Best Phishing Simulation Tools for Enterprises (2025 Edition)

Best phishing simulation tools for enterprises (2025) - AI-powered, gamified platforms with multi-vector realism, SOC integrations, and risk dashboards.

Post hero image

Table of contents

See Hoxhunt in action
Drastically improve your security awareness & phishing training metrics while automating the training lifecycle.
Get a Demo
Updated
September 5, 2025
Written by
Fact checked by

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”

🧭 What This Guide Covers

This guide offers a comparative breakdown of the best phishing simulation software in 2025, grounded in analysis of 6,000+ real user reviews.

We’ll cover:

  • 📊 Side-by-side comparison table (simulation types, language support, analytics depth)
  • 🎯 Evaluation criteria for modern buyers: realism, adaptability, reporting
  • 🔍 Real reviews of the phishing simulation leading tools
  • ❓ Common FAQs on attack types, localization, integrations, and more

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:

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 24+ 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.

Hoxhunt Comparison
Realism & Attack TypesHigh - email, QR/quishing, smishing, MFA-fatigue, deepfake-capable simulations.
AI / AdaptiveYes - AI localization + per-user adaptive, gamified difficulty.
Templates & LanguagesLarge - focused, high-fidelity templates; multi-language support.
Reporting & IntegrationsReal-time dashboards, API, M365/Azure/AD, SOC connectors, board-ready Composite Score.
Ease of Use (Admin)High - intuitive admin UI, low ops, gamified end-user flows.
Best forEnterprise & mid-market orgs focused on Human Risk Management.
Review snapshot G2 4.8Capterra 4.9Software Advice 4.9TrustRadius 9.3/10

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.

Hoxhunt phishing simulation platform

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

Feature Highlights Things to Consider
Ease of Use
Intuitive interface, smooth onboarding for both admins and end users
More
Focused platform - prioritizes phishing realism and behavior change over encyclopedic template libraries
More
Engagement
Gamified experience (points, badges, leaderboards) driving high participation
More
Some leaders are skeptical of gamification, but reviews and data show it significantly boosts long-term engagement
More
Realism
Simulations mirror real-world phishing threats, AI-driven localization ensures cultural relevance
More
For highly niche regulations (HIPAA, DORA), organizations may add complementary compliance modules
More
Reporting & Analytics
Real-time dashboards and granular user-level insights for CISOs and SOC teams
More
Increased report volume is common as behavior improves - Hoxhunt’s SOC solution filters noise, reducing alerts by up to 97%
More
Support & Satisfaction
Top-tier ratings across G2 (4.8), Capterra (4.9), and TrustRadius (9.3/10)
More
Smaller market footprint than KnowBe4, but rapidly growing among enterprises prioritizing measurable risk reduction
More
Training Frequency
Continuous micro-learning builds lasting resilience and measurable cultural change
More
Some end-users prefer fewer simulations - yet repetition drives habit formation, with 60%+ success rates in year one
More

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.

Proofpoint phishing simulation tool

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

Feature Highlights Things to Consider
Ease of Use
Wide coverage across phishing simulations and compliance training
More
Setup and admin effort can be complex, especially for smaller teams compared to streamlined platforms like Hoxhunt
More
Engagement
Large template library and customizable training campaigns
More
Reviews note lower employee engagement - training feels compliance-driven rather than behavior-changing
More
Realism
Variety of phishing templates, including attachments and role-based scenarios
More
Content freshness lags behind AI-driven tools; lacks adaptive personalization that Hoxhunt offers
More
Reporting & Analytics
Provides broad compliance reporting, meeting enterprise audit requirements
More
Interface can feel fragmented; less intuitive for CISOs who want clear, board-level risk visuals
More
Support & Satisfaction
Decent reviews across platforms (G2: 4.5, Capterra: 4.6, TrustRadius: 8.4/10)
More
Lower satisfaction scores than Hoxhunt - users cite “too many templates” and a steep learning curve
More
Training Frequency
Supports broad campaign scheduling and compliance rollouts
More
Less adaptive - frequency must be manually managed, risking either fatigue or undertraining
More

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.

