Best 12 Email Security Solutions For MSPs (2026)

We reviewed email security platforms built for MSP environments on tenant isolation, white-label options, and the automation that matters most when you are managing security at scale.

Last updated on Jul 7, 2026
Joel Witts Written by Joel Witts
Craig MacAlpine Technical Review by Craig MacAlpine
Best 12 Email Security Solutions For MSPs (2026)

Email remains the most exploited attack vector in cybersecurity, and MSPs are on the front line of defending against it across every client they manage. The challenge isn’t finding an email security tool; it’s finding one that scales across a multi-tenant environment, integrates with the platforms your clients already run, and generates the partner economics that make it sustainable to deliver.

We evaluated leading email security solutions for MSPs across threat detection accuracy, deployment complexity, multi-tenant management, partner program strength, and integration depth with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. We reviewed real-world customer deployments and MSP operational feedback to understand where vendor claims hold up in practice and where they don’t.

What is Email Security?

Email security for MSPs refers to platforms designed to let managed service providers protect multiple client organizations from phishing, malware, BEC, and account takeover through a single management interface. These platforms offer multi-tenant dashboards, bulk policy controls, and pricing models that support MSP margins, making it possible to deliver consistent email protection across dozens or hundreds of client environments without scaling your team proportionally.

MSP email security platforms differ from enterprise tools in three ways: multi-tenant architecture with centralized cross-tenant visibility, partner-friendly billing models (per-user, consumption-based, or single-SKU), and deployment models that minimize per-client engineering effort. Most platforms deploy via API integration with Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, avoiding MX record changes that complicate client onboarding. Detection approaches range from traditional gateway filtering with sandboxing and DLP to behavioral AI that baselines communication patterns per user. The strongest MSP platforms combine automated remediation across tenant boundaries with crowdsourced threat intelligence that strengthens detection for smaller clients using data from larger managed accounts.

Email Security for MSPs Solutions Compared

These 12 platforms span the full range of MSP email security approaches, from gateway filtering to behavioral AI, with varying depth in multi-tenant management and bundled compliance tooling.

Product Best For Type Multi-Tenant Dashboard M365 Google Workspace
TitanHQ, powered by CyberSentriq
SMB clients needing cost-effective gateway protection
SEG
Yes
Yes
No
Bitdefender Extended Email Security
Cross-tenant search and single-SKU billing
SEG + API
Yes
Yes
No
Mailprotector Shield
Zero trust email filtering with user-driven trust
SEG
Yes
Yes
No
Proofpoint Essentials
Enterprise-grade detection at SMB pricing
SEG
Yes
Yes
No
IRONSCALES
Crowdsourced phishing defense with fast onboarding
ICES
Yes
Yes
Yes
Abnormal AI
Behavioral AI for sophisticated BEC detection
ICES
No
Yes
Yes
Check Point Email Security
Cross-channel email and collaboration protection
ICES
No
Yes
Yes
Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection
Platform consolidation with backup and archiving
SEG
Yes
Yes
No
Material Security
Post-compromise inbox data protection
ICES
No
Yes
Yes
Microsoft Defender for Office 365
Native M365 baseline for E5 clients
Native
No
Yes
No
Mimecast ICES
Compliance-heavy clients needing archiving and eDiscovery
ICES
No
Yes
No
Sublime Security
Programmable detection with transparent rules
ICES
No
Yes
No

How We Tested

We evaluated each platform across threat detection accuracy, deployment complexity, multi-tenant management depth, and partner program strength. We reviewed verified customer feedback to understand real-world detection performance and operational friction for MSP teams. This guide was written by Joel Witts and technically reviewed by Craig MacAlpine. Read our full methodology

TitanHQ, powered by CyberSentriq Logo
CyberSentriq

Best for MSPs managing SMB clients needing cost-effective inbound protection

TitanHQ by CyberSentriq is a multi-layered email filtering platform built for SMBs and the MSPs that manage them. We think the price-to-protection ratio makes it the strongest all-round pick for MSPs managing SMB clients. Sandboxing and zero-day protection come included at base price, which matters when you compare against Barracuda and Mimecast add-on models.

