The rapid rise of blockchain technology and dApps has increased the need for secure smart contracts, which are self-executing and written in code but prone to vulnerabilities.
Smart contract auditing has become essential to ensure their security. This blog reviews the top 15 smart contract auditing firms, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help blockchain developers, project teams, and investors enhance the security of their digital assets.
List of Top 15 Smart Contract Auditing Companies
1. QuillAudits
2. Hacken
3. Hashlock
4. Slowmist
5. Quantstamp
6. Halborn
7. OpenZeppelin
8. Trail of Bits
9. ConsenSys Diligence
10. Kudelski Security
11. ChainSecurity
12. PeckShield
13. CertiK
14. Spearbit
15. Haechi Labs
Let's take a closer look at these top blockchain auditing companies & see what they have to offer:
1. QuillAudits
QuillAudits is a leader in blockchain security, leveraging the QuillAI network, a decentralized security layer powered by AI agents.
QuillShield, an AI agent, identifies and fixes vulnerabilities in smart contracts, while QuillCheck assesses whether a token is susceptible to rug pulling.
With expertise across 24+ blockchain platforms, including Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, and Binance Smart Chain, QuillAudits delivers tailored security solutions, actionable insights, and a commitment to transparency and reliability in the ever-evolving blockchain landscape.
Pros:
Specializes in security for 24+ blockchain platforms, including multiple L1s and L2s.
Features QuillShield AI for vulnerability detection and fixes.
Offers QuillCheck to assess token susceptibility to rug pulling.
Very well known for thorough smart contract audits & vulnerability assessments.
Actively contributes to blockchain security research and development.
Cons:
High demand can lead to extended service delivery times.
2. CertiK
CertiK leads the field in smart contract auditing, with assets valued over $364 billion under its review.
The firm provides a range of services, including smart contract audits, penetration testing, & formal verification, ensuring top-tier security for their clients.
Pros:
Extensive range of supported blockchains.
Comprehensive service offerings including KYC and bug bounty programs.
Notable audits include Aptos, Gala Games, and BNB Chain.
Cons:
High demand may result in longer waiting times for audits.
Services can be costly for smaller projects.
3. Quantstamp
Quantstamp ranks as one of the best smart contract auditing firms, with a proven track record involving the Ethereum Foundation & Solana.
Founded in 2017, it offers diverse services, including smart contract audits, off-chain networking reviews, and front-end security checks.
Pros:
Global presence with legal entities in multiple countries.
Extensive experience with over $200 billion in digital assets secured.
24/7 security monitoring.
Cons:
Past high-profile breaches have raised concerns about audit thoroughness.
Specializes primarily in Ethereum and Solana ecosystems.
4. OpenZeppelin
OpenZeppelin excels in smart contract auditing & they have a strong focus on security & developer support.
The firm provides comprehensive services, including smart contract audits and automated Ethereum operations.
Pros:
Robust library of secure smart contracts for Ethereum.
Defender platform for automating smart contract operations.
Trusted by leading teams like Coinbase and Compound.
Cons:
Limited blockchain support beyond Ethereum and EVM chains.
Reliance on developers to integrate OpenZeppelin Contracts properly.
5. Trail of Bits
Trail of Bits stands out in smart contract and Web3.0 security, offering software assurance, security engineering, and R&D to mitigate risks and strengthen code integrity.
Pros:
Extensive experience with big-name clients like Airbnb and Facebook.
Development of unique tools like Manticore and iVerify.
Provides ongoing support post-audit.
Cons:
High-profile client base may limit availability for smaller projects.
Focus on both Web2.0 and blockchain security might dilute specialization.
6. Hacken
Hacken is recognized for its focus on enhancing web3 safety and offers a broad range of services, including smart contract audits and penetration testing.
Pros:
Transparent and efficient auditing process.
Diverse range of services including proof of reserves and tokenomics audits.
Significant investment in the blockchain security ecosystem.
