Quick Overview
- 1#1: Proofpoint Email Protection - Advanced email security platform that uses AI to protect against phishing, spam, malware, and targeted attacks.
- 2#2: Mimecast Email Security - Cloud-based service providing targeted threat protection, spam filtering, and email continuity for enterprises.
- 3#3: Microsoft Defender for Office 365 - Integrated email filtering and threat protection solution within Microsoft 365 that blocks phishing and malware.
- 4#4: Barracuda Email Security Gateway - Cloud and on-premises gateway offering spam, virus, and advanced phishing protection for businesses.
- 5#5: Abnormal Security - AI-native platform that detects sophisticated email attacks like BEC and account takeovers using behavioral analysis.
- 6#6: IRONSCALES - AI-powered email security with human intelligence for real-time phishing detection and automated response.
- 7#7: Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense - Enterprise-grade email security gateway that defends against spam, phishing, and ransomware with machine learning.
- 8#8: Trend Micro Email Security - Cloud email security service that filters spam, phishing, and malware using global threat intelligence.
- 9#9: Fortinet FortiMail - Secure email gateway with AI-driven threat protection, DLP, and anti-spam capabilities for organizations.
- 10#10: SpamTitan - Cloud-based spam and virus filtering service with high-accuracy detection for SMBs and enterprises.
Tools were selected based on advanced threat detection capabilities (including AI/ML performance), ease of use, reliability, and value, ensuring they cater to diverse organizational needs, from small teams to large enterprises.
Comparison Table
Email filtering software is essential for protecting organizations from phishing, malware, and other threats embedded in incoming messages. This comparison table analyzes top tools—such as Proofpoint Email Protection, Mimecast Email Security, and Microsoft Defender for Office 365—outlining key features and strengths to help readers select the right solution for their security needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proofpoint Email Protection Advanced email security platform that uses AI to protect against phishing, spam, malware, and targeted attacks. | enterprise | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Mimecast Email Security Cloud-based service providing targeted threat protection, spam filtering, and email continuity for enterprises. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Integrated email filtering and threat protection solution within Microsoft 365 that blocks phishing and malware. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Barracuda Email Security Gateway Cloud and on-premises gateway offering spam, virus, and advanced phishing protection for businesses. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Abnormal Security AI-native platform that detects sophisticated email attacks like BEC and account takeovers using behavioral analysis. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | IRONSCALES AI-powered email security with human intelligence for real-time phishing detection and automated response. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense Enterprise-grade email security gateway that defends against spam, phishing, and ransomware with machine learning. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Trend Micro Email Security Cloud email security service that filters spam, phishing, and malware using global threat intelligence. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Fortinet FortiMail Secure email gateway with AI-driven threat protection, DLP, and anti-spam capabilities for organizations. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | SpamTitan Cloud-based spam and virus filtering service with high-accuracy detection for SMBs and enterprises. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
Advanced email security platform that uses AI to protect against phishing, spam, malware, and targeted attacks.
Cloud-based service providing targeted threat protection, spam filtering, and email continuity for enterprises.
Integrated email filtering and threat protection solution within Microsoft 365 that blocks phishing and malware.
Cloud and on-premises gateway offering spam, virus, and advanced phishing protection for businesses.
AI-native platform that detects sophisticated email attacks like BEC and account takeovers using behavioral analysis.
AI-powered email security with human intelligence for real-time phishing detection and automated response.
Enterprise-grade email security gateway that defends against spam, phishing, and ransomware with machine learning.
Cloud email security service that filters spam, phishing, and malware using global threat intelligence.
Secure email gateway with AI-driven threat protection, DLP, and anti-spam capabilities for organizations.
Cloud-based spam and virus filtering service with high-accuracy detection for SMBs and enterprises.
Proofpoint Email Protection
enterpriseAdvanced email security platform that uses AI to protect against phishing, spam, malware, and targeted attacks.
Precision BEC protection using patented machine learning to detect highly targeted impersonation and account compromise attacks with unmatched accuracy
Proofpoint Email Protection is a leading enterprise-grade email security solution that delivers advanced filtering against spam, phishing, malware, ransomware, and business email compromise (BEC) using AI-driven detection and behavioral analysis. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 and other platforms, offering features like URL and attachment sandboxing, precise threat intelligence, and automated response capabilities. The platform emphasizes people-centric security, protecting users from account takeover and impersonation attacks while ensuring compliance through DLP controls.
Pros
- Exceptional AI/ML-powered threat detection with near-zero false positives and high catch rates for advanced threats like BEC and ransomware
- Comprehensive ecosystem including URL Defense, Attachment Defense, and TAP for granular policy enforcement
- Robust integrations with SIEM, EDR, and cloud email services for streamlined operations
Cons
- Premium pricing that may be prohibitive for small businesses
- Complex setup and management requiring skilled administrators
- Occasional over-aggressiveness in filtering legitimate emails during initial tuning
Best For
Large enterprises and mid-sized organizations prioritizing top-tier email threat protection and compliance in high-risk environments.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $5-12 per user/month depending on volume and features; volume discounts available.
Mimecast Email Security
enterpriseCloud-based service providing targeted threat protection, spam filtering, and email continuity for enterprises.
