10 Best SAP GRC Alternatives & Competitors In 2025

If you’re running a complex compliance program, you’ve probably heard of SAP GRC.

It’s a heavyweight in governance, risk, and compliance software, trusted by enterprises to centralize risk oversight, manage controls, and keep regulators happy.

But in 2025, many teams are asking the same question: Is SAP GRC still the best fit for us?

For fast-moving companies, or those looking for more modern, user-friendly, or cost-effective solutions, there’s now a growing list of competitors that deliver similar (or better) capabilities without the complexity.

In this guide, I’ve rounded up the 10 best SAP GRC alternatives - from flexible no-code platforms to enterprise-grade compliance suites - so you can compare features, pricing, and fit.

Whether your priority is risk management, audit automation, ESG tracking, or all of the above, you’ll find an option that meets your needs.

TL;DR

SmartSuite is the best overall SAP GRC alternative for 2025, combining no-code flexibility, real-time collaboration, and a fully unified GRC platform that covers policy, risk, incident, vendor, and compliance management in one place.
MetricStream, LogicGate, and OneTrust shine for enterprises seeking deep GRC functionality, modular flexibility, or privacy-first compliance with emerging AI governance capabilities.
AuditBoard, Diligent, and ZenGRC lead in audit automation, board governance, and AI-driven control assessments, offering specialized strengths for complex compliance programs.
Vanta, Hyperproof, and Resolver stand out for security compliance automation, collaborative project management, and risk intelligence—each delivering tailored solutions for different compliance needs.

Let’s explore which platforms are leading the way in 2025.

Why look for SAP alternatives for GRC?

SAP GRC certainly gets several core governance, risk, and compliance fundamentals right, such as:

Deep integration with SAP systems. SAP GRC embeds directly into various SAP applications, leveraging existing user roles, authorizations, and transactional data. This native approach delivers synchronized control structures and accurate enforcement of permissions across the SAP landscape.
Centralized risk and compliance visibility. By consolidating data from multiple domains (e.g., audits, controls, risks, and access), SAP GRC provides a unified, real-time view of governance posture. Organizations benefit from comprehensive documentation, audit-ready reporting, and strategic oversight.

Still, there are several reasons why teams consider an alternative:

1. Too SAP-focused

This comes as no surprise, as SAP GRC is, after all, an integral part of SAP’s suite.

As a result, SAP GRC is the perfect choice for organizations which have already implemented other SAP products in their workflows.

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However, if you’re not an SAP user, chances are that its GRC solution will not do much for you, as it will have fairly limited use without access to other SAP products, partly because it is difficult to integrate with third-party platforms.

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2. Outdated interface with limited customization options

Many users complain about SAP GRC’s interface being very outdated and clunky, making navigation harder for the average user.

As a result, you’ll be far too dependent on IT support, even for little things such as quick troubleshooting.

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This makes for a poor combination with SAP GRC’s limited customization options, as users constantly face obstacles when trying to tailor the platform to their organization’s unique needs.

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3. Its reporting features leave a lot to be desired

Finally, reporting and analytics are one of the essential functionalities of GRC software, as being able to detect and mitigate risks before they wreak havoc on your organization is critical.

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SAP GRC’s reporting is not granular or detailed enough, meaning you might be exposed to potential threats a bit more than you’d prefer.

And now, time to look at the tools that stand out as the best SAP alternatives for GRC based on their functionality, UX, and use cases.

What are the best SAP GRC alternatives and competitors in 2025?

The 10 best alternatives to SAP GRC are SmartSuite with its flexible, no-code capabilities, MetricStream, and LogicGate.

Here's a breakdown:

SmartSuite - Best overall SAP GRC alternative for flexible, no-code governance.
MetricStream - Best for large enterprises with complex compliance needs.
LogicGate - Best for agile, modular GRC workflows.
OneTrust - Best for privacy-first compliance and ESG tracking.
AuditBoard - Best for audit, SOX, and internal controls.
Diligent - Best for board governance and compliance.
Vanta - Best for security compliance automation (SOC 2, ISO 27001).
Hyperproof - Best for collaborative compliance project management.
ZenGRC - Best for user-friendly, fast-to-deploy GRC with prebuilt frameworks.
Resolver - Best for risk intelligence and incident tracking.

1. SmartSuite

Best for: Teams of all sizes looking for a flexible, customizable, no-code GRC platform that can easily adapt to all kinds of workflows and organizational needs.

SmartSuite is a highly customizable, no-code governance, risk, and compliance platform built for real-world teams - novices and veterans alike.

With pre-built templates, visual automation, and an intuitive interface, it lets organizations move beyond rigid, legacy GRC stacks toward dynamic, collaborative risk management.

What truly sets SmartSuite apart is its unified and flexible platform, offering cross-team GRC across policy, risk, audit, vendor, privacy, incident, continuity, and more, all under one roof with endless possibilities for customization.

Let’s take a closer look at some of its best features.

