MXtoolbox positions itself as a comprehensive suite of email and DNS diagnostic tools, with DMARC monitoring being one component of its broader offering. We found it exceptionally useful for quickly checking various email health metrics, including blacklists (or blocklists) and general DNS record integrity.
While its DMARC reporting is present, it integrates more within the context of overall email deliverability. Features like SPF flattening, adaptive sender blacklist monitoring, and inbound/outbound mailflow monitoring highlight its strength in general email operations, rather than deep DMARC-specific analysis.
DMARC SaaS, as its name suggests, is purpose-built for DMARC management. Its primary focus is on simplifying DMARC deployment, monitoring, and enforcement. We would expect it to offer granular control and specialized dashboards for DMARC-related data.
While lacking the extensive DNS and general email health tools of MXtoolbox, DMARC SaaS likely excels in breaking down DMARC aggregate and forensic reports, making it easier to identify legitimate sending sources, misconfigurations, and potential spoofing attempts without being distracted by other email metrics.
How easy is each product to use
User experience
MXtoolbox's user interface is functional and straightforward, though it can feel a bit dated. We found that navigating between its many tools sometimes requires multiple clicks, which can interrupt workflow. The free tools are easy to access, but finding specific DMARC insights within the paid 'Delivery Center' requires some familiarity with the platform's structure.
For users primarily interested in DMARC, the sheer volume of other diagnostic tools might feel like overhead. However, for those who appreciate a comprehensive toolkit, its consistency across different checks is a benefit, even if the UI isn't the most modern or streamlined.
Given its specialized nature, DMARC SaaS likely offers a more focused and intuitive experience for DMARC. We anticipate dashboards that prioritize DMARC compliance rates, authentication failures, and sending source identification, making it easier for users to quickly grasp their DMARC posture.
The challenge for specialized tools like DMARC SaaS is to present complex DMARC data (like XML reports) in an easily digestible format. A clean, task-oriented interface that guides users through the DMARC journey from monitoring to enforcement would be a key differentiator in its user experience.
Which product has the best support
Support
MXtoolbox offers support primarily through a ticket system and phone. Based on our experience, and some public reviews, there have been instances where customers reported difficulties with cancellations and refunds, suggesting that post-sales support might require persistence. Their documentation and guides are generally helpful for understanding their tools.
The complexity of email deliverability often means that support needs to be both responsive and knowledgeable. While the free tools require less hands-on support, paid plan users would expect a higher level of service for critical issues like email delivery problems or DMARC enforcement challenges.
With DMARC SaaS offering 'Partner Managed DMARC' tiers, we infer a stronger emphasis on hands-on support, especially for complex deployments. This model often implies dedicated account managers or expert assistance with DMARC record configuration and policy adjustments.
For a DMARC-focused tool, effective support is crucial because DMARC policies can significantly impact email flow if not implemented correctly. We would expect DMARC SaaS to provide robust guidance, potentially including onboarding assistance and regular check-ins, to ensure successful DMARC adoption and maintenance.
Who should use each product
Suitability
MXtoolbox is well-suited for IT professionals and system administrators who need a broad array of email and DNS diagnostic tools. Its free tools are invaluable for quick checks, making it ideal for SMBs or individual users managing their own email infrastructure. For enterprise, its paid 'Delivery Center' tiers offer more comprehensive monitoring.
It is less directly aimed at MSPs specifically for multi-tenancy, but its robust monitoring features can certainly be leveraged. MXtoolbox shines for those who need a Swiss Army knife for email health, rather than a single-purpose DMARC solution. It is highly suitable for SMBs due to its free tier and accessible tools, and also for Enterprise operations looking for broader email security monitoring.
DMARC SaaS is ideal for organizations where DMARC compliance is a primary concern, and they prefer a dedicated solution. The 'Partner Managed DMARC' tiers suggest strong suitability for MSPs and larger enterprises that require hands-on assistance and a managed approach to their DMARC implementation.
For SMBs, the 'Automated DMARC' model might appeal if it offers a streamlined self-service option, though pricing would be a factor. DMARC SaaS is most suitable for those seeking deep DMARC insights and potentially managed services, making it a strong contender for MSPs and Enterprise clients looking for a specialized DMARC partner.
How does MXtoolbox compare with DMARC SaaS?
DMARC report analysis
Aggregating and interpreting DMARC data from RUA reports.
Source detection
Identifying legitimate email sending sources.
Forward detection
Tracking how emails are forwarded and authenticated.
Spoof detection
Identifying unauthorized use of your domain in email.
Notifications and alerts
Real-time alerts for DMARC issues or blacklisting.
Includes blacklist alerts
For DMARC related issues
Reporting
Generating summary and detailed reports on email authentication.
Deliverability performance reports
DMARC analytics
API
Programmatic access for integration with other systems.
Mentioned in reviews for SIEM integration
Not explicitly mentioned
Multi-tenancy
Managing multiple client domains from a single account.
Not a primary feature
Via Partner Managed DMARC
SPF flattening
Reducing the number of DNS lookups for SPF records.
Available in Delivery Center Plus
Not explicitly mentioned
Hosted DMARC
External management of your DMARC records.
BIMI
Support for Brand Indicators for Message Identification.
Not explicitly supported
Not explicitly supported
MTA-STS/TLS-RPT
Support for advanced email security standards.
Not explicitly supported
Not explicitly supported
Blocklists and reputation
Monitoring and checking email server and domain reputation.
Core offering, adaptive monitoring
Not a primary focus
AI copilot
Assisted analysis and recommendations using AI.
Not available
Not available
DNS monitoring
Monitoring DNS records for changes and health.
Extensive DNS tools available
Not a primary focus
Self hostable
Option to host the software on your own infrastructure.
SaaS only
SaaS only
Free trial/free tier
Availability of a free version or trial period.
Free tier for 1 domain
Not explicitly mentioned
Drawbacks and what to watch out for
MXtoolbox reviews highlight concerns around their billing practices and the 'risk-free' trial not always honoring refunds, which is a significant drawback for new users. While the free tools are widely praised, the customer service for paid subscriptions sometimes falls short. For DMARC SaaS, without public reviews, specific drawbacks are harder to pinpoint, but a common challenge for specialized DMARC tools can be integrating with existing broader email security infrastructure or providing an affordable option for smaller businesses.
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)
0 / 5(0)
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.)
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.
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/mhgzm197
In 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 easier
What 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 clearly defined paid plans, while DMARC SaaS's pricing structure, particularly for their 'Partner Managed' tiers, implies a more consultative approach with less transparent upfront costs.
4.1 / 5(29)
