MXtoolbox offers a robust suite of tools primarily focused on email and DNS diagnostics. Their DMARC reporting capabilities are integrated within their larger Delivery Center, providing insights into DMARC analytics, verified source management, and domain impersonation protection. We find it to be a solid choice for understanding DMARC compliance and identifying sending sources.
Beyond DMARC, MXtoolbox excels in core email health. This includes SPF and DKIM configuration monitoring, extensive blacklist (or blocklist) monitoring, and general deliverability diagnostics. Their platform provides a broad overview of your email infrastructure's health, which can be invaluable for pinpointing issues.
Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection is not a standalone product but a key component of Barracuda Email Protection. Its primary focus is on comprehensive DMARC services, designed to protect organizations from brand impersonation and spoofing attacks. We see it as a strong layer of defense within a broader security ecosystem.
The solution provides thorough DMARC enforcement and reporting, helping to identify and block unauthorized use of your domain. Because it's part of a larger security suite, it benefits from Barracuda's extensive threat intelligence and integrates seamlessly with other email security measures, offering a holistic approach to email protection.
How easy is each product to use
User experience
Navigating MXtoolbox, particularly its free tools, is generally straightforward. The interface is functional and provides quick access to various diagnostic utilities. However, some users might find the transition to their paid Delivery Center a bit less intuitive, with multiple clicks sometimes required to access specific reports.
While effective, the user interface for MXtoolbox has been described by some as basic and has not significantly evolved over time. This isn't necessarily a drawback if you prioritize functionality over aesthetics, but it can affect the overall user experience, especially for new users or those accustomed to more modern dashboards.
Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection, as part of the Barracuda Email Protection suite, aims for an integrated and consistent user experience. We found that the software is generally simple to manage, which is beneficial for organizations already familiar with Barracuda's ecosystem or those seeking a unified security platform.
While the integration is a strength, one reported downside is a potential slight network lag. This isn't severe enough to deter most users, but it's something to consider for environments where every millisecond counts. Overall, the emphasis is on comprehensive protection with manageable complexity.
Which product has the best support
Support
MXtoolbox offers support primarily through its online documentation and community for free users. For paid subscribers, direct support channels are available. However, some user feedback highlights challenges with their customer service, particularly concerning cancellation and refund processes, with reports of difficulty resolving issues online and needing to call in.
The need to escalate issues to a phone call for certain requests, and the lack of a clear digital record for such interactions, can be a point of friction. This suggests that while technical assistance may be available, the process for administrative issues might be less streamlined than some users expect from a modern SaaS provider.
Barracuda, being an enterprise-focused security vendor, typically provides robust support structures. For Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection, customer service has been described as
extremely responsive
by users, which is crucial for managing critical email security issues. This level of support is expected given its position as part of a comprehensive security suite.
Organizations using Barracuda's products often benefit from dedicated account management and technical expertise, ensuring that complex DMARC and email protection challenges can be addressed efficiently. This makes it a strong contender for businesses that value high-touch support and quick resolution times.
Who should use each product
Suitability
MXtoolbox is best suited for small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) and IT professionals who need quick, reliable diagnostics for email and DNS issues. Its free tools are excellent for ad-hoc checks, while its paid plans offer more structured monitoring and DMARC analysis for single or a few domains. It's a great tool for those who prioritize immediate problem-solving.
For Managed Service Providers (MSPs), MXtoolbox can serve as a valuable diagnostic utility for client issues, especially for blacklist monitoring and DMARC record verification. However, for enterprise-level DMARC management with extensive multi-tenancy requirements, it might be perceived as a more tactical tool rather than a full-fledged strategic platform.
Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection is ideal for mid-market to enterprise organizations (50+ users) that require a robust, integrated email security solution. It's particularly strong for businesses prioritizing comprehensive brand protection against spoofing and phishing attacks as part of their overall cybersecurity posture. This solution truly shines when combined with other Barracuda Email Protection features.
MSPs and resellers will find Barracuda suitable due to its partner programs, which facilitate managing multiple clients. For SMBs, while powerful, the solution might be overkill or inaccessible as a standalone DMARC tool, being bundled within a larger, more feature-rich (and costly) email protection suite. It's a strategic investment for those committed to a unified Barracuda security stack.
How does MXtoolbox compare with Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection?
DMARC report analysis
Ability to analyze aggregated DMARC reports (RUA).
