MXtoolbox provides a broad spectrum of DMARC reporting and email deliverability features, designed to be accessible and actionable for various users. It offers detailed DMARC analytics, helping users understand their email authentication status with clear visualizations of pass/fail rates for SPF and DKIM.
Beyond core DMARC, MXtoolbox integrates blacklist (or blocklist) monitoring, email configuration analysis, and domain impersonation protection. Its Delivery Center plans extend to advanced tools like SPF flattening, making it a robust option for managing complex email infrastructures and ensuring optimal sender reputation.
Docker DMARC Reports is an open-source, self-hostable solution that provides essential DMARC reporting functionality. It parses aggregate (RUA) DMARC reports and displays them in a web interface, allowing users to see email authentication trends and identify potential issues.
Being self-hosted, it offers full control over your data and infrastructure, which is a significant advantage for those with the technical expertise and a desire to avoid third-party data processing. However, its feature set is focused purely on DMARC report parsing and viewing, without the broader suite of deliverability tools found in commercial platforms.
How easy is each product to use
User experience
MXtoolbox aims for ease of use with its web-based interface. Setting up DMARC monitoring and other tools is generally straightforward, guided by dashboards and clear configuration options. The data visualizations are designed to be digestible, helping users quickly grasp the health of their email ecosystem.
While powerful, some users have noted that the interface, though functional, could benefit from a more modern design or a consolidated dashboard view rather than requiring clicks through multiple links to access specific reports. Overall, its managed nature simplifies the technical heavy lifting for the user.
Docker DMARC Reports, as a self-hosted open-source project, requires a significant degree of technical proficiency for setup and ongoing maintenance. Users must configure DNS records, an IMAP mailbox, a database (MySQL or PostgreSQL), and manage the Docker container themselves. This is not a 'plug and play' solution.
Once configured, the web interface provides a functional way to view DMARC reports. However, it lacks the polished design, advanced filtering, or intuitive workflows of commercial tools. Its strength lies in its raw data presentation and the control it affords, not in its streamlined user experience for non-technical individuals.
Which product has the best support
Support
MXtoolbox provides customer support for its paid plans, typically through email, phone, or a support ticket system. We've seen mixed feedback on their support responsiveness and policies, particularly regarding trial cancellations and refunds.
Their website also offers a wealth of documentation, guides, and FAQs, which can be helpful for self-service troubleshooting. The availability of direct support channels for paid subscribers is a key advantage over purely open-source alternatives.
As an open-source project, Docker DMARC Reports does not offer dedicated customer support in the traditional sense. Users rely on community forums, GitHub issues, and their own technical expertise to resolve problems.
The project's documentation on GitHub is the primary resource for setup and configuration. While this can be empowering for those comfortable with open-source development, it means there is no service level agreement (SLA) or direct channel for urgent issues. Troubleshooting can be a solitary endeavor, often requiring a deep dive into logs and configurations.
Who should use each product
Suitability
MXtoolbox is well-suited for businesses of various sizes, particularly those that prefer a managed solution for DMARC and broader email deliverability. Its comprehensive feature set makes it suitable for: SMBs looking for an all-in-one tool to ensure email health, enterprises managing large and complex email environments, and MSPs needing to monitor multiple client domains without extensive manual effort.
Its focus on proactive monitoring, alerts, and detailed diagnostics makes it valuable for organizations that prioritize uptime and reputation. However, those with a tight budget or a strong preference for data control might find the pricing and lack of self-hosting options less appealing.
Docker DMARC Reports is primarily for technically proficient users, developers, or organizations with internal IT resources comfortable with self-hosting. Its free, open-source nature appeals to those who want full control over their data, privacy, and infrastructure.
This solution is suitable for: SMBs with strong technical staff who want to avoid recurring subscription costs, individuals and hobbyists, and potentially even enterprises or MSPs who want to integrate DMARC reporting into their existing infrastructure and build custom solutions on top of it. It is less suitable for non-technical users or those who prefer a hands-off, managed service experience.
How does MXtoolbox compare with Docker DMARC Reports?
