10 Best Email Security Software Reviewed in 2026
Best Email Security Software Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best email security software:
The best email security software helps teams detect phishing attempts, stop malicious attachments, and protect sensitive information from being leaked. These tools don’t just filter spam, they actively analyze message content, links, and user behavior to prevent breaches before they happen.
Many organizations struggle with tools that flag too many false positives, bury security teams in meaningless alerts, or fail to catch targeted attacks. I’ve worked with IT and security teams rolling out email protection in both small SaaS companies and large enterprise environments, evaluating how these platforms perform under real threat conditions.
This guide breaks down the top email security tools that deliver reliable protection without disrupting communication. You’ll see which ones actually reduce alert fatigue, strengthen compliance, and give teams confidence that their inboxes are secure.
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Best Email Security Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top email security software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for DMARC policy enforcement | Not available | From $14/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for DMARC compliance | 15-day free trial + free demo | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 3 | Best for Google & Microsoft users | Free demo available | From $4/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 4 | Best for team collaboration | Free plan available | From $4/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 5 | Best for phishing protection | 14-day free trial + free demo | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for large enterprises | Free demo available | From $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 7 | Best for small businesses | Not available | From $12/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 8 | Best for Office 365 users | 30-days free trial | From $5/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for data loss prevention | 14-day free trial | From $0.98/user/month (min 10 seats) | Website | |
| 10 | Best for spam filtering | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
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Aikido Security
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.7 -
ManageEngine Log360
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
Dynatrace
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.5
Best Email Security Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best email security software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Red Sift OnDMARC is a cloud-based email security platform that protects against phishing and business email compromise (BEC) by enforcing email authentication standards like DMARC, DKIM, and SPF. It helps ensure only authorized messages reach inboxes while blocking spoofing attempts that could compromise your brand or users.
Why I picked Red Sift OnDMARC: I picked OnDMARC for its focus on dynamic domain control—you can manage SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records across all domains and subdomains without needing direct DNS access. This is especially helpful for IT teams juggling complex email setups. The platform also uses AI to assess your security posture and flag misconfigurations before they become vulnerabilities. Combined with its full DMARC enforcement timeline and hands-on customer support, it’s a strong pick for teams looking to shore up their email defenses quickly and confidently.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include Radar, which detects and resolves authentication issues fast; BIMI integration, helping your brand logo display in inboxes that support it; and Brand Trust, which flags lookalike domains that could be used in phishing attacks.
Integrations include Microsoft Azure Active Directory, SAML, Okta, OnDMARC API, Google Workspace, Office 365, Cisco Secure Email, Mimecast, Proofpoint, Barracuda, Sophos, and Zscaler.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Scalable for businesses of all sizes
- Robust cloud-driven DMARC analysis
- Active threat intelligence and real-time monitoring
Cons:
- Requires a good grasp of cloud platforms
- Might not be ideal for firms without cloud infrastructure
PowerDMARC is a DMARC monitoring service designed for businesses looking to enhance their email security through authentication solutions. It serves IT teams and security professionals by offering DMARC, SPF, DKIM, MTA-STS, and BIMI functionalities.
Why I picked PowerDMARC: It excels in ensuring DMARC compliance, which is crucial for protecting your domain from phishing and email spoofing. It provides DMARC reporting and TLS-RPT reporting to give you insights into your email authentication status. The reputation monitoring feature helps you track your domain's reputation across the web. AI-driven threat intelligence adds an extra layer of protection by identifying potential threats.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include tools for DMARC and TLS-RPT reporting that provide comprehensive insights into your email security status. Reputation monitoring helps you track your domain's standing across different platforms. AI-driven threat intelligence identifies and mitigates potential threats before they impact your organization.
Integrations include Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Cisco Email Security, Proofpoint, Barracuda, Mimecast, Zimbra, SendGrid, Mailgun, and Amazon SES.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Reputation monitoring capabilities
- AI-driven threat intelligence
- Effective DMARC compliance tools
Cons:
- Navigation feels clunky on smaller screens
- Some terms in reports need explaining
Material Security is designed to meet the evolving needs of businesses using Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. It appeals to organizations seeking to enhance their email security, particularly those dealing with sensitive data and advanced threats.
