Quick Overview
- 1#1: Proofpoint - Provides comprehensive email security with advanced threat detection, compliance monitoring, and insider risk management.
- 2#2: Mimecast - Offers cloud-based email security, archiving, and targeted threat protection with real-time monitoring.
- 3#3: Microsoft Defender for Office 365 - Delivers AI-driven email threat protection, anti-phishing, and safe attachments monitoring for Microsoft 365.
- 4#4: Cisco Secure Email - Secures email gateways with advanced malware scanning, encryption, and continuous threat monitoring.
- 5#5: Trend Micro Email Security - Uses AI-powered detection for spam, phishing, and advanced threats with detailed email traffic monitoring.
- 6#6: Symantec Email Security.cloud - Protects against email-borne threats with sandboxing, DLP, and compliance-focused monitoring.
- 7#7: Fortinet FortiMail - Provides secure email gateway services with deep content inspection and real-time monitoring.
- 8#8: Abnormal Security - Detects sophisticated email attacks using behavioral AI and anomaly monitoring without rules.
- 9#9: Ironscales - Combines AI automation and human intelligence for phishing detection and email incident monitoring.
- 10#10: Barracuda Email Security - Offers spam filtering, virus protection, and email archiving with centralized monitoring dashboards.
Tools were ranked based on threat detection accuracy, ease of deployment and use, comprehensive feature sets (including compliance and archiving), and overall value, ensuring a balanced mix of technical excellence and practical utility.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores email monitoring software options like Proofpoint, Mimecast, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, Cisco Secure Email, Trend Micro Email Security, and more, aiding readers in identifying key features and suitability for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proofpoint Provides comprehensive email security with advanced threat detection, compliance monitoring, and insider risk management. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Mimecast Offers cloud-based email security, archiving, and targeted threat protection with real-time monitoring. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Delivers AI-driven email threat protection, anti-phishing, and safe attachments monitoring for Microsoft 365. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Cisco Secure Email Secures email gateways with advanced malware scanning, encryption, and continuous threat monitoring. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Trend Micro Email Security Uses AI-powered detection for spam, phishing, and advanced threats with detailed email traffic monitoring. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Symantec Email Security.cloud Protects against email-borne threats with sandboxing, DLP, and compliance-focused monitoring. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Fortinet FortiMail Provides secure email gateway services with deep content inspection and real-time monitoring. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Abnormal Security Detects sophisticated email attacks using behavioral AI and anomaly monitoring without rules. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 9 | Ironscales Combines AI automation and human intelligence for phishing detection and email incident monitoring. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Barracuda Email Security Offers spam filtering, virus protection, and email archiving with centralized monitoring dashboards. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
Provides comprehensive email security with advanced threat detection, compliance monitoring, and insider risk management.
Offers cloud-based email security, archiving, and targeted threat protection with real-time monitoring.
Delivers AI-driven email threat protection, anti-phishing, and safe attachments monitoring for Microsoft 365.
Secures email gateways with advanced malware scanning, encryption, and continuous threat monitoring.
Uses AI-powered detection for spam, phishing, and advanced threats with detailed email traffic monitoring.
Protects against email-borne threats with sandboxing, DLP, and compliance-focused monitoring.
Provides secure email gateway services with deep content inspection and real-time monitoring.
Detects sophisticated email attacks using behavioral AI and anomaly monitoring without rules.
Combines AI automation and human intelligence for phishing detection and email incident monitoring.
Offers spam filtering, virus protection, and email archiving with centralized monitoring dashboards.
Proofpoint
enterpriseProvides comprehensive email security with advanced threat detection, compliance monitoring, and insider risk management.
AI-powered Precision BEC Protection with contextual analysis to stop account takeover and impersonation attacks
Proofpoint is a premier email security and monitoring platform that delivers advanced threat protection, data loss prevention (DLP), and compliance archiving for enterprise environments. It uses AI-driven behavioral analysis, machine learning, and real-time threat intelligence to detect phishing, malware, ransomware, and business email compromise (BEC) attempts with exceptional accuracy. The solution provides granular visibility into email traffic, automated remediation, and detailed reporting to ensure regulatory compliance and minimize data exfiltration risks.
Pros
- Industry-leading detection rates for advanced threats like BEC and zero-day attacks
- Comprehensive DLP and compliance tools with precise policy enforcement
- Integrated threat intelligence from a massive global sensor network
Cons
- High cost suitable mainly for large enterprises
- Steep learning curve for configuration and management
- Requires significant IT resources for optimal deployment
Best For
Large enterprises and organizations with high-volume email traffic needing robust, enterprise-grade monitoring and protection against sophisticated cyber threats.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically $5-15 per user/month depending on features and volume.
Mimecast
enterpriseOffers cloud-based email security, archiving, and targeted threat protection with real-time monitoring.
