Cloudflare's DMARC Management is an extension of their robust web security platform. We found that it integrates DMARC reporting seamlessly into their existing dashboard, providing a consolidated view of email authentication alongside other security features like WAF and CDN. This means you are not just getting DMARC, but a DMARC solution within a broader security ecosystem.
Their platform leverages Cloudflare's global network to collect and analyze DMARC reports, offering insights into email traffic, authentication results, and potential spoofing attempts. It is designed to work as part of a unified security strategy, which is beneficial for organizations already using Cloudflare for other services. This approach aims to streamline security management across all digital assets.
DMARC Visualizer is a dedicated open-source tool focused purely on DMARC reporting and visualization. We have experienced its core strength lies in its ability to process raw DMARC XML data and present it through highly customizable dashboards, primarily powered by Grafana and Elasticsearch. It provides granular control over your data, as you host and manage the entire stack yourself.
This solution does not come with a broader security suite, but it excels at its specific task. It allows for detailed analysis of DMARC aggregate and forensic reports, giving users full command over how their email authentication data is stored, queried, and displayed. This setup is ideal for those who prefer an unopinionated, highly flexible reporting framework.
DMARC Visualizer
How easy is each product to use
User experience
DMARC Visualizer
Cloudflare's dashboard is generally intuitive for managing their suite of services, and we anticipate their DMARC Management will follow suit with a similar user-friendly interface. While basic setup for many Cloudflare services is straightforward, some advanced configurations can introduce complexity.
For DMARC specifically, we expect a familiar experience for existing Cloudflare users, where DMARC settings and reports are integrated into the existing navigation. New users might find the sheer breadth of Cloudflare's offerings overwhelming at first, but the DMARC-specific interface should be relatively guided.
Using DMARC Visualizer requires a significant level of technical expertise for installation, configuration, and ongoing maintenance. This is not a plug-and-play solution. We have found that setting it up involves command-line operations, Docker deployments, and configuring components like Elasticsearch and Grafana. The experience is hands-on and demands a good understanding of these technologies.
Once set up, the day-to-day use revolves around Grafana dashboards, which are highly customizable but also require knowledge of Grafana to modify or create new visualizations. This means the user experience is entirely dependent on your technical proficiency and how much effort you are willing to put into customization.
DMARC Visualizer
Which product has the best support
Support
DMARC Visualizer
Cloudflare's support often receives mixed reviews based on the user's plan tier. We have observed that free and lower-tier plans typically experience slower response times and more generalized assistance. Enterprise clients, as expected, generally receive dedicated and more responsive support channels.
Given that DMARC Management is currently in beta, specific support for this feature might be evolving. General issues with Cloudflare, such as billing complications, have been a recurring point of frustration for some users, which could extend to DMARC-related services as they become fully integrated.
As an open-source project, DMARC Visualizer primarily relies on community support. We have found that assistance is typically sought through GitHub issues, forums, and other community-driven channels. There is no dedicated support team or official customer service line to contact for immediate help.
This model means that troubleshooting and problem-solving depend on the collective knowledge of the user base and the project maintainers. While a vibrant open-source community can be very helpful, it lacks the guarantees and formal SLAs of a commercial product, requiring self-reliance and patience from users.
DMARC Visualizer
Who should use each product
Suitability
DMARC Visualizer
Cloudflare's DMARC Management is well-suited for organizations that already utilize Cloudflare for their broader web security, performance, or DNS needs. It is particularly effective for enterprises seeking a unified platform to manage their DMARC implementation alongside other critical infrastructure, providing comprehensive security from a single vendor.
For Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Cloudflare offers a scalable platform to manage DMARC for multiple clients, though potential billing complexities should be considered. Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs) might find the full Cloudflare suite extensive if DMARC is their only need, but the free beta could be an attractive entry point.
DMARC Visualizer is best for technically proficient users, developers, or organizations with in-house IT teams who desire complete control over their DMARC reporting infrastructure. Its open-source nature makes it ideal for those who value customization, data ownership, and the ability to self-host without ongoing subscription fees.
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) with strong technical capabilities could adapt DMARC Visualizer for client reporting, provided they are prepared to manage the installation and maintenance across multiple instances. It is generally not recommended for SMBs without dedicated technical staff due to the significant operational overhead and lack of managed support.