KnowBe4 phishing simulation tool

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

Feature Highlights Things to Consider
Ease of Use
• Quick campaign setup - many admins report being able to create and launch tests rapidly.
• Integrates with Azure AD / Office 365 for large-scale rollouts and auto-enrolment.
• Familiar UI for teams that have used KnowBe4 for years.
More
• Deep feature set can feel cluttered - power users love it, new admins sometimes need time to learn.
• Advanced campaign and reporting configuration occasionally requires export to BI tools for custom queries.
More
Engagement
• Massive content library (ModStore) with diverse templates for many industries and events.
• Built-in coaching and the Phish Alert Button drive user reporting and teachable moments.
• Proven at scale - effective for enterprise-wide baseline awareness programs.
More
• Some reviewers call default training “generic” or “cartoonish” for professional audiences.
• Risk of fatigue if admins reuse the same modules without tailoring or rotation.
More
Realism
• Wide variety of phishing test types - links, attachments, credential harvesters, and callback tests.
• Regularly updated templates tied to current events and observed attack trends.
• Good for simulating standard email-based attacks at scale.
More
• Less emphasis on per-user adaptive difficulty or behavior-driven escalation compared with adaptive platforms.
• Savvy users sometimes spot vendor-specific telltale markers if admins don’t customize sender/domain settings.
More
Reporting & Analytics
• Mature reporting with risk scoring, phish-prone metrics, and exportable data for executive dashboards.
• APIs and integrations available for Power BI / SIEM exports and deeper analysis.
• PhishER and Phish Alert Button feed give SOC teams usable telemetry.
More
• Some orgs find built-in dashboards insufficient for custom executive asks - will need BI tooling for advanced visualizations.
• Large volumes of raw data can require careful filtering to produce board-friendly summaries.
More
Support & Satisfaction
• Widely adopted with a long track record and broad community of users and partners.
• Generally strong support & onboarding at enterprise scale.
• Consistent third-party review presence (G2, Capterra, TrustRadius).
More
• Some customers report aggressive sales/up-sell behaviour in renewal cycles.
• Perception that innovation has slowed - newer entrants tout fresher UX and engagement models.
More
Training Frequency
• Supports high-frequency testing cadence and automated campaigns at scale.
• Flexible scheduling and template rotation to avoid predictability.
• Effective when embedded into an ongoing compliance or awareness SI program.
More
• Without careful rotation and localization, frequent tests can cause user fatigue or resentment.
• Requires active admin curation to keep content feeling fresh and relevant.
More

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.

Cofense phishing simulation tool

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

Feature Highlights Things to Consider
Ease of Use
• Focused on SOC workflows and reporting - designed for security teams rather than casual admins.
• Clear reporting paths from Phish Alert to triage (PhishMe → SOC pipelines).
• Suitable for teams that have operational processes to act on incoming reports.
More
• Not as “plug-and-play” for very small teams - admins and tuning require security operations involvement.
• Onboarding can require more internal coordination (SOC, IR, mail ops).
More
Engagement
• End-user reporting is simple and frictionless - designed to maximize phish telemetry.
• Drives adoption where SOC feedback loops are visible and acted on.
• Strong fit when the priority is detection + escalation rather than gamified learning.
More
• Less consumer-style gamification - engagement mechanics are utilitarian rather than game-like (not designed to be playful).
• May require supplementary awareness content to increase positive learning engagement.
More
Realism
• Highly customizable simulations (role-based lures, attachments, credential-harvest pages).
• Can emulate sophisticated, targeted campaigns to stress-test specific teams (finance, HR).
• Delivery controls help avoid spam-filter false negatives by targeting times when users are active.
More
• Customization depth means more admin work to craft high-fidelity campaigns.
• Organizations without a dedicated campaign author may underutilize the platform’s advanced scenarios.
More
Reporting & Analytics
• Strong telemetry for SOCs - good at surfacing repeat clickers and feeding triage workflows.
• Analytics suitable for forensic follow-up and MSSP/multi-tenant reporting.
• Exports and integrations enable monthly stakeholder reporting and SIEM ingestion.
More
• Rich data may require SIEM/BI integration to turn into board-friendly summaries.
• Teams expecting lightweight executive dashboards out-of-the-box may need to build custom reports.
More
Support & Satisfaction
• Well-regarded in enterprise SOC circles for delivering operational value.
• Good fit for organizations that pair simulation with incident response workflows.
• Built for scalability across medium → large environments.
More
• Documentation and onboarding for advanced features can be uneven - some reviewers note ramp time is longer than expected.
• Smaller teams may find the product over-specified for their needs.
More
Training Frequency
• Supports scheduled and targeted campaigns - good for cadence-driven programs tied to SOC metrics.
• Useful when combined with automated triage to prioritize follow-up training for repeat offenders.
More
• Frequent, high-fidelity campaigns increase admin overhead unless some elements are automated or managed.
• If behavior change and engagement are the primary goal (not telemetry), pairing with a gamified tool may be beneficial.
More
User satisfaction & reviews
• G2: 4.4 / 5
• Capterra: 4.7 / 5
• Software Advice: 4.7 / 5
• TrustRadius: 9 / 10
More
• Strong enterprise sentiment around SOC value, but perception varies by org size and internal resourcing.
• Evaluate with a pilot focused on SOC integration to validate operational fit.
More

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.

