Email Security

The Top 11 Email Security Gateways

Compare the top best email security gateways. Examine email security features such as phishing protection, reporting, integrations and admin controls.

Last updated on Apr 3, 2025
Joel Witts
Craig MacAlpine
Written by Joel Witts Technical Review by Craig MacAlpine
The Top 11 Email Security Solutions include:
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Secure Email Gateways (SEGs) protect your organization against email-based cyber attacks such as spam, phishing, and malicious software attachments. 

They do this by filtering emails as they enter or leave your email server, preventing the delivery of malicious or unwanted emails. With a SEG, all emails are routed through the gateway service, so you typically need to change your MX records during implementation, regardless of which email platform you’re using. 

Many email security providers today also offer a cloud-native security service, known as “Integrated Cloud Email Security” (ICES), either alongside or as a replacement for the traditional SEG. The email threat landscape is constantly evolving, and in recent years we’ve seen a rise in sophisticated attacks, such as spear phishing and BEC. ICES tools were developed specifically to combat these targeted attacks; they integrate with cloud email platforms and use AI and ML to scan emails for content that may indicate the account has been compromised. 

There are many email security services currently on the market. To help you find the right one, we’ve put together our list of the top email security products, covering SEGs and ICES tools. Based on our own technical testing, we’ve highlighted key features such as advanced threat detection capabilities, spam filtering effectiveness, deployment options, and ease-of-use. 

TitanHQ Email Security is a leading secure email gateway platform that provides comprehensive protection against email threats, including spam, malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. It boasts a powerful spam filtering platform with a leading catch rate of 99.99% and a false positive rate of 0.0003%.

Why We Picked TitanHQ Email Security: We like its multi-layered threat protection for both inbound and outbound emails. The platform’s real-time scanning and advanced phishing protection ensure robust inbox security.

TitanHQ Email Security Best Features: Features include multi-layered protection, real-time email scanning, phishing and ransomware protection, CEO impersonation defense, attachment sandboxing, SPF/DKIM/DMARC checking, and customizable data leak prevention rules. Integrations include seamless compatibility with Office 365 and other email systems.

What’s great:

  • Impressive spam filtering with a 99.99% catch rate and minimal false positives
  • Multi-layered protection for inbound and outbound emails
  • Easy to manage and integrate with existing email systems
  • Cost-effective pricing

What to consider:

  • TitanHQ is best suited for SMBs and MSPs looking for inbound email protection

Pricing: TitanHQ Email Security is available from $1.08 USD/user/month (based on 250 users).

Who it’s for: TitanHQ Email Security is an easy-to-manage email security solution best suited for SMBs, enterprises, MSPs, and resellers looking for accurate spam filtering and comprehensive email threat protection.

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Sponsored

IRONSCALES delivers rapid, robust email security, effectively countering threats within the inbox. The solution offers two packages, EmailProtect™ and CompleteProtect™, which combine anti-phishing measures with security awareness training, all managed through a single console.

Why We Picked IRONSCALES: We selected IRONSCALES for its AI-driven security combined with human intelligence, enabling swift identification and automatic removal of malicious emails. Its seamless integration with Office 365 and G Suite, without requiring MX record changes makes it a great choice for phishing protection..

IRONSCALES Best Features: Key features include AI-powered phishing and spam detection, human-verified email analysis, a customizable ‘report phish’ button, and comprehensive security awareness training with phishing simulations. It integrates effortlessly with Office 365, G Suite, and Microsoft Teams, offering protection against malicious links and attachments.

What’s great:

  • Detects phishing threats missed by leading email security solutions
  • Reduces dwell time of phishing emails through user reporting
  • Provides engaging security awareness training and phishing simulations
  • Easy deployment and management across broad-scale environments

What to consider:

  • IRONSCALES is best suited for protecting against phishing, business email compromise and social engineering.

Pricing: IRONSCALES offers two plans, Starter and Protect. Pricing is available from IRONSCALES on request.

Who it’s for: IRONSCALES is ideal for organizations needing advanced protection against sophisticated email threats like phishing and business email compromise, especially those already satisfied with their spam filtering capabilities.

