Quick Overview
- 1#1: KnowBe4 - Provides the leading security awareness training platform with phishing simulations, interactive modules, and reporting to combat human cyber risk.
- 2#2: Proofpoint - Offers security awareness training integrated with email security, featuring phishing simulations and personalized learning paths.
- 3#3: Mimecast - Delivers targeted security awareness training with immersive simulations and gamification to build employee cyber resilience.
- 4#4: Cofense - Specializes in phishing-based security awareness training using real-world threat data for effective employee training.
- 5#5: Infosec IQ - Provides adaptive security awareness training with AI-driven phishing simulations and compliance-focused content.
- 6#6: Sophos Phish Threat - Combines phishing simulations and training modules with endpoint protection for comprehensive security awareness.
- 7#7: Hoxhunt - Uses gamified, mobile-first security training with daily microlearnings and phishing tests to engage employees.
- 8#8: CybeReady - Automates personalized security awareness training through short video bytes and simulations without IT overhead.
- 9#9: Keepnet Labs - Offers an all-in-one security awareness platform with phishing, vishing simulations, and gamified training.
- 10#10: Terranova Security - Provides customizable security awareness training with multi-language support and advanced phishing simulations.
We selected these tools based on key factors, including feature efficacy (simulation realism, training depth), platform usability (admin efficiency, user experience), and overall value (cost-benefit, scalability), ensuring they deliver actionable protection against evolving cyber risks.
Comparison Table
Security training software is vital for building a resilient defense against modern threats, and this comparison table outlines leading tools—including KnowBe4, Proofpoint, Mimecast, Cofense, Infosec IQ, and more—to help readers understand key features, strengths, and suitability for diverse organizational needs. By examining these solutions side-by-side, users can streamline their search for software that aligns with their security training goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KnowBe4 Provides the leading security awareness training platform with phishing simulations, interactive modules, and reporting to combat human cyber risk. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Proofpoint Offers security awareness training integrated with email security, featuring phishing simulations and personalized learning paths. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Mimecast Delivers targeted security awareness training with immersive simulations and gamification to build employee cyber resilience. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Cofense Specializes in phishing-based security awareness training using real-world threat data for effective employee training. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Infosec IQ Provides adaptive security awareness training with AI-driven phishing simulations and compliance-focused content. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Sophos Phish Threat Combines phishing simulations and training modules with endpoint protection for comprehensive security awareness. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Hoxhunt Uses gamified, mobile-first security training with daily microlearnings and phishing tests to engage employees. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | CybeReady Automates personalized security awareness training through short video bytes and simulations without IT overhead. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Keepnet Labs Offers an all-in-one security awareness platform with phishing, vishing simulations, and gamified training. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | Terranova Security Provides customizable security awareness training with multi-language support and advanced phishing simulations. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.5/10 |
Provides the leading security awareness training platform with phishing simulations, interactive modules, and reporting to combat human cyber risk.
Offers security awareness training integrated with email security, featuring phishing simulations and personalized learning paths.
Delivers targeted security awareness training with immersive simulations and gamification to build employee cyber resilience.
Specializes in phishing-based security awareness training using real-world threat data for effective employee training.
Provides adaptive security awareness training with AI-driven phishing simulations and compliance-focused content.
Combines phishing simulations and training modules with endpoint protection for comprehensive security awareness.
Uses gamified, mobile-first security training with daily microlearnings and phishing tests to engage employees.
Automates personalized security awareness training through short video bytes and simulations without IT overhead.
Offers an all-in-one security awareness platform with phishing, vishing simulations, and gamified training.
Provides customizable security awareness training with multi-language support and advanced phishing simulations.
KnowBe4
enterpriseProvides the leading security awareness training platform with phishing simulations, interactive modules, and reporting to combat human cyber risk.
AI-driven Kevin Mitnick Phishing Simulator with over 10,000 customizable templates for hyper-realistic, adaptive attack simulations
KnowBe4 is the leading security awareness training platform that combines interactive e-learning modules, simulated phishing attacks, and compliance training to educate employees on cybersecurity threats. It helps organizations reduce human error, the primary cause of breaches, through gamified content, real-time reporting, and AI-powered personalization. With the world's largest library of over 1,000+ modules and millions of phishing templates, it enables measurable improvements in security behaviors across enterprises.
Pros
- Extensive content library with frequent updates and multi-language support
- Highly realistic phishing simulations with advanced AI for adaptive campaigns
- Comprehensive analytics and ROI reporting to track behavior changes
Cons
- Pricing can be high for small teams with minimum user requirements
- Initial setup and customization may require dedicated admin time
- Overwhelming options for new users despite intuitive interface
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises seeking enterprise-grade security awareness training with proven phishing defense capabilities.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at around $25-35 per user/year (minimum 100 users), with volume discounts and annual subscriptions.
Proofpoint
enterpriseOffers security awareness training integrated with email security, featuring phishing simulations and personalized learning paths.
