one of the most recognized names in the tech world, and, in my opinion, IBM OpenPages reflects the company’s expertise in creating solutions for complex business challenges.
What sets it apart for me is how scalable and adaptable it is. OpenPages isn’t just built for small teams—it scales to thousands of users, which makes it perfect for enterprises with both front-office and back-office users managing risks across different domains.
I love its modular nature, which allows me to deploy domain-targeted modules for regulatory compliance, IT risks, or operational risks.
Another notable highlight for me is its AI-driven capabilities. From automating workflows with simple drag-and-drop functionality to leveraging predictive analytics through IBM Cognos, it feels like the platform is constantly working to reduce the workload of my audit and compliance team. One use case that stood out to me was the integration with AI for incident reporting. It’s not just about flagging risks—it uses relevant classifications to improve the accuracy and efficiency of reporting,
The platform’s flexibility is another big win, in my view. Whether you want to deploy it behind your firewall or on any cloud, it adapts to your infrastructure needs. I’ve seen tools that force you to fit their deployment model, but OpenPages gives you complete freedom, which is a huge plus for organizations with strict IT or data governance policies.
I also have to mention how well it integrates with third-party systems. With IBM App Connect and REST APIs, I can connect OpenPages to other critical tools in my tech stack without any hassle.
Of course, OpenPages isn't perfect. I’d say the onboarding process for such a powerful tool can feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially for teams without prior experience with similar tools. The extensive customization options are great, but they can require significant time and resources during implementation.
Another common concern I observed among users is the high cost of IBM OpenPages. Some feel that it is more expensive than competing GRC solutions, making adoption more challenging for teams with limited budgets.
Nonetheless, if you’re in a compliance-heavy industry like banking, healthcare, or finance, IBM OpenPages is worth considering.
"It provides us with the ability to keep all the records of internal incidents in the organization and monitor the key indicators of risks.
It provides us with the most valuable features, which are the workflow engine, calculations, and security rules, which guide our activities and prevent loss and mistakes in the organization. Its interface is very intuitive and easy to use by customers."
- IBM OpenPages Review, Quinta M, Product Manager.
"The cost is high compared to other GRC tools, and there are some hurdles in user adoption."
- IBM OpenPages Review, Vishal D, Trainer.
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Hyperproof has quickly become one of my favorite GRC tools, mainly because of its simplicity and the way it handles a wide range of risk and compliance processes.
From what I've seen, the most striking characteristic is its interface. Hyperproof keeps things simple without sacrificing functionality, a rare combination in GRC tools. Its clean design and intuitive navigation make it accessible even to users who aren’t deeply familiar with GRC processes.
Another core strength of Hyperproof, from my observation, is the 150+ pre-built templates of frameworks for different compliance regulations, such as NIST, SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and SOX. If I don't want to use these templates, I can create a custom one suitable for my needs.
I absolutely love how Hyperproof automates evidence gathering. It simplifies this often tedious process by allowing us to set controls based on different InfoSec frameworks, assign owners for those, then link evidence directly to controls and automatically pull updates when needed. It eliminates the need to chase down documentation manually, which is especially useful during high-pressure audits. Now, the best part? Hyperproof de-duplicates any overlapping controls between different frameworks.
This level of automation is not just a time-saver—it ensures consistency and reduces the risk of human error.
I like its vendor management module, too. It not only centralizes all vendor data but also makes it easy to monitor and manage risks that could potentially impact the organization. For instance, during audits, pulling up relevant data for vendors is as simple as a few clicks, which reduces the time spent preparing and ensures nothing is missed.
However, a challenge I see with the tool, at times, is the terminology. If you’ve used other GRC tools, you’ll notice that Hyperproof’s terminology can be a little different, which creates a bit of a learning curve. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something that takes some getting used to.
Also, while Hyperproof covers the basics well, there are certain functionalities that users expect that aren’t there yet. For instance, reporting customization is somewhat limited, while GRC users would like more control over templates and data visualization.
While the tool is easy to use, I feel the level of effort to deploy Hyperproof into production and set up integrations to automate some compliance functions can be quite extensive, depending on your compliance program.
Even with these limitations, Hyperloop is best for companies looking to automate the GRC workflows.
