MXtoolbox provides a broad suite of tools, and their DMARC reporting is part of a larger deliverability platform. We find that the DMARC reports offer good insights into email authentication results, showing both aggregate (RUA) and forensic (RUF) data, helping identify authentication failures and sources.
Beyond DMARC, it integrates well with other diagnostics for DNS, blacklists (or blocklists), and general email health. This makes it a strong contender for those who need an all-in-one diagnostic hub, though its DMARC features are less specialized than some dedicated DMARC platforms.
Nameshield focuses heavily on domain name management and brand protection, with DMARC being one component of their broader security offerings. Their DMARC reporting helps in understanding authentication trends and potential spoofing attempts, which is crucial for brand integrity.
However, we've observed that the DMARC reporting in Nameshield is generally less detailed than in dedicated DMARC tools. It's more about providing an overview of domain health from an authentication perspective rather than granular insights into specific email flows or threat analysis. It integrates well with their other domain security features.
How easy is each product to use
User experience
MXtoolbox has a functional, if somewhat dated, user interface. Its strength lies in providing quick access to a wide array of diagnostic tools from a single portal. While the DMARC specific interface is clear enough, navigating between different reports and tools can sometimes feel a bit disjointed.
We appreciate the directness of its lookups. You type in a domain or IP, and you get results. For DMARC, the setup process is straightforward, and understanding the aggregate reports is relatively intuitive for users familiar with email authentication concepts.
Nameshield presents a clean and professional interface, aligning with its focus on corporate domain management. For DMARC, the dashboard provides a good overview of authentication status and policies, which we found easy to interpret for high-level monitoring.
However, for deeper dives into DMARC data, the interface can feel a bit restrictive, as its primary purpose isn't granular email deliverability analysis. It prioritizes clarity and a streamlined view for domain security, which may mean less detail for DMARC specialists. Overall, it's user-friendly for domain managers, perhaps less so for dedicated DMARC analysts.
Which product has the best support
Support
MXtoolbox offers support primarily through online resources, email, and phone. We've found their knowledge base to be quite extensive, covering many common issues and explanations for their various tools. For DMARC implementation, this documentation is a good starting point.
However, some user reviews indicate mixed experiences with their direct support channels, particularly concerning billing and cancellations. While technical queries are generally handled, the responsiveness and resolution times can vary, which is something to consider for critical DMARC issues.
Nameshield provides support tailored to its enterprise client base, typically involving dedicated account managers or structured ticketing systems. For DMARC and other domain security aspects, their support team can assist with configuration and interpretation of reports, which is helpful.
Feedback from users suggests that while their support is generally competent, response times might be longer for non-critical issues. Given its focus, we expect Nameshield's support to be proficient in domain-related matters, including DMARC, but perhaps less specialized in email deliverability nuances compared to dedicated DMARC providers.
Who should use each product
Suitability
MXtoolbox is well-suited for a broad audience. For SMBs, its free tools are invaluable for quick diagnostics, and its paid plans offer a good starting point for DMARC and deliverability monitoring, especially if they also need blacklist monitoring. For MSPs, the ability to monitor multiple domains across various clients makes it a practical choice.
Enterprise users might find its DMARC reporting less comprehensive for very complex environments, but its diagnostic capabilities across the email ecosystem are still beneficial. It's ideal for those who need a Swiss Army knife for email and DNS health.
Nameshield is primarily designed for larger enterprises and organizations with significant brand protection needs and extensive domain portfolios. Its DMARC offering integrates into this broader domain security context, making it suitable for those who value consolidated domain management and brand defense. For MSPs managing numerous domains where overall security is key, it can be a good fit.
SMBs might find Nameshield's services to be more comprehensive and potentially more expensive than their immediate DMARC needs dictate. It's best for companies looking for a robust solution for global domain strategy and brand security, where DMARC is one piece of a larger puzzle.
How does MXtoolbox compare with Nameshield?
DMARC report analysis
Provides insights into DMARC authentication results.
Detailed RUA/RUF reports for compliance
Aggregated DMARC data, less granular
Source detection
Identifies the sending sources of emails.
Identifies sending IPs and services
Aids in identifying authorized senders
Forward detection
Helps in understanding email forwarding paths.
Helps analyze forwarded email paths
Can indicate forwarding through DMARC reports
Spoof detection
Monitors for unauthorized use of your domain.
Monitors for unauthorized domain use
Core DMARC function to detect spoofing
Notifications and alerts
Provides alerts for DMARC or deliverability issues.
Real-time alerts for blacklists and DMARC issues
General domain security alerts, DMARC specific less clear
Reporting
Generates various DMARC and email deliverability reports.
Comprehensive deliverability and DMARC reports
Basic DMARC compliance reports
API
Allows programmatic access to data and features.
Available for integration, mentioned in reviews
Not advertised for DMARC reporting
Multi-tenancy
Ability to manage multiple domains or clients.
Suitable for managing multiple client domains
Designed for managing large portfolios of domains
SPF flattening
Helps manage complex SPF records.
Included in higher tiers for complex SPF records
Not a highlighted feature for DMARC
Hosted DMARC
Provides DMARC record management as a service.
Provides analysis, not a full hosted service
Focuses on domain protection, not DMARC hosting
BIMI
Support for Brand Indicators for Message Identification.
Not explicitly listed
No specific mention
MTA-STS/TLS-RPT
Support for email encryption standards.
Not explicitly listed
No specific mention
Blocklists and reputation
Monitoring of IP and domain reputation on blacklists.
Extensive, real-time blacklist monitoring
Focus is on domain security, not IP reputation
AI copilot
AI-powered assistance for DMARC analysis.
No AI features advertised
No AI features advertised
DNS monitoring
Monitors the health and configuration of DNS records.
