MXtoolbox offers a strong foundation in email deliverability and DMARC enforcement. Its core DMARC features include deployment assistance, verified source management, SPF and DKIM configuration monitoring, and DMARC analytics. We found these tools to be effective for diagnosing immediate issues and monitoring basic compliance.
Beyond DMARC, MXtoolbox provides a suite of diagnostic tools, such as adaptive sender blocklist (or blacklist) monitoring, inbox placement analysis, and recipient complaint reporting. For those with specific needs, features like SPF flattening are available in higher-tier plans, which is a significant advantage for organizations hitting the SPF lookup limit.
OnDMARC distinguishes itself with a comprehensive suite of DMARC-specific features, including dynamic DMARC, SPF, DKIM, MTA-STS, TLS-RPT, and BIMI management. The platform’s "Investigate" tool is particularly useful for instant deliverability diagnostics, providing clear insights into email flows and potential issues. This depth of coverage allows for granular control over email authentication protocols.
A standout feature is Dynamic SPF, which effectively addresses the 10-lookup limit, making it easier to manage numerous sending sources. Additionally, OnDMARC offers forensic reporting, smart alerts, and API access in its Essentials and Premier plans. The inclusion of Radar Pro seats and DNS Guardian in higher tiers also offers advanced protection against sophisticated threats.
How easy is each product to use
User experience
From our experience, MXtoolbox has a straightforward, functional interface. Its free tools are very accessible and widely appreciated for quick lookups and diagnostics. The paid Delivery Center, while more robust, maintains a clear layout, making it easy to navigate through various reports and monitoring features. Setting up monitoring for domains and IPs is a relatively simple process.
However, we did find that some advanced DMARC configurations might require a deeper dive into their documentation or support. While efficient for specific checks, the overall dashboard for comprehensive email management can sometimes feel a bit segmented, requiring clicks through multiple links to access full reports. This isn't a deal-breaker but can add a few extra steps.
OnDMARC generally offers a clean and intuitive dashboard that simplifies the complex task of DMARC management. The guided workflows are particularly helpful for setting up and maintaining DMARC records, leading users confidently towards full enforcement. We found the visual reporting to be a strong point, making it easy to identify misconfigured senders or potential threats at a glance.
While powerful, some users have noted that the GUI can sometimes feel a bit clunky or overwhelming initially, especially with the sheer volume of data available. The initial setup involving DNS changes might also present a slight learning curve for those less familiar with email authentication concepts. However, once familiarized, the interface proves to be highly effective for ongoing monitoring.
Which product has the best support
Support
MXtoolbox provides email support for its paid plans, alongside a wealth of online resources and free diagnostic tools. We found their documentation to be thorough for understanding the basics and troubleshooting common issues. For critical problems, the ability to submit support tickets is available for active subscribers, which is standard practice.
However, the customer service experience can vary, as some users have reported challenges with cancellation processes or obtaining refunds for trials. While the technical support is generally sufficient for diagnosing email configuration problems, the lack of dedicated account managers or phone support in lower tiers might be a consideration for those requiring more personalized or immediate assistance.
OnDMARC prides itself on its strong support ecosystem. Email support is available across all paid plans, with higher tiers benefiting from annual/quarterly account reviews, chat support, phone support, and even a dedicated account manager. We consistently found their support team to be responsive, knowledgeable, and proactive, providing clear guidance throughout the DMARC implementation journey.
Many users highlight the exceptional support as a key factor in their positive experience, praising the team for simplifying a technologically daunting task. While the Express plan is limited to email support, the comprehensive support in the Essentials and Premier plans ensures that organizations of all sizes can receive tailored assistance, from initial setup to ongoing optimization and problem resolution.
Who should use each product
Suitability
MXtoolbox is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and individual IT professionals who need reliable, affordable tools for email deliverability diagnostics and basic DMARC monitoring. Its generous free tools are invaluable for quick checks, making it a go-to resource for many.
