Best Phishing Simulation Tools for Enterprises (2025 Edition)

Phishing remains one of the #1 causes of costly breaches in 2025 - and enterprises can no longer rely on generic, template-based training to keep users safe. Today’s best phishing simulation platforms use AI, gamification, and behavioral metrics to drive real cultural change, not just compliance.

This guide breaks down the top enterprise phishing simulation solutions based on 6,000+ reviews, covering key differentiators like simulation realism, microlearning, SOC integration, and risk scoring. Whether you're piloting your first solution or upgrading from legacy tools, this is your buyer’s playbook.

What enterprise security leaders say about phishing simulation

We heard this again and again from security leaders across industries:

• “Our training plateaus - users just learn the templates"
• “We’re compliant on paper but vulnerable in practice”
• “Most platforms are generic. They don’t adapt to skill or role”

Note: Scores from vendor pages as of September 2025; review counts vary by platform.

‍

What should buyers look for in phishing simulation tools in 2025?

Buyers should prioritize phishing tools that mirror real-world threats, adapt to user behavior, and integrate into existing email and security systems. Some of the key features we'd recommend looking our for include deepfake simulation, AI-generated content, localization, actionable reporting, and automation that scales without manual overhead.

If your goal is measurable behavior change, choose a behavior-first platform like Hoxhunt. If you mainly need compliance requirements, suites like Proofpoint or KnowBe4 fit better (but might not actually protect you against real breaches).

Key evaluation criteria for buyers

In 2025, phishing simulation tools must go far beyond check-the-box compliance. Here’s what enterprises are prioritizing:

Real-world simulation capabilities

The best tools simulate modern phishing vectors:

• Deepfake attacks spoofing execs and pressure finance teams
• AI-generated phishing emails indistinguishable from human language
• Quishing exploiting QR codes

Platforms like Hoxhunt lead here, with adaptive difficulty and continuous updates based on emerging attack trends.

Content depth & training quality

Security teams are demanding:

• Micro-training that adapts by role and behavior, not static modules
• Language localization for global workforces (Hoxhunt supports 40+ languages)
• Gamified learning to boost participation across departments

Older vendors like KnowBe4 face criticism for “cartoonish” or “dated” content, while newer players like Ninjio offer episodic and story-driven formats whilst hoxhunt leads in gamification.

Integration with security stack

CISOs ask:

• Does the tool sync with Office 365, and email filters?
• Can it trigger follow-ups in SIEMs, SOARs, or LMSs?
• Does it support API integrations for custom dashboards?

Hoxhunt, KnowBe4, and Proofpoint score well here - but manual whitelisting (e.g. with QR codes in Outlook) can still break tests if mishandled.

Reporting that CISOs can use

Key questions:

• Can we see risk by department, click vs. report rate, and time-to-report?
• Is the data exportable?
• Are there board-level visuals for execs?

Hoxhunt and KnowBe4 both offer risk dashboards but usability varies. Some teams complain KnowBe4’s reporting is “confusing,” while others praise its API access for custom metrics.

User-centric experience

Security teams are ditching “gotcha” training. Today’s best platforms:

• Offer immediate feedback on clicks and reports
• Use one consistent phishing button across email clients
• Reward good behavior with points or nudges, not just penalties

This user-centered philosophy - pioneered by Hoxhunt - aligns with modern HR and change management principles.

‍

Phishing simulation software comparison (2025 Table)

This comparison shows how top phishing simulation tools stack up on realism, AI/adaptive personalization, template breadth, reporting & integrations, and admin UX  - helping CISOs and security teams shortlist vendors for pilots.

Use the master table for a fast scan, then dive into each vendor’s section for evidence-backed pros, cons, and review snapshots.

‍

1. Hoxhunt

Hoxhunt uses AI and behavioral science to deliver personalized, gamified micro‑training that measurably reduces phishing risk. With top‑tier ratings across platforms and real user praise for engagement and realism, we built our platform to drive real, measurable behavioral change.