DMARC Visualizer
How does Cloudflare compare with DMARC Visualizer?
DMARC Visualizer
DMARC report analysis
Ability to parse and present DMARC aggregate and forensic reports.
Source detection
Identifies legitimate and illegitimate email sending sources.
Automated and integrated with a broader security platform.
Requires interpretation of raw data via customizable dashboards.
Forward detection
Identifies when emails are forwarded, potentially affecting DMARC alignment.
Advanced detection capabilities as part of integrated platform.
Often inferred and visualized from DMARC data.
Spoof detection
Detects and helps mitigate email spoofing attempts.
Integrated with Web Application Firewall (WAF) for robust protection.
Provided through analysis of DMARC authentication results.
Notifications and alerts
Provides real-time or scheduled alerts for DMARC policy violations or changes.
Configurable alerts within the Cloudflare dashboard.
Available through Grafana's alerting features.
Reporting
Generates various reports on DMARC compliance and email traffic.
Dashboard analytics and exportable reports.
Highly customizable reports via Grafana dashboards.
API
Offers an API for programmatic interaction and integration.
Extensive API available for Cloudflare's entire suite of services.
No direct API, but interacts with Elasticsearch API for data.
Multi-tenancy
Supports managing DMARC for multiple domains or clients.
Managed through Cloudflare's organization and zone structure.
Achievable through careful self-hosted configuration.
SPF flattening
Helps manage SPF records to avoid DNS lookup limits.
Often integrated as part of broader DNS management services.
This is a DNS feature, not a DMARC reporting feature.
Hosted DMARC
Provides services for hosting and managing your DMARC record.
Manages DMARC records alongside other DNS entries.
Focuses on reporting; requires manual DMARC record publication.
BIMI
Supports Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI).
Can host necessary DNS records for BIMI implementation.
Not directly supported, but DNS records can be managed externally.
MTA-STS/TLS-RPT
Supports Mail Transfer Agent Strict Transport Security and TLS Reporting.
Can host necessary DNS records for MTA-STS/TLS-RPT implementation.
Not directly supported, but DNS records can be managed externally.
Blocklists and reputation
Monitors email sending reputation and identifies blocklist (or blacklist) issues.
Integrated as part of Cloudflare's overall security intelligence.
No native blocklist monitoring or reputation features.
AI copilot
Offers AI-powered assistance for DMARC configuration or analysis.
Not specifically for DMARC, but Cloudflare has general AI features.
No AI copilot features.
DNS monitoring
Monitors DNS records for changes and potential issues.
A core part of Cloudflare's comprehensive DNS services.
Not a primary feature of DMARC Visualizer itself.
Self hostable
Can be hosted on your own infrastructure.
A cloud-based managed service.
Free trial/free tier
Offers a free period or a perpetually free usage tier.
DMARC Management is in a free beta with a waitlist; Cloudflare also has broader free tiers.
Entirely free and open-source, though self-hosting incurs infrastructure costs.
Drawbacks and what to watch out for
Cloudflare's DMARC management, while integrated, inherits challenges from its broader platform, notably inconsistent customer support and billing issues, particularly for paid tiers. DMARC Visualizer, as a self-hosted open-source solution, demands significant technical expertise and lacks dedicated vendor support, shifting the burden of maintenance and security entirely to the user.
We have pulled the average ratings from G2 for each product, and also included the most recent negative reviews for each product in full. Positive reviews tend to have less detail and have a higher chance of being fraudulent, so negative reviews are a better signal for your decision.
4.5 / 5(561)
DMARC Visualizer
0 / 5(0)
Horrible Support and Billing - They run with your money and don't care to get billing correct
0.0 / 5
What do you like best about Cloudflare Application Security and Performance?
Ease of deployment, dashboard and configurations for the WAF, Cache, and other features are top tier with ease, settings, and logging. Just don't have an issue with them or you're on your own. Also, don't keep a credit card on file or they'll bill you for their mistakes.
What do you dislike about Cloudflare Application Security and Performance?
Customer support and billing. Their support does not read what you have to say but rather comes in with their own interpretation of what has happened and forces their views on your issue rather than trying to understand exactly what is happening. On two occassions in the last few months I have had this happen when I encountered an issue with the core product and their billing.