Targeted Threat Protection with polymorphic engine for real-time detection of zero-day phishing and BEC attacks
Mimecast Email Security is a cloud-native platform delivering advanced email threat protection, including AI-driven detection of phishing, malware, ransomware, and business email compromise. It features multi-layered defenses like URL and attachment sandboxing, impersonation protection, and DMARC monitoring to safeguard inboxes across Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. Beyond filtering, it integrates archiving, continuity, and compliance tools for enterprise-grade email management.
Pros
- Superior AI/ML-powered threat detection with high accuracy rates
- Comprehensive multi-layered protection including sandboxing and URL rewriting
- Seamless integrations and rapid deployment for enterprises
Cons
- Premium pricing may deter small businesses
- Setup and configuration can be complex for non-experts
- Some advanced features require add-on modules
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with high email volumes needing robust protection against sophisticated threats and compliance support.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically $8-15 per user/month depending on features and scale.
Microsoft Defender for Office 365
enterpriseIntegrated email filtering and threat protection solution within Microsoft 365 that blocks phishing and malware.
Zero-hour auto purge (ZAP) that automatically removes malicious emails post-delivery
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is an advanced cloud-based email security solution designed to protect organizations from phishing, malware, spam, and business email compromise attacks. It leverages AI-driven detection, machine learning, and behavioral analysis to scan emails, attachments, and links in real-time, preventing threats from reaching user inboxes. Integrated natively with Exchange Online and Microsoft 365, it offers features like Safe Attachments, Safe Links, and anti-impersonation protection for comprehensive email filtering.
Pros
- AI-powered real-time threat detection with high accuracy
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 ecosystem
- Advanced features like Zero-hour auto purge (ZAP) and impersonation protection
Cons
- Requires Microsoft 365 subscription for full functionality
- Configuration can be complex for smaller teams
- Occasional false positives requiring admin tuning
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises using Microsoft 365 that need robust, scalable email threat protection.
Pricing
Included in Microsoft 365 E3/E5 plans; standalone Plan 1 at ~$2/user/month, Plan 2 at ~$5/user/month (annual commitment).
Barracuda Email Security Gateway
enterpriseCloud and on-premises gateway offering spam, virus, and advanced phishing protection for businesses.
Barracuda Threat Exchange: A global crowdsourced network sharing real-time threat intelligence across millions of users for proactive defense.
Barracuda Email Security Gateway is a robust cloud-based and on-premises email security solution designed to protect organizations from spam, phishing, malware, ransomware, and advanced email threats using AI-driven machine learning and behavioral analysis. It provides multi-layered filtering, data loss prevention (DLP), email encryption, archiving, and continuity features to ensure secure and compliant email operations. With flexible deployment options including virtual appliances and hardware gateways, it integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and other platforms.
Pros
- Highly effective AI-powered spam and phishing detection with low false positives
- Comprehensive threat intelligence via Barracuda Threat Exchange network
- Flexible deployment options including cloud, virtual, and hardware appliances
Cons
- Subscription pricing can be higher than basic competitors for SMBs
- Occasional configuration complexity for advanced custom rules
- Mixed reports on customer support response times
Best For
Mid-sized businesses and enterprises needing advanced, scalable email threat protection with compliance features.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$4/user/month for Essentials, up to $10+/user/month for Premium bundles with DLP and archiving; custom quotes for on-premises.
Abnormal Security
specializedAI-native platform that detects sophisticated email attacks like BEC and account takeovers using behavioral analysis.
Behavioral AI engine that models normal email behavior per user and organization to stop unseen threats
Abnormal Security is an AI-powered email security platform designed to protect organizations from advanced email threats like phishing, business email compromise (BEC), account takeovers, and malware. It leverages behavioral AI and machine learning to analyze email patterns, sender relationships, and anomalies in real-time, surpassing traditional signature-based filters. The solution integrates natively with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, offering automated remediation and detailed forensic reports.
Pros
- Exceptional AI-driven behavioral analysis for detecting zero-day threats and BEC
- Low false positive rates with high accuracy in threat blocking
- Seamless integration and quick deployment with major email platforms
Cons
- Premium enterprise pricing may be steep for SMBs
- Limited visibility into non-email threats compared to broader EDR solutions
- Advanced reporting and customization require some learning curve
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing cutting-edge, AI-based protection against sophisticated email attacks.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $6-12 per user/month with volume discounts and annual contracts.
IRONSCALES
specializedAI-powered email security with human intelligence for real-time phishing detection and automated response.
Phishing Immune System: Real-time learning from user reports and clicks for autonomous threat neutralization
IronScales is an AI-powered email security platform designed to combat phishing, business email compromise (BEC), and other advanced email threats through a combination of machine learning and human intelligence. It offers real-time detection, autonomous remediation, and user-empowered reporting to minimize false positives and enhance organizational resilience. The solution integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, providing continuous threat hunting and simulated phishing training.