For managed service providers (MSPs), the platform offers essential monitoring capabilities, but larger enterprises might find its DMARC reporting less granular compared to dedicated DMARC platforms. It serves as an excellent utility belt for email health but might require integration with other systems for comprehensive enterprise security and detailed DMARC policy enforcement across a vast domain portfolio.
OnDMARC is an excellent choice for growing organizations, managed service providers (MSPs) managing multiple client domains, and enterprises seeking robust, comprehensive DMARC enforcement. Its dynamic features, like Dynamic SPF and DMARC, are highly beneficial for those with complex sending infrastructures or large numbers of domains.
The platform's advanced reporting and security features, including Radar Pro and DNS Guardian, cater effectively to enterprise-level requirements for preventing sophisticated phishing and spoofing attacks. For SMBs, the Express plan offers an accessible entry point to DMARC compliance, balancing features with affordability, making it a versatile solution across different organizational sizes.
How does MXtoolbox compare with OnDMARC?
DMARC report analysis
Aggregates and interprets DMARC reports (RUA and RUF).
Source detection
Identifies all sending sources utilizing your domain.
Forward detection
Distinguishes between legitimate email forwarding and spoofing attempts.
Spoof detection
Detects and helps mitigate unauthorized use of your domain.
Notifications and alerts
Provides real-time alerts for DMARC failures, blocklists, or other issues.
Reporting
Offers various reports on email deliverability, DMARC compliance, and threats.
API
Allows programmatic access to data and features for integration.
Available in Essentials and Premier plans.
Multi-tenancy
Supports managing multiple domains or client accounts from a single interface.
Requires separate accounts for more than 1 domain on free plan. Higher tiers include up to 5 domains.
Allows user permissions for specific domains. Unlimited domains in higher tiers.
SPF flattening
Helps overcome the 10-lookup SPF record limit.
Available in Delivery Center Plus tier.
Dynamic SPF included in Essentials and Premier plans.
Hosted DMARC
Provides a platform to host and manage your DMARC records.
Manages records but does not explicitly host them for you.
Dynamic Services manage DMARC, SPF, DKIM, MTA-STS, TLS-RPT, and BIMI.
BIMI
Supports Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) implementation.
Available in Express and higher plans.
MTA-STS/TLS-RPT
Supports Mail Transfer Agent Strict Transport Security and TLS Reporting.
Available in Express and higher plans.
Blocklists and reputation
Monitors IP and domain reputation across various blocklists.
Weekly monitoring in free tier; adaptive monitoring in paid tiers.
Radar access and DNS Guardian in higher tiers contribute to reputation monitoring.
AI copilot
Utilizes AI for insights, anomaly detection, or guided actions.
Radar AI mentioned in reviews for insights.
DNS monitoring
Continuously checks DNS records for health and changes.
Offers DNS check tools and monitoring.
DNS Guardian in Premier plan, also monitors DNS changes.
Self hostable
Can be installed and run on your own servers.
Free trial/free tier
Offers a no-cost option to test or use the service.
Free tier available for basic monitoring.
Free trial available for all plans.
Drawbacks and what to watch out for
When considering drawbacks, MXtoolbox has faced some criticism regarding its business practices, particularly around trial cancellations and refunds, which caused frustration for several users. The paid plans are also perceived by some as overpriced for the features offered, especially when compared to their excellent free tools. For OnDMARC, common feedback points to an initial learning curve with its interface due to the wealth of data presented, and a desire for more customizable reporting options. Some users also mention the pricing of certain advanced modules as being beyond their budget.
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)
4.9 / 5(94)
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.)
Great for Managing Multiple DMAC Traces, Needs Auto-Triage for Forensic Reports
4.0 / 5
What do you like best about Red Sift OnDMARC?Managing multiple DMARC traces has become much simpler. By enabling BIMI, we were able to significantly reduce our key risks with both customers and partners.What do you dislike about Red Sift OnDMARC?There is a need for automatic triaging of forensic reports, along with notifications if any anomalies are detected.What problems is Red Sift OnDMARC solving and how is that benefiting you?BIMI helps our customers and partners recognize phishing scams more easily.