What users like

Exceptional ease of use & engagement

• Intuitive, easy-to-use interface that employees adopt quickly
• Reporting and training dashboards motivate users to track progress
• Implementation is straightforward, minimizing admin overhead

Effective gamification drives behavior

• Points, badges, and leaderboards keep participation consistently high
• “Spicy mode” and dynamic difficulty add challenge for advanced users
• Gamification builds a positive, social culture around phishing resilience

Realistic simulations

• Phishing tests closely mirror real-world threats, from QR codes to deepfakes
• Regularly updated scenarios ensure simulations remain current and convincing
• Employees gain hands-on experience recognizing and reporting attacks safely

User satisfaction & reviews

• G2: 4.8/5
• Capterra: 4.9/5
• Software Advice: 4.9/5
• TrustRadius: 9.3/10 overall score, with strong comments on engagement and gamified learning

Things to consider with Hoxhunt

Gamification skepticism

• Some leaders question whether badges and streaks are meaningful or just a gimmick.
• Yet, independent studies and reviews consistently show gamification boosts engagement, particularly for non-technical employees who might otherwise tune out. We broke down out thinking on gamified cyber security training here.

Frequency of simulations

• Some end-users may resist regular training. But data shows repetition builds habits: Hoxhunt customers report 60% success rates after the first year, with the fastest 10% of users reporting a phishing email in under 60 seconds.

More focused than encyclopedic

• Unlike platforms with massive off-the-shelf template libraries (e.g. KnowBe4), Hoxhunt is focused on realism and quality. Admins can also leverage AI-driven content creation to generate tailored simulations instantly.

Hoxhunt pros & cons

‍

2. Proofpoint Security Awareness Training

Proofpoint provides a broad library of phishing templates and compliance-oriented training modules designed for large, regulated organizations. The product emphasizes audit-ready reporting and role-based campaign customization, though enterprises should expect more admin configuration for complex deployments.

What users like

Content library & compliance depth

• Large library of phishing templates covering real-world attacks
• Strong focus on compliance and audit requirements
• Useful for regulated industries needing broad training coverage

Customizable and flexible training delivery

• Campaigns can be tailored by role, language, and skill level
• Flexible training modules that align with internal security policies
• Supports multi-language and role-based customization

Breadth over engagement

• Excels at comprehensive coverage for enterprise needs
• Best suited for compliance-driven training programs
• Less focused on gamified or adaptive engagement compared to newer platforms

User satisfaction & reviews

• G2: 4.5/5
• Capterra: 4.6/5
• Software Advice: 4.6/5
• TrustRadius: 8.4/10

Things to consider with Proofpoint

Complex setup & learning curve

• Depth and flexibility come at the cost of admin complexity - smaller teams may find it more work than more user-friendly, streamlined platforms.

Content overload

• A vast library is a strength, but some reviewers note it can be overwhelming without guided recommendations.
• “Too many templates to select and make decisions.”

Fragmented interface

• Some users report navigation feels spread across different modules.

Engagement vs compliance

• Proofpoint excels in compliance coverage, but engagement levels aren’t always as high as gamified, adaptive platforms like Hoxhunt.

Proofpoint pros & cons

‍

3. KnowBe4

KnowBe4 offers a large template libraries and a mature platform for scaling security awareness and phishing simulation programs. It’s straightforward to deploy but some customers report content repetition and an admin learning curve for advanced features.

What users like

Extensive content library

• One of the largest libraries of phishing templates and training modules
• Frequent updates tied to real-world attack themes and current events
• Strong compliance coverage for regulated industries

Ease of setup and scale

• Quick to launch phishing campaigns and awareness programs
• Integrates with Microsoft 365 and Active Directory for large deployments
• Works well for enterprises needing broad, repeatable coverage

Awareness and reporting tools

• Phish Alert Button makes reporting simple for end users
• Risk scoring and analytics help track phish-prone rates over time
• Proven impact in reducing phishing susceptibility when used consistently

User satisfaction and reviews

• G2: 4.7/5
• Capterra: 4.8/5
• TrustRadius: 9.1/10

Things to consider

Content quality & fatigue

• Some reviews describe the training as “cartoonish” or “childlike”, which can feel out of place in professional settings.
• Frequent reliance on the same modules can cause content fatigue; advanced users sometimes tune out.
• Compared to gamified or adaptive platforms, training may feel more compliance-driven than behavior-changing.

