Top 5 KnowBe4 Competitors You Should Know About (Nov 2024)

KnowBe4 is a leading security training platform, known for its large library of content and phishing simulations.

However, it's important to assess if it meets your organization’s unique needs.

Whether you're exploring options, switching providers, or considering KnowBe4, check out our analysis below, based on real customer feedback.

*Solutions are in no particular order.

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What should you be looking for in a security awareness training solution?

Engaging content

Unengaged employees are unlikely to retain anything they've learned.

Look for training with interactive elements like videos, quizzes, and gamification (leaderboards, badges) to keep employees engaged.

Studies tell us that short, frequent training works best.

Here at Hoxhunt, we've found that people generally tend to lose focus after 5-7 mins.

So, make sure your training solution offers shorter, more digestible training.

Tracking and reporting

Completion rates might help check compliance boxes, but won't tell you much about your organization's level of cyber risk.

Make sure whatever solution you choose, you're able to measure things like miss rate and reporting rates.

Most training solutions are based around failure rate.

And although many organizations rely on this metric - a low failure rate doesn't necessarily mean your training is working.

Your failure rate might be impacted by the difficulty level of simulations, the variety of the content, timing and frequency.

You don't need to ditch failure rate completely...

But just remember that it doesn't give you the full picture.

Being able to deep dive into the metrics will help to identify at-risk groups so you can adjust your training accordingly.

Scalability and localization

If you operate globally, ensure the solution supports multiple languages and is adaptable to cultural contexts.

You'll also want to be sure it can scale alongside your organization without requiring extra manual admin work.

Compliance support

Look for solutions that help meet your specific industry standards and compliance frameworks (GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001 etc).

Realistic phishing simulations

Want to move past just compliance and measurably reduce human risk?

Look for training that aims to change employee behavior long-term.

To actually mitigate risky behaviors, training needs to repeatedly test employees with realistic threats.

The most effective solutions offer customizable phishing simulations that mimic real-world scenarios - and are adapted based on user performance and risk level.

Adaptive learning paths

One-size-fits-all solutions may help with compliance, but they're unlikely to actually prevent real-life cyber threats.

Solutions with adaptive learning paths provide targeted content to individuals based on their knowledge gaps and risk profiles.

This means that employees get training relevant to their role and skill-level... and your most at-risk users are prioritized.

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Why do companies make the switch to Hoxhunt?

High engagement: Employees genuinely enjoy the Hoxhunt training experience (and even ask for more training!)

Protection against sophisticated threats: Your employees will be trained to report not just simulations but real-life, advanced social engineering threats.

Automated learning paths: Every Hoxhunt user will be receive simulations and training based on personalized learning paths - which means everyone will have a unique learning journey based on their skill level, role, and language. 

Focus on human risk outcomes: Here at Hoxhunt, our training is designed to make a genuine impact on the metrics that matter, beyond just meeting compliance requirements.

This is how our customers able to achieve:

• 60% of all phishing simulations reported in year one 
• 60% of all employees reporting a real threat within one year 
• The top 10% of real threats being reported in under one minute 

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KnowBe4 overview

KnowBe4 is a widely recognized security awareness platform, valued for its extensive library of content and cyber security simulation training.

What users like about KnowBe4

Ease of use

• Users appreciate that the platform is intuitive and easy to use.
• Many comment on how simple it is to manage phishing campaigns and other training tasks without significant technical knowledge​.

Comprehensive training library

• KnowBe4 offers a wide variety of content that is frequently updated to match the latest phishing trends and threats.
• Users like that the platform covers diverse cybersecurity topics through engaging and interactive modules​

Reporting Features

• The reporting tools and metrics provided by KnowBe4 are praised for their clarity.
• The detailed analytics on phishing simulation results allow teams to track improvements and pinpoint areas of weakness.