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy in phishing detection with AI-human fusion reducing false positives
- Autonomous remediation and real-time response capabilities
- User reporting and training tools that strengthen security culture
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter small businesses
- Some advanced configuration requires IT expertise
- Relies partly on user interaction for optimal performance
Best For
Mid-sized enterprises and organizations prioritizing proactive, AI-driven phishing defense with human oversight.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically $5-8 per user per month based on volume and features.
Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense
enterpriseEnterprise-grade email security gateway that defends against spam, phishing, and ransomware with machine learning.
Cisco Talos threat intelligence with real-time global visibility into over 300 billion email messages daily
Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense is a cloud-based email security solution that provides advanced protection against phishing, malware, ransomware, and business email compromise (BEC) threats. Leveraging Cisco Talos global threat intelligence and AI/ML-driven detection engines, it scans inbound, outbound, and internal emails in real-time, including sandboxing for attachments and URLs. The platform integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 and other ecosystems, offering policy management, incident response, and reporting for enterprise-scale deployments.
Pros
- Unmatched threat intelligence from Cisco Talos processing billions of queries daily
- Advanced AI/ML for detecting zero-day threats and sophisticated evasion techniques
- Seamless integration with Cisco SecureX and Microsoft 365 for unified security operations
Cons
- Complex setup and management requiring IT expertise
- Premium pricing may not suit small to mid-sized businesses
- Limited flexibility in customization compared to some competitors
Best For
Large enterprises with high-volume email traffic needing intelligence-driven, scalable threat defense.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription, typically $4-8 per user per month depending on features and volume.
Trend Micro Email Security
enterpriseCloud email security service that filters spam, phishing, and malware using global threat intelligence.
AI-powered sandbox correlation that detonates suspicious attachments and links across a global network for zero-day threat detection
Trend Micro Email Security is a cloud-based email filtering solution that protects against spam, phishing, malware, ransomware, and advanced threats using AI, machine learning, and global threat intelligence. It scans inbound, outbound, and internal emails in real-time, with features like sandbox analysis, URL filtering, and attachment detonation. The service integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and on-premises systems, providing compliance tools and detailed reporting for enterprise environments.
Pros
- Superior AI and ML-driven threat detection with low false positives
- Robust sandboxing and global threat intelligence network
- Strong integrations with major email platforms like Microsoft 365
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small businesses or basic needs
- Initial setup and configuration may require IT expertise
- Reporting customization could be more intuitive
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises needing scalable, advanced email threat protection with deep Microsoft ecosystem integration.
Pricing
Subscription-based, typically $3-$6 per user/month depending on volume and features; custom enterprise quotes available.
Fortinet FortiMail
enterpriseSecure email gateway with AI-driven threat protection, DLP, and anti-spam capabilities for organizations.
FortiSandbox integration for real-time analysis of unknown threats
Fortinet FortiMail is a robust email security gateway that provides advanced protection against spam, viruses, phishing, and malware using AI-driven machine learning and FortiGuard threat intelligence. It offers data loss prevention (DLP), email encryption, archiving, and sandboxing for zero-day threats, supporting both on-premises appliances and cloud deployments. Designed for scalability, it integrates seamlessly with the Fortinet Security Fabric for unified threat management across networks.
Pros
- Comprehensive threat detection with AI/ML and inline sandboxing
- Deep integration with Fortinet Security Fabric ecosystem
- High scalability for enterprise email volumes with strong DLP
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- Higher pricing unsuitable for small businesses
- Best performance requires other Fortinet products
Best For
Large enterprises with existing Fortinet infrastructure needing advanced, scalable email security.
Pricing
Quote-based; on-premises appliances start at ~$2,000 with annual FortiGuard subscriptions ~20-30% of license cost; cloud options ~$4-7/user/month.
SpamTitan
specializedCloud-based spam and virus filtering service with high-accuracy detection for SMBs and enterprises.
Dual sandbox analysis for zero-day malware detection, providing proactive defense beyond traditional signature-based methods
SpamTitan is a cloud-based email security gateway that provides robust protection against spam, phishing, malware, viruses, and business email compromise (BEC). It leverages advanced AI, machine learning, heuristics, and sandboxing to achieve over 99.9% spam detection rates with minimal false positives. The solution supports inbound/outbound filtering, email archiving, encryption, and compliance features, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes seeking reliable email defense.
Pros
- Exceptional spam and phishing detection accuracy (99.95%+)
- Quick deployment with setup in under 10 minutes
- Comprehensive threat intelligence and sandboxing included
Cons
- Reporting dashboard lacks advanced customization options
- Customer support response times can vary during peak periods
- Higher pricing tiers for premium features may deter very small teams
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses needing straightforward, high-performance email filtering without IT expertise.
Pricing
Starts at ~$2 per user/month for basic cloud plans, with bundles up to $4/user/month including archiving and encryption; custom enterprise quotes available.
Conclusion
The reviewed email filtering tools demonstrate excellence across key areas, with Proofpoint Email Protection leading due to its advanced AI for holistic threat defense. Mimecast and Microsoft Defender for Office 365 follow as strong alternatives, catering to enterprise continuity and Microsoft ecosystem integration respectively, ensuring diverse needs are met.
Don’t compromise on email security—explore Proofpoint Email Protection to leverage its top-tier AI capabilities and protect against evolving threats.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