Why I Picked Material Security
I picked Material Security because it excels in providing comprehensive email protection, particularly for Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 users. Its standout feature is the ability to detect and remediate sophisticated email threats that bypass native controls, ensuring your team can focus on strategic initiatives without worrying about email security vulnerabilities.
Additionally, the platform's integration with existing security tools allows for seamless operationalization, reducing the complexity often associated with managing cloud environments. These features make it a reliable choice for organizations prioritizing email security.
Material Security Key Features
In addition to its robust threat detection, Material Security offers:
- Phishing Protection: This feature automatically detects and blocks phishing attempts, safeguarding your email communications from malicious attacks.
- Account Takeover Prevention: It provides tools to monitor and prevent unauthorized access to user accounts, protecting sensitive information.
- Email DLP (Data Loss Prevention): This ensures that sensitive data is not accidentally shared or leaked through email, maintaining data integrity.
- Secure File Sharing: Allows users to share files securely without compromising collaboration, ensuring data remains protected even in transit.
Material Security Integrations
Integrations include Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Enables secure file sharing within email communications.
- Supports advanced threat protection for email accounts.
- Provides robust phishing protection.
Cons:
- May require additional configuration for optimal use.
- Limited native integrations with other platforms.
Spike is an email application designed for enhancing communication and collaboration within teams. It serves remote teams and customer support solutions by integrating features like a unified inbox and video meetings.
Why I picked Spike: It focuses on team collaboration, making it ideal for remote work environments. It combines email, chat, and video calls into one platform, reducing the need to switch between different apps. It's collaborative notes and task management features help your team stay organized. The AES-256 encryption ensures your data remains secure, aligning well with its privacy-focused approach.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a unified inbox that merges emails and chats, reducing clutter and improving focus. Collaborative notes allow your team to create and edit documents together in real-time. Video meetings are integrated directly, so you can connect face-to-face without leaving the app.
Integrations include Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Slack, Zoom, Trello, Asana, Google Calendar, Microsoft Teams, and Evernote.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Integrated video meetings
- Collaborative notes for teamwork
- Unified inbox reduces app switching
Cons:
- Limited admin controls for growing teams
- Takes time to adjust to the chat-style layout
TitanHQ is an email security solution tailored for businesses focused on preventing phishing and other email-based threats. It serves IT teams and organizations needing protection against spam, malware, and zero-day attacks.
Why I picked TitanHQ: It excels in phishing protection, offering an impressive 99.9% spam blocking rate. Its AI-driven approach includes advanced threat detection and data leak prevention. The easy setup process makes it accessible, even for teams with limited IT resources. Excellent customer support ensures you get the help you need when you need it.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced threat protection that detects and blocks sophisticated phishing attempts. Data leak prevention ensures sensitive information doesn't leave your organization unintentionally. Sandboxing technology analyzes suspicious emails in a safe environment before they reach your inbox.
Integrations include Office 365, G Suite, Microsoft Exchange, Outlook, Zimbra, Kerio Connect, Lotus Domino, Barracuda, and Mimecast.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent customer support
- High spam blocking rate
- AI-driven threat detection
Cons:
- Reporting layout can feel cluttered
- Filter tuning needs regular check-ins
Proofpoint Email Protection is a cloud-based solution that helps organizations block phishing, malware, and other targeted email threats. It’s mainly used by large IT teams who need strong visibility into their email traffic and threat response tools.
Why I picked Proofpoint Email Protection: It gives your team granular control over policy settings and filtering logic. It uses dynamic reputation scoring and targeted attack protection to catch threats early. The platform helps you isolate and analyze suspicious messages before they reach users. It also lets you track attacks by user, location, and threat type in one place. If you’ve got a large org and complex risk profiles, it’s built for that kind of scale.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include message tracing with full click-through logs, delegated admin roles for team-based management, and granular quarantine controls. You can set custom rules that apply across user groups or locations. It also tracks threats by campaign, so your team can study how attacks unfold.
