We have found MXtoolbox to be a broad suite of email and network diagnostic tools. While it includes DMARC reporting and monitoring as part of its 'Delivery Center' offering, it also provides extensive functionality for general DNS lookups, MX record checks, and especially blacklist (or blocklist) monitoring. It feels like a comprehensive toolbox for various email health checks.
The DMARC functionality within MXtoolbox is robust, allowing us to deploy DMARC, manage verified sources, and monitor SPF and DKIM configurations. It's certainly capable of helping organizations achieve DMARC compliance, but its strength lies in the breadth of its features beyond just DMARC.
ProDMARC, on the other hand, is a dedicated DMARC reporting and enforcement platform. From our experience, its feature set is sharply focused on DMARC, SPF, and DKIM management. We see detailed RUA (Aggregate) data displayed in an easy-to-understand manner, alongside forensic reports (RUF) for deep analysis.
The platform emphasizes visibility into email sources, spoof detection, and DMARC policy enforcement. It also extends its capabilities to include BIMI support, which is a significant plus for brand protection. ProDMARC feels like a specialist, offering deep functionality for DMARC practitioners.
How easy is each product to use
User experience
MXtoolbox has an established interface, which some might find a bit dated. While its free tools are straightforward for quick checks, navigating the paid 'Delivery Center' and accessing specific DMARC reports can sometimes feel like an older web application. We have noticed it sometimes requires clicking through multiple links to reach desired reports.
Setting up DMARC records and monitoring does include deployment assistance, which is helpful. The dashboards are useful for an overview, but we sometimes wished for a more streamlined, modern design that integrates all the various tools more cohesively.
ProDMARC offers a more contemporary and intuitive dashboard. We found the navigation to be efficient, even for first-time users focusing on DMARC. The layout is designed to simplify complex DMARC data, making it easier to understand compliance and failure reports.
However, some advanced users might find the policy customization options less flexible compared to a more manual DMARC implementation. While the overall experience is positive, we believe there's always room for dashboard and reporting feature enhancements to further refine the user journey.
Which product has the best support
Support
Our observations and community feedback suggest some caution regarding MXtoolbox's support, particularly concerning billing and cancellations for paid plans. Several reports indicate challenges in obtaining refunds for their "risk-free" trials and difficulties canceling online, often requiring phone calls without clear records of exchange. This can be frustrating.
However, for technical queries related to their free tools and general diagnostics, the community resources and basic support are generally considered helpful. The paid plans offer more direct support, but the initial engagement process for cancellations has drawn criticism, which is something to consider before committing to a paid subscription.
ProDMARC consistently receives high praise for its customer support. We have seen numerous positive mentions of their team being responsive, proactive, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful. Users frequently highlight immediate responses and clear communication when issues arise.
The support team's dedication to assisting with queries and providing timely resolutions appears to be a significant strength. This level of accessible and effective support can greatly enhance the overall experience, especially when dealing with the complexities of DMARC implementation and ongoing monitoring.
Who should use each product
Suitability
MXtoolbox is highly suitable for IT professionals, system administrators, and webmasters across SMBs to large enterprises who require a broad spectrum of email and DNS diagnostic tools. Its free tools are invaluable for quick checks, making it popular for small businesses and individual users.
For mid-market and enterprise, the paid 'Delivery Center' plans offer more advanced monitoring, including DMARC and adaptive blacklist (or blocklist) monitoring. MSPs can leverage its diverse toolkit for client monitoring, particularly for general email health and reputation, making it a versatile option for those with varied needs beyond just DMARC.
ProDMARC is an excellent choice for organizations, from mid-market to enterprise, that prioritize DMARC compliance, email authentication, and brand protection. Its specialized focus makes it ideal for businesses whose primary concern is combating email spoofing, phishing, and enhancing domain reputation through robust DMARC enforcement.
MSPs serving clients with strong DMARC requirements would find ProDMARC very effective. While capable for SMBs, its deep DMARC insights and advanced features truly shine in environments where dedicated DMARC management is a critical security imperative, and a more focused solution is preferred over a general toolkit.
How does MXtoolbox compare with ProDMARC?
DMARC report analysis
Analysis of DMARC aggregate (RUA) and forensic (RUF) reports.
Provides DMARC analytics as part of its Delivery Center.
Core offering, with detailed, user-friendly reports.
Source detection
Identifies legitimate and unauthorized email sending sources.
Manages verified sources and monitors email configurations.
Offers strong visibility into email traffic and sources.
Forward detection
Ability to identify and report on forwarded emails.
Implicitly covered within DMARC reporting capabilities.
Handled as part of comprehensive DMARC data processing.
Spoof detection
Detects and helps prevent email spoofing attacks.
Includes domain impersonation protection.
Enforces DMARC policies to block spoofed emails.
Notifications and alerts
Real-time alerts for DMARC failures or domain issues.
Offers alerts for blacklist (or blocklist) status and other issues.
Provides fraudulent alerts and real-time updates.
Reporting
Generates various reports on email deliverability and security.