What users dislike about KnowBe4

Content overload

• While the abundance of content is a plus for many, some users find it overwhelming and difficult to navigate through the training materials​.
• There is occasional feedback that the content is repetitive or overly basic for more experienced users .

Limited customization options

• Although the platform offers some customization, a few users have mentioned that they would like to see more advanced options for tailoring phishing simulations to better align with specific organizational risks​.
• Some users wish for greater flexibility in adjusting the difficulty of training modules to match the varying skill levels of their workforce.

Phishing templates

• There are some concerns that the phishing templates used for simulations aren’t always realistic enough to mimic real-world cyber attacks, especially for advanced users​.
• More variety in templates and scenarios is requested by some users to maintain engagement over time​.

Reporting delays

• A few users have reported delays in receiving reports, which can affect the timeliness of their response to phishing attempts.

Author's review

KnowBe4 has a deep content library that few other solutions can match.

Increasing content volume while maintaining a library that is still high quality, approachable, and easy to navigate is no easy feat...

Which means that, in places, KnowBe4's content can be a little dated and not as relevant as it could be.

And while their products are highly customizable, this requires a fair amount of manual work from the admin.

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Alternative 1: Proofpoint

Proofpoint’s Security Awareness Training solution is designed to provide organizations with a simulation-based approach to phishing awareness, while also offering threat detection capabilities.

What users like about Proofpoint

Realistic simulations

• Proofpoint’s SAT platform is appreciated for delivering realistic phishing simulation testing that reflects real-world cyber threats.
• Users mention that simulations are tailored to reflect the latest phishing tactics and trends.

Integration with threat detection

• Proofpoint’s security awareness training integrates with its threat detection tools to prevent and notify admins about attacks.

Ease of use and engaging content

• Proofpoint’s SAT platform offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easier to administer training programs and track metrics.
• The platform includes interactive modules and quizzes that make learning accessible and enjoyable for employees.

What users dislike about Proofpoint

Complex setup and management

• Some users report that initial setup is challenging and requires significant time and resources, particularly in integrating threat detection with the SAT platform.
• Proofpoint SAT’s customization options can also make configuration complex, requiring a steep learning curve and dedicated personnel for optimal use.

Customer support and documentation

• Users have noted delays in customer support response times and occasional gaps in documentation, particularly regarding more complex integrations.

Content quality issues

• Some admins prefer to customize training content, as the material isn't in-depth/up-to-date for their requirements.
• Completing training can be time-consuming, taking 5-15 minutes for end users to actually complete.
• Proofpoints training falls under the 'one-size-fits-all' category - simulations and awareness training is not tailored to individual users.

Author's review

Proofpoint offers technical protection capabilities as well as integration possibilities to other tools.

However, it may not be the ideal solution of your priority is changing behavior since learning paths are not personalized.

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Alternative 2: SoSafe

SoSafe offers a cybersecurity awareness and phishing training platform focused on long-term behavior change through gamified, interactive learning experiences.

What users like about SoSafe

Gamified content

• SoSafe takes a gamified approach to security awareness training with quizzes, micro-learning sessions, and achievement badges.
• Users also note that the platform’s gamification approach encourages healthy competition and improves overall engagement.

Behavior-based learning

• SoSafe’s training adapts to the behavior and security maturity of individual users.
• Those who tend to fall for simulations may receive more focused phishing simulations and training, while those who excel will be sent more advanced cybersecurity threats.

Customizability of phishing simulations

• Some users have praised the customizable nature of SoSafe’s phishing testing, which allows admins to create simulated phishing attacks that resemble actual threats in their specific industries or regions.

What users dislike about SoSafe

Complex initial setup

• While SoSafe is customizable, some users find the initial setup to be complex and time-consuming. Configuring the platform’s various features and tailoring simulations to meet specific needs can require significant effort and technical support.
• Smaller organizations, in particular, may find it challenging to allocate the time and resources needed to configure the platform fully.

