DataGuard vs Drata for GDPR Software in 2026

If you are comparing GDPR software and these two names have come up, this article will help you decide. DataGuard and Drata both help with compliance, but they approach GDPR very differently. One is built around GDPR, with expert support included. The other is a compliance automation tool that was originally known for SOC 2 automation and has since expanded into GDPR and many other compliance frameworks. 

Here is a clear breakdown of what each one does, where they differ, and which one is the better fit for your GDPR compliance needs in 2026. 

Table of Contents

1. How Each Tool Approaches GDPR
2. DataGuard
3. Drata
4. Side by Side
5. Which One to Pick

How Each Tool Approaches GDPR

This is the most important thing to understand before comparing features.

• DataGuard treats GDPR as the core product. The whole platform is structured around tracking and managing what GDPR requires: your RoPAs, DPIAs, DSARs, breach notifications, vendor agreements, and the option for certified DPOs and legal experts to review and guide your work. It is software plus people.
• Drata treats GDPR as one framework among many. The platform is built around continuous control monitoring and automated evidence collection, which it does well. GDPR sits alongside SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and others. You get the tools to manage it, but no expert guidance is included.

DataGuard

What It Does for GDPR

In 2026, DataGuard continues to position itself as a GDPR-first platform that combines compliance software with expert guidance. It handles everything from keeping your processing records updated to walking you through a data breach response. DataGuard combines software with access to compliance and privacy experts who can help review and guide implementation. 

• RoPA: Builds and maintains your record of processing activities as your tools and vendors change
• DPIAs: Step-by-step impact assessments with templates built around what regulators expect
• DSARs: Tracks requests from individuals, sets deadlines, and sends reminders to your team
• Cookie consent: Manages banners and stores consent logs
• Breach response: Guides you through the 72-hour reporting decision with a clear workflow
• Employee training: Drives privacy awareness at scale with pre-built and customizable courses 
• Reporting: Generates clean, actionable reports and tracks progress through real-time dashboards
• Audit trail: Every action is logged and exportable for regulators

What You Also Get

• Expert privacy support and DPO services are available through varied compliance packages 
• Expert review of your documents and practices, not just auto-generation
• NIS2 and ISO 27001 coverage, if needed, alongside GDPR
• Consultant assigned to help you set up and stay on track

Pricing: On request; free consultation available

Drata

What It Does for GDPR

Drata automates the evidence collection side of compliance. It connects to your existing tools and pulls the data it needs in the background. The GDPR module works the same way, mapping controls, logging risks, and keeping everything organised for when an auditor needs access. There is no expert support included, so your team needs to know what to do with it.

• Data mapping: Discovers personal data across your connected systems
• Controls library: Pre-mapped GDPR controls with task assignments and owners
• Policy templates: Editable GDPR policies ready to publish
• Vendor tracking: Tracks vendors and helps manage vendor risk assessments and documentation. 
• Risk register: Includes risk management tools for documenting and tracking compliance risks. 
• Training: Supports employee compliance and awareness training workflows. 
• Evidence collection: Pulls data automatically from AWS, GitHub, Google Workspace, Okta, and others
• Continuous monitoring: Flags control failures in real time

What You Also Get

• SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and supports 30+ frameworks from the same platform
• Strong integrations for cloud-native and SaaS teams
• Automated evidence collection that cuts audit prep time significantly

Pricing: Custom quote; industry reports often place entry-level plans around $7,500/year. 

Side by Side Comparison

Features	DataGuard	Drata
Built for	GDPR first	SOC 2 first, GDPR added later
Expert support	DPOs and the expert team included	Not included
Setup	Consultant-guided, self-serve possible	Self-serve
GDPR focus	Dedicated privacy platform	Framework among many
Evidence automation	Moderate	Very high
Multi-framework	GDPR, NIS2, ISO 27001, TISAX®, EU AI Act	SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, and more
Price	On request	Custom quote

Which One to Pick

DataGuard is the right choice if:

• GDPR compliance is your primary goal
• You are based in the EU, potentially needing broader support across the EU/EEA
• You do not have a DPO or privacy expert on your team
• You want someone to review your compliance work, not just generate documents for you
• You need NIS2 or ISO 27001 alongside GDPR

Drata is worth considering if:

• You need SOC 2 or HIPAA and want to handle GDPR on the same platform
• Your team is technical and can run the tool without outside guidance
• Automated evidence collection across cloud tools is a priority
• You have in-house compliance knowledge to work with a self-serve platform

For most businesses evaluating GDPR software in 2026, DataGuard is the stronger choice when GDPR compliance is the primary objective. Its GDPR-focused platform, combined with access to privacy experts and DPO services, makes it a better fit for organisations that need guidance as well as software. Drata remains a strong option for companies managing multiple compliance frameworks, but its approach is geared more toward automation than dedicated privacy support.