Phished simulation tool

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

Feature Highlights Things to Consider
Ease of Use
• Fast implementation and straightforward admin flows - good fit for mid-market teams and MSPs.
• Automated per-user scheduling reduces manual campaign management and keeps tests unpredictable.
• Cloud-native, low-touch deployment minimizes internal ops effort.
More
• Fewer long-running, large-enterprise references vs incumbents - validate references for orgs >10k users.
• Confirm regional SLAs and EU data-residency options for multinational rollouts.
• If you need concierge/managed options, confirm availability up front.
More
Engagement & Microlearning
• AI-driven, personalized phishing simulations that adapt to user behaviour for higher realism.
• Click-triggered microlearning delivers short, actionable training modules at the teachable moment.
• Concise, action-oriented training content improves short-term retention versus long-form courses.
More
• Per-user cadence can feel “spammy” if not tuned - run a 60–90 day pilot to optimise frequency.
• Platform focuses on phishing-first microlearning rather than heavy gamification - compare against Hoxhunt if you want leaderboard-style engagement.
• If you require a large catalog of long-form training modules (LMS-style), you may need an additional content library.
More
Realism & Personalization
• Dynamic templates and AI tailoring make simulated phishing emails more relevant to individual end users.
• Automated rotation reduces predictability and improves test fidelity.
• Behavioral Risk Scoring provides a continuous view of user susceptibility.
More
• Template breadth is narrower than some incumbents - plan for extra authoring if you need industry-specific scenarios.
• Verify multi-language quality for EU locales - buyers report needing to review localized templates before global rollouts.
• If you need extensive multi-vector coverage (SMS/quishing, voice calls, deepfake simulations), confirm support - some challengers are email-first.
More
Reporting & Analytics
• Exportable analytics and behavioral scoring make it easier to show improvement over time.
• Clear telemetry suitable for mid-market dashboards and MSP reporting workflows.
• Integrations and CSV/BI exports available for deeper analysis and executive visuals.
More
• Several admins request richer drilldowns for board-level visuals and forensic investigations - you may need to build Power BI/Looker dashboards for complex stakeholder reporting.
• Confirm retention policies and compliance reporting templates if you need PCI/SOC2/HIPAA evidence; some buyers pair Phished with an LMS for audit artifacts.
More
Support & Satisfaction
• Positive peer reviews for onboarding speed and helpful support at mid-market scale.
• Growing G2/Capterra footprint indicating rising adoption and product maturity.
• Good fit for MSPs and service providers looking for automated phishing-first tooling.
More
• Smaller vendor footprint means fewer enterprise-scale case studies - run references for regulated industries and Fortune customers.
• Check SLA specifics and regional support coverage (EU vs US) before committing to an org-wide rollout.
More
Training Frequency
• Designed for ongoing, automated simulations with per-user cadence to avoid predictability.
• Immediate microlearning completion metrics tie directly to simulation events.
• Low operational overhead once cadence is tuned.
More
• Over-automation can lead to user fatigue if campaigns are too frequent - tune cadence and exemptions carefully.
• If your programme requires scheduled compliance training windows (SCORM/LMS evidence), plan for integration or supplementary training modules.
More
User satisfaction & reviews
• G2: 4.6 / 5
• Capterra: 4.5 / 5
• Software Advice: 4.5 / 5
More
• Ratings indicate strong mid-market approval but check recent review volume and dates for trend validation.
• Use a pilot to confirm deliverability and localization before full rollout.
More

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.

