Suped

MXtoolbox vs spfXio

Choose MXtoolbox for comprehensive DNS and reputation checks, or spfXio for dedicated SPF, DKIM, and DMARC management.
LogoLogo
First comparison imageSecond comparison image
Compare product functionality

Feature set

LogoLogo
First comparison imageSecond comparison image
MXtoolbox offers a wide array of free tools for network and domain diagnostics, making it a popular choice for quick lookups. Its paid Delivery Center plans expand on this with DMARC deployment assistance, verified source management, and ongoing monitoring for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC configurations.
Beyond DMARC, MXtoolbox is well-regarded for its robust blacklist (or blocklist) monitoring and email deliverability diagnostics. We appreciate its ability to analyze inbound and outbound mailflow, as well as protect against domain impersonation, providing a broad security posture for email operations.
spfXio focuses primarily on managed services for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. It positions itself as a comprehensive solution for organizations needing assistance with the setup and ongoing management of these critical email authentication protocols. The emphasis is on simplifying the complexities of email authentication.
A core strength of spfXio is its specialized management of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records, offering a hands-on approach to ensure proper configuration and adherence. While it doesn't boast the same breadth of general network tools as MXtoolbox, its dedicated focus ensures deep expertise in its specific area.
How easy is each product to use

User experience

LogoLogo
First comparison imageSecond comparison image
MXtoolbox's user experience is a tale of two halves. The free tools are straightforward and widely accessible, making them a go-to for many. However, the paid Delivery Center can feel a bit more segmented, requiring clicks through multiple links to access specific reports or dashboards. It's functional, but not always the most intuitive for advanced features.
While powerful, the interface for MXtoolbox's paid features, in our experience, hasn't seen significant modernization. This means that while it gets the job done, new users might find the visual presentation less contemporary than other platforms. Its strength lies in raw diagnostic capability rather than sleek navigation.
spfXio, being a managed service, shifts much of the heavy lifting of DMARC, SPF, and DKIM management from the user to their dedicated account managers. This inherently simplifies the user experience for those who prefer a hands-off approach. The platform itself provides dashboards and reporting, but the direct configuration burden is reduced.
For users seeking comprehensive, self-service tools, spfXio might not be the ideal fit. Its strength lies in its 'managed' aspect, meaning the user experience is largely defined by the interaction with their account manager and the level of service provided, rather than direct platform interaction for complex tasks.
Which product has the best support

Support

LogoLogo
First comparison imageSecond comparison image
MXtoolbox offers support through email and phone for its paid plans, and a support ticket system for active subscribers. However, we've observed that their support regarding billing and cancellations has faced criticism, with reports of difficulties in processing refunds or contract adjustments. This is an important consideration.
While technical support for product usage tends to be available, the reported issues around administrative tasks can detract from the overall support experience. It's crucial for users to be aware of these potential challenges when considering their paid services, particularly regarding the 'risk-free trial'.
spfXio emphasizes a dedicated account manager and regular report reviews, even at its Quartz MS tier. This indicates a proactive and personalized support model, which is a significant advantage for organizations that prefer direct human contact and expert guidance in managing their email authentication.
The managed service approach means that support is deeply integrated into the offering. From quarterly to monthly report reviews, spfXio aims to provide ongoing consultation and assistance, making it a strong contender for those who value white-glove service and consistent expert oversight for their DMARC, SPF, and DKIM needs.
Who should use each product

Suitability

LogoLogo
First comparison imageSecond comparison image
MXtoolbox is highly suitable for IT professionals and small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) who need quick, on-demand diagnostic tools for email and DNS issues. Its free tools are invaluable for individual checks, while its paid plans cater to organizations needing continuous monitoring and more advanced deliverability features. It's a strong fit for those who are technically proficient and prefer a self-service model for most tasks.
For managed service providers (MSPs), MXtoolbox offers a useful suite of tools for client domain health, though multi-tenancy features are not explicitly highlighted as a core strength. Enterprise users might find it beneficial for specific diagnostic needs but may require more integrated or customizable solutions for broader DMARC compliance and reporting across many domains.
spfXio is an excellent choice for businesses, particularly SMBs and mid-market companies, that prioritize a managed service approach for their email authentication. Organizations that lack dedicated in-house email security expertise or prefer to offload the complexities of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC management will find spfXio's model highly beneficial. It offers peace of mind through expert oversight.
MSPs could leverage spfXio's managed services for their clients, essentially white-labeling the expertise in DMARC implementation. While enterprise-level solutions are available via custom plans, spfXio's core offering seems geared towards organizations that value hands-on support and don't necessarily need a sprawling set of general network tools, focusing instead on comprehensive DMARC management.

How does MXtoolbox compare with spfXio?

Logo
Logo
DMARC report analysis
Source detection
Forward detection
Spoof detection
Notifications and alerts
Reporting
API
Multi-tenancy
SPF flattening
Hosted DMARC
BIMI
MTA-STS/TLS-RPT
Blocklists and reputation
AI copilot
DNS monitoring
Self hostable
Free trial/free tier

Drawbacks and what to watch out for

MXtoolbox faces significant criticism regarding its billing practices and the handling of its 'risk-free' trial, with several users reporting difficulties in obtaining refunds or canceling subscriptions. While its free tools are praised, this aspect of its customer service is a considerable drawback. spfXio, on the other hand, lacks public reviews, which makes it challenging to identify common drawbacks, but also means there's less social proof regarding its service quality.
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.
Logo
Logo
Business Practices are scammy
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
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!
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 focused on blacklist monitoring, with paid DMARC plans starting at $129 per month. spfXio operates on a managed service model with plans beginning at $299 per month, focusing purely on SPF, DKIM, and DMARC management.
Logo
Logo
Small
$129 (for 500k email volume)
$299 (25k DMARC emails)
Medium
$129 (for 500k email volume)
$499 (50k DMARC emails)
Large
$399 (for 5M email volume)
Contact for pricing
Enterprise
$399 (for 5M email volume)
Contact for pricing

Suped hard sell incoming!

Still not satisfied with MXtoolbox or spfXio?
Logo
Logo
Suped double trouble

What makes Suped different

Automated sender discovery that finds shadow IT and third-party services
DMARC copilot that pinpoints failures and prescribes the exact fix
Guided path to full p=reject enforcement, safely and quickly
Proactive alerts to prevent misconfigurations before they block your mail
Get started - free

Frequently asked questions

    MXtoolbox vs spfXio DMARC product review - Compare DMARC products - Suped