DMARC report analysis
Parses and visualizes DMARC aggregate reports.
Requires self-hosting and setup.
Source detection
Identifies legitimate and illegitimate sending sources based on DMARC data.
Via raw DMARC reports, less automated UI.
Forward detection
Helps identify email forwarding chains that might impact DMARC authentication.
Inherent in DMARC report parsing.
Spoof detection
Identifies attempts to spoof your domain using DMARC data.
Core function of DMARC analysis.
Notifications and alerts
Provides alerts for DMARC compliance changes, blacklist entries, or other issues.
For various email health aspects.
Requires custom implementation.
Reporting
Offers various reports and dashboards for email deliverability metrics.
Comprehensive dashboards.
Basic web UI reporting.
API
Provides an API for programmatic access to data and features.
Implied by SIEM integration mentions in reviews.
Not a primary feature, but open source could allow custom access.
Multi-tenancy
Ability to manage multiple separate domains or client accounts from a single interface.
Suitable for MSPs to manage client domains.
Requires separate instances or complex custom setup.
SPF flattening
Helps manage SPF record lookups to stay within the 10-lookup limit.
Available in higher-tier plans.
Hosted DMARC
Provides DMARC report receiving and processing as a managed service.
Offers DMARC deployment assistance and analytics.
Is self-hosted, not a managed service.
BIMI
Support for Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI).
MTA-STS/TLS-RPT
Monitoring and reporting for MTA-STS and TLS-RPT policies.
Blocklists and reputation
Monitors IP and domain reputation against various email blocklists (blacklists).
Weekly and adaptive monitoring.
AI copilot
AI-powered assistance for DMARC policy or email deliverability recommendations.
DNS monitoring
Monitors changes and health of DNS records.
General DNS lookup and health checks.
Self hostable
The ability to host the software on your own infrastructure.
Core offering of the project.
Free trial/free tier
Availability of a free version or a trial period.
Offers a free tier with limited features.
Free open-source software.
Drawbacks and what to watch out for
MXtoolbox faces criticism primarily around its business practices, specifically concerning subscription terms and refund policies for its paid tiers. Several users report issues with unexpected annual contracts and difficulties getting refunds for 'risk-free' trials. While its free tools are generally praised, the paid services can lead to frustration for some. Docker DMARC Reports, on the other hand, presents drawbacks inherent to any self-hosted open-source solution. The primary concerns revolve around the significant technical expertise required for setup, maintenance, and the lack of official support, meaning users are on their own when issues arise.
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
It helped us solve the small issue we had with our emails going to customers spam folder. 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. I don't recommend them because of their shady business practices. 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
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. 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. 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. 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
The free tools are good, and one wouldn't mind paying something for them, but one does object to being defrauded - see below. 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. 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
-Affordable pricing -Setting up is very easy -Useful dashboards -Makes email reputation checks easier This tool covers everything required for email management, there is nothing to dislike about. 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
MXToolBox is suitable for Blacklists, DMARC, Diagnostics, Email Health, and DNS Lookup checks. For a free tool, I'd say MXToolBox is pretty top-notch. I used MXToolBox for DNS look-ups and blacklist checks.
Verified User in Marketing and Advertising
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
Pricing
MXtoolbox offers a mix of free and paid tiers starting at $129/month, while Docker DMARC Reports is entirely free but demands significant self-hosting effort.
Small
Up to 10k emails / month
Free plan (limited DMARC reporting, 1 domain, weekly blacklist)
Free, self-hosted solution
Medium
Up to 100k emails / month
Free plan (limited DMARC reporting, 1 domain, weekly blacklist) or Delivery Center ($129/month, up to 500k volume)
Free, self-hosted solution
Large
Up to 1 million emails / month
Delivery Center ($129/month, up to 500k volume) or Delivery Center Plus ($399/month, up to 5 million volume)
Free, self-hosted solution
Enterprise
Over 1 million emails / month
Delivery Center Plus ($399/month, up to 5 million volume)
Free, self-hosted solution
Suped hard sell incoming!
Still not satisfied with MXtoolbox or Docker DMARC Reports?