Ninjio phishing simulation tool

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

Feature Highlights Things to Consider
Ease of Use
• Facilitated rollout model - client success teams help schedule and manage content.
• Simple admin experience that reduces internal campaign overhead.
• Managed phishing-as-a-service option available for teams that prefer low ops.
More
• Monthly episodic model may feel slow for teams that want per-user, high-frequency cadence.
• Large enterprises should validate managed-service SLAs and scale-readiness via pilot.
More
Engagement & Microlearning
• 3-4 minute, Hollywood-style animated episodes that reviewers find entertaining and memorable.
• Story-driven format increases attention and recall versus long, generic modules.
• Works well for organizations prioritizing engagement-first Cybersecurity Education.
More
• Episodic monthly cadence may not satisfy programs that need continuous, per-user adaptive phishing simulation.
• If you want leaderboard-style gamification or very frequent micro-tests, compare against platforms focused on behavior-based training.
More
Behavioral Focus
• Builds behavioral profiles and uses those signals to target training and simulated phishing.
• Customers report measurable awareness improvements after rollout.
• Emotional-storytelling helps reinforce human behaviour change and memory retention.
More
• Phishing-simulation depth is more tactical than forensic compared with SOC-integrated or highly adaptive phishing tools.
• If you need multi-vector, SOC-driven simulations (deepfakes, quishing, MFA-fatigue), validate scope with product team.
More
Reporting & Drilldowns
• Provides behavioral scoring and adoption metrics useful for tracking engagement.
• Export options available for BI tools to create board-level visuals.
• Good baseline reporting for program owners and HR stakeholders.
More
• Some admins request richer executive drilldowns and forensic detail for IR - you may need Power BI/Looker exports for complex stakeholder reporting.
• Hoxhunt customers often cite more out-of-the-box board-ready risk visuals.
More
Support & Satisfaction
• Strong peer praise for onboarding and production-quality content.
• Managed support options reduce internal effort for smaller security teams.
• Content production quality is a differentiator versus standard CBT libraries.
More
• Review scores vary by marketplace - confirm recent trends and sample sizes during evaluation.
• Check enterprise references for regulated industry rollouts if you operate in that space.
More
Training Frequency
• Episodic, monthly cadence provides a predictable schedule for end users.
• Microlearning episodes are short, easy for end users to consume, and reinforce key behaviours.
• Low operational overhead once the episodic schedule is set.
More
• Monthly cadence may be too slow for programs that want continuous simulated phishing at scale.
• If your compliance program requires SCORM/LMS evidence or scheduled training windows, confirm integration options.
More
User satisfaction & reviews
• G2: 4.9 / 5
• Capterra: 3.7 / 5
• TrustRadius: 9.1 / 10
More
• Capterra sample sizes are smaller - validate review context and dates for trend accuracy.
• Use a pilot to confirm engagement metrics and executive reporting fit before a full rollout.
More

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.

Mimecast 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

Feature Highlights Things to Consider
Ease of Use
• Fast implementation and straightforward campaign scheduling for typical mid-market deployments.
• Low operational friction - admins report simple rollouts and minimal training required.
• Well-suited for teams that want lightweight, repeatable awareness programs.
More
• Admin UX has some rough edges at scale (directory integration and complex scheduling); pilot for large rollouts.
• Larger enterprises should validate SLAs and integration workflows before full deployment.
More
Engagement & Microlearning
• Short, scenario-driven videos and microlearning that reviewers describe as “fun,” concise, and easy to consume.
• Works well for orgs prioritizing bite-sized Cybersecurity Education that fits into end users’ schedules.
• Good option when the goal is broad awareness adoption rather than deep simulation fidelity.
More
• Episodic short-form content may not satisfy teams that need heavy SCORM/LMS libraries or long-form training modules.
• If you want leaderboard-style gamification or adaptive per-user training, compare with behavior-focused vendors.
More
Integration with Email Security
• Tightly positioned with Mimecast email security products - integration is a plus for orgs already on Mimecast’s stack.
• Can tie user behaviour into email-protection workflows, improving the operational loop between awareness and email controls.
• Useful for teams that want a single vendor for email security + awareness.
More
• If you run a best-of-breed stack (different SEG / SIEM), validate integration points and data export formats.
• Organisations using Office 365/Azure AD should confirm directory sync and deliverability behavior in their environment.
More
Phishing Simulation Depth
• Provides practical simulated phishing campaigns suitable for baseline awareness and compliance checks.
• Effective for standard email-based phishing emails and common fraudulent-email scenarios.
• Good for teams that need pragmatic phishing tests tied to video microlearning follow-ups.
More
• Not positioned as a specialist multi-vector phishing-simulation platform - limited advanced support for SMS/quishing, deepfake voice, or MFA-fatigue simulations.
• If you need SOC integrations, forensic detail, or high-fidelity multi-channel attack simulation, run a POC with a specialist tool.
More
Support & Satisfaction
• Many admins praise onboarding speed and straightforward support for typical mid-market use cases.
• Managed rollouts and packaged content reduce internal program design effort.
• Good fit where ease and short-format learning are priorities.
More
• Some reviewers call out inconsistent support response times; confirm SLA expectations for enterprise contracts.
• Review sample sizes vary - read the review breakdown to match feedback to your org size.
More
User satisfaction & reviews
• G2: 3.8 / 5.
• Capterra: N/A (small sample size).
• Software Advice: N/A (small sample size).
• TrustRadius: 8.4 / 10.
More
• Mixed review signals across marketplaces - interpret scores in the context of sample size and review dates.
• Run a short pilot to validate UX, deliverability, and reporting for your specific environment.
More

