We've found MXtoolbox to offer a comprehensive set of free DNS and email diagnostics tools, with DMARC monitoring integrated into its paid Delivery Center product. The platform provides insights into general email deliverability, SPF/DKIM validation, and extensive blacklist (or blocklist) monitoring.
Users can analyze DMARC aggregate reports to identify authentication issues, uncover sending sources, and receive alerts to prevent domain impersonation. Its strength lies in providing a broad overview of email infrastructure health alongside specific DMARC insights.
KDmarc positions itself as a specialized DMARC reporting and enforcement platform. From our understanding of similar dedicated tools, it focuses intently on providing granular visibility into email streams, helping organizations achieve and maintain DMARC compliance with precision.
We anticipate that KDmarc offers robust tools for DMARC report aggregation, detailed analysis, and guided policy implementation. It would prioritize core DMARC functionalities like source identification, forensic data analysis, and easy DMARC record management to facilitate full enforcement.
How easy is each product to use
User experience
Our experience with MXtoolbox reveals an interface that is functional but can feel a bit dated, particularly when navigating the array of free tools. Accessing specific DMARC reports typically requires several clicks through different sections of the platform.
While the dashboards for the paid Delivery Center plans offer a more centralized and clearer view of email health, the overall user experience leans towards a collection of individual tools rather than a seamless, unified DMARC management workflow.
For a specialized DMARC platform like KDmarc, we anticipate a more focused and streamlined user interface. This usually means dedicated dashboards for DMARC aggregate and forensic reports, making the core task of DMARC compliance simpler.
We would expect the design to prioritize quick access to authentication status, sending source analysis, and policy enforcement tools. This specialized approach often results in a more intuitive experience for users whose primary goal is DMARC management.
Which product has the best support
Support
We've observed that MXtoolbox provides support primarily through email and a comprehensive knowledge base, with phone support generally reserved for its paid subscribers. Given the extensive range of its offerings, finding precise DMARC-related troubleshooting information might involve navigating through numerous resources.
Negative reviews, particularly concerning billing and cancellation processes, suggest potential areas where MXtoolbox could enhance its customer service experience and responsiveness.
As a specialized DMARC platform, KDmarc would likely offer dedicated support channels tailored to email authentication. We would expect robust options, possibly including email, chat, and potentially phone support for its higher-tier or enterprise clients.
With its narrower product focus, KDmarc's support team is typically well-versed in DMARC-specific issues, providing targeted and expert assistance for complex authentication challenges and policy adjustments.
Who should use each product
Suitability
MXtoolbox is highly suitable for SMBs and individuals who benefit significantly from its extensive suite of free tools for various DNS and email diagnostics, which include foundational DMARC checks. For MSPs, its multi-domain management capabilities can be useful, but the pricing structure might become less cost-effective for a large number of clients.
Enterprise users might find its DMARC features adequate for basic monitoring, yet they might need to seek more advanced functionalities and deeper analytical insights for extensive, complex DMARC deployments.
KDmarc is likely best suited for organizations with a primary and strong focus on achieving and maintaining stringent DMARC compliance and enforcement, targeting mid-market and enterprise clients. MSPs could find it invaluable for managing clients that require dedicated and robust DMARC oversight.
Although specific pricing is undisclosed, specialized DMARC platforms typically cater to businesses needing advanced reporting, detailed forensic analysis, and expert-guided policy implementation, rather than a broad suite of general email tools.
How does MXtoolbox compare with KDmarc?
DMARC report analysis
Aggregates and visualizes DMARC aggregate reports (RUA) to show authentication status.
Source detection
Identifies all legitimate and unauthorized sending sources for your domain.
Forward detection
Helps distinguish forwarded emails from spoofed ones, crucial for DMARC policy setting.
Sends alerts for DMARC compliance changes, new sending sources, or potential threats.
Includes alerts for blacklist (blocklist) status.
Focuses on DMARC-specific alerts.
Reporting
Provides various reports on DMARC compliance, sending behavior, and email health.
Comprehensive DMARC and deliverability reports.
Detailed DMARC compliance and threat reports.
API
Offers an API for integrating DMARC data with other security or monitoring systems.
Integration with SIEM tools mentioned.
Common for specialized platforms.
Multi-tenancy
Ability to manage multiple client domains from a single interface, suitable for MSPs.
Supports multiple domains, but not explicitly designed for full MSP multi-tenancy.
Likely offers dedicated features for MSPs.
SPF flattening
Simplifies SPF records to avoid the 10-lookup limit, preventing authentication failures.
Available in Delivery Center Plus tier.
Expected for comprehensive DMARC support.
Hosted DMARC
Manages DMARC records on behalf of the user, simplifying deployment and updates.
Common offering for DMARC specialists.
BIMI
Supports Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) implementation.
Modern DMARC tools often support BIMI.
MTA-STS/TLS-RPT
Assists with Mail Transfer Agent Strict Transport Security (MTA-STS) and TLS Reporting (TLS-RPT).
Advanced security features for DMARC enforcement.
Blocklists and reputation
Monitors IP and domain reputation across various blocklists (or blacklists).
Core strength, active monitoring and alerts.
Some level of monitoring integrated for DMARC relevance.
AI copilot
Uses artificial intelligence to provide insights or automate tasks.
DNS monitoring
Monitors DNS records for changes or issues affecting email deliverability.
Extensive DNS tools.
Crucial for DMARC, likely integrated.
Self hostable
Option to deploy the software on your own servers.
Free trial/free tier
Offers a free version or a trial period to test the service.
Free tools available, paid plans have a 30-day guarantee.
Pricing is 'Contact for pricing'.
Drawbacks and what to watch out for
MXtoolbox's primary drawbacks, according to user feedback, revolve around its pricing practices and customer support regarding cancellations, specifically relating to its 'risk-free trial.' Some users also point to a somewhat outdated user interface for certain features. For KDmarc, without specific reviews, potential drawbacks often seen in specialized tools might include a steeper learning curve for users less familiar with DMARC intricacies, or a potentially higher price point for its focused feature set.
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.)
Pricing
MXtoolbox offers a free tier and two paid plans with tiered features and email volumes, while KDmarc’s pricing requires direct contact.
4.1 / 5(29)