The billing should be detailed further as it is sketchy business practices. Back in April they changed their billing software and charged me incorrectly for a month as it included the previous month as well (which I already paid). I brought this to their attention and the billing support assured me that it was not a problem. Come last week, they limited my account as I "had unpaid biling" so I contacted them again and brought attention to this wrong invoice that they never corrected. Come yesterday, they just charged my credit card on file without my authorization or explanination of what is going on. I've replied to the open ticket and created a new ticket and no one is answering.
I don't want to be a drama case but this is ridiculous to have been charged something from months ago and not be given an explanation.
What problems is Cloudflare Application Security and Performance solving and how is that benefiting you?
Improve the security and performance of our websites/applications. Their configurable/customizable WAF, CDN/Caching, bot mitigation, and DDoS protection accomplish this for our websites/applications.
Jim M.
Owner Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
No G2 reviews
G2 is the most popular review platform for DMARC products, so this is a strong signal that this product is not popular.
Support very unresponsive. Not understanding P1 urgency. Delayed project 3 whole days.
0.0 / 5
What do you like best about Cloudflare Application Security and Performance?
The website is intuitive, implementation steps are straightforward. It has numerous features, and they are indeed needed by a web app.
What do you dislike about Cloudflare Application Security and Performance?
If your implementation goes well, it's fine. However, if you are in trouble, the support doc is useless. You pay for the pro plan to try to get some technician support. No one cares about your business or service, even if you identify it as a P1 urgency. My project was down and could not get anyone to help me when I identified it as a high-impact ticket.
What problems is Cloudflare Application Security and Performance solving and how is that benefiting you?
The ticket support system is horrible. No technicians provide you with timely manner answers and support. Not worth the price.
Andrew Z.
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
WAF is good, but so many half baked side features
2.5 / 5
What do you like best about Cloudflare Application Security and Performance?
The WAF is pretty industry standard. Its not too slow, gets regular updates, easy to deploy and cheap
What do you dislike about Cloudflare Application Security and Performance?
The side features are just trash. Its clear they have been shipped and dropped.
Cloudflare Bot Detection should not exist. Its not even funny how easy it is to bypass.
Page Shield is a joke, their API security is a joke.
What problems is Cloudflare Application Security and Performance solving and how is that benefiting you?
OWASP top 10
Verified User in Computer Software
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Love the product- support could use some work
2.5 / 5
What do you like best about Cloudflare Application Security and Performance?
Super easy to use. Very developer friendly. Tons of value for price. Undoubtedly #1 in WAF.
What do you dislike about Cloudflare Application Security and Performance?
Could use some better support. No direct channels for tech questions.
What problems is Cloudflare Application Security and Performance solving and how is that benefiting you?
It's providing great security for our web app.
Verified User in Computer Software
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
Don't Pay for Support
2.5 / 5
What do you like best about Cloudflare Application Security and Performance?
In general, cloudflare is really easy to navigate, especially for simple DNS and domain management. Unless you have a complicated setup, I find it easy enough to move a domain or simply manage DNS for most sites.
What do you dislike about Cloudflare Application Security and Performance?
Their support is terrible. Had an issue with a client's DNS and the person I was talking to clearly didn't have a clue what they were talking about. They took so long between answers, it seemed like they were just asking someone else. Ultimately, they were of no help and we were out the money we paid to have live support.
What problems is Cloudflare Application Security and Performance solving and how is that benefiting you?
Makes DNS and Security easy for most websites and domains.
Verified User in Marketing and Advertising
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Pricing
Cloudflare offers DMARC management as part of a broader, likely tiered service, with a free beta, while DMARC Visualizer is entirely free and open-source, though it requires self-hosting costs.
DMARC Visualizer
Small
Up to 10k emails / month
Free beta, waitlist
Free (self-hosted)
Medium
Up to 100k emails / month
Contact for pricing
Free (self-hosted)
Large
Up to 1 million emails / month
Contact for pricing
Free (self-hosted)
Enterprise
Over 1 million emails / month
Contact for pricing
Free (self-hosted)
Suped hard sell incoming!
Still not satisfied with Cloudflare or DMARC Visualizer?
4.5 / 5(561)