Admin complexity

• The admin console can feel cluttered, requiring time to navigate and customize effectively.
• Advanced reporting sometimes needs export to Excel or Power BI to meet leadership requests.
• Larger enterprises may find campaign management more effort-intensive than newer, automated solutions.

User experience concerns

• Some employees perceive phishing tests as “gotchas,” leading to resistance or backlash if not rolled out carefully.
• Quiz questions and training assessments have been criticized for ambiguous wording.
• Overexposure to generic templates can reduce realism - savvy employees may recognize test emails by vendor markers.

Pricing & vendor behavior

• Competitive pricing is a plus, but some reviewers report aggressive sales tactics and upselling pressure.
• Renewal negotiations are common; discounts are available but require persistence.
• Value is strong for compliance, but ROI compared to behavior-focused vendors (like Hoxhunt) is debated in CISO communities.

KnowBe4 pros & cons

‍

4. Cofense PhishMe

Cofense centers on report-phish workflows and SOC integration, turning end-user reports into triageable telemetry for IR teams. It supports highly customized, targeted simulations and strong analytics for forensic follow-up, at the cost of greater operational overhead for teams without dedicated SOC resources.

What users like

Reporting & SOC integration

• Strong reporting pipeline and a widely used report-phish workflow that feeds SOC/Triage processes.
• Phish reporting is fast and simple for end users.

Realistic, customizable simulations

• Administrators praise Cofense’s ability to build highly tailored simulations (role-based campaigns, attachments, credential-harvest pages).
• Delivery controls (e.g., responsive delivery so emails land when users are active) reduce false negatives from spam filters.

Analytics & managed options

• Good analytics for identifying repeat clickers and feeding monthly reporting to stakeholders or MSSPs.

User satisfaction & reviews

• G2: 4.4/5
• Capterra: 4.7/5
• Software Advice: 4.7/5
• TrustRadius: 9/10

Things to consider

Admin overhead

• Several reviewers say Cofense can require more hands-on administration and ongoing upkeep compared with other platforms.

Documentation & onboarding

• A few users call out limited or uneven documentation for advanced features, increasing ramp time for new admins.
• Less consumer-style engagement
• Cofense focuses on SOC value and reporting rather than gamified end-user experiences - users mention engagement mechanics are not as playful as Hoxhunt’s.

Cofense pros & cons

‍

5. Phished

Phished emphasizes AI-driven, personalized phishing simulations and click-triggered microlearning to train users in the moment. The product is optimized for mid-market and MSP use - fast to implement with per-user scheduling - but buyers should validate enterprise references, localization, and multi-vector coverage for larger rollouts.

What users like

AI-driven, personalized phishing simulation

• Similarly to Hoxhunt, reviewers praise Phished’s AI-tailored simulations that adapt to individual behavior, increasing realism and relevance.
• Automated per-user scheduling reduces admin work while keeping simulations unpredictable.

Microlearning moments

• Clicks trigger immediate microlearning (short training modules) so end users receive an on-the-spot lesson - reviewers say this improves retention versus long-form courses (this is also how we train users here at Hoxhunt).
• Reviewers note the platform’s training content is concise and action-oriented.

Easy implementation & clear analytics

• Multiple reviewers call out fast implementation and straightforward admin flows - good for mid-market teams.
• Behavioral risk scoring and exportable analytics and reporting make it easier to show improvement over time.

User satisfaction & reviews

• G2: 4.6/5
• Capterra: 4.5/5
• Software Advice: 4.5/5

Things to consider

Enterprise scale & references

• Phished is growing fast but has fewer long-term, large-enterprise references than other larger vendors (Hoxhunt, by contrast, is often cited for larger US enterprise deployments and Fortune/regulated customers).

Compliance & audit evidence

• If you need explicit audit artifacts for PCI, SOC2, or HIPAA evidence, confirm Phished’s reporting templates and retention policies; some buyers pair Phished with an LMS for compliance reporting.

Localization & language depth

• Phished automates per-user personalization, but buyers flag the need to confirm language/localization quality for all EU/US locales; check sample templates in each language before rolling out globally.

