Summary
Small businesses have multiple affordable DMARC alternatives. Options include free services like Valimail and Postmark, DIY solutions such as `parsedmarc` and open-source tools highlighted by DMARC.org, EasyDMARC offers affordable plans tailored for smaller companies, and tools like MXToolbox & Mail-tester can also be leveraged. Paid services (such as URIports) provide more comprehensive management, while understanding DMARC reports via resources from Google, Microsoft and the DMARC RFC is essential. Experts caution that in-house management requires technical skills and time investment, potentially making managed services a better option for some.
Key findings
- Free Services: Valimail and Postmark offer free DMARC monitoring options.
- DIY Solutions: `parsedmarc` and open-source tools allow for in-house DMARC management.
- Affordable Paid Plans: EasyDMARC, GlockApps, and URIports provide cost-effective plans for small businesses.
- Management Cost: Experts note that the cost of managing DMARC reports can be significant in terms of time and resources.
- Resource availability: Resources such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Defender and the official DMARC RFC allow for businesses to get started.
Key considerations
- Technical Skill: DIY solutions and in-house management require technical expertise.
- Time Commitment: Managing DMARC reports in-house demands a substantial time investment.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: Thoroughly evaluate the costs and benefits of managed services compared to in-house management.
- Feature Requirements: Assess specific DMARC monitoring and management needs when choosing a solution.
- Complexity Consideration: Assess the complexity of email infrastructure to find the most effective DMARC solution.
What email marketers say
11 marketer opinions
Small businesses seeking affordable DMARC service alternatives have several options. Free services like Valimail and Postmark offer basic DMARC monitoring, while DIY solutions like `parsedmarc` allow for in-house analysis. Paid services such as EasyDMARC, GlockApps, and URIports provide affordable plans with essential monitoring and management features. Utilizing relay services such as AuthSMTP, or evaluating DMARC setup using Mail-tester and MXToolbox can also contribute to compliance without incurring excessive costs.
Key opinions
- Free Services: Valimail and Postmark offer free tiers for basic DMARC monitoring, providing essential insights for small businesses.
- DIY Solutions: `parsedmarc` offers a DIY approach, allowing businesses to analyze DMARC reports in-house, potentially reducing costs.
- Affordable Paid Services: EasyDMARC, GlockApps, and URIports provide affordable paid plans tailored for small businesses, offering more comprehensive features.
- Tool Integration: MXToolbox and Mail-tester allow you to test your DMARC records for validation purposes.
- Relay Services: AuthSMTP assists with DMARC compliance via authenticated email relaying.
Key considerations
- Technical Expertise: DIY solutions require technical knowledge for setup and maintenance, which may necessitate additional resources.
- Scalability: Free services may have limitations on reporting and features, potentially requiring an upgrade as the business grows.
- Feature Requirements: Different services offer varying features; businesses should assess their specific needs before selecting a solution.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: Evaluate the potential cost savings against the time and effort required for in-house management versus paid services.
- Integration: Consider how well the chosen solution integrates with existing email infrastructure and workflows.
Marketer view
Email marketer from URIports.com shares that URIports provides a DMARC monitoring service, which can be an affordable option for small businesses looking to track their email authentication and improve deliverability. URIports offers tools for analyzing DMARC reports and identifying potential issues.
20 Jul 2021 - URIports.com
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks suggests `parsedmarc` as a DIY solution and notes that it can be set up with a UI and also suggests checking for Docker images to speed up the setup.
11 Apr 2024 - Email Geeks
What the experts say
5 expert opinions
For small businesses seeking affordable DMARC service alternatives, options range from free services to in-house analysis. Postmark is recommended as a free service. However, experts caution that managing DMARC reports can be expensive in terms of time and resources, potentially making paid services worthwhile. DIY approaches using open-source tools are viable for those with technical skills, but the investment in time and expertise must be weighed against the cost of managed services.
Key opinions
- Free Option: Postmark is suggested as a free DMARC service alternative.
- Cost of Management: Managing DMARC reports in-house can be costly in terms of time and resources.
- DIY Viability: In-house DMARC analysis is possible with technical skills and open-source tools.
- Paid Services Benefit: Investing in a third-party DMARC service can save time and resources.
Key considerations
- Technical Skill: In-house DMARC analysis requires technical expertise, potentially needing additional investment.
- Time Investment: Managing DMARC reports in-house can be time-consuming, impacting other business activities.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: Carefully weigh the cost of managed DMARC services against the potential savings and time investment of in-house management.
- DMARC Complexity: Assess the complexity of your email infrastructure when deciding between DIY and managed DMARC solutions.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks recommends postmarkapp as another free DMARC service.
8 Aug 2023 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks shares that monitoring is a great idea but it's expensive. He states If you're prepared to invest in it, and you find the benefits outweigh the costs, go for it and questions how much time is being spent on monitoring, how much customers are being charged extra for that and what that translates to as an hourly rate.
30 Jan 2023 - Email Geeks
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
For small businesses seeking affordable DMARC alternatives, documentation from DMARC.org suggests leveraging open-source tools for DMARC reporting and analysis. Google Workspace Admin provides guidance on interpreting DMARC reports for improved email authentication. Microsoft outlines the use of Microsoft Defender for DMARC setup and monitoring. The RFC Editor provides the official DMARC specifications allowing smaller businesses to implement DMARC and reporting themselves.
Key findings
- Open Source Tools: DMARC.org highlights the availability of open-source DMARC reporting tools for cost-effective analysis.
- Google Workspace: Google Workspace Admin provides resources for understanding and utilizing DMARC reports.
- Microsoft Defender: Microsoft Defender for Office 365 offers built-in features for DMARC setup and monitoring.
- Official Specifications: RFC Editor provides the official DMARC specifications (RFC7489) for in-depth technical understanding.
Key considerations
- Technical Proficiency: Implementing open-source tools and interpreting DMARC reports requires technical expertise.
- Time Investment: Analyzing DMARC reports and implementing changes takes time and effort.
- Feature Limitations: Built-in features may have limitations compared to dedicated DMARC services.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Continuous monitoring and adjustment of DMARC settings are essential for maintaining email security.
Technical article
Documentation from Google explains that Google Workspace Admin provides information on how to interpret DMARC reports and use them to improve email authentication. Understanding these reports can help small businesses identify and address authentication issues without relying solely on paid services.
13 Oct 2023 - Google
Technical article
Documentation from RFC Editor provides the official DMARC (RFC7489) specifications, detailing the technical aspects of DMARC implementation and reporting. Reviewing this documentation can help businesses understand the underlying principles of DMARC without relying on commercial services.
2 Jan 2025 - RFC Editor
Are DMARC RUA and RUF tags mandatory for compliance and what are their benefits?
Do I need DMARC for transactional emails from a small website, and what are the best low-cost alternatives for sending emails if my IP is blocked?
How should DMARC, SPF, and DKIM records be configured for domains that do not send email?
Is DMARC essential for email deliverability and what to do when Return Path reports spam issues with good open rates?
What are SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, and when are they needed?
Can I use DMARC with shared IP addresses?