Provides DMARC analytics within Delivery Center.
Offers comprehensive DMARC services and reporting.
Source detection
Identifies legitimate and illegitimate sending sources.
Includes verified source management.
Identifies email sending sources from DMARC data.
Forward detection
Identifies when emails are being forwarded.
DMARC reports include forwarding data.
Supports DMARC-based forwarding detection.
Spoof detection
Detects unauthorized use of your domain (spoofing).
Offers domain impersonation protection.
Protects against brand impersonation and spoofing attacks.
Notifications and alerts
Proactive alerts for DMARC issues or reputation changes.
Provides alerts, e.g., for blacklisting.
Alerts for security and DMARC policy violations.
Reporting
Customizable reports on DMARC compliance and email health.
Email delivery performance reports available.
Offers DMARC compliance and protection reports.
API
Programmatic access for integration with other systems.
Mentioned in reviews for SIEM integration.
Likely available as part of enterprise suite.
Multi-tenancy
Management of multiple client domains from a single interface (for MSPs).
Supports multiple domains, but not explicit multi-tenant features.
Supported through partner programs for MSPs.
SPF flattening
Reduces the number of DNS lookups for SPF records.
Included in Delivery Center Plus tier.
Typically part of advanced email protection.
Hosted DMARC
Managed DMARC records and setup.
Offers DMARC deployment assistance.
Provides comprehensive DMARC services.
BIMI
Brand Indicators for Message Identification support.
Not explicitly mentioned in product features.
Commonly supported for brand protection in enterprise solutions.
MTA-STS/TLS-RPT
Support for Mail Transfer Agent Strict Transport Security and TLS Reporting.
Not explicitly mentioned in product features.
Likely included in a comprehensive security suite.
Blocklists and reputation
Monitoring and management of IP and domain reputation.
Extensive adaptive sender blocklist monitoring.
Part of overall email protection and threat intelligence.
AI copilot
AI-powered assistant for insights and actions.
No AI copilot feature.
No AI copilot feature.
DNS monitoring
Monitoring of DNS records and changes.
Offers DNS lookup and monitoring tools.
Integrated DNS health monitoring.
Self hostable
Option to host the solution on your own infrastructure.
Not a self-hostable solution.
Not a self-hostable solution.
Free trial/free tier
Availability of a free version or trial period.
Free tier and 30-day trial for paid plans.
Free trial available for Barracuda Email Protection.
Drawbacks and what to watch out for
MXtoolbox faces criticism mainly around its billing and cancellation practices for paid plans, with some users reporting difficulties securing refunds as promised during trials. While its free tools are highly praised, the paid tiers have raised concerns about customer service transparency. Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection, while effective, is not sold as a standalone product, which might be a drawback for organizations only seeking DMARC functionality without the broader email protection suite.
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.
4.1 / 5(29)
5 / 5(1)
Business Practices are scammy
0.0 / 5
What do you like best about MXToolbox?It helped us solve the small issue we had with our emails going to customers spam folder.What do you dislike about MXToolbox?I initially signed up online for a month-to-month contract, but then a salesperson got a hold of me and sent me a quote. The quote he sent me was for a year contract which I did not want, so I signed up for the month to month. Once the problem was fixed I tried to cancel and I couldn't do it online. I emailed them and they told me I had to call them. After lots of back and fourth they told me I signed a year contract and I couldn't cancel. I would have never signed up for a year. It was a very scammy business practice. Eventually they stopped responding so I had to stop the payments from my credit card.Recommendations to others considering MXToolbox:I don't recommend them because of their shady business practices.What problems is MXToolbox solving and how is that benefiting you?fixing a problem with emails going to spam
Sam B.
IT Director Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
Excellent protection for a mid-sized non-profit.
5.0 / 5
What do you like best about Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection?Our school for autistic adults has benefitted immensely from the Barracuda products we use for cybersecurity, and their Domain Fraud Protection is an excellent addition to the essentials suite. It is relatively inexpensive compared to competitors and provides comprehensive DMARC services which protect our brand from being digitally impersonated and used to launch attacks. This was a real problem for us prior to purchasing Barracuda DFP, but has not been a worry in the 7+ years since we installed the software. Our IT specialist reports that their customer service is extremely responsive and that the software itself is simple to manage. Highly recommended.What do you dislike about Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection?The only downside we've experienced to Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection is a slight network lag. This has not been too noticeable, however, and the extra protection has been well worth the additional system load.What problems is Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection solving and how is that benefiting you?We used to suffer domain spoofing attacks multiple times a year, but Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection has successfully stopped virtually all of these kinds of attacks since we began using it on our network in 2015.