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Sponsored

Trustifi is an email security and encryption solution that protects organizations from inbound threats like phishing and malware, and secures outbound communications with encryption. Compatible with local email clients, Office 365, and Google Workspace, Trustifi ensures comprehensive email security and compliance across platforms.

Why We Picked Trustifi: We like Trustifi’s combination of advanced inbound threat protection and outbound email encryption. Its ease of deployment and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for organizations seeking robust email security.

Trustifi Key Features: Trustifi offers inbound threat detection with real-time scanning for spam, viruses, malware, and phishing. It ranks emails by threat level and type, then quarantines or removes malicious content as per policies. Outbound features include AES 256-bit encryption for sensitive data and optional 2FA for recipients. Additional capabilities include address white/blacklisting and customizable security configurations. Trustifi integrates via API with existing email systems.

What’s Great:

  • Comprehensive inbound threat protection
  • Strong outbound encryption with 2FA options
  • Easy deployment and user-friendly interface
  • Customizable security settings
  • Helps with compliance with regulations like HIPAA, GDPR, FINRA

What To Consider:

  • Trustifi is a good choice for teams looking for email DLP and encryption as well as email filtering

Pricing: Pricing information is available from Trustifi on request.

Best suited for: Trustifi is ideal for organizations of any size looking to secure their email communications against inbound threats and encrypt sensitive outbound data.

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Sponsored

Abnormal Security is a leading AI-native cloud email security platform that goes beyond traditional email protection. It uses machine learning to stop sophisticated inbound attacks and detect compromised accounts in email and connected applications.

Why We Picked Abnormal Security: We appreciate Abnormal’s sophisticated anomaly detection engine, which assesses over 45,000 signals to detect anomalies, making it highly effective at stopping socially-engineered attacks like phishing and account takeover.

Abnormal Security Best Features: Key features include advanced anomaly detection, real-time analysis of email messages and login attempts, protection against account compromise, and defense against social engineering. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace at the API level, extending protection to SaaS applications like Slack, Workday, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Zoom, and Amazon Web Services.

What’s great:

  • Highly effective at detecting and stopping sophisticated attacks
  • Extends protection to connected SaaS applications
  • Simplified management through a comprehensive admin console
  • Trusted by over 15% of Fortune 500 organizations
  • Recognized as a ‘Microsoft Preferred Solution’

What to consider:

  • Abnormal is best suited for companies using M365 and Google Workspace

Pricing: Pricing information is available from Abnormal on request.

Who it’s for: Abnormal Security is best suited for organizations using Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, seeking robust AI-powered protection against account compromise and social engineering attacks.

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Sponsored

Libraesva ESG is an integrated email security solution that safeguards Microsoft 365, Exchange, and Google Workspace against email fraud, BEC, and phishing at both the gateway and API levels. It provides comprehensive protection with multiple defensive layers to prevent threats from reaching their targets.

Why We Picked Libraesva ESG: We appreciate the solution’s ability to offer advanced protection for cloud-based email platforms and its granular configurability, which allows for tailored security measures.

Libraesva ESG Standout Features: Key features include spoofing protection using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC authentication, threat remediation to remove malicious emails, a threat analysis portal for enhanced visibility, malicious file prevention through deep inspection and document sanitation, one-click link protection, end-to-end email encryption, email continuity to prevent downtime, and a mobile app for remote management. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, Exchange, and Google Workspace.

What’s Great:

  • Comprehensive protection against advanced email threats
  • Detailed visibility into email attacks with the threat analysis portal
  • Easy deployment and management in both on-premises and cloud environments
  • High level of customization to fit specific organizational needs
  • Mobile app enhances remote management capabilities

What To Consider:

  • Libraesva may lack the brand awareness of other email providers but offers a robust solution which is worth considering

Pricing: Available upon request from Libraesva.

Best suited for: Libraesva ESG is ideal for medium to large enterprises and educational clients seeking cost-effective email security with high visibility and customization options.

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Sponsored

Proofpoint Essentials is a robust email security solution tailored for small to mid-sized organizations, offering comprehensive protection against email threats, encryption, archiving, and continuity within a single platform.

Why We Picked Proofpoint Essentials: We appreciate Proofpoint’s unparalleled threat visibility, powered by a global intelligence platform that processes over 100 billion data points daily. This solution excels in offering cost-effective, enterprise-grade security features.