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  • M365 integration via MX record change with basic policy setup and immediate filtering.
  • Multi-layered detection catches what Microsoft’s native filtering misses, particularly phishing simulations and zero-day threats.
  • Outbound filtering and DLP with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC checks running automatically.
  • Architecture scales across multiple tenants without adding per-tenant complexity.
  • Pricing at $1.95 per user monthly at 250 users works for MSP billing models.

We think TitanHQ, powered by CyberSentriq, is well worth considering if you’re managing email security across multiple SMB clients and want solid inbound filtering without per-tenant complexity. The pricing makes it easy to build into MSP billing models. If you need advanced outbound DLP or enterprise-scale threat intel integrations, you’ll want to look elsewhere. For straightforward email security you can deploy across clients without ongoing hand-holding, TitanHQ, powered by CyberSentriq, delivers.

Strengths
Sandboxing included at base price, unlike Barracuda and Mimecast add-on models
M365 integration deploys quickly with minimal configuration overhead
Daily quarantine reports enable end-user self-service without admin intervention
Pricing at $1.95 per user monthly scales well for MSP billing models
Cautions
Best suited for MSPs and SMBs
Bitdefender Extended Email Security Logo
Bitdefender

Best for MSPs needing cross-tenant search and single-SKU billing

Bitdefender Extended Email Security, built on the Mesh Security platform which was acquired by Bitdefender in July 2025, is an MSP-focused email security platform that provides strong protection across email environments, with the deepest coverage available for Microsoft 365. Bitdefender is sold as a single SKU, with consumption-based billing on active user inboxes.

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  • Live tracker shows every email across all customer tenants in one searchable view with two-click cross-tenant remediation.
  • Global policy templates apply automatically when onboarding new customers, with per-domain and per-organization customization.
  • Three deployment options: MX-based gateway, API-only for Microsoft 365, and combined gateway-plus-API.
  • Every administrator action on email content is audit-logged against the operator for accountability.

We would recommend Bitdefender for MSPs running Microsoft 365 who are looking for email security with easy management of multiple clients from a single dashboard, with cost-effective single-SKU pricing. It’s an even better fit for teams that are already reselling Bitdefender endpoint security. Overall, Bitdefender offers a strong solution, and MSPs frustrated with the license complexity, cost, or complexity of their email security platform should evaluate this seriously.

Strengths
Cross-tenant search and remediation from a single global console, covering every customer tenant in one view
Single SKU with consumption pricing on active user mailboxes only, with no tier negotiations or upgrade paths required
Every administrator action on email content is audit-logged against the operator, closing an accountability gap that Proofpoint does not address
Monitor mode for API deployments lets MSPs run behind an incumbent gateway and collect missed-detection evidence without affecting mail flow
Cautions
No native email archiving; built-in encryption is on the roadmap but not yet available
Mailprotector Shield Logo
Mailprotector

Best for MSPs seeking zero trust email filtering with user-driven trust models

Mailprotector is a cybersecurity company founded in 2000 that delivers cloud-based email security through its MSP partner network. Mailprotector Shield is a zero trust email security platform that uses machine learning to reduce spam, phishing, and inbox clutter while giving users direct control over their trusted senders.

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  • Zero trust model filters emails by learning trusted sender patterns and routing unverified messages to junk.
  • Users manage trusted senders via New Sender Review with real-time behavioral analysis blocking high-volume spam and phishing.
  • Shield Pro adds Bundler for non-critical email digests and Lockbox for sensitive message MFA.
  • Spy Tracker Blocking removes email tracking pixels.
  • Multi-tenant dashboard with API support and GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS compliance support.

We think Mailprotector Shield is a strong fit for MSPs seeking a zero trust email security platform that reduces spam and phishing without complex deployment. The user-driven trust model is effective against AI-generated spam where traditional rule-based filters struggle, and the multi-tenant dashboard keeps MSP administration straightforward.

