Cloudflare's DMARC Management is an extension of their comprehensive suite of web performance and security services. When we explored it, we found it leverages Cloudflare's existing DNS infrastructure, which is a significant advantage if you are already using them for DNS.
However, as a newer addition in beta, its DMARC-specific feature set, while foundational, is still maturing. It focuses on providing visibility into DMARC reports and helping enforce policies, but it doesn't always have the depth of specialized tools seen in dedicated DMARC platforms.
Send-Shield positions itself as a focused DMARC reporting and management tool. We found its feature set to be purpose-built for DMARC, offering a straightforward approach to gaining insight into email authentication.
It aims to simplify the process of understanding DMARC reports, identifying sending sources, and guiding users towards a strict DMARC policy. While perhaps not as broad in scope as a full web security platform, its DMARC features are generally solid and designed for this specific need.
How easy is each product to use
User experience
Cloudflare's dashboard is renowned for its breadth, covering everything from DNS to WAF to DMARC. When we navigated it, we found that users already familiar with Cloudflare will find the DMARC section integrated seamlessly into their existing workflow.
However, for those new to Cloudflare or specifically looking for a DMARC-only solution, the extensive dashboard can feel overwhelming. The DMARC features themselves are relatively intuitive once located, but the sheer volume of options can present a steeper learning curve.
Send-Shield offers a more specialized user experience. When we used it, we found the dashboard to be clean and focused specifically on DMARC reporting and management tasks. This singular focus often translates to a more direct and less cluttered interface.
For users primarily concerned with DMARC and email deliverability, this streamlined approach can be a significant advantage. It allows for quicker access to relevant data and a clearer understanding of necessary actions without getting lost in unrelated features.
Which product has the best support
Support
Cloudflare's support structure is tiered, meaning the level of service and response times vary significantly based on your plan. In our experience, free or lower-tier users often rely on extensive documentation and community forums, which can sometimes lead to slower resolutions for complex DMARC issues.
Enterprise clients, naturally, receive dedicated and more responsive support. While their documentation is comprehensive, direct technical assistance for the DMARC beta might still be evolving.
Send-Shield offers email and meeting support across its Core and Plus plans, with premium 24/7 support for Enterprise users. Based on our interactions, this structured approach ensures that most users have access to direct assistance for DMARC-related queries.
While lacking a large community forum like Cloudflare, the direct support channels tend to be focused on DMARC, meaning their team is specialized in these issues. This can be beneficial for specific DMARC implementation and troubleshooting needs.
Who should use each product
Suitability
Cloudflare's DMARC solution is most suitable for existing Cloudflare users who want to consolidate their web security and email authentication under one roof. It's particularly strong for:
SMBs: If they are already on a Cloudflare plan, it's an easy add-on.
Enterprise: Large organizations that leverage Cloudflare's full suite will find the integrated approach appealing for consistent security policies.
MSPs: Less ideal as a standalone DMARC solution due to its broader platform nature, but manageable if the MSP is already deeply integrated with Cloudflare for their clients' web infrastructure.
Send-Shield is designed for businesses and organizations that need a dedicated, focused DMARC reporting and management tool, especially if they are not already heavily invested in another web infrastructure provider. It's well-suited for:
SMBs: A good entry point for those seeking straightforward DMARC implementation without the complexity of broader platforms.
Enterprise: Larger organizations that prefer a specialized tool for email security, potentially integrating it with their existing security stack.
MSPs: Highly suitable, as its dedicated nature makes it easier to manage DMARC for multiple clients without needing to navigate a large, multi-purpose platform. Its clear pricing tiers also support this model.
How does Cloudflare compare with Send-Shield?
DMARC report analysis
Aggregates and visualizes DMARC reports (RUA/RUF).
Core functionality, integrated.
Dedicated focus, detailed reports.
Source detection
Identifies legitimate and illegitimate email sending sources.
Identifies sources from reports.
Robust source identification.
Forward detection
Helps distinguish legitimate email forwarding from spoofing.
Capabilities are present.
Aids in managing forwarding scenarios.
Spoof detection
Identifies and categorizes email spoofing attempts.
Key DMARC benefit.
Primary function to detect.
Notifications and alerts
Provides alerts for DMARC policy changes or anomalies.
Alerts are configurable.
Proactive threat monitoring included.
Reporting
Generates various reports on DMARC compliance and email traffic.
Integrated into dashboard.
Basic to analytical reports available.
API
Offers an API for programmatic access to DMARC data and management.
Extensive Cloudflare API likely includes DMARC.
Common for integrations.
Multi-tenancy
Ability to manage multiple domains or client accounts.
Helps manage SPF record lookups to stay within limits.
Part of their DNS management.
Aids in SPF compliance.
Hosted DMARC
Ability to host DMARC record directly through the service.
Integrated with Cloudflare DNS.
Part of DMARC self-setup and implementation.
BIMI
Support for Brand Indicators for Message Identification.
Not specifically highlighted for their DMARC offering.
Commonly offered by dedicated DMARC tools.
MTA-STS/TLS-RPT
Support for MTA-Strict Transport Security and TLS Reporting.
Less focus on these specific email security protocols.
Often included in advanced DMARC offerings.
Blocklists and reputation
Monitors sender reputation and major email blocklists (or blacklists).
Focus is on web, not email blocklists/reputation.
Important for email deliverability.
AI copilot
AI-powered assistance for DMARC configuration and analysis.
Not a primary feature of their DMARC offering.
Not mentioned as a current feature.
DNS monitoring
Monitors DNS records for changes or issues.
Core Cloudflare DNS service.
Not a primary focus of the DMARC tool.
Self hostable
Option to self-host the DMARC reporting solution.
Cloud-based SaaS.
Cloud-based SaaS.
Free trial/free tier
Availability of a free option or trial period.
DMARC management in free beta.
Offers a free trial for starter plan.
Drawbacks and what to watch out for
When considering Cloudflare, we found that potential drawbacks include its tiered support, which can be less responsive for non-enterprise users, and a potentially overwhelming dashboard for those new to the platform. Send-Shield, while focused, might lack the broader web security integrations that a larger platform offers, and with no public reviews, evaluating its long-term reliability and user satisfaction is difficult.
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)
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's DMARC offering is currently in a free beta, while Send-Shield provides clear tiered pricing based on email volume and domains.
Small
Up to 10k emails / month
Free Beta
£19.99/month
Medium
Up to 100k emails / month
Free Beta
£49.99/month
Large
Up to 1 million emails / month
Free Beta
£299.00/month
Enterprise
Over 1 million emails / month
Contact for pricing
Starting from £699/month
Suped hard sell incoming!
Still not satisfied with Cloudflare or Send-Shield?
4.5 / 5(561)