Includes email delivery performance and configuration analysis.
Offers consolidated DMARC compliance and weekly failure reports.
API
Provides an API for integration with other systems.
Supports integration with SIEM tools for reputation lookup.
Integrates with SIEM systems for seamless workflows.
Multi-tenancy
Supports managing multiple client domains from a single account.
Suitable for managing multiple domains with tiered plans.
Often employed by MSPs and enterprises managing multiple entities.
SPF flattening
Helps manage SPF record limits to avoid exceeding DNS lookup restrictions.
Included in their Delivery Center Plus tier.
A common feature for DMARC specialists to ensure compliance.
Hosted DMARC
Manages DMARC records for you.
Offers DMARC deployment assistance and configuration monitoring.
Simplifies DMARC record management and enforcement.
BIMI
Support for Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI).
Not explicitly mentioned in available features.
Explicitly provides valuable support for BIMI.
MTA-STS/TLS-RPT
Monitoring and management for MTA-STS and TLS-RPT.
Not a primary focus of their DMARC offering.
Not explicitly highlighted as a core feature.
Blocklists and reputation
Monitors IP and domain reputation across various blacklists (or blocklists).
Strong focus with weekly and adaptive blacklist (or blocklist) monitoring.
Primarily focused on DMARC, less on general blocklist monitoring.
AI copilot
AI-powered assistant for insights and actions.
No AI copilot feature currently available.
Does not feature an AI copilot at this time.
DNS monitoring
Monitors DNS records for changes or issues.
Offers comprehensive DNS lookup and health checks.
Its focus is primarily on DMARC, not general DNS monitoring.
Self hostable
Option to host the software on your own servers.
Operates as a SaaS platform, not self-hostable.
Available as a cloud-based service, not for self-hosting.
Free trial/free tier
Availability of a free version or trial period.
Offers a free tier with basic monitoring for one domain.
Provides a 15-day risk-free trial.
Drawbacks and what to watch out for
When considering drawbacks, MXtoolbox has faced criticism regarding its business practices for paid plans, specifically around trial periods and cancellations. The user interface, while functional, can feel less modern compared to some competitors. ProDMARC, being more specialized, might offer less flexibility for those seeking extensive customization beyond core DMARC functionalities, and its pricing is not publicly disclosed, which can be a hurdle for some.
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)
4.8 / 5(23)
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 Support and DMARC management
4.5 / 5
What I like best is its intuitive dashboard and automated reporting, which make it easy to monitor DMARC compliance across domains. Some advanced users may find the policy customization options less flexible compared to manual DMARC implementations. It simplifies policy enforcement and helps strengthen email security with minimal effort. A great tool for any organization looking to improve email trust and deliverability.
Rishabh S.
Analyst 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/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.)
Received very positive feedback from our end customers regarding the product and service quality.
4.5 / 5
Previous Response: The customer support team provides immediate responses, which I really appreciate. Previous Response: The pricing in this region is not competitive. As a result, customers and partners are considering alternative options to find more affordable solutions. Visibility and security of the Domain's
robin j.
Head of Sales & Partnership Mid-Market (51-1000 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.)
Excellent Customer Support
4.5 / 5
Consolidated ProDMARC Reports including Compliance and Weekly Failure Reports without Deep analysis of forensic report RUF is required. 1. It enables DMARC enforcement and reject spoofed emails. 2. Helps in providing centralized dashboard. 3. Monitoring of emails on behalf of us. 4. Helps in compliance checks and notifying if mails are getting delivered/passed/failed through either SPF or DKIM.
Pranav K.
Senior Manager Information Security Enterprise (> 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.)
ProDMARC DMARC and BIMI providing awesome support
4.5 / 5
ProDMARC and BIMI providing valuable support for Mail security Enchasing the Product Dashboard and Reporting Features Providing DMARC and SPF effective filtering based on Mail SPAM based filtering
Verified User in Insurance
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.)
Improved our email security posture with seamless implementation and reliable support
4.5 / 5
ProDMARC’s intuitive interface and proactive support make DMARC implementation and monitoring effortless and effective. While ProDMARC offers excellent functionality, the initial configuration process could be more streamlined for quicker onboarding ProDMARC helps us combat email spoofing and phishing by enforcing DMARC policies effectively. This has significantly improved our domain reputation, reduced fraudulent email risks, and enhanced overall email security
Verified User in Insurance
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
Pricing
MXtoolbox offers a free tier and transparent pricing for its paid plans, whereas ProDMARC primarily offers a free trial and requires direct contact for detailed pricing information.
Small
Up to 10k emails / month
Free tier available (1 domain, weekly blacklist)
Contact for pricing
Medium
Up to 100k emails / month
Delivery Center $129/month (5 domains, 500k emails)
Contact for pricing
Large
Up to 1 million emails / month
Delivery Center $129/month (5 domains, 500k emails)
Contact for pricing
Enterprise
Over 1 million emails / month
Delivery Center Plus $399/month (5 domains, 5M emails)
4.1 / 5(29)