Usability and customization

• Some users find the dashboard lacks detailed insights, making it hard to monitor employee progress or pinpoint areas for improvement​.
• Organizations with specific training needs mention that SoSafe offers less customization compared to some competitors, making it harder to tailor the content to company-specific scenarios​.

Accessibility and user experience

• The platform’s limited mobile and offline functionality can lead to friction, particularly for remote or field employees who may need flexible access to training modules​.
• Although SoSafe includes some gamification, a few users feel these elements could be more advanced to sustain engagement over time​.

Language and regional support

• Some users in global organizations suggest that SoSafe could enhance its language offerings to better serve diverse, international teams​.
• Companies in regions with specific compliance or cultural considerations feel the content could be more tailored to meet localized needs.

Author's review

SoSafe offers more personalization and gamification than other big legacy players but doesn't provide true human risk reporting with somewhat simple metrics and simulations provided.

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Alternative 3: Cofense PhishMe

Cofense PhishMe is a well-recognized security awareness training solution focused on simulating phishing attacks.

Other Cofense solutions include Cofense Triage (phishing response automation), Cofense Vision (for threat detection and quarantine), and Cofense Reporter (user phishing-reporting tool).

What users like about Cofense

Customization and realism

• PhishMe offers a fairly wide range of pre-made phishing templates based on real-world threats and a large library of awareness training content.
• Allows users to tailor simulations with specific themes, timing, and messaging - and offer some level of personalization.
• Supports custom scenario creation, where companies can design unique phishing simulations that reflect their specific industry or environment​.

Comprehensive reporting and analytics

• Provides detailed reporting on metrics like open rates, click rates, and reporting rates.
• Includes high-level and detailed statistics, for both managers who want summaries and analysts who need more granular data for risk assessment​.

Strong customer Support

• Users report prompt and effective support for technical issues and campaign customization, making it easier to set up and manage simulations​.
• Support team assists with onboarding and integration to reduce the learning curve, especially for security teams new to phishing simulation.

What users dislike about Cofense

‍User interface and navigation challenges

• Some find the dashboard unintuitive, wishing for easier navigation between reports and clearer data visualization options​.
• The reporting dashboard could improve by showing scenario-specific metrics more transparently (e.g. distinguishing between different types of phishing tests

Limited regional customization and localization

• More region-specific templates are desired to improve relevance, especially for international companies with diverse workforce needs.
• Some users report a need for additional language options and cultural references to increase engagement and realism for global teams.
• The ability to adjust simulations for regional differences would enhance training authenticity and effectiveness across different geographic locations​.

Author's review

Cofense PhishMe will give you access to a broad training content library, although it's worth noting that phishing simulation templates are quite basic - consisting mostly of text.

Reporting does go deeper than some other security training solutions, however only end-users that fail a phishing simulation receive an educational moment, which means the rest of your employees without will get significantly less training.

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Alternative 4: MetaCompliance

MetaCompliance is a security awareness and compliance training platform designed to help organizations educate employees on cybersecurity threats and regulatory requirements.

What users like about MetaCompliance

Customizable content

• Users mention that MetaCompliance's cybersecurity awareness training  provides interactive and visually engaging materials that help make complex cybersecurity topics accessible and memorable.
• Training modules and quizzes can be tailored to the specific needs of organizations.

Easy to deploy and use

• MetaCompliance's platform tends to be praised for its user-friendly interface and straightforward deployment process.
• Admin controls are intuitive, allowing managers to track progress easily and quickly modify content or assign new courses as needed​.

Focus on compliance and security culture

• The platform’s emphasis on compliance, especially in regulated industries, can be extremely useful for companies subject to rigorous standards.

What users dislike about MetaCompliance

Limited integrations and reporting features

• Some users report dissatisfaction with the limited integration options with other platforms and software, which can create challenges for organizations with established systems.
• Reporting capabilities are noted as less comprehensive compared to competitors, making it harder for admins to extract detailed analytics.