Precision phishing simulations that use machine learning to mimic evolving real-world attacks and adapt based on user behavior
Proofpoint Security Awareness Training is an enterprise-grade platform that delivers simulated phishing attacks, interactive training modules, and ongoing education to build employee cybersecurity resilience. It uses AI-driven insights to personalize training based on individual risk profiles and integrates seamlessly with Proofpoint's email security tools for a unified defense. The solution provides detailed analytics to track program effectiveness and measure reductions in human-click risk over time.
Pros
- Vast library of hyper-realistic phishing simulations drawn from real threats
- AI-powered risk scoring and personalized training paths
- Comprehensive reporting and ROI metrics for compliance and executives
Cons
- High cost suitable mainly for enterprises
- Complex initial setup and configuration
- Limited customization for non-standard training content
Best For
Large enterprises needing integrated, data-driven security awareness training tied to broader threat protection.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing; typically $3-6 per user/month with annual contracts and volume discounts.
Mimecast
enterpriseDelivers targeted security awareness training with immersive simulations and gamification to build employee cyber resilience.
AI-driven Targeted Attack Simulations that leverage real-time threat intelligence for hyper-personalized, behavior-adaptive phishing tests
Mimecast is a leading cybersecurity platform specializing in email security and human risk management, with its Awareness Training solution delivering simulated phishing campaigns and interactive training modules to enhance employee cybersecurity behaviors. The software uses AI-driven personalization to tailor simulations based on user risk profiles and integrates seamlessly with Mimecast's broader threat protection services. It provides detailed analytics to measure training effectiveness and ROI, helping organizations reduce human-related security incidents.
Pros
- Extensive library of realistic phishing templates updated with real-world threats
- AI-personalized training paths and adaptive simulations based on user behavior
- In-depth reporting and ROI metrics for compliance and executive insights
Cons
- Primarily email-focused, with less emphasis on non-email threats like social engineering via other channels
- Setup and configuration can be complex for non-enterprise admins
- Pricing is premium and may not suit small businesses
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing integrated email security and scalable security awareness training.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically $6-12 per user/month for awareness training, often bundled with Mimecast's full email security suite.
Cofense
specializedSpecializes in phishing-based security awareness training using real-world threat data for effective employee training.
Intelligence-driven phishing simulations that replicate actual attacks from Cofense's global threat data
Cofense is a leading cybersecurity awareness platform specializing in phishing simulation and training through its PhishMe solution. It delivers hyper-realistic phishing emails based on real-world threat intelligence, followed by immediate just-in-time training for clicked users. The platform offers comprehensive analytics, reporting, and integrations to track behavioral changes and reduce phishing susceptibility across organizations.
Pros
- Hyper-realistic phishing simulations powered by threat intelligence
- Detailed analytics and reporting for measuring program effectiveness
- Seamless integrations with email gateways and SIEM tools
Cons
- High enterprise-level pricing not ideal for small businesses
- Primarily focused on phishing with less emphasis on broader security topics
- Setup and customization can require significant admin effort
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises prioritizing advanced phishing defense and employee behavior modification.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $15-30 per user per year based on volume and features; quotes required.
Infosec IQ
enterpriseProvides adaptive security awareness training with AI-driven phishing simulations and compliance-focused content.
AI-powered phishing simulations with hyper-realistic, computer-generated video attacks for maximum employee testing accuracy
Infosec IQ is a comprehensive security awareness training platform designed to reduce human-related cyber risks through interactive training modules, phishing simulations, and behavioral analytics. It offers a vast library of over 1,000 customizable courses covering topics like phishing, ransomware, and compliance, with gamified elements to improve engagement. The platform provides detailed reporting on employee risk scores and simulates real-world attacks to measure and improve security behaviors.
Pros
- Extensive content library with over 1,000 modules and regular updates
- Highly realistic phishing simulations using AI-generated videos and emails
- Robust analytics dashboard for tracking individual and organizational risk
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller organizations without volume discounts
- Advanced customization requires technical setup
- Limited native integrations compared to some competitors
Best For
Mid-sized enterprises seeking scalable phishing training and compliance-focused awareness programs with strong reporting.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at ~$25/user/year for Essentials, up to $50+/user/year for Advanced/Enterprise with phishing and full analytics.
Sophos Phish Threat
enterpriseCombines phishing simulations and training modules with endpoint protection for comprehensive security awareness.
Phishing simulations powered directly by live SophosLabs threat intelligence for campaigns mimicking active real-world attacks
Sophos Phish Threat is a phishing simulation and employee training platform that helps organizations test and improve phishing awareness. It uses templates derived from real-world threats identified by SophosLabs to launch hyper-realistic simulated attacks via email, SMS, and more. Admins get detailed analytics on user behavior, click/report rates, and progress, while at-risk users receive automated, personalized training modules to reinforce best practices.