1. One platform, every GRC workflow you need

Where legacy GRC tools often silo functions into separate modules or even separate products, SmartSuite unifies your entire governance, risk, and compliance program into one interconnected workspace.

That means your policy manager, risk analyst, vendor owner, and incident responder are all working from the same data, in real-time, so there’s no more juggling disconnected systems or duplicate spreadsheets.

Here are some of the things you get with SmartSuite’s GRC module:

End-to-end GRC in a single hub - Manage every core GRC function (e.g., contract management, incident response, third-party risk, data privacy, vulnerability management, cyber-risk compliance, etc.) without ever leaving the platform. This holistic approach ensures nothing falls through the cracks, and risk data stays consistent across all functions.

Real-time collaboration that breaks down silos - Multiple team members can view, edit, and comment on the same records simultaneously, with changes appearing instantly across devices. Built-in activity history, mentions, and notifications keep stakeholders aligned, whether they’re in compliance, IT, legal, or operations.

Streamlined workflows and automation - Automate repetitive tasks like control assignments, incident escalations, and policy review reminders with the visual automation builder. This not only reduces human error but ensures your GRC processes run consistently and on schedule.
Enterprise-grade security and access controls - Manage sensitive risk data with robust role-based permissions, ensuring the right people have the right access at the right time, which is critical for compliance with standards like ISO 27001, SOX, and GDPR.

Comprehensive risk management - Build a centralized Risk Register to identify, assess, and track organizational risks. Assign ownership, evaluate likelihood and impact, set mitigation plans, and measure control effectiveness through visual dashboards and roll-up reports, so leadership always has a clear view of your risk posture.
Quick and efficient threat management - Centralize incident response and threat mitigation activities in one place. Prioritize and assign key tasks so the right people act at the right time, keeping potential damage to a minimum.

2. Robust reporting and data visualization

When it comes to GRC, data isn’t just information - it’s proof.

SmartSuite’s reporting engine turns raw risk, control, and compliance data into clear, actionable insights that stand up to board reviews, audits, and regulatory scrutiny.

Here’s how:

Multiple ways to view your data - Switch seamlessly between Grid, Kanban, Timeline, Chart, Map, Calendar, and Card views, or pull it all together into an interactive dashboard. With a single click, you can pivot from a high-level risk overview to the granular details of an individual incident or policy.

Build reports in minutes - No complex setup, no code. Just choose your fields, apply filters, group records, and create nested sorts to organize complex data in seconds. Spotlight rules let you highlight critical values, deadlines, or anomalies so nothing gets missed.

From ad hoc to always-on reporting - Save frequently used reports and star them as favorites for quick access. Create public reports for team-wide alignment or private reports for your personal workflow. Share reports via email with deep links, or schedule automated deliveries at whatever cadence your leadership prefers.

Any format, any time - Export reports instantly to PDF, Excel, CSV, or Google Sheets for external sharing, archival, or integration into presentations. Need to print a compliance status report for a regulator? It’s a two-click process.
On-the-go access - Whether you’re on a laptop, tablet, or phone, SmartSuite’s responsive design ensures you can access, edit, and present reports from anywhere.

Decision-ready dashboards - Combine multiple reports into dynamic dashboards with charting, KPI widgets, and roll-up metrics, giving executives and risk owners a live, single-pane-of-glass view of your organization’s compliance health.

3. Customization and flexibility built for your organization

SmartSuite is designed to adapt to your exact processes, regulatory requirements, and reporting needs without relying on expensive custom development or IT bottlenecks.

Within SmartSuite, you get:

To work your way - Choose from over 40 different field types, from dropdowns and multi-select lists to rich text, formulas, and calculated scores, to capture and track the data that matters most to your organization. Add, remove, or modify fields at any time as your processes evolve.

Custom risk scoring and metrics - Define your own risk calculations, KPIs, and leading indicators. Whether you want a single composite risk score or multi-factor metrics with weighted inputs, SmartSuite’s calculation capabilities make it easy to measure what’s most important for your governance strategy.
Dashboards that reflect your priorities - Build intuitive, role-specific dashboards that surface the most relevant reports, charts, and KPIs for each stakeholder group, so executives, compliance officers, and operational teams all get the context they need at a glance.

Integrations that keep everything connected - Consolidate your compliance data without disrupting existing systems. SmartSuite connects natively with leading tools, supports Zapier for thousands of integration possibilities, and offers a robust REST API for direct system-to-system communication.
Change without disruption - Need to add a new workflow for an emerging regulation? Update a control testing process? Introduce a new report for the board? SmartSuite’s no-code configuration means you can make adjustments in minutes instead of weeks, so your GRC framework stays responsive to new risks and regulations.

4. Ready-made templates to launch faster

One of the biggest hurdles in GRC implementation is the setup time, as months can pass before teams have a usable system.

SmartSuite removes that barrier with a library of ready-to-use, fully customizable solution templates designed by industry experts.