Strengths
Zero trust filtering with user-driven trusted sender model
Real-time behavioral analysis blocks AI-generated spam and phishing
Bundler consolidates non-critical emails into digest summaries
Lockbox secures sensitive messages with multi-factor authentication
Multi-tenant MSP dashboard with API support
Cautions
Pricing not publicly available; requires contacting sales for a quote
Proofpoint Essentials Logo
Proofpoint

Best for MSPs wanting enterprise-grade detection at SMB pricing with bundled compliance

Proofpoint Essentials is a market-leading email security solution for MSPs. Proofpoint secures more than 85% of the Fortune 100, and Essentials brings that same AI-powered detection to SMB clients at an accessible price point. We think it’s a strong fit for MSPs managing Microsoft 365 environments who want proven threat detection with bundled encryption, archiving, and continuity in one platform.

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  • Inline filtering deployment gets operational in under five minutes without MX record changes.
  • Spam and graymail detection with minimal false positives, powered by Cloudmark scanning over one billion messages per day.
  • Predictive URL Defense sandboxes links before delivery and Advanced BEC Defense uses behavioral ML for impersonation detection.
  • Email warning tags flag external emails and DMARC failures with color-coded banners.
  • Granular per-tenant controls, solid reporting, and Filter Policies replace complex regex with flexible rules.

We found Proofpoint Essentials highly effective at blocking spam and phishing, with checks completing relatively quickly; it generally takes no more than 15 minutes to scan, sandbox, and deliver an unknown email with an attachment. The platform’s interface is simple and intuitive, which reduces per-client management overhead. With six pricing tiers from approximately $36 to $82 per user per year, it scales well across different client budgets. Proofpoint Essentials was designed for organizations up to 500 users but can be deployed effectively for larger businesses up to around 1,500 users. For MSP clients needing serious archiving or running at enterprise scale, Proofpoint Core Email Protection is worth evaluating instead.

Strengths
Enterprise-grade NexusAI detection technology in an SMB-friendly package and price
Inline filtering deployment gets you operational in under five minutes without MX changes
Highly effective spam and graymail detection with minimal false positives
Predictive URL Defense and Advanced BEC Defense catch sophisticated attacks
Bundles archiving, encryption, DLP, and continuity together
Cautions
Difficult to deploy in Google Workspace with no directory sync available
Does not scan internal emails
IRONSCALES Logo
IRONSCALES

Best for MSPs needing fast client onboarding with crowdsourced phishing defense

IRONSCALES is an API-based email security platform that sits at the mailbox level inside Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. It’s designed to catch inbound email threats, like phishing, BEC, and impersonation attacks, missed by traditional email gateways. It uses adaptive AI systems alongside end-user based threat intelligence to learn what malicious emails look like, and block them everywhere, all at once. We think it works well for MSPs who need fast client onboarding and low per-tenant management overhead.

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  • API deployment with no MX record changes enables MSPs to onboard new clients without disrupting mail flow.
  • Themis virtual SOC conducts autonomous investigation and remediation, reducing per-tenant workload that eats into MSP margins.
  • One-click employee reporting feeds into detection across 17,000+ customer organizations, so smaller clients benefit from larger account intelligence.
  • Machine learning, AV engines, URL scanning with standalone spam and grey-mail filtering.
  • Built-in AI phishing simulations and deepfake meeting protection for Microsoft Teams.

We are impressed by IRONSCALES. The platform is constantly adding new features, like email spam filtering, encryption, and deepfake protection. The core of the product is the crowdsourced threat intelligence built on end-user email reporting, which is an effective way of blocking phishing, alongside powerful threat protection engines. If you are an MSP looking for a dedicated email security tool that deploys quickly across client environments with built-in phishing awareness training, IRONSCALES delivers. The free Starter tier offers phishing simulation and testing for up to 500 mailboxes, though full email protection requires a paid plan.

Strengths
API deployment requires no MX changes, enabling fast onboarding across client environments
Crowdsourced intelligence across 17,000+ customers strengthens detection for every managed tenant
Themis virtual SOC reduces per-tenant remediation workload for MSP teams
Predictive red team agent generates attack scenarios based on your organization's public footprint
Built-in phishing simulations and awareness training remove the need for a separate platform
Cautions
IRONSCALES has added new features across the management console, so admins will need time to find their way around
6.

Abnormal AI

Abnormal AI Logo
Abnormal AI

Best for MSPs whose clients face sophisticated BEC and social engineering

Abnormal AI uses behavioral AI to build communication baselines for every user in your M365 or Google Workspace environment. We think the behavioral approach catches attacks other platforms miss, particularly BEC and social engineering that bypass traditional pattern-matching tools. The platform analyzes messages against 45,000+ threat indicators and deploys via API with no MX changes.