"It is user-friendly and easy to navigate. The dashboard is very helpful for a quick look and checking your company's compliance status. The features are good. Hyperproof is continuously improving and they do updates regularly. Workshops are good, especially if they have new features coming in.
Hyperproof support is awesome; you'll get a swift response if you have a concern and provide a temporary solution while checking on your concern. They will update if there's any development.
Our company has been using Hyperproof for almost three years now, and it has really changed the way we manage our compliance. It makes my job much easier. Hyperproof listens to its customer's feedback, which I believe is why It has improved its product so significantly. "
- Hyperproof Review, Apple A, Senior Compliance Analyst.
"The dashboard lacks customization options, and the internal reporting feature falls short of expectations, as it is also non-customizable. Hyperproof’s suggested solution is to use Snowflake integration to extract data and generate reports. Additionally, a customizable, template-based questionnaire for assessments is not available."
- Hyperproof Review, Satish S, Senior Cloud Compliance Lead.
Fusion Framework System takes a structured, no-nonsense approach to risk and resilience management, and that’s exactly why it works so well, in my view. Unlike some GRC tools that try to do everything but end up feeling bloated, Fusion focuses on what matters: keeping risks visible, automating critical processes, and ensuring teams can respond effectively when things go wrong.
One thing I immediately noticed is how well the platform brings everything under one roof. Whether it’s business continuity planning, incident response, or third-party risk management, Fusion consolidates all these moving parts into a single, connected framework.
Where Fusion excels is in risk response automation—it doesn’t just track risks; it connects risk assessments to business continuity and incident response plans from what I saw. This makes it particularly valuable for organizations focused on resilience rather than just compliance.
I also found its customizable dashboards incredibly useful and convenient. Being able to tailor them to show exactly what I need makes a huge difference in how we track risks and compliance tasks. Real-time reporting is another major plus.
That said, I’ve noticed occasional slowness when handling large datasets, or running complex risk reports or when multiple people login simultaneously. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it can be frustrating when trying to pull time-sensitive information for an audit.
Also, getting Fusion up and running takes time. While I appreciate how flexible it is, that flexibility comes with a tradeoff—you really have to configure it properly to get the most out of it. If your team doesn’t have the resources to dedicate to setup and fine-tuning, the initial learning curve can feel overwhelming. It’s powerful, no doubt, but it demands commitment.
So, it's clear to me that if you’re willing to invest the time in setup, Fusion can be a highly effective risk and resilience management too
"Risk management is one of the most impressive features of the Fusion Framework System, and I find them exceptional. By integrating it with our systems, it gives us the ability to analyze risk data in a centralized fashion. Dashboards providing real-time data with possible layouts are essential for decision-making in the company. Certain features such as managing incidents and tracking regulatory compliance as well have made processes simpler and improved our overall risk management strategy."
- Fusion Framework System Review, Martin B, Director of Risk Management.
"Getting started may seem to be a big load because there is so much one could do with it. Some more transparent steps or additional help at the very beginning would be helpful for sure. And sometimes, it becomes a bit slow when we are working with larger volumes of data. This becomes kind of irritating. It is necessary to speed up this process. This would be really helpful."
- Fusion Framework System Review, Harold P, Risk Management Specialist.
Drawing from my experience, LogicGate Risk Cloud is an excellent addition to any team's GRC toolkit if you want a high degree of customization.
I found LogicGate to be highly flexible and customizable, unlike some GRC tools that feel rigid. From building tailored workflows to configuring home screens to display the information that matters most to us, the flexibility of the platform is unmatched. What's more? If I am unsure where to start, there are pre-built templates and applications that give s a solid foundation to work from, making it easier to get up and running.
Another aspect I deeply value is the sheer range of solutions available with LogicGate. And I’m not just talking about the usual suspects like cyber risk management, ESG, audits, regulatory compliance, or third-party risk management. What really stood out to me was the dedicated solution for AI governance. I don’t recall seeing this offered on other platforms.
Sure, I could probably customize other tools to address AI governance, but having a pre-built, dedicated solution felt unique to LogicGate.