Robust DNS health and record monitoring
Provides DNS management features
Self hostable
Option to host the software on your own infrastructure.
Cloud-based service
Cloud-based service
Free trial/free tier
Availability of a free version or trial period.
Free tier for basic tools, problematic 'trial'
No free DMARC trial/tier advertised
Drawbacks and what to watch out for
MXtoolbox's primary drawbacks revolve around its pricing transparency and customer service for paid plans, which has led to user frustration over billing and refund policies. While its free tools are highly regarded, the transition to paid tiers can be problematic. Nameshield, on the other hand, faces criticism for potentially higher pricing for smaller businesses and a less granular DMARC reporting interface, which may not satisfy those seeking in-depth email deliverability insights.
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)
4.4 / 5(11)
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.)
Good tool!
4.0 / 5
What do you like best about Nameshield?
Nameshield focuses on domain name management, brand protection, and cybersecurity, making it well-suited for businesses looking to protect their online presence.
It has a global reach, offering services across various countries, which is beneficial for international businesses.
Nameshield offers a range of services including domain name registration, monitoring, recovery, and DNS management. This comprehensive approach helps in managing and protecting brand identity online.
What do you dislike about Nameshield?
heir services can be expensive, particularly for smaller businesses or startups, as they cater more to larger enterprises with extensive domain management needs.
The range of services offered can be complex and might require a learning curve for users unfamiliar with domain management and brand protection.
I have mixed reviews from the team regarding their customer service, with some clients reporting delays or difficulties in resolving issues.
What problems is Nameshield solving and how is that benefiting you?
Due to the nature of our work Nameshield helps prevent third parties from registering domain names that are similar to our brands, which could mislead customers or damage our reputation.
Shae C.
People Administrator 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/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.)
Domain registration process
4.0 / 5
What do you like best about Nameshield?
The web design of Nameshield is very neat and user-friendly with no unnecessary distractions. It was very easy to register a domain and basic functions related to a domain such as setting the nameservers are easily available.
What do you dislike about Nameshield?
Nameshield suffers from the difficult of efficient management of a large number of domains. This becomes a real headache especially when you are dealing with a number of domain names as may be the case in the following examples.
What problems is Nameshield solving and how is that benefiting you?
Nameshield is an easy-to-use service at a low price that provides basic domain registration services without any extras. It was able to assist me in purchasing my domain name almost instantly, and the layout of the website is quite self-explanatory.
Evgeniya V.
Compensation and Benefits Manager Consumer Services 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.)
Adequate Domain Protection with Room for Improvement
4.0 / 5
What do you like best about Nameshield?
DNSSEC: The setup was straightforward, and it provides a good layer of protection against DNS hijacking.
Domain Lock: A simple yet effective feature to prevent unauthorized transfers.
Email Security: The spam filter seems to work decently, but I still get a few suspicious emails slipping through.
What do you dislike about Nameshield?
Customer Support: I had to wait quite a while for a response to my initial support ticket. The issue was eventually resolved, but the wait was frustrating.
Limited Features: Compared to other security providers, Nameshield lacks some advanced options like two-factor authentication for domain management.
Price: The pricing seems a bit steep for the features offered.
What problems is Nameshield solving and how is that benefiting you?
Peace of mind: Knowing my domain is protected with DNSSEC and domain lock reduces the risk of losing control over my online presence.
Time-saving: The straightforward setup process for these features was efficient.
Basic email protection: The spam filter offers some protection against unwanted emails.
Gevorg D.
IT Specialist pen_spark Mid-Market (51-1000 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.)
Best For Domain Management.
4.0 / 5
What do you like best about Nameshield?
Nameshield offers robust security features, users might value the peace of mind that comes with protecting their domain names and online assets from various threats such as DNS hijacking or domain hijacking. The environment of the software is very easy to use and handling. It provides featues which can be easily implimented and whenever any stuck in any task they can take support from customer support facility of Nameshield.
What do you dislike about Nameshield?
Although it provide good features but limited. and sometimes we can face issues due to it's complexity. one noteceable thing is the cost of the service.
What problems is Nameshield solving and how is that benefiting you?
It helps users efficiently manage their domain names by providing tools for registration and dns management. it also protect brand identities.
Rakesh T.
FEA Engineer Automotive Mid-Market (51-1000 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.)
Reliable Domain Name Management
4.0 / 5
What do you like best about Nameshield?
Nameshield prioritizes the security of domain names and provides various features to protect against unauthorized activities. These include domain locking, two-factor authentication, and DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) implementation. These measures help safeguard domain assets and minimize the risk of domain hijacking or unauthorized transfers.
What do you dislike about Nameshield?
Although Nameshield supports a wide range of popular top-level domains (TLDs), it may have limitations when it comes to less common or country-specific TLDs. Users with specific domain requirements should verify the availability of their desired TLDs within the Nameshield service before committing to the platform.
What problems is Nameshield solving and how is that benefiting you?
From registration and renewal to DNS management and security features, Nameshield covers all the essential aspects of domain management. Its intuitive interface and well-organized control panel make it easy for users to navigate and perform necessary domain-related tasks.
Ara A.
Software Engineering Team Lead Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
Pricing
MXtoolbox offers a free tier and structured paid plans based on email volume, while Nameshield's pricing is not publicly available and requires direct contact.
Small
Up to 10k emails / month
Free for basic monitoring (1 domain), $129 for 500k volume
Contact for pricing
Medium
Up to 100k emails / month
$129 for 500k email volume (5 domains)
Contact for pricing
Large
Up to 1 million emails / month
$129 for 500k email volume, $399 for 5 million volume (5 domains)
Contact for pricing
Enterprise
Over 1 million emails / month
$399 for 5 million email volume (5 domains), contact for more