Integrations include Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Okta, Azure AD, Splunk, ServiceNow, Slack, Palo Alto Networks, and CrowdStrike.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Offers flexible message re-routing tools
- Supports detailed forensics for email events
- Filters adjust based on user threat profile
Cons:
- Alert noise if policies aren’t tuned well
- Takes time to set up custom rule sets
Mimecast Email Security is a cloud-based service designed to protect businesses from email threats such as phishing, malware, and spam. It serves small businesses by providing email protection, archiving, and continuity services.
Why I picked Mimecast Email Security: It is tailored for small businesses, offering comprehensive protection without the need for extensive IT resources. The service includes targeted threat protection to block spear-phishing and impersonation attacks. Its easy-to-use dashboard allows you to monitor and manage email security effectively. Additionally, Mimecast provides continuity services that ensure email access during server downtime.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include targeted threat protection that helps identify and block sophisticated email threats. Email archiving ensures compliance and data retention with easy access to archived emails. Continuity services keep your email up and running even during outages, ensuring business continuity.
Integrations include Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Microsoft Exchange, Outlook, Salesforce, SharePoint, Slack, Box, Dropbox, and Zendesk.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Email continuity services
- Effective threat protection
- Suitable for small businesses
Cons:
- Reports sometimes lag or fail to load
- Setup can drag for small IT teams
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is an email security solution designed to protect Office 365 users from threats like phishing and malware. It primarily serves businesses using the Microsoft 365 suite, offering protection and threat management.
Why I picked Microsoft Defender for Office 365: It's tailored for Office 365 users, integrating directly with the suite to provide seamless protection. The solution includes advanced threat protection features that detect and block harmful emails. Real-time threat intelligence helps your team stay informed about emerging risks. With its built-in protection, it simplifies security management for businesses using Office 365.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced threat protection that identifies and neutralizes email threats before they reach your inbox. Real-time threat intelligence provides insights into potential risks, helping you stay ahead of threats. The solution also offers automated investigation and response to streamline threat management.
Integrations include Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Azure Active Directory, Dynamics 365, Power BI, Yammer, Skype for Business, Intune, and PowerApps.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Automated investigation and response
- Real-time threat intelligence
- Seamless integration with Office 365
Cons:
- Hard to audit changes made by admins
- Alert rules take time to understand
Barracuda is an email protection solution designed to safeguard businesses from threats like phishing, malware, and email-based attacks. It caters to organizations of all sizes, offering comprehensive data loss prevention and threat protection.
Why I picked Barracuda: It focuses on data loss prevention, making it ideal for businesses that need to protect sensitive information. Barracuda's advanced threat protection identifies and blocks sophisticated threats. Its email encryption ensures that your sensitive data remains secure. Additionally, the easy-to-use interface allows you to manage settings without extensive IT knowledge.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include email encryption that secures sensitive information from unauthorized access. The solution provides advanced threat protection to identify and block sophisticated email threats. Data archiving ensures compliance and easy access to important communications.
Integrations include Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Microsoft Exchange, Outlook, Salesforce, Slack, Box, Dropbox, ServiceNow, and Zendesk.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Advanced threat protection
- Effective data loss prevention
Cons:
- Rule builder takes time to understand
- Quarantine emails don’t always get delivered
Hornetsecurity Email Security is a cloud-based solution designed to protect businesses from email threats like spam, malware, and phishing. It caters to organizations of all sizes, providing comprehensive email filtering and advanced threat protection.
Why I picked Hornetsecurity Email Security: Its focus on spam filtering makes it effective for organizations dealing with high volumes of unwanted emails. The spam filter uses multiple layers of detection to block unwanted messages. Advanced threat protection identifies and neutralizes threats before they reach your inbox. The easy-to-use interface allows your team to manage email security without extensive training.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time threat detection that identifies and neutralizes threats as they emerge. The solution offers email archiving to ensure compliance and data retention. A user-friendly dashboard provides insights into email security status and threat reports.