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.

Infosec IQ phishing simulation

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

Feature Highlights Things to Consider
Audit-friendly Content Library
• Large training content catalog with SCORM exports for LMS compatibility.
• Ready-made training modules and compliance-focused content make audit evidence easier to collect.
• Good option for teams that must show training completion for regulatory requirements.
More
• Large catalog requires curation - admins should plan content selection to avoid redundancy.
• If you need ultra-short microlearning or highly gamified experiences, you may need complementary modules.
More
Integrations & Automation
• Strong Azure AD / Office 365 directory sync and automated enrolment workflows.
• Integrates with LMS and SOC stacks to reduce manual admin overhead.
• Automated campaign scheduling and phishing simulation workflows scale well for larger orgs.
More
• Some advanced integrations may require configuration or API work - validate required endpoints during POC.
• Confirm specific SIEM/LMS connector behavior and data mappings for your environment.
More
Risk-focused Outcomes
• Focused on Human Risk Management - Composite Score and board-ready visuals translate results into business risk metrics.
• Customers report sustained reductions in phishing click rates and improvements in report rates.
• Useful for executive reporting and translating training outcomes into measurable security risk.
More
• Creating executive-ready slide decks sometimes requires BI exports or light customization to match board templates.
• Validate the exact Composite Score definitions and reporting cadence during the pilot.
More
Reporting & Exec Visuals
• Robust telemetry and export options for program owners and compliance teams.
• Supports campaign-level and user-level analytics for trend tracking and remediation planning.
• Exports available for Power BI / Looker integration to build custom dashboards.
More
• Some admins find campaign-spanning reports fiddly - expect to use BI tools for custom executive dashboards.
• Plan for data-retention and anonymization needs if you must share aggregated results with HR or works councils.
More
Onboarding & APIs
• Automation reduces routine admin tasks once setup is complete.
• APIs exist for common workflows and directory syncing to streamline long-term maintenance.
• Vendor onboarding resources and professional services available for larger rollouts.
More
• A learning curve exists for first-time admins - recommended staged pilots and vendor onboarding support.
• A subset of reviewers report some API limitations and US-centric support hours; confirm SLA and global support if needed.
More
User satisfaction & reviews
• G2: 4.5 / 5
• SoftwareReviews: 8.2 / 10
• TrustRadius: 4.8 / 10
• Capterra: N/A (small sample size)
More
• Review counts vary by platform - interpret in the context of sample size and recent review dates.
• Run a pilot to validate reporting exports, integration behavior, and global support coverage.
More

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.