  • Automatic account isolation with forced logout and password reset when accounts show signs of compromise.
  • URL rewriting and visual warning banners give users context without blocking everything.
  • Campaign-level remediation pulls all related phishing messages after one is flagged, saving MSP teams investigation time across client environments.
  • AI mailbox handles reported messages with low false positive rates.

MSP teams consistently praise detection accuracy. Technicians report spending far less time managing email queues and chasing false positives compared to traditional gateways like Mimecast or Barracuda. Setup runs fast via API integration. Some customer reviews note that the interface needs better responsiveness, and outbound email monitoring is missing. Based on customer feedback, filtering settings don’t always persist between menus, creating friction when searching. Pricing sits at the premium end.

We think Abnormal is well worth considering for MSPs whose clients face sophisticated social engineering attempts. The behavioral AI catches attacks that signature-based tools miss entirely, and the low false positive rates reduce alert fatigue across your managed accounts. It won’t suit clients using email platforms outside M365 or Google Workspace. For MSPs managing those environments, it delivers real operational efficiency alongside strong detection.

Strengths
Behavioral AI catches BEC attacks that traditional pattern-matching platforms miss entirely
Automatic account isolation with forced logout and password reset on compromise
Campaign-level remediation pulls all related phishing messages after one is flagged
Low false positive rates reduce alert fatigue and analyst workload across managed clients
Cautions
According to customer feedback, limited customization options including basic alerting with no severity-based rules
Pricing sits at the premium end of the market
7.

Check Point Email Security

Check Point Email Security Logo
Check Point Software

Best for MSPs managing clients on M365 and collaboration tools from a single console

Check Point Email Security, formerly known as Harmony Email & Collaboration, provides API-based protection for M365 and collaboration platforms backed by Check Point’s threat intelligence network. We think the cross-channel scanning is the differentiator. The platform covers inbound, outbound, and internal communications for phishing, malware, ransomware, and zero-day exploits, with sandboxing, DLP, and encryption rounding out the stack.

  • ML-based phishing detection with zero-day and BEC detection identifying subtle threats that bypass native Microsoft protections.
  • URL protection and sandboxing add depth beyond basic filtering.
  • API integration with M365 deploys without mail flow changes or complex setup.
  • Cross-channel visibility across email, Teams, and shared files helps with audit and compliance reporting across client environments.

Customers say the interface is simple and integration is quick. Account teams get strong marks for responsiveness. Organizations highlight how rarely emails bypass the filters during normal operations. Some customer reviews note that the reporting interface is difficult to work with for detailed analytics, and large attachment handling can cause performance issues at scale.

We think Check Point Email Security fits MSPs managing clients on Microsoft 365 and collaboration tools who want unified protection from a single console. If your existing security stack already runs on Check Point, the integration story gets stronger. The DLP capabilities add visibility for clients where data loss prevention is on the roadmap. It’s well worth considering for MSPs expanding into broader workspace security.

Strengths
Accurate ML-based phishing detection catches threats before inbox delivery
Scans internal and outbound communications, not just inbound email
Sandboxing and zero-day detection add depth beyond basic filtering
Clean UI with straightforward configuration and alerting
Cautions
Some customer reviews note that portal and report loading speeds lag for detailed analytics
According to customer feedback, large attachment handling causes performance issues at scale
8.

Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection

Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection Logo
Hornetsecurity

Best for MSPs consolidating email security, backup, and archiving for M365 clients

Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection is a cloud-based email security platform built for Microsoft 365 environments and the MSPs that manage them. Proofpoint completed its acquisition of Hornetsecurity in December 2025, adding enterprise distribution to a product already running in over 125,000 SMB deployments across 12,000+ MSP partners. We think the multi-tenant dashboard is where MSPs see the clearest value.

  • Bulk policy application across all tenants cuts daily administration time.
  • Outlook add-in lets users report suspicious emails from within their inbox without a separate tool.
  • Covers spam filtering, backup, archiving, encryption, and permission management in one interface.
  • 99.99% spam detection and 99.9% virus detection with real-time Advanced Threat Protection sandbox.
  • AI risk scoring helps teams triage flagged emails without reading each one individually.

Customers say the multi-tenant policy management is the standout operational benefit, and junk mail volumes drop sharply after rollout. Integration across Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint runs reliably with minimal training required. Some users report that reporting lacks the depth needed for thorough log reviews. Based on customer feedback, backup navigation makes locating specific restore points slower than expected, and initial setup requires real effort.

We think Hornetsecurity is a strong fit for MSPs running Microsoft 365 environments who need email security, backup, and permissions consolidated in one platform. The Proofpoint acquisition adds enterprise credibility and should expand global integration options over time. If your environment sits outside Microsoft 365, look elsewhere. For multi-tenant efficiency and platform consolidation, it’s well worth considering.

Strengths
Bulk policy application across tenants cuts daily MSP administration time
99.99% spam detection with real-time Advanced Threat Protection sandboxing included
Backup, archiving, encryption, and email security consolidated into one management interface
Now backed by Proofpoint following December 2025 acquisition, adding enterprise distribution
Cautions
Some customer reviews note that reporting lacks depth for detailed log analysis
Based on customer feedback, backup navigation makes locating specific restore points slower than expected
9.

Material Security

Material Security Logo
Material Security

Best for MSPs managing M365 and Google Workspace clients needing post-compromise protection

Material Security protects the entire M365 and Google Workspace productivity suite, covering inbox data, account takeover, sensitive document exposure, and configuration drift. We think the approach to protecting stored inbox data is what separates Material from typical email security tools. If credentials get compromised, attackers still hit a wall accessing high-value messages.

  • Scans historical mail for sensitive data like tax records and invoices, then wraps content with MFA.
  • API deployment in under 30 minutes with no MX changes.
  • Real-time remediation clusters similar malicious messages across managed clients automatically.
  • SIEM, SOAR, and identity tool integrations feed into existing MSP security stacks.

MSP teams value the automatic clustering of similar malicious messages across client organizations. The Google Workspace integration gets praise as a first-class experience, not an afterthought. Support gets high marks for responsiveness and acting on feedback. Some customer reviews note that the ticketing dashboard needs polish for multi-client workflows, and initial setup can overwhelm less technical teams.

We think Material is well worth considering if you’re managing M365 or Google Workspace clients and want one platform covering email, data, and identity risks per tenant. It treats Google Workspace as a first-party integration. If clients need protection beyond cloud productivity suites, you’ll need to pair it with additional tools. For its target use case across managed M365 and Google environments, Material delivers.

Strengths
Protects historical inbox data with MFA even after account compromise occurs
Clusters and remediates similar phishing messages across client organizations automatically
Google Workspace treated as first-class integration, not a bolt-on afterthought
API deployment completes in under 30 minutes with no mail flow changes
Cautions
Some users report that initial setup complexity can overwhelm less technical security teams
According to customer feedback, the ticketing dashboard needs polish for multi-client workflows
10.

Microsoft Defender for Office 365

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Logo
Microsoft

Best for MSPs whose clients are standardized on M365 with E5 licensing

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is the native email and collaboration security layer built directly into the M365 stack. We think the deep ecosystem integration is the structural advantage here. Protection applies across Exchange Online, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams without additional configuration, and clients on E5 already have it bundled.

  • Safe Links rewrites URLs at click time and Safe Attachments detonates suspicious files in a sandbox.
  • Automated Investigation and Response reduces manual workload for security teams.
  • Real-time scanning catches phishing, malware, and zero-day exploits before they reach users.
  • SIEM integration with tools like Splunk works smoothly.
  • Plan 1 at $2/user/month covers basics; Plan 2 at $5/user/month adds investigation and response.

MSPs consistently praise the ease of deployment across client tenants. Threat analysis reports help teams understand what’s hitting each client environment. Some customer reviews note that configuration and policy management complexity overwhelms new administrators. According to customer feedback, alert noise makes it difficult to distinguish high-priority threats from low-risk items.

We think Defender works well for MSPs whose clients are standardized on Microsoft. The native integration is hard to beat, and you avoid adding another vendor to your stack. If you need granular policy control or face sophisticated targeted attacks, a dedicated third-party solution alongside it adds value. For most M365 environments, this delivers solid protection without adding complexity.

Strengths
Native M365 integration covers Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams automatically
Automated Investigation and Response reduces manual analyst workload significantly
Real-time Safe Links and Safe Attachments scanning catches threats pre-delivery
Included with E5 licensing, simplifying the vendor and licensing conversation
Cautions
Some users report that configuration and policy management complexity overwhelms new administrators
Alert noise makes it difficult to distinguish high-priority threats from low-risk items
11.

Mimecast Integrated Cloud Email Security

Mimecast Integrated Cloud Email Security Logo
Mimecast

Best for compliance-heavy MSP clients needing archiving and eDiscovery bundled

Mimecast provides API-based M365 protection that scans inbound, outbound, and internal email traffic without touching your MX records. We think the compliance bundle is the draw for MSPs whose clients need email security alongside archiving and eDiscovery. In March 2026, Mimecast launched full API deployment and expanded integrations to over 350 security vendors.

  • Scanning within the M365 tenant catches internal threats that gateway solutions miss.
  • Phishing, impersonation, and malware detection across all mail directions.
  • DLP content examination filters catch credit cards and SSN in transit.
  • 350+ security vendor integrations across endpoint, XDR, SIEM, SOAR, and identity tools.
  • CrowdStrike integration and Outlook reporting plugin simplify investigation workflows.

Customers say daily monitoring and policy management are straightforward, and phishing protection runs with low noise. Small security teams praise the out-of-the-box effectiveness. Implementation with M365 draws positive feedback for minimal disruption. Some customer reviews note that archive retrieval requires Mimecast professional services if switching providers, which is worth weighing for MSPs managing client migrations.

We think Mimecast fits MSPs whose clients need email security bundled with compliance tools. If archiving, eDiscovery, and encryption are on the requirements list alongside threat detection, this consolidates what would otherwise be three or four separate vendors. The March 2026 update addressing API deployment and 350+ vendor integrations strengthens the platform’s position in modern security stacks. It’s well worth considering for compliance-heavy MSP client bases.

Strengths
API integration scans internal email traffic that gateway solutions miss entirely
Compliance bundle includes archiving, eDiscovery, and encryption in one platform
Now connects with 350+ security vendors across endpoint, XDR, SIEM, SOAR, and identity
DLP content filters effectively catch credit cards and SSN in transit
Cautions
Some customer reviews note that archive retrieval requires Mimecast professional services if switching providers
Based on customer feedback, the admin interface can run slow and policies sit in deeply nested menus
12.

Sublime Security

Sublime Security Logo
Sublime Security

Best for MSPs with security engineers wanting programmable, transparent detection

Sublime Security is a programmable email security platform that replaces black-box detection with transparent, customizable rules. We think the rule-based approach is refreshing for MSPs with security engineers who want to own their detection logic across client environments. You see exactly why an email was flagged or blocked, with no guessing at vendor logic.

  • MQL query language for custom detections, automated triage workflows, and Slack or email alert integration.
  • AI-assisted policy builder combines MQL with GenAI to simplify rule creation without sacrificing control.
  • Threat hunting with search and backtesting to proactively find attacks that slipped through.
  • API integration connects email intelligence into broader security platform alongside identity and endpoint detections.
  • Over 700 built-in rules give teams a strong starting point.

Customers say the POC experience is eye-opening, with multiple teams discovering threats their existing tools missed within days of deployment. Support earns consistent praise for responsiveness and technical depth. Some customer reviews note that the query language requires investment to use effectively for custom rules, and the post-delivery API model means emails can arrive in inboxes before scanning completes.

We think Sublime fits MSPs with security engineers who want full visibility into detection logic and the ability to tune rules across client environments. If your team prefers transparency over convenience, this delivers. The free tier for single accounts lets you evaluate before committing to enterprise pricing. Organizations wanting awareness training and broader tooling bundled in will need to pair Sublime with other vendors.