Integrations include Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Microsoft Exchange, Outlook, Lotus Notes, Zimbra, IBM Domino, Kerio Connect, Slack, and Salesforce.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lets you sort by threat type in logs
- Gives admins full control over quarantine rules
- Filters junk with very few false positives
Cons:
- Spam reports can be hard to customize
- Dashboard menus take some getting used to
Other Email Security Software
Here are some additional email security software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Vade
For AI threat detection
- Paubox
For healthcare compliance
- Tessian Cloud Email Security
For insider threat protection
- Avanan
For SaaS integration
- FireEye Email Security
For advanced threat protection
- SaneBox
Good for email organization and prioritization
- Trend Micro Cloud App Security
Good for integrated cloud application security
- Virtru
Good for robust data protection controls
- Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense
Good for large-scale email threat defense
- NeoCertified
Good for compliant email communications
- SpamTitan
Good for advanced spam filtering capabilities
- Appriver
Good for multi-vector threat protection
- Coro Cybersecurity
Good for multi-layered defense mechanisms
- IRONSCALES
Good for automated phishing threat remediation
- Egress Intelligent Email Security
Good for data loss prevention
- Abnormal Cloud Email Security
Good for AI-driven anomaly detection
- Darktrace/Email
Good for real-time email threat visualization
- Symantec Email Security.cloud
Good for comprehensive cloud email protection
- Symantec Messaging Gateway
Good for targeted attack protection
- FortiMail
Good for integrated threat intelligence
Email Security Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best email security software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like phishing protection and data loss prevention. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Protect against phishing attacks
- Filter spam emails
- Detect and block malware
- Encrypt sensitive data
- Ensure email continuity
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Advanced threat detection
- AI-driven analysis
- User behavior monitoring
- Real-time threat intelligence
- Data loss prevention
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface design
- Simple navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Customizable settings
- Efficient workflow integration
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Comprehensive documentation
- Access to webinars
- Migration support tools
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Live chat options
- Responsive email support
- Comprehensive knowledge base
- Personalized assistance
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible subscription plans
- Cost-effectiveness of features
- Discounts for annual billing
- Free trial availability
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on reliability
- Comments on customer service
- User testimonials on ease of use
- Critiques on feature effectiveness
How to Choose Email Security Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Scalability | Will the software grow with your business? Consider future needs and whether the tool can handle increased email volumes or users without extra costs. |
| Integrations | Does it work with your existing tech stack? Check compatibility with your current email providers and other email testing tools to avoid integration headaches. |
| Customizability | Can you tailor the tool to fit your processes? Look for options to adjust settings or features to meet your specific security policies and workflow requirements. |
| Ease of use | How intuitive is the interface? Ensure your team can navigate the software without extensive training, reducing downtime and frustration. |
| Implementation and onboarding | How quickly can you get up and running? Evaluate the time and resources needed for setup, and look for solutions offering strong onboarding support like tutorials and migration tools. |
| Cost | What's the total cost of ownership? Compare subscription fees, potential add-on costs, and discounts for annual billing to ensure the tool fits your budget. |
| Security safeguards | Are the security measures robust enough? Verify that the software provides encryption, threat detection, and other security features to protect against common email threats. |
| Compliance requirements | Does it meet industry standards? Ensure the tool complies with relevant regulations like GDPR or HIPAA, especially if you're handling sensitive or personal data. |
What Is Email Security Software?
Email security software is a tool designed to protect email communications from threats like phishing, malware, and spam. IT professionals, security teams, and business managers generally use these tools to safeguard sensitive information and maintain communication integrity.
Features like spam filtering, email encryption services, and threat detection help with protecting data, ensuring compliance, and maintaining email continuity. Overall, these tools provide peace of mind by securing email channels against potential threats.
