MXToolbox offers a broad suite of tools extending beyond just DMARC, including comprehensive DNS lookups, blocklist monitoring, and general email diagnostics. While its DMARC reporting is functional, it feels like one component within a larger toolbox of network and email health checks. It provides insights into DMARC, SPF, and DKIM configuration, helping us identify authentication issues.
We found that its strength lies in its ability to provide a holistic view of a domain's email health, not solely focusing on DMARC. For users who need to manage DNS, troubleshoot SMTP, and check various blacklists (or blocklists) regularly, MXToolbox provides an integrated environment. The DMARC features include reporting and analysis, giving us visibility into email streams.
DMARCly is a purpose-built DMARC reporting and enforcement platform. Its feature set is highly specialized, offering deep dives into DMARC aggregate and forensic reports, automatic subdomain detection, and detailed email vendor identification. The platform's focus on DMARC allows for advanced configurations and policy management, which is crucial for achieving full DMARC compliance.
Beyond core DMARC, DMARCly also integrates features like BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) and MTA-STS/TLS-RPT, demonstrating a commitment to leading-edge email security protocols. We appreciate its granular reporting capabilities and the inclusion of Safe SPF, which helps manage SPF limits effectively, preventing common authentication failures.
How easy is each product to use
User experience
MXToolbox's user experience is generally straightforward, especially for its free tools, which are very accessible. However, once we move into the paid Delivery Center, the interface can feel a bit dated and less intuitive compared to more modern platforms. The navigation often requires clicking through multiple links to access specific reports or diagnostic tools.
While the sheer volume of tools available is impressive, it can sometimes lead to an overwhelming experience for new users primarily interested in DMARC. We found that its strengths lie in direct, on-demand diagnostics, but the consolidated DMARC reporting view could be more streamlined for ongoing monitoring.
DMARCly offers a clean, modern, and user-friendly interface designed specifically for DMARC management. The dashboards are intuitive, providing clear visual representations of DMARC compliance, threat landscapes, and email sources. We found it relatively easy to navigate, with quick access to aggregate and forensic reports.
The setup process for DMARC records is guided, and the platform proactively identifies potential issues. For users focused solely on DMARC, this specialized design makes it very efficient to monitor and manage policies, reducing the learning curve significantly. The focused approach enhances the overall usability for DMARC-centric tasks.
Which product has the best support
Support
MXToolbox offers various support channels, including email and phone for paid subscribers. Based on our experience, the support is generally responsive, especially for technical queries related to their extensive toolset. However, some user reviews mention challenges with refunds or cancellations, indicating potential areas for improvement in customer service processes.
We found that their self-help resources, such as guides and FAQs, are quite comprehensive, covering a wide range of DNS, email, and network-related topics. For users who prefer to find answers independently, these resources are valuable. For direct DMARC deployment assistance, support is available as part of their paid plans.
DMARCly provides email support for its Professional plan and live chat support for Growth, Business, and Enterprise plans. We found their live chat support to be knowledgeable and helpful, particularly with DMARC-specific questions and configurations. Their team is well-versed in the nuances of DMARC implementation and troubleshooting.
The platform also offers a good array of documentation and guides, though perhaps not as extensive as MXToolbox's broader knowledge base. For users prioritizing dedicated DMARC expertise and quick, online assistance, DMARCly's support structure is well-suited, ensuring we receive timely help for critical email security needs.
Who should use each product
Suitability
MXToolbox is best suited for IT professionals, system administrators, and network engineers who need a broad range of diagnostic tools for email, DNS, and general network health. It's an excellent choice for those who frequently troubleshoot various internet-facing services and need reliable blacklist (or blocklist) monitoring alongside DMARC insights. It's highly suitable for: SMBs looking for a general-purpose diagnostic tool, Enterprise teams requiring comprehensive network oversight, and MSPs who manage diverse client email infrastructures.
We recommend MXToolbox for users who value a comprehensive toolkit over a hyper-specialized DMARC focus. Its integrated approach makes it ideal for environments where email deliverability is part of a larger set of IT responsibilities.
DMARCly is ideal for organizations that prioritize robust DMARC implementation and enforcement as a core component of their email security strategy. It caters to businesses that need deep DMARC analytics, advanced reporting, and compliance features like BIMI and MTA-STS/TLS-RPT. It's particularly suitable for: SMBs focused on dedicated email authentication, Enterprise organizations requiring strict DMARC enforcement across multiple domains, and MSPs specializing in email security offerings for their clients.
We find DMARCly to be the go-to for dedicated DMARC management, especially for those who want to achieve and maintain the highest levels of email authentication and brand protection without needing an extensive suite of other network tools.
How does MXtoolbox compare with DMARCly?
DMARC report analysis
Analyzes DMARC aggregate and forensic reports for email authentication visibility.
Available in paid Delivery Center plans.
Core functionality across all plans.
Source detection
Identifies all sending IP addresses and email services.
Identifies verified email sources.
Detailed email vendor identification.
Forward detection
Helps distinguish legitimate email forwarding from spoofing attempts.
Allows programmatic access to data and features for integration.
Implied for SIEM integration in reviews.
Available with Enterprise plan.
Multi-tenancy
Ability to manage multiple domains or client accounts from a single interface.
Manages multiple domains within paid plans.
Domain groups and multiple users in higher tiers.
SPF flattening
Reduces the number of SPF lookups to avoid the 10-lookup limit.
Included in Delivery Center Plus plan.
Safe SPF domain included in Growth+ plans.
Hosted DMARC
DMARC record management hosted by the provider.
Typical for DMARC reporting tools.
Standard for their service.
BIMI
Support for Brand Indicators for Message Identification.
Explicitly mentioned as a feature.
MTA-STS/TLS-RPT
Support for Mail Transfer Agent Strict Transport Security and TLS Reporting.
Explicitly mentioned as a feature.
Blocklists and reputation
Monitors IP and domain reputation on various blacklists (or blocklists).
Core strength, weekly and adaptive monitoring.
Domain blacklist monitoring in Business+ plans.
AI copilot
AI-powered assistance for DMARC analysis or recommendations.
DNS monitoring
Monitors DNS records for changes or issues.
Extensive DNS tools and monitoring.
DNS timeline, DMARC/SPF/DKIM checker.
Self hostable
Option to host the software on your own infrastructure.
Free trial/free tier
Availability of a free plan or trial period.
Free tier for blacklist monitoring.
14-day free trial.
Drawbacks and what to watch out for
MXToolbox's primary drawbacks revolve around its paid plan's pricing structure and customer service, as highlighted by some users. The pricing can feel steep for DMARC-specific features when compared to specialized tools, and there have been reports of difficulties with their 'risk-free' trial and refund process. DMARCly, while highly specialized, doesn't present significant publicly reported drawbacks, although its narrower focus might be a limitation for those seeking broader email diagnostics.
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 limited free tier for general diagnostics, with its DMARC reporting commencing at a higher price point, whereas DMARCly provides more granular DMARC-focused plans starting at a lower entry price with a free trial.
Small
Up to 10k emails / month
Weekly blacklist monitoring ($0). DMARC reporting starts at $129.
Professional Plan, 100k messages ($17.99).
Medium
Up to 100k emails / month
Weekly blacklist monitoring ($0). DMARC reporting starts at $129.
Professional Plan, 100k messages ($17.99).
Large
Up to 1 million emails / month
Delivery Center, 500k messages ($129). Needs Delivery Center Plus (5M) for 1M.
4.1 / 5(29)
