MXtoolbox provides a broad suite of email deliverability and DNS management tools, with DMARC monitoring and reporting being a core component. Its Delivery Center offers DMARC deployment assistance, verified source management, and ongoing configuration monitoring. This means we get a good overview of our DMARC compliance and authentication results.
Beyond DMARC, it offers vital features like SPF and DKIM configuration monitoring, adaptive sender blacklist (or blocklist) monitoring, inbox placement analysis, and general email delivery performance reports. We found it to be a more generalized email health toolkit rather than a DMARC-specific platform.
Netcraft Fraud Detection, as its name implies, centers heavily on anti-phishing, brand protection, and fraud detection. DMARC reporting is integrated into its broader service offering, primarily to help identify and mitigate email-based brand abuse. We primarily used it for understanding fraudulent email campaigns targeting our brand.
While it provides DMARC authentication insights, its strength lies in actively detecting and taking down phishing sites and malicious content. It offers a more proactive approach to security incidents, often going beyond passive DMARC reporting to actively combat threats using the DMARC data.
How easy is each product to use
User experience
MXtoolbox has a functional, no-frills user interface that many long-time users appreciate for its straightforwardness. We found navigating between its various tools, from DMARC reports to blacklist checks, to be quite intuitive, especially if you are already familiar with email diagnostics. It does sometimes require clicking through multiple links to reach specific reports.
The setup process for DMARC monitoring is assisted, and the dashboards are useful for quickly grasping domain reputation and email deliverability. However, for non-technical users, some of the detailed reports might require a bit of technical knowledge to interpret effectively.
Netcraft Fraud Detection's user experience is geared towards security professionals. While we found its reporting on fraudulent activity to be very detailed and actionable, the DMARC specific interface might feel less central compared to MXtoolbox. Its strength is in presenting a holistic view of online threats, with DMARC data contributing to that picture.
The platform is powerful but might have a steeper learning curve for users whose primary focus is solely DMARC compliance and simple reporting, rather than comprehensive fraud intelligence. We found ourselves diving deep into specific security incidents rather than daily DMARC report analysis.
Which product has the best support
Support
MXtoolbox offers support primarily through email and a knowledge base, with phone support for critical issues or specific plan tiers. We found the documentation comprehensive for most common questions, and responses to emailed queries were generally timely. The platform also has tool tips to guide users through its features.
However, some users have reported challenges with cancellation processes and refunds, where direct phone communication or specific support tickets were required, which can be a point of friction. For technical DMARC setup, their deployment assistance is helpful, but complex issues sometimes necessitate persistence.
Netcraft Fraud Detection provides support that aligns with its enterprise-grade security services. We experienced a more hands-on, consultative approach, particularly concerning complex fraud investigations and brand protection strategies. Given its specialized nature, support is often tailored to specific client needs.
While general DMARC queries might be handled efficiently, their expertise shines when integrating DMARC data with broader fraud intelligence and takedown services. For simpler DMARC implementations, their support might be more extensive than strictly necessary, focusing on the wider threat landscape.
Who should use each product
Suitability
MXtoolbox is highly suitable for SMBs, mid-market companies, and MSPs (managed service providers) who need a comprehensive suite of email deliverability and DNS diagnostic tools. Its free tier offers excellent value for quick checks, while paid plans extend to monitoring and more detailed analytics. We found it particularly useful for clients requiring broad email health checks.
For enterprise clients, it offers robust DMARC monitoring and SPF flattening, but it might be perceived as more of a utility belt for IT administrators rather than a strategic security platform. It's an excellent choice for teams needing reliable, affordable, and easy-to-implement email management.
Netcraft Fraud Detection is best suited for enterprise organizations and larger mid-market businesses, particularly those in high-value sectors prone to phishing, impersonation, and brand abuse. It's ideal for companies that prioritize active fraud detection and takedown services, where DMARC is a key part of a larger security strategy. It’s also very suitable for MSPs managing security for such clients.
SMBs might find its feature set and pricing (which requires direct contact) to be more than they require for basic DMARC compliance. It is a powerful tool for security teams focused on proactive threat intelligence and mitigation across their entire digital footprint.
How does MXtoolbox compare with Netcraft Fraud Detection?
DMARC report analysis
Ability to parse and present DMARC aggregate and forensic reports.
Comprehensive DMARC analytics dashboard.
Integrated into fraud intelligence platform.
Source detection
Identify legitimate and illegitimate email sending sources.
Verified source management.
Identifies sources for fraud detection.
Forward detection
Identify when emails are being forwarded.
Spoof detection
Detect email impersonation and spoofing attempts.
Domain impersonation protection.
Core feature for brand protection.
Notifications and alerts
Receive alerts for DMARC failures, blacklistings, or suspicious activity.
Early blacklist alerts and deliverability issues.
Fraud and security incident alerts.
Reporting
Generate various reports on email deliverability and security.
Email delivery performance reports.
Detailed fraud and threat intelligence reports.
API
Programmatic access for integration with other systems.
Integrates with SIEM tools.
Enterprise integration capabilities.
Multi-tenancy
Manage multiple domains or client accounts from a single interface.
Plans allow for multiple domains.
Supports management for multiple clients/brands.
SPF flattening
Reduce the number of DNS lookups for SPF records.
Included in Delivery Center Plus tier.
Likely offered for complex SPF needs.
Hosted DMARC
Management of DMARC records.
Deployment assistance and record monitoring.
Part of DMARC service offering.
BIMI
Support for Brand Indicators for Message Identification.
Expected for modern email security.
Valuable for brand protection focus.
MTA-STS/TLS-RPT
Support for Mail Transfer Agent Strict Transport Security and TLS Reporting.
Enhances email transport security.
Important for secure communication.
Blocklists and reputation
Monitor IP and domain reputation against major blocklists (blacklists).
Weekly and adaptive sender blocklist monitoring.
Integrated into fraud intelligence.
AI copilot
AI-powered assistant for insights and recommendations.
DNS monitoring
Monitor DNS records for changes or issues.
Extensive DNS diagnostic tools.
Focus is on fraud, not general DNS.
Self hostable
Option to host the software on your own servers.
Free trial/free tier
Availability of a free version or trial period.
Free tier and 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
Contact for pricing, no public free option.
Drawbacks and what to watch out for
MXtoolbox offers a wide array of tools, but we've noted some recurring issues with their customer service regarding billing and cancellations, which is a significant drawback for some users. While its UI is functional, it could benefit from a modern refresh. Netcraft Fraud Detection, on the other hand, lacks transparent public pricing and a free tier, making it harder for smaller organizations to evaluate. Its strong focus on fraud detection means it might be overkill if your primary need is straightforward DMARC monitoring.
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 transparent tiered pricing model, including a free plan, while Netcraft Fraud Detection requires direct contact for a quote, indicating a more tailored, enterprise-focused approach.
4.1 / 5(29)