Features of Email Security Software
When selecting email security software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Spam filtering: Identifies and blocks unwanted emails, reducing clutter and minimizing the risk of phishing attacks.
- Encryption: Secures email content by converting it into unreadable code, protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access.
- Threat detection: Monitors incoming emails for malicious content, helping prevent malware and virus infections.
- Data loss prevention: Ensures sensitive data doesn't leave your organization without authorization, maintaining data integrity.
- Phishing protection: Detects and mitigates phishing attempts, safeguarding users from fraudulent email schemes.
- Real-time alerts: Provides immediate notifications about potential threats, allowing for quick response and mitigation.
- User behavior monitoring: Analyzes email patterns to detect anomalies, helping identify insider threats or compromised accounts.
- Email continuity: Maintains email access during server outages, ensuring uninterrupted communication.
- Compliance support: Assists in meeting industry regulations like GDPR or HIPAA, ensuring legal and regulatory adherence.
- Integration capabilities: Allows seamless connection with existing software tools, enhancing overall workflow efficiency.
Benefits of Email Security Software
Implementing email security software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Enhanced protection: Shields your organization from phishing, malware, and spam, reducing the risk of data breaches.
- Data integrity: Maintains the confidentiality of sensitive information with encryption and data loss prevention features.
- Regulatory compliance: Helps meet industry regulations like GDPR or HIPAA, avoiding legal penalties.
- Business continuity: Ensures uninterrupted communication with email continuity features, even during server outages.
- Threat awareness: Keeps your team informed with real-time alerts and threat intelligence, allowing for proactive security measures.
- Improved productivity: Reduces email clutter and minimizes distractions, enabling your team to focus on essential tasks.
- Insightful monitoring: Analyzes user behavior to detect anomalies, helping identify potential insider threats.
Costs and Pricing of Email Security Software
Selecting email security software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in email security software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Email Security Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic spam filtering, limited threat detection, and essential email encryption. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$15/user/month | Advanced spam filtering, basic phishing protection, and email encryption. |
| Business Plan | $15-$30/user/month | Comprehensive threat detection, DMARC software, and user behavior monitoring. |
| Enterprise Plan | $30-$50/user/month | Real-time threat intelligence, compliance support, and customizable security settings. |
Email Security Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about email security software:
How does email security software work?
Email security software works by monitoring and filtering email content to detect and block threats. It uses various scanning techniques to inspect email headers, links, and content for signs of phishing or malware. By doing so, it helps protect your team from potential email-based attacks. Email encryption software brings your communications to the safest level possible by encrypting each channel to secure sensitive data.
What are the disadvantages of email security?
While email security software is essential, it can sometimes lead to false positives, blocking legitimate emails. It may also require regular updates and maintenance to stay effective. Additionally, relying solely on software can give a false sense of security, so ongoing user education is crucial.
Can an email security software protect the users from email attacks like phishing?
Yes, email security software is designed to protect users from phishing attacks by identifying and blocking suspicious emails. It analyzes email content, sender information, and links to detect potential threats. This helps prevent users from falling victim to phishing scams.
What are the 3 email safety rules to stay safe?
To stay safe with email, always verify the sender’s identity before clicking links or downloading attachments. Use strong, unique passwords for your email accounts and enable two-factor authentication. Regularly update your email security software to ensure it’s equipped to handle the latest threats.
How do I choose the right email security software for my business?
Consider factors like scalability, compatibility with existing systems, and ease of use when selecting email security software. Evaluate the software’s ability to meet your security needs and compliance requirements. It’s also essential to assess the level of customer support and training provided by the vendor.
Is it necessary to have email security software for small businesses?
Yes, small businesses are often targeted by cybercriminals due to perceived vulnerabilities. Email security software helps protect sensitive data and maintain business continuity. It offers an added layer of defense against threats like phishing and malware, which can have significant impacts on small businesses.
What's Next?
If you're in the process of researching email security software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.