Introduction
With the ever-evolving nature of spam and phishing attacks, having robust and continuously optimized email security is crucial for organizations of all sizes. While there are many options available, selecting the right email anti-spam solution can be a complex process. In this blog, we aim to simplify the selection by evaluating and comparing 15 top solutions based on their technical abilities as well as other important considerations.
Methods of Evaluation
To rank the email security vendors, we examined their spam catch rates and false positive rates as reported by independent testing authorities. We also looked into other factors like number of advanced detection techniques, support offerings, integration capabilities, and pricing/value. Additionally, we leveraged metrics like backlinks, organic traffic and keyword search trends to gauge vendor popularity and market presence.
1. IBM Security Email Protection
IBM Security Email Protection helps organizations protect against spam, malware, phishing and zero-day threats. As one of the original pioneers in email security, IBM has decades of experience defending against even the most sophisticated email threats.
Pros: Some key advantages of IBM Security Email Protection include outstanding technical support, data loss prevention beyond just emails, and the ability to use AI to proactively defend against threats like zero-day exploits and unknown malware due to IBM X-Force threat intelligence.
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that IBM Security Email Protection may be more expensive than some other email security solutions due to the extensive technical support and threat intelligence capabilities.
Pricing: Pricing for IBM Security Email Protection varies based on the needs and size of each organization. It is typically sold through annual subscriptions on either a per user or organizational level. Contact IBM sales for a customized quote.
IBM Security Email Protection scans over 30 billion emails daily for over 15,000 customers worldwide. It leverages IBM’s vast X-Force threat intelligence to identify new threats immediately and utilizes artificial intelligence to proactively defend against zero-day exploits.
2. Symantec Messaging Gateway
Symantec Messaging Gateway is Symantec’s cloud-based email security solution. It leverages Symantec’s decades of experience in cybersecurity to provide powerful anti-spam, anti-malware, compliance, and data loss prevention capabilities for business email.
Pros: Key advantages of Symantec Messaging Gateway include being effective at blocking known and unknown phishing attacks, having a very low false positive rate despite rigorous filtering, and offering advanced reporting and quarantine capabilities.
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that as a cloud-based solution, it requires an internet connection to function fully. However, Symantec has implemented various redundancies and failovers to minimize downtime.
Pricing: Symantec Messaging Gateway pricing starts at $4 per user per month for essentials protection and goes up to $8 per user per month for advanced protection with additional capabilities like data loss prevention and threat intelligence services.
Some key stats about Symantec Messaging Gateway include: It filters over 150 billion emails per day. It protects over 25 million mailboxes worldwide. It has an overall spam catch rate of over 99.9% with very low false positives.
3. Broadcom
Broadcom’s Symantec Email Security.cloud is a cloud-based email anti-spam and anti-phishing software solution. As one of the pioneering vendors in cybersecurity, Broadcom brings over 30 years of experience protecting networks and endpoints to its email security offerings.
Pros: Some key advantages of Symantec Email Security.cloud include: Heritage in network and endpoint protection domains, Advanced web filtering and data loss prevention capabilities, Tight integration across the Broadcom/Symantec portfolio for a unified security solution.
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that as a very mature solution, the user interface may not be as modern or sleek as newer anti-spam products on the market.
Pricing: Symantec Email Security.cloud pricing starts at $2.50 per user per month for the basic Essentials plan, offering spam, phishing and malware protection. Premium and Ultimate tiers start at $3.75 and $5.00 per user respectively and add advanced features like secure email gateways and data loss prevention.
Some key stats about Symantec Email Security.cloud include: Processes over 175 billion emails per month for customers, Provides protection for over 32 million users, Blocks an average of 98% of spam, phishing and malware at the edge before it reaches inboxes.
4. Sophos Email Appliance
Sophos Email Appliance is an email security appliance that provides powerful protection against email threats like ransomware, phishing, malware, and spam for businesses of all sizes. Sophos has been protecting businesses from cyber threats for over 30 years and the Email Appliance leverages this experience to deliver robust, easy to manage email security.
Pros: Some key advantages of the Sophos Email Appliance include: Comprehensive protection against malware and ransomware. Effective automatic outbreak detection and response. Policy-based email encryption support to ensure privacy and confidentiality of messages. Simple browser-based management interface for easy administration and control. Seamless integration with Microsoft Exchange, Office 365, and Google Workspace.