Proofpoint Essentials Best Features: Key offerings include effective spam and threat detection, URL defense, dynamic content filtering, and advanced protection against business email compromise. Additional features like one-click message pull, predictive URL defense, and warning banners enhance security. The platform integrates seamlessly with Office 365, utilizing Azure Active Directory Sync for easy deployment and user management. Archiving, encryption, and detailed reporting are also included.

What’s great:

  • Comprehensive threat detection with minimal false positives
  • Cost-effective solution with enterprise-grade features
  • Seamless integration with Office 365, now available via API
  • Modern admin console with granular controls
  • Extensive reporting for enhanced email network visibility

What to consider:

  • Advanced features require higher-tier packages
  • Proofpoint also offers a popular enterprise email gateways service designed for larger teams

Pricing: Proofpoint Essentials offers six pricing options, ranging from approximately $36-82 per user per year. Contact Proofpoint for exact pricing details.

Who it’s for: Proofpoint Essentials is ideal for small to mid-sized businesses and MSPs seeking cost-effective, enterprise-grade email security with easy setup and deployment.

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Sponsored

Material Security is a multi-layered email detection and response suite designed for Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. It integrates email security and data governance into a single cloud-based platform, automating the detection and remediation of risks across productivity tools.

Why We Picked Material Security: We appreciate Material Security’s ability to secure sensitive data within email inboxes and its robust protection against phishing and Business Email Compromise (BEC) threats.

Material Security Best Features: Key features include post-delivery email threat detection, sensitive data scanning across historical emails, multi-factor authentication enforcement for sensitive information access, real-time identity-based risk protection, and a comprehensive admin console for managing email usage and security behaviors. The solution integrates via API, requiring no MX-record changes, and can be deployed to all users or a subset like executives. It supports multiple tenants and domains and integrates with existing security stacks, including SIEM, SOAR, authentication, and awareness training solutions.

What’s great:

  • Automates detection and remediation of email threats and data risks
  • Provides granular protection for emails inside the inbox
  • Scans historical emails for sensitive data and enforces MFA for access
  • Secures identity-based risks in real-time
  • Offers a clear admin console for managing email security across the organization

What to consider:

  • Deployment as a private cloud instance may require additional setup (this is fully optional)

Pricing: Pricing information is available from Material Security on request.

Who it’s for: Material Security is best suited for organizations looking to secure sensitive data stored within email inboxes and needing advanced protection against email-based threats like phishing and BEC.

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Sponsored

Mimecast is a leading email security vendor, protecting over 40,000 organizations worldwide. Their solutions, including the cloud-native Integrated Suite for M365 and the comprehensive Gateway Suite, offer robust protection against email-based threats.

Why We Picked Mimecast: We appreciate Mimecast’s advanced threat detection powered by daily analysis of over a billion emails. Their solutions provide seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and other email systems, ensuring comprehensive protection.

Mimecast Best Features: Features include AI-powered threat detection, phishing and malware protection, spam filtering, browser isolation, email continuity, archiving, and DMARC protection. Integrations include seamless compatibility with M365 via API and other email environments.

What’s great:

  • High spam and virus blocking rates
  • Low false positive rates for legitimate emails
  • Fast deployment with minimal configuration
  • Comprehensive reporting and customizable policies

What to consider:

  • Strong option for enterprise teams

Pricing: Mimecast offers three plans: Protect, Protect Plus, and Custom. Pricing information is available from Mimecast on request.

Who it’s for: Mimecast is best suited for enterprises looking to manage complex email environments with customizable policies and robust email security.

8.

Mimecast Secure Email Gateway

Mimecast Secure Email Gateway Logo

Barracuda Email Protection is a robust email security solution that integrates email gateway, inbox, and web security into a single cloud platform. It leverages AI-powered engines to offer comprehensive protection against spam, malware, phishing, and other threats, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses.

Why We Picked Barracuda Email Protection: We appreciate Barracuda’s multi-layered approach, which includes strong protection against both known and unknown threats through static analysis and sandboxing. Additionally, its AI engines analyze communication patterns to effectively block phishing and impersonation attempts.

Barracuda Email Protection Best Features: Key features include email gateway protection, API-based inbox security, web security with URL and DNS filtering, encryption, archiving, security awareness training, and backup for Microsoft 365. Integrations include seamless compatibility with Microsoft 365 and zero trust remote access for Microsoft 365 applications.

What’s great:

  • Comprehensive protection against a wide range of threats
  • Effective phishing and impersonation detection
  • Integration of email, inbox, and web security
  • Cost-effective solution for Microsoft 365
  • Highly praised customer support

What to consider:

  • Barracuda is best suited for SMBs and MSPs

Pricing: Barracuda Email Protection is available in three plans: Advanced, Premium, and Premium Plus. For detailed pricing, contact Barracuda directly.

Who it’s for: Barracuda Email Protection is best suited for SMBs and MSPs seeking a comprehensive, cost-effective email security solution for Microsoft 365, with added benefits like encryption, archiving, and security awareness training.

9.

Barracuda Email Protection

Barracuda Email Protection Logo

Cisco Secure Email is a robust cloud-based email gateway designed to combat email compromise and phishing attacks, leveraging advanced threat analytics and the vast intelligence of Cisco Talos.

Why We Picked Cisco Secure Email: We appreciate its integration with Cisco’s extensive security portfolio, which enhances protection through synergy with other enterprise security tools. The solution also excels in real-time URL analysis and ransomware protection.

Cisco Secure Email Best Features: Key features include real-time URL analysis, effective ransomware protection using Sophos antivirus engines, domain and reputation protection, and graymail spam filtering. It offers email authentication, filtering for outbound, inbound, and internal emails, and automatic incident response capabilities. Integrations span Cisco’s security solutions, including security awareness training, endpoint protection, malware analytics, and identity controls with Duo Security.

What’s great:

  • Leverages one of the industry’s largest threat intelligence platforms, Talos
  • Provides comprehensive protection against email threats
  • Streamlines admin workflow with simplified policy management
  • Offers actionable reporting and integrated admin dashboard

What to consider:

  • Best suited for enteprise and large organisations

Pricing: Pricing information is available from Cisco on request.

Who it’s for: Cisco Secure Email is best suited for large enterprises that can leverage its extensive integration with Cisco’s broad security portfolio and require advanced email security features.

10.

Cisco Secure Email

Cisco Secure Email Logo

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is a cloud-based email filtering service that enhances the default security of Microsoft 365. It provides comprehensive protection against advanced threats like phishing, Business Email Compromise (BEC), and malicious attachments across the entire Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

Why We Picked Microsoft Defender for Office 365: We like its native integration with Microsoft 365, offering seamless deployment and protection across SharePoint, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams. Additionally, its AI-driven multi-engine detection effectively blocks threats in real time.

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Best Features: Features include AI-powered threat detection, anti-phishing and anti-malware policies, real-time reporting, investigation and response tools, and customizable protection controls. It integrates with Microsoft’s XDR, SIEM, and Intune solutions for a holistic security platform.

What’s great:

  • Extends protection across Microsoft 365 apps
  • Easy setup for Microsoft 365 customers
  • Provides advanced admin controls and policy management
  • Highly rated in independent security tests
  • Real-time threat blocking and reporting

What to consider:

  • Organizations with high level security needs may want to explore dedicated third party gateway options
  • Advanced features and integrations may only be available on higher plans

Pricing: Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is available in two plans. Plan 1 is $2 USD/user/month. Plan 2 is $5 USD/user/month and is included in Microsoft 365 E5 Security.

Who it’s for: Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is best suited for businesses looking to secure their Microsoft 365 inboxes while leveraging native integration with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. It is particularly effective for SMBs aiming to improve their security posture within Microsoft 365.

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Microsoft Defender for Office 365

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Logo

Other Email Security Services

We researched lots of email security services while we were making this guide. Here are a few other tools worth your consideration:

12
Avanan Cloud Email

An ICES tool that protects both inbound and outbound emails against phishing, BEC, and account impersonation or takeover.

13
Vade

An AI-powered security platform that offers inbound protection against phishing, malware, and ransomware.

14
Huntress MDR for Microsoft 365

A managed service that protects SMBs against unwanted logins, session hijacking, credential theft, and rogue inbox rules.