Deliverability & cadence sensitivity (can feel “spammy”)

• Multiple reviewers mention Phished’s frequent, automated sends can feel too frequent if cadence isn’t tuned

Dashboard depth for exec/forensic needs

• Several admins request richer drilldowns for board-level visuals and forensic investigations; you may need to export into BI tools for complex stakeholder reporting.

Phished pros & cons

‍

6. Ninjio

Ninjio delivers short, story-driven microlearning episodes designed to boost attention and recall, with managed delivery options for low-touch rollouts. It’s aimed at engagement-first programs; organizations that need continuous, highly adaptive phishing simulations should confirm simulation depth and cadence options.

What users like

Story-driven microlearning that hooks end users

• Ninjio’s 3–4 minute, Hollywood-style animated episodes are repeatedly praised for being entertaining and memorable.
• Reviewers say the story format increases attention and recall compared with long, generic modules.

Behavioral focus

• The platform builds behavioral profiles and uses those signals to target training and simulated phishing - customers report improved awareness metrics after rollout.

Simple admin experience & managed options

• Many buyers appreciate the facilitated rollout model (client success managers schedule episodes) and the option for a managed phishing-as-a-service delivery model.

User satisfaction & reviews

• G2: 4.9/5
• Capterra: 3.7/5
• TrustRadius: 9.1 /10

Things to consider

Monthly cadence

• Ninjio’s flagship model distributes episodic content on roughly a monthly schedule.
• Reviewers who want higher-frequency microlearning or per-user adaptive cadence sometimes find the cadence too slow.

Phishing simulation depth vs. specialist phishing vendors

• Reviewers praise Ninjio’s storytelling and awareness content, but some admins note the phishing-simulation engine is more tactical than forensic compared with other tools that integrate with SOC or highly adaptive platforms.

Reporting & drilldown requests

• While Ninjio provides behavioral scoring and good adoption metrics, a subset of admins ask for richer executive drilldowns and more granular forensic detail for incident response; large orgs may export to BI tools for board-level visuals.
• Hoxhunt customers often highlight more out-of-the-box board-ready risk visuals.

Variable review scores across marketplaces

Ninjio scores extremely well on G2 (strong engagement/UX signals), but other directories show smaller sample sizes and mixed scores.

Ninjio pros & cons

‍

7. Mimecast Awareness Training

Mimecast combines short, scenario video lessons with practical email-based phishing tests and is frequently chosen by teams already using Mimecast email security. The product favors simplicity and fast mid-market rollouts, but it’s more awareness-focused than a specialist, multi-vector phishing simulation tool.

What users like

Short, engaging video-based content

• Reviewers repeatedly praise Mimecast’s short, scenario-driven videos and microlearning approach - they’re described as “fun,” concise, and easy for end users to consume.

Good fit for email-security stacks

• Mimecast’s Awareness Training is often paired with Mimecast email security and is positioned to tie user behavior into broader email-protection workflows.
• Reviewers cite the integration as a plus for programs already using Mimecast email products.

Simple admin & rollouts for mid-market

• Many admins report fast implementation and straightforward campaign scheduling for typical mid-market deployments.
• The product is frequently recommended where ease and short-format learning are priorities.

User satisfaction & reviews

• G2: 3.8/5
• Capterra: N/A (small sample size)
• Software Advice: N/A (small sample size)
• TrustRadius: 8.4/ 0

Things to consider

Mixed review signals & sample size

• G2 shows a mixed set of user scores, with a split between strong “short-video” fans and a few lower-scoring enterprise reviewers.

Phishing simulation depth

• Mimecast focuses on awareness video content and simulated phishing at a practical level, but some buyers seeking highly adaptive, multi-vector phishing simulation (SMS/quishing, deepfake voice, MFA-fatigue) note the platform is more awareness-first than specialist phishing-simulation software.

Support & advanced admin UX

• A number of reviewers call out support response times and occasional admin/UX rough edges (directory integration and campaign scheduling nuances).
• Larger enterprises should pilot the admin workflows to confirm they meet scale and SLA needs.

Mimecast pros & cons

‍

8. Infosec IQ

Infosec IQ provides a large, SCORM-ready catalog and LMS-friendly exports suitable for compliance-centric training programs. The platform automates campaign scheduling and directory sync for scale, though first-time admins may need staged pilots and BI exports to build executive-level visuals.