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that the Sophos Email Appliance requires an upfront investment and ongoing subscription costs which can impact the budget for small businesses with fewer users and email volumes.
Pricing: Pricing for the Sophos Email Appliance starts from $2,450 for a 1 year subscription to cover up to 300 mailboxes. It also offers flexible subscription plans for 1-5 years of coverage. Sophisticated AI-driven plans with added threat intelligence start from $4,950 for 500 mailboxes and scale up based on business requirements.
Some key stats about the Sophos Email Appliance include: It can protect up to 10,000 users from email threats. It uses deep learning techniques and a constantly evolving rule set to achieve an industry-leading 99.9% detection rate. It seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Office 365 to provide additional layers of protection to cloud email services.
5. McAfee Email Security
McAfee Email Security is an all-in-one email security solution from McAfee, a leader in cybersecurity. It protects businesses and individuals from email threats like phishing, malware, ransomware and spam. Through continual updates to its whitelisting and blacklisting techniques along with predictive defenses powered by AI/ML, McAfee Email Security safeguards users from both known and unknown threats. It also offers extra layers of protection through data loss prevention tools.
Pros: Key advantages of McAfee Email Security include:
– Continual evolution of whitelisting and blacklisting techniques to improve accuracy
– Uses AI/ML capabilities for predictive defenses against unknown threats
– Integrated data loss prevention tools help prevent data leaks and ensure policy compliance
– Centrally managed security that scales easily for business needs
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that as a fully-featured cloud-based solution, it requires an internet connection to function optimally. This means there could be some delays or failed protection in situations where internet access is unreliable or unavailable.
Pricing: McAfee Email Security pricing starts at $3 per user per month for the essentials version protecting one business domain. Additional tiers include Standard and Premium offerings starting at $5 and $9 per user respectively, each providing extra layers of advanced protection, management and reporting capabilities.
Some key stats and capabilities of McAfee Email Security include:
– Protects over 600 million mailboxes globally
– Blocks over 100 billion emails per year
– Uses machine learning to analyze billions of emails daily for unknown threats
– Continually analyzes the reputation, content and context of emails in real-time
6. FortiMail Email Security
FortiMail Email Security from Fortinet is a leading email anti-spam and security solution that protects enterprises from evolving cyber threats. As a global leader in cybersecurity, Fortinet delivers integrated and automated solutions to secure the entire digital attack surface.
Pros: Main advantages of FortiMail Email Security include its robust anti-spam filtering powered by machine learning, integrated advanced sandboxing for detecting unknown threats, and easy centralized management through the FortiGate next-gen firewall interface.
Cons: As an on-premise solution, initial deployment and maintenance of FortiMail hardware appliances may require more effort compared to fully cloud-based email security products.
Pricing: FortiMail pricing is based on the number of email users to be protected and type of appliance (physical or virtual). Contact Fortinet sales for an exact quote suited to your organization’s requirements.
Some key features of FortiMail Email Security include advanced anti-spam filtering that leverages machine learning techniques to identify 99% of spam and phishing attempts. It also integrates advanced sandboxing to detect unknown and file-based threats. FortiMail can be conveniently managed through a single pane of glass alongside other Fortinet solutions like FortiGate next-generation firewalls.
7. Comodo Email Gateway
Comodo Email Gateway is an email filtering solution developed by Comodo to protect against spam, phishing, and malware. It utilizes AI-powered techniques to analyze inbound and outbound emails for malicious content.
Pros: Some key advantages of Comodo Email Gateway include: supports unlimited users at competitive pricing, integrates with popular mail servers and browsers, and offers excellent support including phone and chat.
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that additional licensing is required for advanced features like email encryption and DLP policies.
Pricing: Comodo Email Gateway pricing starts at $2 per user per month for essential protection against spam, viruses, and phishing attempts. Additional per-user pricing tiers are available for advanced security controls and larger deployments.
Some key stats about Comodo Email Gateway include: Can support unlimited users on a single license, integrates seamlessly with popular mail servers like Exchange, Postfix, and Zimbra as well as webmail clients and browsers, and offers 24/7 phone and chat support.
8. Panda Security Email Protection
Panda Security Email Protection, formerly known as Panda Security Email antivirus, is an email security solution from Panda Security. Panda Security is a global company that has been in the antivirus and endpoint security space for over 30 years. Their email protection product aims to protect organizations from malware, phishing and spam delivered via email.