Verified User in Retail
Enterprise (> 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/mhgzm197In 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.)
Dynamic SPF and Powerful Features, GUI Could Use Improvement
4.0 / 5
What do you like best about Red Sift OnDMARC?I have been using Red Sift OnDMARC for over three years for monitoring DMARC, SPF, and DKIM across multiple domains, which would be difficult to manage without such a tool. It offers the ease of dynamic SPF and dynamic DMARC, which simplify complex monitoring tasks. The software provides a powerful set of features, making any initial setup challenges worthwhile. I especially value the single pane of glass interface as an IT administrator managing domains that engineers use, allowing me to track domain usage, detect spam issues, and dynamically update DMARC, DKIM, and SPF with ease. The dynamic SPF and DMARC/DKIM reports are integral for my operations, as they save considerable time by turning potentially lengthy tasks into several-minute jobs. Furthermore, the friendliness and support from our account manager, alongside our quarterly meetings, enhance the overall experience and decision to continue using the platform.What do you dislike about Red Sift OnDMARC?I find the GUI a little bit difficult to navigate sometimes and a bit clunky, which sometimes makes it hard to find what I want.What problems is Red Sift OnDMARC solving and how is that benefiting you?I use the product to monitor DMARC, SPF, and DKIM across domains, simplifying updates and detecting spam issues with ease. It turns lengthy tasks into minutes, providing a comprehensive view of domain usage and security.
Brice P.
Enterprise (> 1000 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.)
Easy DMARC implementation with great visibility
4.0 / 5
What do you like best about Red Sift OnDMARC?OnDMARC makes it very easy to set up and maintain DMARC records. The guided workflows and clear reporting helped us move from monitoring to full enforcement confidently. The user interface is intuitive, and support is very responsive whenever we have questions.What do you dislike about Red Sift OnDMARC?It would be helpful if some of the reporting dashboards allowed more customization or export options. Sometimes, the volume of daily reports can feel overwhelming without filtering.What problems is Red Sift OnDMARC solving and how is that benefiting you?It is helping us prevent domain spoofing and phishing attacks by enforcing DMARC policies. It has also improved visibility into who is sending emails on behalf of our domain, so we can take quick action if needed. Overall, it has strengthened our email security posture and improved trust in our communications.
Shashi K.
SR Manager IT 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 easierWhat 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.)
It is quite a useful tool to manage SPF/DKIM/DMARC records and understand it's impact on the domain.
4.0 / 5
What do you like best about Red Sift OnDMARC?The ease of using the application and the UI that is provides that helps in managing the records of the domain. Plus the customer service for the tool is quite responsive.What do you dislike about Red Sift OnDMARC?The limitation of the feature of MTA-STS, in which it reports only a few of the domains.What problems is Red Sift OnDMARC solving and how is that benefiting you?It helps us in getting a clearer picture of the use case of our domain, plus the acceptance and the rejection rate.
Ashman B.
CyberSecurity Analyst Enterprise (> 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.)
Easy DMARC setup
4.0 / 5
What do you like best about Red Sift OnDMARC?We have had OnDMARC for several years, we onboarded all of our managed domains over the past 12months. It was very easy adding SPF, DKIM records and moving DMARC to 100% Reject. We had support from Red Sift all the way.What do you dislike about Red Sift OnDMARC?Sometimes the dashboard is misleading, i had moved a domain to reject 50% and the dashboard didn't reflect that. but customer support fixed that very quicklyWhat problems is Red Sift OnDMARC solving and how is that benefiting you?Securing our domains to bring them up to 100% Reject
Verified User in Law Practice
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
Pricing
MXtoolbox offers a free tier and then significant jumps in pricing based on email volume, whereas OnDMARC has a lower-cost entry point for a robust DMARC service and then requires contacting sales for higher volumes.
4.1 / 5(29)