Jared S.
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
Think twice before doing their paid plans. Deceptive "risk-free" 30 day trial
0.0 / 5
What do you like best about MXToolbox?I suspect many of the people responding favorably on this forum are using their free tools. Their free tools are very useful -- but think twice before upgrading to their paid plans.What do you dislike about MXToolbox?Like many other software vendors - they make an offer of a risk-free one-month trial. However, they don't actually refund you your money if you cancel before 30 days. Here is my example: I signed up for their delivery center option on November 10, 2018 and was promptly billed $99. I used the service for 2 days, realized the paid features were overkill for my own and customers' needs, so called to cancel November 12 (two days after signup.) They acknowledged my cancellation by email but never credited back my account for the $99.On December 17th I called their toll-free line. Matt on the phone said ("getting a refund would require managers approval and it's not a certain thing.") No sign of any refund as-yet, no confirmation from the company following the call of what to expect on refund.On December 15 I emailed. Their response to my email was "Sorry, we can't process that sort of thing by email. Either call or create a support ticket." Unfortunately, the support ticket option is available only for active subscribers -- so you are left with calling their phone system and having no record of exchange. Attached is an image from their website taken December 2018 in which they describe their "risk-free" offer. https://postimg.cc/mhgzm197In summary -- Be aware that their free trial is not like how most other software vendors manage their trial promotions. They are opportunistic about billing you and (in my experience) don't honor the refund they promise as part of their risk-free trial.Recommendations to others considering MXToolbox:Use their free tools (they are good.) Their paid tools are overpriced, and they have a misleading "risk-free" plan that will end up costing you $99.What problems is MXToolbox solving and how is that benefiting you?Their free tools will help you diagnose MX configuration issues.
jon b.
Jon Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Beware their "30 day free trial" of the Delivery Center!
0.5 / 5
What do you like best about MXToolbox?The free tools are good, and one wouldn't mind paying something for them, but one does object to being defrauded - see below.What do you dislike about MXToolbox?Tried to cancel free trial only a couple of days in, but $99 had been taken from my card and they have not responded to repeated requests to end it and refund the money. It looks like attempted fraud.What problems is MXToolbox solving and how is that benefiting you?Simple things like reverse DNS lookup helped us to check our email setup.
Alexander S.
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Makes email management easy
3.5 / 5
What do you like best about MXToolbox?-Affordable pricing-Setting up is very easy-Useful dashboards-Makes email reputation checks easierWhat do you dislike about MXToolbox?-This tool covers everything required for email management, there is nothing to dislike about.What problems is MXToolbox solving and how is that benefiting you?I have used this tool for domain reputation checking for phising mail analysis also I am using this for some of my projects to check mail deliverability and reputation of the domain to make sure the domain is not being blacklisted due to sending loads of emails.
Nitin R.
Software dev Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
MXToolBox is great for blacklist testing
3.5 / 5
What do you like best about MXToolbox?MXToolBox is suitable for Blacklists, DMARC, Diagnostics, Email Health, and DNS Lookup checks.What do you dislike about MXToolbox?For a free tool, I'd say MXToolBox is pretty top-notch.What problems is MXToolbox solving and how is that benefiting you?I used MXToolBox for DNS look-ups and blacklist checks.
Verified User in Marketing and Advertising
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
Pricing
MXtoolbox offers a free tier and then jumps to higher-priced packages based on email volume, while Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection is bundled within its broader Email Protection suite, with pricing typically per user per month or by custom quote for larger organizations.
Small
Up to 10k emails / month
Free tier (1 domain, weekly blacklist monitoring)
Part of Barracuda Email Protection
Medium
Up to 100k emails / month
$129/month (5 domains, 500k emails volume)
Part of Barracuda Email Protection
Large
Up to 1 million emails / month
$129/month (5 domains, 500k emails volume)
Part of Barracuda Email Protection
Enterprise
Over 1 million emails / month
$399/month (5 domains, 5M emails volume)
Contact for pricing
Suped hard sell incoming!
Still not satisfied with MXtoolbox or Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection?