Outsourced DPO

In-house vs. outsourced DPO: which to choose?

Complete comparison table to help you make the right decision based on your size, budget and challenges.

Detailed comparison

Overall cost
High Limit

Salary, contributions, ongoing training, tools

Controlled Advantage

All-inclusive monthly fee (expertise + platform)

Expertise
Variable Depends on context

Depends on the recruited profile and how fast they ramp up

High Advantage

Dedicated expert, multi-sector vision, continuous watch

Availability
Full-time Depends on context

Dedicated but sometimes under- or over-worked

On-demand Advantage

Shared but contractually guaranteed

Independence
Risk Limit

Hierarchical link that can create conflicts of interest

Guaranteed Advantage

No hierarchical link, contractual independence

Continuity
Fragile Limit

Absence, departure, illness: no automatic replacement

Ensured Advantage

Contractual continuity, backup team

Tools
To acquire Depends on context

GDPR software to buy and run separately

Included Advantage

Complete DCO platform integrated into the service

Scalability
Limited Limit

Single profile, fixed capacity

Flexible Advantage

Adapts to your growing needs (multi-entities, regulations)

When to choose what?

In-house DPO recommended if...

You have more than 500 employees with very complex processing
You already have a strong legal and tech profile in-house
Your company culture requires a daily physical presence
Your HR budget supports a dedicated role (€60-90k/year + contributions)

Outsourced DPO recommended if...

You are an SME or mid-cap without in-house GDPR expertise
You want to keep compliance costs under control
You need an external, independent perspective
You are looking for a turnkey solution (expert + platform)
You need to steer multiple regulations (GDPR, NIS2, DORA)

Explore also

Outsourced DPOOutsourced DPO pricingImpartiality guarantee

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