Strengths
Full transparency into detection logic replaces black-box vendor decisions
MQL query language with AI assistance enables precise custom rule creation
Threat hunting with search and backtesting finds attacks others miss
API integration connects email intelligence to broader security platform
Cautions
Some customer reviews note that the query language requires investment to use effectively
Post-delivery API model means emails can arrive in inboxes before scanning completes

Other Email Security for MSPs Services

Beyond our top 12, these platforms are worth considering for MSP email security.

13
Sophos Email

Cloud-native email security with phishing and ransomware protection.

14
N-able

Safeguard against phishing, spam, viruses, ransomware, social engineering, and other email-borne threats.

15
Fortinet FortiMail

Secure email gateway with advanced threat protection for managed service providers.

Email Security for MSPs Pricing

Pricing for MSP email security varies by vendor, billing model, and volume commitments. Several platforms offer consumption-based or per-user models designed for MSP margins. The prices below reflect publicly available starting rates where published.

Product Starting Price Billing Link
TitanHQ, powered by CyberSentriq
From $1.95/user/month
Annual
Bitdefender Extended Email Security
Contact for quote
Consumption-based
Mailprotector Shield
Contact for quote
Proofpoint Essentials
From $3.00/user/month
Annual
IRONSCALES
From $3.89/user/month
Annual
Abnormal AI
Contact for quote
Check Point Email Security
Contact for quote
Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection
From ~$3.00/user/month
Annual
Material Security
From $3.00/user/month
Annual
Microsoft Defender for Office 365
From $2.00/user/month (Plan 1)
Annual
Mimecast ICES
Contact for quote
Sublime Security
Free tier available

Email Security for MSPs Checklist

These are the operational steps we recommend when selecting and deploying email security across your MSP practice.

A platform with strong detection but weak tenant isolation or no centralized dashboard creates operational overhead that erodes your margins.

API deployment reduces client onboarding time and avoids mail flow disruption during migration.

Per-user consumption pricing, single-SKU models, and volume discounts directly affect whether email security is profitable to deliver.

When a phishing campaign hits multiple clients, you need to find and remediate across all tenants from one console, not search each individually.

Email authentication prevents domain spoofing and is a prerequisite for effective impersonation detection across all platforms.

Manual triage across multiple client environments does not scale; automated pull and account isolation keep response times consistent.

Daily digest reports let end users release legitimate emails without opening support tickets, reducing MSP helpdesk volume.

Platforms with built-in training let you offer security awareness as part of your email security package without adding a separate vendor.

Client environments evolve; policies that were correct at onboarding can drift as organizations change email platforms or compliance requirements.

Some platforms lock email archives behind vendor-specific retrieval processes, which complicates client transitions.

The Bottom Line

No single email security solution fits every MSP practice or every client environment. For MSPs running Microsoft 365 clients who need cross-tenant visibility and simple billing, Bitdefender Extended Email Security and TitanHQ both deliver strong protection with MSP-friendly economics. For sophisticated phishing and BEC detection, behavioral AI platforms like Abnormal AI and IRONSCALES deploy without touching mail flow. For platform consolidation across email security, backup, and compliance, Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection and Mimecast bring multiple functions under one management interface. Review the individual evaluations above to dig into deployment specifics and the trade-offs that matter for your client base and business model.

Everything You Need To Know About Email Security For MSPs (FAQs)

We asked N-able’s Head Security Nerd Gill Langston what the most important email security features are for MSPs. Email protection is one of the core components that MSPs need to offer to their customers, Langston says. Email is often the first way in for many advanced cyber-attacks over the internet, and so having an inbound cloud-based email filtering service to block malicious emails is hugely important to keeping your clients secure.

Many service providers are moving to cloud-based IT services and, with the increase in popularity of cloud-based email suites like Office 365 and Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), cloud-based email security systems are the best option for MSPs. “Having a cloud-based platform means you don’t have to manage any addresses, you can have multiple customers in one console, and you can manage everything from one place.”

Customizability is another important feature in a strong email security platform. MSPs need the ability to configure blanket settings for their clients, Langston says. But it’s also key that end users can fine tune the service themselves, configuring filtering rules and being able to quarantine emails within outlook.