What users like

Audit-friendly content library

• Training content and SCORM exports make Infosec IQ easy to plug into existing Learning Management Systems.
• Reviewers call out the depth of ready-made training modules and compliance-ready content.

Integrations & automation for scale

• Strong integration with Azure AD / Office 365 and LMS/SOC stacks, plus automated campaign scheduling and phishing simulation workflows that reduce manual admin work.
• Reviewers highlight easy directory sync and automated enrolment.

Risk-focused outcomes (Human Risk Management)

• Customers report sustained reductions in phishing click rates and higher report-rates - delivered as board-ready visuals and a Composite Score that translates campaign results into business risk metrics for executive.

User satisfaction & reviews

• G2: 4.5/5
• SoftwareReviews: 8.2/10
• TrustRadius: 4.8/10
• Capterra: N/A (small sample size)

Things to consider

Reporting complexity for exec visuals

• Some admins say campaign-spanning reports can be fiddly and that advanced board-level visuals often require BI exports or custom dashboards.

Onboarding overhead

• The platform can overwhelm first-time admins.
• Reviewers recommend a staged pilot and vendor onboarding support to avoid configuration missteps.

API & support nuances

• A subset of reviews point to API limitations (some module tiles/data not exposed) and support hours that skew US-centric.

Infosec IQ pros & cons

‍

9. Microsoft Defender (Attack Simulation Training)

Microsoft’s Attack Simulation runs inside Defender for Office 365 and is convenient for tenants on M365 E5, letting teams validate mailflow, conditional access and basic phishing scenarios with low incremental cost. It’s a solid baseline for in-tenant testing but lacks the continuous behavior-change features, gamification, and multi-vector simulation depth found in specialist phishing simulation tool.

What users like

Native M365 integration

• Runs inside the Microsoft Defender portal and ties simulation data to Office 365 identities and Defender telemetry.
• Easy to enable for orgs already on Microsoft 365 E5.

No separate vendor lock-in / low incremental cost

• Included with appropriate Microsoft licensing, so teams can run basic phishing tests without buying a separate solution.

Quick, policy-focused simulations

• Useful for validating email filters, tenant configuration, Conditional Access responses, and basic credential-harvest scenarios.

Centralized security tracking

• Results live alongside Defender for Endpoint and other Microsoft security signals, helping Security teams connect simulated phishing to broader threat posture.

User satisfaction & reviews

• G2: 4.5/5
• Capterra: 4.6/5
• Software Advice: 4.6/5
• TrustRadius: 8/10

Things to consider

License dependency

• Attack Simulator requires Microsoft Defender for Office 365 (or E5-level licensing); it’s not a free, standalone enterprise-grade solution for every org.

Feature depth is basic

• It’s designed to validate controls and run basic phishing scenarios; it lacks dedicated behavior-based training, gamification, AI-driven localization, and multi-channel simulations (smishing/quishing/voice/deepfake).

Limited training content & remediation flows

• Microsoft focuses on simulations - you’ll still need a security awareness / microlearning platform if you want continuous learning, adaptive training modules, or teachable-moment landing pages.

Reporting & EEAT for procurement

• Defender’s reports are useful operationally, but many CISOs prefer dedicated board-ready risk dashboards, Composite Scores, and exportable human-risk metrics that specialist vendors (like Hoxhunt) provide out of the box.

Deliverability & configuration caution

• Because it runs in your tenant, test behavior is realistic but still needs mailbox/directory coordination (whitelisting, MTA rules, email filters) to avoid false negatives/positives.

You can see how Hoxhunt compares to Microsoft's Attack Simulation Training here.

Microsoft Defender pros & cons

‍

Why enterprises are moving beyond templates

Template-driven programs plateau. Security leaders keep reporting the same failure modes at scale: “training plateaus,” “we’re compliant on paper but vulnerable,” and “platforms don’t adapt to skill or role.”

The broader takeaway: checkbox training hasn’t kept up with how people are actually attacked.

Attackers evolved past canned email lures: Teams now face deepfake voice scams, AI-generated emails that read like humans, and QR-code traps - often across multiple channels beyond email.

Adaptive AI beats static libraries: Modern platforms personalize difficulty, language, and timing per user so simulations stay realistic and unpredictable - driving measurable behavior change instead of “template memorization.”

Engagement mechanics matter: Gamified micro-lessons and short “teachable-moment” nudges keep participation high and improve retention compared with long, generic courses.

Baselines vs. behavior change: Microsoft’s built-in Attack Simulation is useful for validating policies inside M365, but it’s intentionally basic - lacking gamification, AI-driven localization, multi-channel depth, and continuous remediation. Most enterprises pair or replace it with a specialist platform to drive culture change.

Move from completions to risk reduction: Buyers now judge programs by reduced risky actions and composite human-risk scores, not just course completions. Executive-ready metrics and exports are expected.

Close the loop with the SOC: The most effective rollouts push create a feedback loop so that real phishing reports are turned into training to keep up with the latest threats being used in the wild.

Platforms that combine AI personalization, multi-vector simulations, gamified microlearning, and board-level risk metrics are the ones consistently recommended by analysts and practitioners for measurable impact.

Below you can see how Hoxhunt personalizes phishing simulations to employees using AI.

‍

Gamified phishing training tools: do they work?

Short answer: yes, when done right, gamification reliably boosts participation and retention, especially among non-technical employees. It also pairs well with “teachable-moment” microlearning so users get immediate feedback when they click, which reviewers say improves recall versus long courses.

What “good” looks like

• Clear mechanics (points, badges, leaderboards)
• Adaptive difficulty, and short remediation right after a mistake.
• At Hoxhunt we even have a harder “Spicy Mode,” with personalized, gamified micro-training.

How vendors stack up (enterprise take)

• Hoxhunt: Best overall for behavior change via gamified design. Employees stay engaged through points/badges/leaderboards and dynamic difficulty; reviews highlight realism and measurable outcomes.
• Ninjio: Story-driven engagement. 3–4 minute “Hollywood-style” episodes are entertaining and memorable, lifting attention and recall; cadence is typically monthly, so teams wanting higher frequency should note that.
• Phished: Click-triggered microlearning. Instant, on-fail lessons build retention and keep momentum; strong for mid-market automation even if it’s less overtly “game-like.”
• KnowBe4: Broad and proven, but some users find default training “cartoonish” or repetitive, and engagement can feel compliance-driven compared to gamified/adaptive platforms.
• Proofpoint: Compliance depth and breadth, yet less focused on gamified/adaptive engagement; great for audit programs, not for engagement-first goals.
• Cofense: SOC-first value; end-user mechanics are intentionally utilitarian rather than playful.
• Mimecast Awareness: Short, scenario videos that users describe as “fun,” but positioned more as awareness than a game-ified simulator.
• Microsoft Defender Attack Simulation: Handy baseline in E5 tenants, but it lacks gamification and behavior-change features by design.

Gamified phishing training works best when it’s paired with adaptive simulations and immediate microlearning, and when outcomes are measured with exec-ready risk metrics - not just course completions. Teams that implement these mechanics see stronger engagement and better retention, particularly outside technical roles.

Don't just take our word for it, you can see how Hoxhunt's gamification works below.

‍

Microlearning in phishing simulators: who does it best?

What “microlearning” means here: Short, focused lessons delivered right after an action (e.g., a click) so the feedback is immediate and memorable. Buyers and reviewers consistently report that this “teachable-moment” format increases retention versus long, generic courses. Microlearning works best when it’s short, immediate, and tied to the moment of failure.

Here’s how leading enterprise tools approach it.

‍

Market insights (2025): What analysts & practitioners recommend for security awareness training

Analysts and practitioners now prefer security awareness training that demonstrably reduces risky behavior rather than ticking boxes. Top vendors combine realistic phishing emails, AI personalization, multi-vector realism, and clear Human Risk Management metrics so security teams can show measurable impact and feed incident response workflows.

Key market trends (analyst + practitioner consensus)

• Behavior-first evaluation: Buyers measure programs by reduced risky actions, not just course completions.
• AI for realism & personalization: Artificial intelligence is being used to craft more convincing phishing emails and tune content per user.
• Multi-vector testing: Shortlists increasingly include non-email scenarios; vendors that cover more than email get higher marks in reviews.
• Board-ready Human Risk Management: Composite scores and executive dashboards that translate training results into business risk are now procurement must-haves.
• Operational fit & deliverability: Mailflow, email security filters and admin overhead are primary gating factors for enterprise pilots.
• Managed pilots & service options: Organisations with small security teams favour managed POCs where cadence and content are tuned by experts.
• Tool ecosystem interoperability: Vendors that push confirmed reports into SIEM/SOAR or ticketing systems make incident response workflows smoother.

How to turn insights into procurement actions

• Shortlist by outcomes: Require vendors to show baseline and expected reduction in real human risk (e.g. reporting rate) from a short POC.
• Run a deliverability-first POC: Validate simulated phishing emails through your tenant and confirm filters don’t block test traffic.
• Test integrations early: Verify Azure/AD sync, SSO, and how reported items flow into your incident response tools.
• Require executive metrics: Ask for sample exports and board-ready dashboards.
• Validate multi-vector scope: If you need non-email scenarios, include one in the POC or get a firm roadmap date.
• Consider a managed pilot: If you lack internal ops capacity, request vendor-run POCs with cadence tuning and reporting set up.

‍

Why Hoxhunt is the top pick for enterprises in 2025

Hoxhunt leads by combining AI-driven personalization, behavioral science, and gamified micro-learning to reduce real-world risk - not just check boxes.

Our platform emphasizes multi-vector realism (email, QR/quishing, smishing), enterprise integrations, and board-ready Human Risk Management metrics that make security awareness training measurable and operationally useful.

Differentiators: AI + behavioral design

• Per-user adaptive training: AI localization and behavior signals tune difficulty and content per user, improving realism and reducing predictability compared with static phishing tools. Very user has their own personalized learning path.
• Behavior-first approach: Training modules focus on changing human behavior (not only completion rates), which drives higher sustained reporting and lower phish-prone percentages over time.

Engagement & learning design

• Gamified micro-learning: Points, badges, leaderboards and short, actionable teachable moments keep end users engaged and more likely to report phishing emails.
• Practical microlearning: Short remedial lessons appear at the teachable moment (after a click), which increases retention versus long-form courses.

Realism & attack coverage

• Multi-vector simulations: Hoxhunt simulates modern attack methods - realistic phishing emails, QR/quishing, smishing and simulated MFA-fatigue - so programs test the behaviors that lead to credential compromise attacks.
• Fresh, contextual templates: Continuous template updates and AI-assisted content creation keep scenarios relevant to current email threats and social engineering trends.

Enterprise telemetry & Human Risk Management

• Board-ready metrics: Composite scoring and executive dashboards translate campaign results into business risk for leadership and compliance teams.
• Operational fit for IR: Integrations and exports support incident response workflows and SOC tooling (so alerts from reported phishing emails feed triage rather than noise).

Scalability & integrations

• Directory & platform integrations: Built to work with Active Directory / Azure AD, Office 365, and common SIEM/BI tools - reduces admin burden and speeds deployments at enterprise and mid-market scale.
• Low ops, measurable outcomes: Designed to minimize ongoing admin overhead while delivering measurable human-risk reduction that aligns to security KPIs.

"Hoxhunt turns security awareness into a gamified experience that keeps users engaged. The phishing simulations are smartly crafted and regularly updated, making each scenario feel realistic and relevant. I also appreciate the immediate feedback and points-based system - it creates a sense of progress and encourages participation without feeling like a burden." - G2 review

Case study: AES × Hoxhunt - adaptive, gamified rollout in the energy sector

Hoxhunt helped AES dramatically increase engagement and reduce phishing susceptibility across a 9,000+ user population - reporting rates rose to 60.5% (a 526% increase vs their prior tools) while failure rates fell to 1.6% (a 79% decrease), producing a resilience ratio of 38. Full case study here.

