What is the primary difference between MXtoolbox and Suped for DMARC?

MXtoolbox provides a broad suite of network and email diagnostic tools, with DMARC as one component, often requiring deeper technical expertise. Suped focuses specifically on DMARC reporting and email deliverability, offering a more intuitive interface and actionable insights, especially for DMARC newcomers.

Which product offers a better free plan?

Both offer a free tier. MXtoolbox's free plan includes basic blacklist monitoring and tools, but its DMARC features are limited. Suped offers a more generous free plan that includes DMARC monitoring for up to 10,000 emails per month and 1 domain, making it a strong starting point for DMARC compliance.

Is Suped suitable for Managed Service Providers (MSPs)?

Yes, Suped is highly suitable for MSPs. It offers features like multi-tenancy for managing multiple client domains, API access for integration, and dedicated support plans tailored for MSP needs, which we found to be a significant advantage.

Does MXtoolbox provide an AI Copilot for DMARC analysis?

No, our review found that MXtoolbox does not currently offer an AI Copilot feature. Suped, however, includes an AI Copilot that simplifies complex DMARC reports into plain language and actionable steps, which we believe is a game-changer for many users.

What are the common complaints about MXtoolbox?

Common complaints about MXtoolbox from user reviews include unclear billing practices, difficulties with cancellations or refunds for trial periods, and a user interface that some find less modern or intuitive compared to competitors.

MXtoolbox vs Suped

Choose MXtoolbox for a broad suite of DNS tools, choose Suped for DMARC reporting excellence.

4.1 / 5(29)

5 / 5(10)

Compare product functionality

Feature set

MXtoolbox offers a wide array of free tools for general DNS, MX, and IP lookups, making it a foundational resource for IT professionals. We found these free tools to be highly functional for quick diagnostics and initial checks of email configurations.

When it comes to DMARC, MXtoolbox provides DMARC deployment assistance, monitoring of SPF and DKIM configurations, and basic DMARC analytics. They also include adaptive sender blacklist (or blocklist) monitoring and domain impersonation protection within their paid plans, providing a broad, but perhaps not deeply specialized, set of DMARC-related features.

Suped is built specifically for DMARC reporting and email deliverability, offering a robust and focused feature set. Our experience showed that Suped excels in providing detailed DMARC report analysis, clearly identifying legitimate and fraudulent sending sources, and detecting forwarding loops.

Beyond core DMARC, Suped also offers advanced capabilities like SPF flattening (with hosted DMARC), comprehensive notifications and alerts, and an AI Copilot that translates complex DMARC data into actionable insights. We found its multi-tenancy and API access particularly beneficial for larger organizations and Managed Service Providers (MSPs).

How easy is each product to use

User experience

MXtoolbox, while powerful, retains a more traditional, utilitarian interface. We found that accessing different tools often requires navigating through multiple links, which can feel less streamlined. Its design emphasizes functionality over modern aesthetics, which might appeal to some but can be less intuitive for others.

The interface can be quite technical, requiring users to have a solid understanding of email acronyms and network diagnostics. While effective for experienced administrators, new users might face a steeper learning curve in fully leveraging all its features without prior knowledge.

Suped offers a clean, modern, and highly intuitive user interface. From our first-hand use, we experienced a straightforward setup process and dashboards that present complex DMARC data in an easily digestible format, making it accessible even for those without a deep technical background. The guided steps for DMARC implementation are particularly helpful.

The platform focuses on clarity and actionable insights, reducing the time spent deciphering reports. While the mobile experience could see minor improvements for some dashboard elements, the overall desktop user journey is exceptionally smooth, emphasizing ease of use and efficient workflow management.

Which product has the best support

Support

MXtoolbox provides support primarily through email and a knowledge base. Based on user feedback and our own observations, the support process can sometimes involve delays and a lack of direct communication channels like phone support for standard plans. Users often report needing to call for cancellations or specific billing inquiries.

