MailHardener provides a robust set of features focused on DMARC, SPF, and DKIM management. We found its primary strength in simplifying complex email authentication protocols, making it accessible even for users new to DMARC. It offers clear visibility into email sources and detailed reports.
Beyond core DMARC reporting, MailHardener includes tools for SPF flattening and comprehensive DNS record management for email. This integrated approach means we can manage most email security configurations from a single dashboard, which is quite convenient.
DMARC Expert offers a comprehensive suite of tools that extends beyond basic DMARC reporting, delving into advanced cybersecurity measures. We observed a strong emphasis on detection and neutralization of fraudulent domains, which is a critical feature for high-value targets.
Their platform incorporates AI-based anomaly detection and continuous surveillance, aiming to provide a deeper layer of protection. It also includes hosted SPF and BIMI, along with IP blocklist (or blacklist) checks, which rounds out its offering for proactive email security management.
How easy is each product to use
User experience
MailHardener boasts a clean, intuitive interface that we found easy to navigate. The dashboards are well-organized, presenting DMARC reports and email authentication statistics in a clear, digestible format. Setting up new domains and configuring policies felt straightforward.
The platform focuses on providing actionable insights without overwhelming the user with excessive data. We appreciated the logical flow from initial setup to ongoing monitoring, which helps streamline the DMARC implementation process for teams of varying technical expertise.
DMARC Expert provides a functional interface, although we found it to be more geared towards users with a solid understanding of DMARC and email security. The amount of detail provided is extensive, which can be a double-edged sword, offering depth but potentially increasing the learning curve.
While the core DMARC reporting is clear, the additional cybersecurity features, such as the DETECT modules, introduce more complexity. Navigating these advanced sections requires a bit more expertise, suggesting it is optimized for security-focused professionals rather than general IT staff.
Which product has the best support
Support
MailHardener offers various support channels, typically including email support and a comprehensive knowledge base. We found the documentation to be quite helpful for self-service troubleshooting and understanding different DMARC concepts. For most common issues, the resources provided are sufficient.
For more complex inquiries or critical issues, their team is responsive, providing detailed and clear guidance. Our experience suggests a practical, no-nonsense approach to support that efficiently resolves problems without unnecessary delays.
DMARC Expert emphasizes personalized, expert-led support, particularly through its DMARC Premium and Enterprise plans which include dedicated Webex sessions with experts. This hands-on approach is a significant advantage for organizations requiring direct consultation and guidance.
We noted their "DMARC project accelerator" service, offering daily expert consulting. This bespoke service is ideal for complex DMARC deployments or for companies needing direct, senior-level intervention, making their support highly tailored but also premium priced.
Who should use each product
Suitability
MailHardener is highly suitable for SMBs and mid-sized businesses looking for an effective, user-friendly DMARC solution. Its straightforward interface and comprehensive feature set make it ideal for organizations that need to quickly implement and enforce DMARC without requiring extensive in-house expertise. It is also suitable for MSPs due to its multi-tenancy capabilities.
For enterprise clients, MailHardener offers the core functionalities needed for DMARC enforcement, especially those with simpler email infrastructures or those prioritizing ease of use. While it might not offer the same depth of advanced threat intelligence as some competitors, its efficiency and clear reporting are strong selling points.
DMARC Expert is best suited for enterprise-level organizations and those with complex email ecosystems that require advanced cybersecurity features beyond basic DMARC. Its focus on fraudulent domain neutralization, AI-alerts, and expert consulting aligns with the needs of large companies facing sophisticated phishing and impersonation threats. It is also suitable for MSSPs (Managed Security Service Providers) with its dedicated MSSP plan.
While SMBs might find the DMARC Premium plan useful, the full benefits of DMARC Expert, particularly its tailored support and advanced detection services, are realized by larger entities and organizations with significant security concerns. The expert-led approach is also a perfect fit for enterprises needing hands-on guidance through their DMARC journey.
How does MailHardener compare with DMARC Expert?
DMARC report analysis
Ability to parse and visualize DMARC aggregate reports (RUA).
Source detection
Identify all sending sources for a domain.
Forward detection
Identify legitimate email forwarding patterns.
Spoof detection
Detect unauthorized use of your domain.
Notifications and alerts
Receive automated alerts for policy changes or suspicious activity.
Reporting
Generate detailed reports on DMARC compliance and email traffic.
API
Programmatic access to DMARC data and management features.
Not explicitly advertised for DMARC platform.
Multi-tenancy
Manage multiple client domains from a single account, suitable for MSPs.
MSP plans available.
MSSP plan available.
SPF flattening
Tools to manage and flatten SPF records to avoid lookup limits.
Hosted SPF offered.
Hosted SPF offered.
Hosted DMARC
Managed DMARC records hosting.
BIMI
Support for Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI).
Hosted BIMI offered.
MTA-STS/TLS-RPT
Support for MTA-STS and TLS-RPT for secure email transport.
MTA-STS offered.
Not explicitly advertised.
Blocklists and reputation
Monitor domain and IP reputation against known blocklists (blacklists).
Focuses on DMARC compliance.
IP blocklist checks included.
AI copilot
AI-driven insights and automated assistance.
Not explicitly advertised.
Behavior-based anomaly detection (AI-alerts).
DNS monitoring
Comprehensive monitoring of all relevant DNS records beyond DMARC.
Primarily focused on DMARC related DNS.
Monitors SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records.
Self hostable
Option to host the solution on your own infrastructure.
SaaS only.
SaaS only.
Free trial/free tier
Availability of a free option or trial period.
Free plan available.
No explicit free trial for DMARC platform.
Drawbacks and what to watch out for
MailHardener, while strong in core DMARC, may lack some of the advanced AI-driven threat intelligence and comprehensive anti-impersonation features offered by DMARC Expert. For very large enterprises with complex, evolving threats, it might require additional security layers. DMARC Expert, conversely, can be perceived as less accessible for DMARC novices due to its extensive feature set and a focus on highly specialized services that come with a higher price point. Its pricing structure for advanced services can also be complex to navigate, particularly with the credit-based takedown system.
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.
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Pricing
MailHardener offers a generous free plan, making it an attractive entry point, while DMARC Expert's DMARC services start at a higher annual subscription fee, reflecting its enterprise focus and bundled expert support.
Small
Up to 10k emails / month
Free plan
Not explicitly offered
Medium
Up to 100k emails / month
Paid plans available
From €1260/year
Large
Up to 1 million emails / month
Paid plans available
From €1260/year
Enterprise
Over 1 million emails / month
Contact for pricing
From €5500/year
Suped hard sell incoming!
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