‍

Enterprise buyer's guide to phishing simulators (2025)

Must-have features

• AI-personalized simulations
• Click-triggered microlearning
• Azure AD / Microsoft 365 integration
• SOC reporting or SIEM push
• Composite risk metrics

Pilot like a pro

• Run simulations through your email client (avoid deliverability traps)
• Test how reported phish flows into SOC tools
• Ask for a managed rollout with cadence tuning

‍

Best phishing simulation tools 2025 FAQ

What is the best phishing simulation tool in 2025?

Short answer: There’s no single “best” tool - pick the one that matches your objective.

• If your goal is reducing real risk: favor behavior-first, adaptive platforms that deliver personalized simulations and micro-learning and produce Human Risk Management metrics (many enterprises pick those for measurable outcomes).
• If you need audit/compliance depth: choose vendors with large SCORM/LMS libraries and strong reporting.
• If you want SOC-ready telemetry: pick tools that route reported items into your incident response pipeline and SIEM.

How do phishing simulations work?

Simple flow - designed to teach, not to harm:

1. Targeting & design: choose user cohorts and craft realistic templates or mock scenarios.
2. Deliverability check: validate that simulated phishing emails pass your email security and URL filtering so results reflect real inbox behavior.
3. Launch & measurement: send campaigns, track clicks, reports, and other telemetry (click-throughs, phish reports, time-to-report).
4. Immediate remediation: trigger micro-learning modules or short remediation content at the teachable moment.
5. Integrate & iterate: feed reports into incident response and threat detection tools, then retest and tune cadence.

How often should we run phishing simulations?

Repetition builds habits. Programs that increase frequency (with adaptive difficulty) see stronger behavior change. Hoxhunt customers report 60% success rates after year one, with the fastest 10% reporting phish in under 60 seconds.

What new phishing attack types should companies prepare for?

Defenders should expect more sophisticated, multi-channel attacks:

• AI-driven, personalized phishing emails (hyper-targeted lures based on public data).
• Deepfake technologies (voice/video spoofing used in CEO fraud / callback scams).
• Smishing / QR code scams (quishing) and social-media lures.
• MFA fatigue & credential-harvest campaigns leading to credential theft or business email compromise attacks.
• Phishing attachments and drive-by payloads that enable endpoint compromise.

Is AI making phishing harder to stop in 2025?

Yes but defenders are using it too.

• Why it’s harder: AI speeds up generation of convincing, personalized lures and can auto-tailor messages that mimic real contacts. That raises realism and increases success rates.
• Why it’s not hopeless: defenders use machine learning for detection, automated URL analysis, and AI-driven simulations that train users on the latest attack patterns (this is what we do here at Hoxhunt)
• What to do: combine layered defenses - anti-phishing tools, URL/web filtering, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint or equivalent, multi-factor authentication, and continuous security awareness training tied to Human Risk Management metrics.
• Practical tip: require vendors to show how their AI improves realism and reduces measurable risk rather than just generating more convincing test emails.

Does Hoxhunt integrate with Microsoft 365 AST?

Yes. Teams commonly evaluate both: AST for Microsoft-native controls; Hoxhunt for behavior change, instant feedback, and enterprise-scale coaching.

How long does a typical enterprise rollout take with Hoxhunt?

With SSO/SCIM ready, you can launch quickly to a baseline cohort and begin onboarding immediately. Individual users complete onboarding in about a minute, and the first 8 weeks post-launch are the key engagement window with planned comms/activations in weeks 1–2, 4, and 7–8. Exact calendar time to full enterprise coverage varies by change-management and comms cadence.

_Sources

^{Security Awareness Computer-Based Training - Gartner Peer Insights, 2025
Attack simulation training (Microsoft Defender for Office 365) - Microsoft Learn, 2025
Peer review platforms (G2; TrustRadius; Capterra; SoftwareReviews) - G2 / TrustRadius / Capterra / SoftwareReviews, 2025
Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) - Verizon Business, 2025
Hoxhunt - product reviews (G2), 2025
Hoxhunt - verified reviews (Capterra), accessed Sep 2, 2025
KnowBe4 - product reviews & resources (G2), 2025
Proofpoint - product/review listing (Gartner product page), 2025
Cofense PhishMe - product reviews (G2), 2025
Phished - product reviews (G2), 2025
Infosec IQ (Infosec Institute) -product reviews (G2), 2025}