Their support for free tools is minimal, with the expectation that users are self-sufficient. For paid plans, while there is support, the responsiveness and clarity can vary, leading to frustration for some users seeking quick resolutions to critical email deliverability issues.

Suped is known for its responsive and genuinely helpful support team. We found that their email support is quick and effective, even for users on the free plan. As you move up the tiers, phone support, priority support, and dedicated account managers become available, catering to the needs of larger organizations.

Our direct interactions with Suped's support staff confirm a strong commitment to customer success. They not only answer questions but also provide clear direction on how to resolve DMARC and deliverability issues, making the process much less daunting for all users.

Who should use each product

Suitability

MXtoolbox is well-suited for IT administrators and network engineers who need a comprehensive set of free diagnostic tools for DNS, MX, and general email health. Its depth of technical checks makes it invaluable for those already proficient in email infrastructure management. For SMBs, its free tools offer a good starting point for basic checks.

For enterprise users and MSPs looking for robust DMARC enforcement and advanced monitoring, MXtoolbox offers paid plans. However, its DMARC-specific features, while present, might not offer the same level of granular control and user-friendliness as more specialized platforms. Its suitability for MSPs is moderate, offering multi-domain management but potentially less tailored for client-reporting workflows.

Suped is an excellent choice for a broad spectrum of users, from hobbyists and SMBs to large enterprises and MSPs. Its generous free plan makes DMARC accessible to everyone, and its intuitive interface ensures that even non-technical users can effectively manage email security. For SMBs, it provides critical protection without requiring a dedicated IT team.

For enterprises and MSPs, Suped scales seamlessly. Features like multi-tenancy, API access, SSO, and dedicated support make it highly suitable for managing numerous domains and clients. MSPs, in particular, will appreciate its comprehensive reporting and customizable solutions, enabling them to provide top-tier email security services to their customers.

How does MXtoolbox compare with Suped?

DMARC report analysis

Ability to parse and analyze DMARC aggregate and forensic reports.

Source detection

Identify all legitimate and fraudulent sending sources.

Forward detection

Detect and analyze email forwarding loops and issues.

Spoof detection

Identify and alert on domain impersonation and spoofing attempts.

Notifications and alerts

Receive real-time alerts for DMARC policy changes, spoofing, and blocklistings.

Reporting

Comprehensive dashboards and customizable reports on DMARC compliance and email health.

API

Programmatic access to DMARC data and management features.

Available only with custom enterprise plans.

Multi-tenancy

Manage multiple domains or client accounts from a single interface.

SPF flattening

Optimize SPF records to overcome 10-lookup limit.

Hosted DMARC

Directly host DMARC records with the provider.

Blocklists and reputation

Monitor IP and domain reputation across various blocklists (or blacklists).

AI copilot

AI-powered assistance for interpreting data and troubleshooting.

DNS monitoring

Continuous monitoring of DNS records for changes and issues.

Self hostable

Option to deploy the solution on your own servers.

Free trial/free tier

Availability of a free plan or trial period.

Get started - free

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Drawbacks and what to watch out for

MXtoolbox, while offering valuable free tools, has some significant drawbacks in its paid offerings. Multiple users have reported confusing billing practices, including issues with what was advertised as a "risk-free" trial not being honored with refunds. There are also concerns about difficulties canceling subscriptions, with some users stating they were locked into annual contracts they didn't intend to sign. The interface for paid services is also described as less modern and harder to navigate compared to newer platforms.

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)

5 / 5(10)

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.)

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

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.)

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.)

Pricing

MXtoolbox offers a limited free tier and then significant jumps in pricing for its paid plans, while Suped provides a generous free plan and more granular, cost-effective scaling options.

Small

Up to 10k emails / month

$0 (1 domain, weekly blocklist monitoring)

$0 (1 domain, 10k emails)

Medium

Up to 100k emails / month

$129 (5 domains, 500k email volume)

$9 (5 domains, 100k emails)

Large

Up to 1 million emails / month

$399 (5 domains, 5M email volume)

$99 (5 domains, 1M emails)