The Top 11 Email Security Gateways

The Top Email Security Gateways: Shortlist FAQs 

Why should you trust this Shortlist?

All vendors on this list have been technically reviewed by Expert Insights CEO and Founder, Craig McAlpine. Craig has over 25 years of experience in the email security industry. An experienced email security innovator and practitioner, he has worked in front-line email security management, in an MSP environment, as an email security supplier, and vendor in the course of his career. In 2003, he founded EPA Cloud, an email security company that was acquired in 2013 by Global (now Ziff Davies Inc).

This article was written by Joel Witts, the Content Director at Expert Insights, who has been covering the email security market as a journalist for over 6 years.

The research for the vendors included in this article has included:

  • Our own technical reviews and testing of several dozen leading email security and email encryption providers.
  • Interviews with over 30+ executives in email gateway and ICES markets.
  • Discussions with 200+ businesses over the course of several years about the most important requirements in an email security and email encryption solution.
  • First-hand industry knowledge and expertise over many decades in the email security industry as an entrepreneur and innovator.

We have conducted technical reviews, watched demos, or deployed trials for every vendor on the list. We have also reviewed vendor documentation and third-party user reviews and feedback.

This guide is updated at least every 3 months to review the vendors included and ensure the features listed are up to date.

Who is this Shortlist for?

This shortlist is written for businesses looking to implement an email gateway platform to secure internal and external business communications. While the article focuses on secure email gateways, we are aware phishing protection is a key consideration for many businesses. For this reason, we have also included cloud-based tools deployed via API. While these are not SEGs in the traditional sense of the word, they are relevant to the requirements of many readers, and, indeed, can be seen as the evolution of the SEG.

How was the Shortlist picked?

When considering email encryption solutions, we evaluated providers based on the following criteria.

Features: Based on conversations with vendors, end customers, and our own testing, we prioritized the following key features when testing:

  • Natural language phishing detection: Effective use of email content analysis to detect and remediate phishing emails.
  • URL analysis: Effectiveness of time-click URL protection and sandboxing is critical to prevent users from visiting malicious web pages.
  • Attachment sandboxing: Robust anti-virus and anti-malware engines to detect and block malicious attachments and ransomware.
  • Account takeover protection: ML-powered analysis to detect email account takeovers and reduce the risk of BEC.

In addition to the above features, we also considered ease of management, the deployment process, additional capabilities, end-user features, and customer support available.

Market Perception: We reviewed each vendor included on the Shortlist to ensure they are reliable, trusted providers in the market. We reviewed their documentation and third-party analyst reports, and (where possible) we interviewed executives directly.

Customer Usage: We use market share as a metric when comparing vendors and aim to represent high market share vendors and challenger brands with innovative capabilities. We have spoken to end-customers, and reviewed customer case studies, testimonials, and end-user reviews.

Product Heritage: Finally, we have looked at where a product has come from in the market. We have considered when companies were founded, their leadership team, their mission statements, and their successes. We have also considered product updates and how regularly new features are added. We have ensured all vendors are credible leaders with a solution we would be happy to use ourselves.

Expert Insights has tracked over 50+ email security vendors on the market today. This list is designed to showcase the best solutions for businesses. We have tested and reviewed many email security services that have not been included on this list. There is no implied criticism for any solution not included.

For more information on how to choose the best email security service, read our Email Security Buyers Guide.

FAQs

Everything You Need To Know About Email Security (FAQs)

Written By

Joel Witts is the Content Director at Expert Insights, meaning he oversees all articles published and topics covered. He is an experienced journalist and writer, specialising in identity and access management, Zero Trust, cloud business technologies, and cybersecurity. Joel is a co-host of the Expert Insights Podcast and conducts regular interviews with leading B2B tech industry experts, including directors at Microsoft and Google. Joel holds a First Class Honours degree in Journalism from Cardiff University.

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 acquired by Ziff Davies, formerly J2Global (NASQAQ: ZD) in 2013, which has now been rebranded as VIPRE Email Security. Craig has extensive experience in the email security industry, with 20+ years of experience helping organizations to stay secure with innovative information security and cyber security solutions.