Microsoft AST simulation training

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

Feature Highlights Things to Consider
Native M365 Integration
• Runs inside the Microsoft Defender portal and maps simulation results to Office 365 identities.
• Easy enablement for orgs already on M365 E5 - leverages existing Azure AD and tenant configuration.
• Centralizes simulated-phish telemetry alongside Defender for Endpoint signals.
More
• Only available with the required Defender/E5 licensing - verify entitlements before planning a POC.
• Tenant-level configuration (mail flow, connector rules) needs care to avoid test interference with production mail.
More
Cost & Licensing
• Included with Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2 / M365 E5 - low incremental cost if you already hold licenses.
• No separate vendor procurement required for basic simulation capability.
• Good baseline option for teams evaluating whether to buy a specialist SAT.
More
• Not a true “free” option for organizations without E5/Defender licensing - licensing upgrade may be costly.
• Compare licensing costs vs. specialist features to validate total cost of ownership.
More
Quick, Policy-Focused Simulations
• Useful for validating email filters, conditional access, tenant rules, and basic credential-harvest scenarios.
• Fast to run policy checks and confirm that rules behave as expected in your tenant.
• Helpful for technical teams verifying controls and MTA/transport behaviour.
More
• Simulation scope is tactical - lacks advanced, multi-vector attack simulation (SMS/quishing, voice, deepfake).
• Not designed to replace a continuous, behavior-driven security awareness program.
More
Centralized Security Tracking
• Results live with Defender telemetry, enabling correlation with endpoint and identity signals.
• Helps Security teams contextualize simulated phishing within broader threat posture.
More
• Reporting is operationally focused; many CISOs prefer specialist SAT dashboards for board-ready Composite Scores and human-risk KPIs.
• Expect to augment with BI exports or a dedicated SAT vendor if you need executive-ready visuals out of the box.
More
Training & Remediation
• Provides teachable-moment links and basic remediation flows inside the tenant.
• Good for short, targeted coaching after a simulation run.
More
• Limited continuous training features - lacks gamification, adaptive per-user learning, and rich microlearning libraries.
• Pair with a dedicated security awareness training platform if you need ongoing Cybersecurity Education and behavior-based training.
More
Deliverability & Configuration
• Running in-tenant gives realistic inbox behavior for tests when configured correctly.
• Helps identify false negatives/positives caused by email filters and tenant settings.
More
• Requires careful mailbox/directory coordination (whitelisting, MTA rules, email filters) to avoid skewed results.
• Misconfiguration can produce false confidence - run small, iterative POCs first.
More
User satisfaction & reviews
• G2: 4.5 / 5
• Capterra: 4.6 / 5
• Software Advice: 4.6 / 5
• TrustRadius: 8 / 10
More
• Ratings reflect the broader Defender suite; Attack Simulator is a feature within that product.
• Treat these scores as a Defender baseline - pilot with a specialist SAT (like Hoxhunt) to measure engagement and behavior-change gains.
More

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.
Hoxhunt spicy mode phishing simlations

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.

Microlearning Style Enterprise Strengths Things to Consider
Hoxhunt
Click-triggered “teachable-moment” lessons paired with adaptive simulations.
Gamified design (points, badges, streaks) sustains participation.
Behavior-first outcomes; measurable human-risk reduction.
Board-ready dashboards; strong AD/Azure integrations for scale.
Multi-vector realism (email, QR/quishing, smishing).
Align cadence/rollout with change-management goals to avoid fatigue.
Validate localization depth if you’re global.
Phished
Instant on-fail microlessons (concise, action-oriented).
Automated per-user scheduling.
Fast implementation and clear admin flows for mid-market teams.
Behavioral risk scoring to show trends over time.
Tune frequency to avoid a “too frequent” feel for end users.
Confirm enterprise references and dashboard depth for large rollouts.
Ninjio
3–4 minute cinematic, story-driven episodes that boost recall.
Managed rollout options available.
High attention and engagement; good for awareness-first programs.
Low internal ops once the schedule is set.
Default monthly cadence can be slow for risk-reduction programs.
Simulation depth is more tactical than SOC/forensic-driven.
Mimecast Awareness
Short scenario videos; “fun,” easy to consume.
Lightweight microlearning orientation.
Quick mid-market rollouts; natural fit with Mimecast email security.
Simple program management for lean teams.
Awareness-first focus; less depth in adaptive, multi-vector simulation.
Pilot directory sync and scheduling at scale.
Microsoft Defender (Attack Simulation)
Policy-validation simulations inside M365.
No teachable-moment layer by design.
Low incremental cost for E5 tenants; centralized telemetry with Defender signals.
Lacks gamification/adaptive remediation — pair with a dedicated awareness platform.
Confirm deliverability/mailbox rules to avoid false positives/negatives.

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.

Hoxhunt vs AES previous solution

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
If you need… Choose…
SOC telemetry, forensic reporting & phish-to-IR workflows CofenseRecommended
Why: strong phish-report pipelines and SOC integrations for triage and forensic follow-up.
Also consider: Hoxhunt (good IR integrations) and Proofpoint (enterprise reporting)
Video-first, low-touch awareness programmes Ninjio, MimecastRecommended
Why: short, cinematic episodes or scenario videos designed for broad adoption with low ops.
Also consider: Hoxhunt for higher simulation realism and engagement

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.

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

Want to learn more?
Be sure to check out these articles recommended by the author:
Get more cybersecurity insights like this