Pros: Some key advantages of Panda Security Email Protection include:
– Heritage in antivirus and endpoint protection domains
– Advanced attachment and URL scanning capabilities to catch more threats
– Ability to integrate with the wider Panda Security product portfolio for a holistic security solution
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that the pricing can get more expensive for very large organizations with tens of thousands of users.
Pricing: Panda Security Email Protection pricing starts from $2.50 per user per month for their basic essentials package. Additional premium features are available in higher price tiers that scale based on the number of users and required functionality.
Some key stats about Panda Security Email Protection include:
– Over 40,000 customers worldwide
– Provides protection for organizations of all sizes from SMBs to large enterprises
– Scans and filters over 50 billion emails per day
9. FireEye Email Security
FireEye Email Security provides advanced anti-spam and email security capabilities to help protect organizations from phishing, malware, and targeted email attacks. As one of the industry leaders in threat detection and response, FireEye leverages its deep security expertise to analyze email threats through a combination of machine learning, sandboxing, and threat intelligence analysis.
Pros: Some key advantages of FireEye Email Security include:
– Advanced targeted attack protection abilities leveraging FireEye’s extensive threat research
– Strong brand heritage and expertise in threat detection and analysis
– Tight integration with the broader FireEye portfolio including network, endpoint and cloud security for comprehensive email and web security
– Ability to analyze attachments and URLs in real-time using FireEye’s cloud-based sandboxing and malware analysis
Cons: One potential disadvantage is the pricing may be higher than some other email security vendors due to FireEye’s advanced targeted attack analysis capabilities and brand reputation.
Pricing: Pricing for FireEye Email Security is typically based on the number of mailboxes protected and additional security services utilized. Both on-premise and cloud deployment options are available. For exact pricing please contact a FireEye sales representative.
Some key stats about FireEye Email Security include:
– Screens over 25 billion emails daily for many large enterprise customers worldwide
– Achieves over 99% malicious email detection rate
– Protects organizations across all major industries like financial services, healthcare, retail and more
10. Mxtoolbox Email Security
Mxtoolbox Email Security is an email anti-spam solution developed by Mxtoolbox. Mxtoolbox is a powerful DNS and mail server toolset that has been helping network and system engineers manage mail servers since 2004. Their email security product provides basic yet effective spam filtering through a simple web interface.
Pros: Some key advantages of Mxtoolbox Email Security include:
– Basic yet accurate spam filtering without costly upgrades
– Simple web interface makes configuration and management easy
– Seamlessly integrates with popular email services like Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo
– Free forever tier for personal use that can handle up to 500 emails per month
Cons: The main disadvantage is that as a basic solution, it may not catch as much advanced spam or phishing attempts compared to more full-featured premium products.
Pricing: Mxtoolbox Email Security offers 3 paid tiers along with a generous free tier:
– Free Forever – Up to 500 emails/month
– Pro – $5/user/month – Up to 1000 emails/month
– Business – $10/user/month – Up to 5000 emails/month
– Enterprise – Custom pricing – Dedicated support and additional features
Some key facts about Mxtoolbox Email Security include:
– Filters over 5 billion emails per month
– Has over 200,000 active users
– Identifies over 99% of spam, phishing, and malware-containing emails
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11. Barracuda Sentinel
Barracuda Sentinel is Barracuda Networks’ cloud-based email anti-spam solution. As the worldwide leader in email protection, Barracuda has over 20 years of experience developing industry-leading solutions to block spam, viruses, phishing, and other email threats. Sentinel leverages Barracuda’s reputation and expertise to provide comprehensive email security.
Pros: Key advantages of Barracuda Sentinel include:
– Excellent reputation and accuracy in catching spam
– Comprehensive set of filtering/blocking tools
– Regular updates to handle new threats
– Intuitive interface makes administration and management easy
Cons: The main disadvantage is that as a cloud-based solution, organizations lose some control over their email infrastructure compared to an on-premise solution.
Pricing: Pricing for Barracuda Sentinel is based on the number of mailboxes protected. There are affordable plans starting at $2 per user per month for essential protection, with premium upgrades available for additional features.
Some key stats about Barracuda Sentinel include:
– Blocks over 99% of spam and viruses
– Protects over 150,000 organizations globally
– Scans over 100 billion emails per day
– Regularly updated spam signatures keep pace with new threats
12. GFI MailEssentials
GFI MailEssentials is email security and archiving software developed by GFI Software. It provides powerful protection from spam, phishing, malware and data leaks without the need for complex configurations.