Content variety

• Some users feel that the library of phishing scenarios and training modules could be broader, with requests for more frequent content updates to address evolving threats.
• Simulations have to be manually initiated and are delivered randomly.
• This can lead to repetitiveness in training, especially for organizations that run regular phishing simulations.

Occasional technical issues

• Some users have encountered minor technical issues, such as loading delays or problems accessing certain content on the platform.
• These issues, while not pervasive, can disrupt the user experience and reduce engagement for some participants.

Author's review

MetaCompliance is well-suited to organizations focussed primarily on meeting regulatory and compliance framework requirements.

When it comes to human attack surface protection, MetaCompliance does not have a dashboard that communicates organizations' human risk and overall cybersecurity posture.

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Alternative 5: Hoxhunt

Hoxhunt offers individualized phishing training, automated security awareness training and advanced behavior change to reduce human risk.

The Hoxhunt platform is known for its gamified approach to training and personalized learning paths that measurably change behavior.

What are Hoxhunt users saying?

Engaging user experience

• The platform’s gamification elements, such as star ratings, achievements, and leaderboards, make security training more fun and engaging, increasing overall employee participation​.
• Users find that these features encourage a positive security culture, as employees begin viewing cybersecurity as an engaging responsibility rather than just an obligation​.
• The instant feedback on phishing simulations provides employees with real-time learning opportunities, which helps them correct mistakes immediately and understand what they missed​.

Automated, adaptive phishing simulations

• Hoxhunt’s AI-driven phishing simulations scale automatically and adjust to user skill levels, ensuring that each employee receives a challenge suitable to their experience​.
• Regular, realistic phishing simulations help employees recognize patterns of phishing attempts, reinforcing practical skills that translate well into real-world scenarios​.
• Users note that Hoxhunt’s adaptive approach prevents training fatigue, as employees aren’t repeatedly exposed to simulations that are either too easy or too difficult​.

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Hoxhunt vs KnowBe4

More engaging content

Although KnowBe4 is generally renowned for having a large library of training content, many KnowBe4 users have described the training content as outdated and not relevant enough to users’ specific needs.

Whilst legacy training might help tick compliance boxes, it doesn’t actually have any tangible impact on how employees behave.

And if you're not changing behavior, you're not reducing human risk.

This is why Hoxhunt was purpose-built to engage employees with highly targeted, gamified training that adapts to their skill level.

In-depth reporting

KnowBe4 users commonly cite the reporting functionality as difficult to use, which means they have to create custom reports to meet their needs.

With Hoxhunt, you can simply access your Human Risk Dashboard to get a high-level view of your security awareness metrics...

And if you want to drill down further, Hoxhunt provides deep insights into user behavior, tracking how employees respond to threats in real-time and identifying potential at-risk areas.

Automated, hands-off approach

Unlike KnowBe4, which often requires more admin setup and customization, Hoxhunt allows you to run training continuously in the background with minimal maintenance.

Hoxhunt will create, deploy, and adjust simulations based on user behavior - all without you needing to take any manual actions.

KnowBe4 competitor comparison

Sources

• KnowBe4 Security Awareness Reviews and Comparisons – Gartner, 2024; Corporate Compliance Insights, 2024
• Proofpoint Email Protection & Essentials Reviews – TrustRadius, 2024; SoftwareReviews, 2024; Expert Insights, 2024
• SoSafe Feedback and Comparisons – Gartner, 2024; FeaturedCustomers, 2024; SoftwareReviews, 2024
• Cofense PhishMe Reviews – Gartner, 2024; TrustRadius, 2024; Software Advice, 2024
• MetaCompliance Security Awareness Training Feedback – G2, 2024; TrustRadius, 2024; Gartner Comparison with KnowBe4, 2024
• Hoxhunt Reviews and Comparisons – G2, 2024; Software Advice, 2024; TrustRadius, 2024; Gartner, 2024