The best part? These aren’t static forms. They’re live, interactive workflows preloaded with best practices, so you can go from zero to operational in days.

Here are just a few you can start with:

Audit Planning - Plan, track, and execute internal and external audits with confidence. Assign responsibilities, document findings, and link evidence directly to controls, creating a seamless audit trail that’s ready for regulators at a moment’s notice.
Regulatory Change Management - Stay ahead of shifting laws and frameworks. This template tracks regulatory updates, maps them to your policies and controls, and manages remediation tasks, helping your organization maintain continuous compliance.
Corporate Social Responsibility - Monitor initiatives like carbon credit tracking, ethical sourcing, and diversity metrics. Link CSR data to governance goals to align sustainability with compliance efforts.
IT Asset Management - Manage the full lifecycle of your hardware, software licenses, and cloud resources. Keep assets linked to related risks, incidents, and vendor records for complete visibility.
Vulnerability Management - Identify, prioritize, and remediate security vulnerabilities. Automate alerts for critical findings, track remediation progress, and generate reports to demonstrate risk reduction over time.

Play around with one of SmartSuite’s templates to get a hang of how intuitive and interactive they are.

Pricing

SmartSuite’s pricing is simple and transparent.

The platform has a free forever plan that provides access to its templates, dynamic dashboards, team collaboration features, 100 monthly automations, etc, making it ideal for small teams testing the waters.

And if you need more features, you can subscribe to one of four paid plans:

Team: $12/user/mo, includes everything in Free, plus unlimited users, Gantt charts, 5,000 automation runs, etc.
Professional: $30/user/mo, includes everything in Team, plus two-factor authentication, Gmail & Outlook integrations, AI features, more automation runs, etc.
Enterprise: $45/user/mo, includes everything in Professional and adds audit logs, data loss prevention, 50,000 monthly API calls, etc.
Signature: A customized plan tailored to your organization’s needs and team size with no predefined limits.

The first three paid plans have a 14-day free trial - no credit card needed.

How Does SmartSuite Compare to SAP GRC?

SAP GRC has long been the go-to choice for enterprises already invested in the SAP ecosystem.

Its deep integration with SAP ERP/S/4HANA and strong access governance make it a natural fit for large, SAP-centric organizations.

But for companies seeking more flexibility, faster deployment, and broader integrations, SmartSuite offers a compelling modern alternative.

Here’s how they stack up:

Ease of use & UI - While SAP GRC is powerful, its interface is often described as dated and complex, requiring extensive training and IT involvement. SmartSuite delivers a clean, intuitive UI designed for both technical and non-technical users, so teams can hit the ground running without weeks of onboarding.
Flexibility & customization - SAP GRC’s customization is possible but typically requires specialist support. SmartSuite offers over 40 field types, no-code workflows, and instantly adjustable dashboards, letting you adapt processes, reports, and risk scoring in minutes.
Reporting power - SAP GRC’s reporting is functional but limited in visualization and ad-hoc analytics. SmartSuite lets you build detailed, interactive reports in Grid, Kanban, Timeline, Chart, Map, and Dashboard views, exportable in multiple formats and accessible on any device.
Integration breadth - SAP GRC excels in SAP-to-SAP connections but is less friendly to diverse tech stacks. SmartSuite offers native integrations, Zapier support, and a REST API, making it easier to connect with your existing tools.
Deployment speed - SAP GRC implementations can take months. SmartSuite’s ready-made GRC templates, from Audit Planning to Regulatory Change Management, enable operational use within days without heavy IT lift.
Cost & accessibility - SAP GRC’s enterprise pricing and implementation costs can be prohibitive for SMBs. SmartSuite offers a free forever plan and transparent paid tiers starting at $12/user/month, making advanced GRC accessible to teams of all sizes.

Pros & Cons

✅ Unified GRC platform with all core governance, risk, and compliance functions in one workspace.

✅ Intuitive, no-code interface, easy for both technical and non-technical users to navigate, customize, and adapt without relying on IT.

✅ Robust reporting & dashboards with multiple data views (Grid, Kanban, Timeline, Chart, Map, Calendar, Card), instant filtering, grouping, and export options.

✅ Extensive customization with over 40 field types, custom risk scoring, and adaptable workflows so the platform fits your processes, not the other way around.

✅ Real-time collaboration with simultaneous record editing, commenting, and activity tracking to keep compliance, IT, and legal teams aligned.

✅ Transparent and cost effective pricing.

❌ Limited native integrations compared to some enterprise solutions.

2. MetricStream

Best for: Large enterprises that need an integrated, enterprise-grade GRC platform spanning risk, compliance, audit, cyber/IT risk, third-party risk, and ESG.

MetricStream’s ConnectedGRC suite (BusinessGRC, CyberGRC, ESGRC) centralizes governance, risk, and compliance so risk/compliance, audit, cybersecurity, and sustainability teams work from one system of record.

It’s designed to roll up risk and control data across the organization for decision-ready insights.