Cons:
Past incidents of audited protocols being exploited.
Primarily focuses on Eastern European and CIS regions.
7. Hashlock
Hashlock is an Australia-based blockchain security and smart contract auditing company aiming to provide education and awareness around project security.
Pros:
Extensive support for all blockchain chains.
Focus on industry research and community contribution.
Strong reputation in the DePIN sector.
Cons:
Smaller client base compared to top-tier firms.
Limited information on past high-profile audits.
8. Slowmist
Founded in 2018, SlowMist is a blockchain security firm specializing in providing protection for the blockchain ecosystem with over 1000 projects onboarded.
Pros:
Extensive range of security-related products and services.
Strong partnerships with international security firms.
Notable service MistTrack for tracking stolen funds.
Cons:
Significant past exploit resulting in $34M loss.
High volume of projects may impact audit depth.
9. Halborn
Halborn specializes in analyzing and testing blockchain applications for security vulnerabilities and design issues, founded by ethical hackers Rob Behnke and Steven Walbroehl.
Pros:
Comprehensive security services including advanced penetration testing.
Strong client base including BlockFi and ApeCoin.
Focus on multiple blockchain ecosystems.
Cons:
Significant loss from MonoX protocol hack.
Relatively newer firm in the blockchain space.
10. Consensys Diligence
Consensys Diligence is a comprehensive security analysis tool designed for Ethereum applications, offering a combination of blockchain security analysis tools and experienced auditors.
Pros:
Strong focus on the Ethereum ecosystem.
Innovative services like Fuzzing and Scribble.
Notable audits for projects like Aave and Uniswap.
Cons:
Limited to Ethereum and EVM chains.
Past exploit incidents have occurred despite audits.
11. Kudelski Security
Kudelski Security is a Swiss-based cybersecurity firm providing innovative solutions and consulting services, with a strong focus on blockchain security.
Pros:
Worked with prominent names like Binance and Solana.
Broad range of security services beyond blockchain.
High total MCAP of portfolio.
Cons:
Newer entrant in the blockchain space.
High service costs may be prohibitive for smaller projects.
12. ChainSecurity
ChainSecurity is led by security experts from ETH Zurich, providing end-to-end security solutions for blockchain protocols and smart contracts.
Pros:
Developed impressive tools like Securify and VerX.
Focused on Ethereum and Polkadot-based smart contract auditing.
Trusted by MakerDAO and Compound.
Cons:
Limited to specific blockchains.
Smaller project base compared to industry leaders.
13. PeckShield
PeckShield is a Chinese-based audit and security firm known for discovering critical issues like the Ethereum BatchOverflow loophole, providing comprehensive security solutions.
Pros:
Extensive range of services including penetration testing and threat monitoring.
Frequent updates and education for the public.
Top 3 ranking in Ethereum Bounty Program.
Cons:
High combined loss from past audited projects.
Primarily focuses on the Asian market.
14. SpearBit
SpearBit is a decentralized network of security experts offering Web3 security consulting services, connecting independent experts with Web3 projects.
Pros:
Flexible network of freelance auditors.
Broad technical expertise including protocol design and formal verification.
Trusted by clients like Opensea and Polygon zkEVM.
Cons:
Decentralized model may lead to variability in service quality.
Smaller scale compared to centralized auditing firms.
15. Veridise
Veridise offers auditing services for blockchain projects with a strong emphasis on formal verification to ensure the security and reliability of smart contracts.
Pros:
Strong focus on formal verification.
Provides thorough and detailed audit reports.
Trusted by leading blockchain projects.
Cons:
May have longer turnaround times due to thoroughness.
Limited information on client base and past audits.
Conclusion
Smart contract audits are crucial but should be viewed as part of a continuous security improvement process.
Developers must address audit findings, implement best security practices, and maintain active bug bounty programs to minimize future vulnerabilities.
Selecting an auditor company with a good reputation and proven track record is essential for gaining confidence and ensuring the security of blockchain projects.