Targeted Threat Protection with autonomous URL/attachment detonation and impersonation defense
Mimecast is a leading cloud-based email security platform that provides advanced monitoring, threat protection, and archiving for enterprise email environments. It uses AI-driven detection to scan for phishing, malware, ransomware, and impersonation in real-time, while offering data loss prevention (DLP), URL/attachment sandboxing, and continuity services to maintain email flow during outages. Additionally, it includes compliance tools like e-discovery, journaling, and employee awareness training to ensure regulatory adherence and reduce human error.
Pros
- AI-powered threat intelligence with low false positives
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
- Robust archiving, e-discovery, and continuity features
Cons
- Premium pricing may be steep for small businesses
- Steep learning curve for advanced configurations
- Occasional delays in sandbox analysis for very large volumes
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises requiring comprehensive email threat monitoring, compliance, and business continuity.
Pricing
Subscription-based at $10-15 per user/month (billed annually), with custom enterprise tiers available.
Microsoft Defender for Office 365
enterpriseDelivers AI-driven email threat protection, anti-phishing, and safe attachments monitoring for Microsoft 365.
Zero-hour auto purge (ZAP) for rapid removal of malicious emails post-delivery
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is a comprehensive cloud-based security solution designed to protect email environments from advanced threats like phishing, malware, spam, and business email compromise. It leverages AI and machine learning for real-time detection, including features like Safe Links, Safe Attachments, and anti-impersonation policies. Integrated seamlessly with Microsoft 365, it monitors and remediates threats across Exchange Online, Microsoft Teams, and other collaboration tools, making it ideal for enterprise email security.
Pros
- Advanced AI-driven threat detection with low false positives
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 ecosystem
- Real-time URL and attachment scanning with automated remediation
Cons
- Limited effectiveness outside Microsoft environments
- Complex configuration for optimal performance
- Higher cost for smaller organizations without existing M365 licenses
Best For
Enterprises and mid-sized businesses heavily invested in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem seeking 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).
Cisco Secure Email
enterpriseSecures email gateways with advanced malware scanning, encryption, and continuous threat monitoring.
Talos global threat intelligence for real-time, proactive email threat detection and blocking
Cisco Secure Email, part of Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense, is a cloud-native platform that delivers advanced email security and monitoring for enterprises. It scans inbound, outbound, and internal emails for threats like phishing, malware, spam, and business email compromise using machine learning, sandboxing, and Talos threat intelligence. The solution provides detailed reporting, compliance tools, and policy enforcement to monitor email traffic effectively while minimizing false positives.
Pros
- Superior threat detection with Talos intelligence and AMP for Endpoints integration
- Comprehensive analytics and customizable dashboards for email monitoring
- Scalable architecture supporting high-volume enterprise environments
Cons
- Steep learning curve for configuration and management
- Higher pricing suitable mainly for larger organizations
- Limited flexibility for very small teams or custom scripting
Best For
Enterprises and mid-sized organizations requiring robust, scalable email threat monitoring with deep integration into existing security stacks.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription; typically $4-12 per user/month depending on features and volume.
Trend Micro Email Security
enterpriseUses AI-powered detection for spam, phishing, and advanced threats with detailed email traffic monitoring.
AI-powered sandbox analysis for detecting zero-day malware and evasive threats
Trend Micro Email Security is a cloud-based email gateway solution designed to protect organizations from spam, phishing, malware, ransomware, and advanced persistent threats through real-time scanning and filtering. It leverages AI-driven machine learning, sandbox analysis, and behavioral detection to monitor inbound and outbound email traffic effectively. The platform also includes data loss prevention (DLP), compliance tools, and detailed reporting for comprehensive email monitoring and security management.
Pros
- Advanced AI and machine learning for proactive threat detection
- Seamless cloud deployment with minimal hardware requirements
- Strong DLP and compliance reporting capabilities
Cons
- Pricing can be high for small businesses
- Occasional false positives in filtering
- Advanced configuration requires technical expertise
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises needing robust, scalable email threat protection and compliance monitoring.
Pricing
Subscription-based, typically $3-6 per user per month depending on volume and features.
Symantec Email Security.cloud
enterpriseProtects against email-borne threats with sandboxing, DLP, and compliance-focused monitoring.
Symantec Insight Network, a massive global threat intelligence feed enabling proactive detection of zero-day threats and advanced persistent threats
Symantec Email Security.cloud is a cloud-based email security platform that provides advanced protection against spam, phishing, malware, and targeted attacks through real-time monitoring and filtering. It offers comprehensive email traffic analysis, quarantine management, data loss prevention (DLP), and detailed reporting for compliance and threat hunting. Integrated seamlessly with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, it leverages Symantec's global threat intelligence for proactive defense.
Pros
- Leverages Symantec's vast threat intelligence network for superior detection accuracy
- Seamless integration with major cloud email providers like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
- Robust DLP and compliance reporting tools for regulatory adherence
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small businesses or low-volume users
- Advanced configuration requires technical expertise
- Limited customization options compared to on-premises alternatives
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises requiring scalable, cloud-native email monitoring and security with enterprise-grade threat protection.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing, typically $3-6 per user/month depending on volume and features; annual contracts with quotes from sales.