It’s also important that MSPs find a solution with multi-layered threat protection, which goes beyond just spam filtering, but can protect against the sophisticated email threats that are facing organizations today. A strong solution should support delivery technologies like DMARC, SPF and DKIM.  These systems help to validate legitimate email senders and protect against domain and brand spoofing. Utilizing new technologies such as machine learning is also important, helping to protect against advanced phishing attacks by heuristically scanning inbound and outbound email.

Cloud-based email security offers MSPs several advantages. It eliminates the need for on-premises hardware and software, reducing IT management overhead. A single console allows MSPs to efficiently manage email security for multiple clients, streamlining operations. Cloud solutions also provide scalability and flexibility, easily adapting to the changing needs of MSPs and their customers.

Multi-layered threat protection is crucial because it provides defense against a wide range of email-borne threats. Spam filtering alone is no longer sufficient to stop sophisticated attacks like phishing, ransomware, and business email compromise. A multi-layered approach combines various techniques, such as anti-spam, anti-virus, anti-phishing, and behavioral analysis, to provide more comprehensive security.

DMARC, SPF, and DKIM are email authentication protocols that help verify the legitimacy of email senders. SPF (Sender Policy Framework) specifies which mail servers are authorized to send emails on behalf of a domain. DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) adds a digital signature to emails, verifying that they were sent from an authorized server and haven’t been tampered with. DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) builds on SPF and DKIM, providing instructions on how to handle emails that fail authentication and offering a mechanism for reporting. These technologies help prevent domain spoofing and phishing attacks, ensuring that recipients can trust the emails they receive.

To evaluate email security solutions, MSPs should consider the following factors:

  • Essential Features: The solution should offer robust, multi-layered threat protection. This includes spam filtering, anti-virus, anti-phishing, and protection against advanced threats like ransomware and business email compromise.
  • Cloud-Based Platform: A cloud-based solution is generally preferred. It eliminates the need for on-premises hardware, simplifies management, and provides scalability.
  • Customizability: The solution should allow MSPs to configure global settings for all clients and enable individual users to fine-tune their own settings.
  • Email Authentication: Support for DMARC, SPF, and DKIM is crucial. These protocols help verify sender legitimacy and prevent spoofing and phishing.
  • Advanced Threat Protection: The solution should utilize technologies like machine learning and behavioral analysis to detect and block sophisticated phishing attacks.
  • Management and Reporting: A single, intuitive console for managing multiple clients is essential. The solution should also provide comprehensive reporting on email security posture and threats.
  • Integration: The ability to integrate with other security tools and platforms used by the MSP is important for a streamlined workflow.
  • Scalability: The solution should be able to scale to meet the needs of a growing MSP and its expanding client base.
  • Vendor Reputation and Support: Choose a reputable vendor with a proven track record in email security and a strong support system.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Evaluate the solution’s pricing model and ensure it aligns with the MSP’s budget and offers a good return on investment.

Email Security Resources

Further reading on email security from Expert Insights — buyers' guides, comparison articles, and platform-specific shortlists.

Written By Written By
Joel Witts
Joel Witts Content Director

Joel is the Director of Content and a co-founder at Expert Insights; a rapidly growing media company focussed on covering cybersecurity solutions.

He’s an experienced journalist and editor with 8 years’ experience covering the cybersecurity space. He’s reviewed hundreds of cybersecurity solutions, interviewed hundreds of industry experts and produced dozens of industry reports read by thousands of CISOs and security professionals in topics like IAM, MFA, zero trust, email security, DevSecOps and more.

He also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted. Joel is driven to share his team’s expertise with cybersecurity leaders to help them create more secure business foundations.

Technical Review Technical Review
Craig MacAlpine CEO and Founder

Craig MacAlpine is CEO and Founder of Expert Insights. Before founding Expert Insights in August 2018, Craig spent 10 years as CEO of EPA Cloud, an email security provider that rebranded as VIPRE Email Security following its acquisition by Ziff Davis, formerly J2Global (NASDAQ: ZD) in 2013.

Craig is a passionate security innovator with over 20 years of experience helping organizations to stay secure with cutting-edge information security and cybersecurity solutions.

Using his extensive experience in the email security industry, he founded Expert Insights with the singular goal of helping IT professionals and CISOs to cut through the noise and find the right cybersecurity solutions they need to protect their organizations.