Pros: Key advantages of GFI MailEssentials include:
– Powerful protection without complex configurations
– Automatically prevents data leaks and malware
– Seamless integration with Google Workspace
– Allows email archiving for compliance and eDiscovery purposes
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that it requires an annual subscription which means ongoing costs compared to one-time purchase licenses of some competitors.
Pricing: GFI MailEssentials pricing starts at $4.50 USD per user per month for the basic Advanced Security package billed annually. Additional archiving and encryption capabilities are available in higher tiers priced up to $9 USD per user per month.
Some key stats about GFI MailEssentials include:
– Protects over 50,000 organizations globally
– Scans over 2 billion emails per day
– Quarantines an average of 30% of incoming emails as junk or spam
13. Forcepoint Email Security
Forcepoint Email Security, formerly Websense Email Security, is an email filtering solution developed by Forcepoint to protect organizations from email threats like phishing, malware, and spam. Forcepoint has been in the email security market for over 15 years and protects over 35 million mailboxes globally.
Pros: Some key advantages of Forcepoint Email Security include:
– Advanced techniques like sandboxing for suspicious files to detect malware without exposing the enterprise network
– Single view of threats across email, web and more through integration with Forcepoint Web and Cloud Access Security Broker solutions
– Supports a wide range of deployment options including on-premises, privately hosted, and fully managed cloud architectures
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that the fully managed cloud option requires an ongoing subscription whereas some competitors offer a perpetual license option for their on-premises solutions.
Pricing: Pricing for Forcepoint Email Security depends on deployment size and options. The fully-managed cloud solution is offered through annual subscription plans that vary based on the number of mailboxes protected.
Some key stats about Forcepoint Email Security include:
– Protects over 35 million mailboxes worldwide
– Filters over 25 billion emails per day
– Identified over 2.5 billion threats in 2021 alone
14. WatchGuard Email Security
WatchGuard Email Security, formerly known as SpamTitan, is a cloud-based email security solution from WatchGuard Technologies. WatchGuard offers unified security platforms that protect networks, users and data across multiple threat vectors. Email Security is their solution focused specifically on securing email communications.
Pros: Key advantages of WatchGuard Email Security include: a unified platform approach that protects against phishing, malware and spam in one solution, robust DLP and encryption capabilities built-in, and an excellent reputation for support and customer care.
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that as a 100% cloud-based solution, it requires an internet connection to function fully and provide security updates.
Pricing: WatchGuard Email Security pricing starts at $3 per user per month for essential protection, with additional add-on features and unlimited usage available in higher tier plans up to $9 per user per month.
Some key stats about WatchGuard Email Security include: protects over 100,000 organizations globally, processes over 7 billion emails per month, and has a 99.97% spam catch rate and 0% false positives according to independent testing.
15. Vade Secure for Office 365
Vade Secure for Office 365 is an AI-powered email security solution designed to protect Microsoft 365 environments from phishing, spoofing and business email compromise (BEC) attacks. The solution leverages machine learning models to analyze email content, attachments and links in real-time to identify targeted threats and advanced threats.
Pros: Key advantages of Vade Secure for Office 365 include:
– Protects against Business Email Compromise scams
– Machine learning identifies targeted threats unseen by traditional scanners
– Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 with no additional logins required
– Continuously learns to identify new types of threats through federated AI
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that additional setup and configuration may be required to fully integrate the solution with custom domains and policies.
Pricing: Vade Secure for Office 365 pricing starts at $3.25 per user per month for the Essentials plan. Additional premium plans with advanced features are available for larger organizations.
Some key stats about Vade Secure for Office 365:
– Protects over 1.4 billion inboxes worldwide
– Identifies over 200 million authentic BEC scams and phishing emails per day
– Machine learning models are trained on over 250 billion emails
– Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft 365 through a single sign-on experience
Conclusion
By considering the comprehensive capabilities as well as other ranking factors outlined above, IBM Security Email Protection, Symantec Messaging Gateway and Broadcom emerge as three of the most effective solutions for robust email security. However, all the solutions highlighted in this blog are leading options that can adequately protect organizations of different scales. Use this blog to evaluate your specific needs to identify the best email anti-spam software for your unique environment in 2023.