Fortinet FortiMail
enterpriseProvides secure email gateway services with deep content inspection and real-time monitoring.
FortiSandbox-powered inline malware analysis for zero-day threat detection
Fortinet FortiMail is a robust email security gateway designed to protect organizations from spam, phishing, malware, and advanced persistent threats through real-time scanning and filtering. It provides comprehensive email monitoring with features like data loss prevention (DLP), content archiving, encryption, and compliance reporting to ensure regulatory adherence. As part of the Fortinet Security Fabric, it offers seamless integration for unified threat management across networks.
Pros
- Advanced AI/ML-driven threat detection and sandboxing
- Scalable deployment options (on-premises, cloud, virtual)
- Strong DLP, archiving, and compliance tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for configuration and management
- Higher cost unsuitable for small businesses
- Best suited within Fortinet ecosystem, less flexible standalone
Best For
Enterprise organizations with high-volume email needs and existing Fortinet infrastructure requiring integrated security monitoring.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on email volume and users; typically starts at $20-50/user/year for cloud subscriptions, with on-premises hardware appliances from $5,000+.
Abnormal Security
specializedDetects sophisticated email attacks using behavioral AI and anomaly monitoring without rules.
Self-learning Behavioral AI that builds user-specific models to detect novel threats without signatures or manual rules
Abnormal Security is an AI-powered email security platform that monitors and protects cloud-based email environments like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace from advanced threats including phishing, business email compromise (BEC), and account takeovers. It employs behavioral analysis and machine learning to detect anomalies in real-time without relying on traditional signatures or rules. The solution offers automated remediation, detailed threat intelligence, and seamless integration for enterprise-scale deployment.
Pros
- Advanced behavioral AI detects sophisticated, zero-day email threats with high accuracy
- Low false positive rates and automated response capabilities reduce alert fatigue
- Quick deployment with no hardware required and strong integrations with major email providers
Cons
- Enterprise-level pricing is expensive for SMBs
- Primarily focused on email security, lacking broader XDR capabilities
- Advanced configuration may require security expertise
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing cutting-edge, AI-driven protection against evolving email threats.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $6-12 per user/month based on volume and features (quote required).
Ironscales
specializedCombines AI automation and human intelligence for phishing detection and email incident monitoring.
Human-AI Hybrid Detection with crowd-sourced Phishing Intel for unmatched accuracy
Ironscales is an AI-driven email security platform designed to detect and mitigate phishing, business email compromise (BEC), and account takeover threats in real-time. It combines machine learning with a unique human verification layer via its Phishing Intel network, enabling autonomous response actions like quarantining malicious emails. The solution integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, offering comprehensive visibility and reporting for security teams.
Pros
- Superior phishing detection accuracy through AI-human hybrid model
- Autonomous remediation reduces alert fatigue for SOC teams
- Strong integrations with major email providers and SIEM tools
Cons
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be high for smaller organizations
- Primarily focused on threats rather than general email monitoring or DLP
- Deployment may require IT expertise for full customization
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises seeking advanced, automated phishing protection without overwhelming manual oversight.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $4-7 per user/month for enterprise plans with volume discounts.
Barracuda Email Security
enterpriseOffers spam filtering, virus protection, and email archiving with centralized monitoring dashboards.
AI Link Protection that dynamically analyzes and rewrites suspicious URLs in real-time to prevent phishing
Barracuda Email Security is a comprehensive cloud-based email gateway solution that provides advanced protection against spam, phishing, malware, and ransomware through AI-driven filtering and monitoring. It includes data loss prevention (DLP), email archiving, encryption, and detailed reporting dashboards for compliance and threat visibility. Designed for organizations handling high email volumes, it monitors inbound and outbound traffic in real-time to prevent data breaches and ensure regulatory adherence.
Pros
- AI-powered threat detection with low false positives for spam and phishing
- Robust DLP and compliance reporting for monitoring sensitive data
- Scalable deployment options including cloud, on-premises, and hybrid
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small businesses
- Setup and configuration require technical expertise
- Occasional performance impacts on high-volume mail servers
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing enterprise-grade email threat monitoring and compliance tools.
Pricing
Starts at ~$4/user/month for Essentials; higher tiers up to $8+/user/month with advanced features; custom enterprise quotes available.
Conclusion
The top tools in email monitoring software deliver exceptional protection, with Proofpoint leading as the definitive choice, offering comprehensive security, compliance, and risk management. Mimecast and Microsoft Defender for Office 365 stand out as strong alternatives, each shining in cloud-based and AI-driven threat detection, respectively, catering to diverse user needs.
Take the next step to secure your communications—try Proofpoint to experience its superior monitoring and security, or explore Mimecast and Microsoft Defender for Office 365 to find the best fit for your unique requirements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