Also, I must mention that their support team and implementation team is phenomenal. They’re always available to answer questions, guide you through new features, or assist with more complex configurations. Whether it’s a quick tip or walking you through a tricky process, the team’s responsiveness and expertise really stand out. For a tool as powerful as Risk Cloud, having this level of support makes a huge difference.
That said, there are some areas where LogicGate could improve. One limitation I’ve come across is related to feature flexibility—while the platform offers customization, some users feel it doesn’t go as deep as they’d like. For example, reporting capabilities could use more visual enhancements, like better colors and data visualization options. Another limitation I heard is related to the inability to create child risks or controls, which would be helpful for more granular risk tracking.
Additionally, the platform can feel a little overwhelming at first, as per my assessment. Even after completing the power user training, it might take some time to fully understand the system’s capabilities, especially if you’re new. But once you get the hang of it, the system proves to be incredibly valuable. It’s a tool that grows with you as you learn how to maximize its potential.
Overall, LogicGate is a great choice if you’re looking for a highly flexible GRC tool capable of addressing a wide variety of compliance needs.
"I love that LogicGate is incredibly customizable to meet your organization's specific needs; however, there are also templates and applications to get you started if you aren't sure how to proceed."
- LogicGate Cloud Risk Review, Ashleigh G.
"It can seem a little daunting at first, even after completing the power user training, especially if you are someone new to the company that is already using Risk Cloud."
- LogicGate Cloud Risk Review, David D.
Before wrapping up, I wanted to highlight a few other GRC platforms that have stood out to me. While the tools I’ve reviewed are my top picks, there are several others worth exploring based on the G2 grid report, my own experience, and conversations I’ve had with professionals in the GRC space. Here they are:
These platforms each offer something unique and depending on your organization’s needs, and they’re all worth a closer look.
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GRC software is used by a wide range of professionals, including compliance officers, risk managers, internal auditors, IT teams, legal teams, and executive leadership. It’s particularly valuable in industries with stringent regulatory requirements, such as banking, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
GRC software is essential for industries that operate under strict regulatory and compliance requirements. These include:
When choosing GRC software, look for features like:
The cost of GRC software varies depending on the vendor, features, and scale of deployment and typically ranges from $15,000 to over $50,000. Pricing models can include subscription fees, per-user licensing, or usage-based costs. The GRC software typically come with training for users and add-on features at extra cost.
Yes, many GRC tools are designed to handle multiple frameworks, including ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. These platforms allow businesses to map controls across different standards, reducing duplication of effort and streamlining compliance management.
GRC tools simplify compliance by automating manual tasks like control monitoring, evidence collection, and reporting. Features like automated reminders and real-time tracking ensure deadlines are met and audits are easier to manage. GRC platforms also keep businesses updated on regulatory changes and reduce the risk of human error.
Some of the top GRC software s in 2025 include:
Other noteworthy platforms include Diligent One Platform, ServiceNow Integrated Risk Management, Vanta, and Drata.
As someone who has explored the ins and outs of these GRC platforms, I’ve come to realize that the right GRC tool go beyond just “helping” organizations stay compliant. They give teams a way to work smarter, faster, and with far more confidence.
From my own team's experience, it’s clear that these platforms solve pain points that have traditionally plagued compliance and risk management teams, whether it’s disorganized workflows, siloed data, or the sheer complexity of audits.
But what really stands out to me is how they shift the focus from reactive firefighting to proactive risk management. They give teams the confidence to stay ahead, not just keep up. If you’ve ever spent hours chasing evidence or untangling audit prep, you’ll know exactly what I mean. So, why wait for the next audit to catch you off guard?
Here’s your next step: take charge. Think about your team’s biggest challenges—whether it’s chasing evidence, managing risks, or untangling audits—and identify what’s holding you back. Then, look for a GRC platform that aligns with your needs and empowers your team to work smarter and try their demos. our team—and your future self—will thank you when you find the right tool.
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Soundarya Jayaraman is a Content Marketing Specialist at G2, focusing on cybersecurity. Formerly a reporter, Soundarya now covers the evolving cybersecurity landscape, how it affects businesses and individuals, and how technology can help. You can find her extensive writings on cloud security and zero-day attacks. When not writing, you can find her painting or reading.
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