Pros
- Hyper-realistic simulations based on SophosLabs threat intelligence
- Seamless integration with Sophos Central and other Sophos products
- Comprehensive reporting and automated training delivery
Cons
- Fewer template options than top competitors like KnowBe4
- Pricing scales better for mid-to-large enterprises than small teams
- Full features require existing Sophos ecosystem involvement
Best For
Mid-sized businesses and enterprises already using Sophos security tools that need integrated phishing awareness training.
Pricing
Subscription starts at around $3-5 per user/month (annual billing), with custom quotes for larger deployments and bundles.
Hoxhunt
specializedUses gamified, mobile-first security training with daily microlearnings and phishing tests to engage employees.
Adaptive gamified micro-missions that personalize content based on user performance and deliver daily threat-hunting challenges
Hoxhunt is a gamified cybersecurity awareness training platform that delivers bite-sized, engaging missions to educate employees on phishing, social engineering, and data protection. It combines daily micro-learning challenges, realistic phishing simulations, and personalized learning paths to foster long-term behavioral change. The platform offers robust analytics and reporting to help security teams measure engagement and improvement across the organization.
Pros
- Highly engaging gamified content with daily missions that boost completion rates
- Sophisticated phishing simulations and adaptive learning paths
- Comprehensive reporting and ROI metrics for security teams
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small businesses
- Limited advanced customization for enterprise needs
- Primary focus on awareness rather than technical skills training
Best For
Mid-to-large organizations seeking fun, effective security awareness training for non-technical employees.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $6-12 per user per month, billed annually, with tiers based on features and user volume.
CybeReady
specializedAutomates personalized security awareness training through short video bytes and simulations without IT overhead.
Autopilot AI that runs fully autonomous, adaptive training campaigns without manual intervention
CybeReady is an AI-powered cybersecurity awareness training platform that delivers automated, personalized micro-learning simulations and phishing attacks to employees. It focuses on driving behavioral change through bite-sized, gamified content tailored to individual risk profiles and performance data. The platform's Autopilot feature enables hands-off deployment, continuous training cycles, and comprehensive reporting via the CybeReady Index for measuring organizational security posture.
Pros
- Highly engaging gamified simulations with real-time personalization
- Autonomous Autopilot mode minimizes admin effort
- Proven effectiveness in improving phishing detection rates
Cons
- Pricing requires custom quotes and can be premium for large enterprises
- Limited advanced customization for highly regulated industries
- Reporting dashboards could offer deeper analytics integrations
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking automated, low-effort security awareness training with strong employee engagement.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $20-35 per user/year based on volume, with quotes required.
Keepnet Labs
enterpriseOffers an all-in-one security awareness platform with phishing, vishing simulations, and gamified training.
AI-powered adaptive learning paths that personalize training content based on individual user performance and risk profiles
Keepnet Labs is a comprehensive cybersecurity awareness platform focused on reducing human-related risks through interactive training and phishing simulations. It provides gamified security awareness modules, realistic phishing campaigns, and advanced analytics to track employee behavior and measure training effectiveness. The solution integrates with existing LMS systems and offers tools for insider threat detection and incident response training.
Pros
- Extensive library of multilingual training content with gamification
- Highly realistic and adaptive phishing simulation campaigns
- Detailed analytics and ROI reporting for compliance and risk reduction
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for small teams
- Initial setup and customization require some technical expertise
- Limited free trial options compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing an integrated platform for phishing simulations and ongoing security awareness training.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $3-5 per user/month, scaling with features and user count; contact sales for details.
Terranova Security
specializedProvides customizable security awareness training with multi-language support and advanced phishing simulations.
Story-driven, immersive training modules leveraging behavioral science for higher retention rates
Terranova Security offers a comprehensive security awareness training platform focused on reducing human-related cyber risks through interactive modules and phishing simulations. The software provides customizable training content covering topics like phishing, ransomware, and compliance, with robust analytics to track employee performance and program ROI. It emphasizes behavioral change via engaging, scenario-based learning to foster a security-first culture in organizations.
Pros
- Extensive library of scenario-based training modules
- Realistic phishing simulations with detailed reporting
- Strong compliance support for standards like GDPR and HIPAA
Cons
- User interface feels dated compared to competitors
- Limited advanced AI personalization features
- Setup and customization can be time-intensive for admins
Best For
Mid-sized businesses seeking reliable, content-rich security training without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $24 per user/year for basic plans; scales to $35+ for premium features with volume discounts.
Conclusion
Among the top security training tools, KnowBe4 leads as the top choice, boasting a comprehensive platform with strong phishing simulation and reporting capabilities. Proofpoint and Mimecast follow, offering integrated features and immersive experiences that cater to different needs, ensuring organizations can find robust solutions to combat human cyber risk. Each tool excels in delivering effective, engaging training to build employee resilience.
Take the first step toward a more secure workforce—explore KnowBe4 today, the top pick for cutting-edge, tailored security training.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison