Top 10 Phishing Simulation Tools: Features, Pros, Cons & Comparison

Introduction

Phishing simulation tools are proactive security solutions that mimic real-world phishing, smishing (SMS), and vishing (voice) attacks to educate users. Instead of traditional “once-a-year” training videos, these tools provide “teachable moments”—immediate feedback delivered the moment a user fails a simulation. This hands-on approach transforms passive learners into active defenders who can recognize subtle red flags like mismatched URLs, urgent tone, or suspicious attachments.

The importance of these tools lies in their ability to provide data-driven insights. Key real-world use cases include identifying high-risk departments, fulfilling regulatory compliance (such as SOC 2 or HIPAA), and reducing the “Phish-prone Percentage” (the likelihood a user will click a malicious link). When evaluating these tools, look for a vast, frequently updated template library, automated campaign scheduling, and deep integration with email gateways for one-click reporting.

Best for: Security teams and HR departments in enterprises of all sizes, especially those in highly targeted sectors like finance, healthcare, and government. It is ideal for organizations looking to move from a culture of “blame” to a culture of “reporting.”

Not ideal for: Organizations with fewer than 10 employees where manual, face-to-face security coaching is more feasible, or for teams looking for a “one-and-done” solution; these tools require consistent, long-term commitment to be effective.

Top 10 Phishing Simulation Tools

1 — KnowBe4

KnowBe4 is widely considered the market leader in the security awareness space. It offers a massive platform that combines an enormous content library with a highly automated phishing simulation engine.

• Key features:
  • Access to the world’s largest library of security awareness training content.
  • “Smart Groups” for automated, behavior-based user segmentation.
  • Phish Alert Button (PAB) for one-click reporting in Outlook/Gmail.
  • AI-driven “AITP” agent that picks the best training for each individual.
  • Virtual Risk Officer (VRO) for advanced risk scoring.
  • Multi-channel simulations including USB, SMS, and Voice.
• Pros:
  • Unmatched variety of templates—you will never run out of fresh lures.
  • Powerful automation means a “set-it-and-forget-it” experience for busy admins.
• Cons:
  • The administrative interface can feel cluttered due to the sheer number of features.
  • Some of the most advanced AI features are locked behind higher-tier (Diamond) pricing.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001 compliant; supports SAML/SSO.
• Support & community: Exceptional documentation and an “onboarding specialist” provided for most new accounts.

2 — Infosec IQ

Infosec IQ distinguishes itself through its “personalized” approach to training. It uses a sophisticated algorithm to match simulation difficulty and training content to each employee’s unique skill level.

• Key features:
  • Over 2,000 training resources, including “Choose Your Own Adventure” games.
  • Automated remediation that triggers the moment a user clicks a simulation.
  • Role-based training paths for specialized teams like Finance or IT.
  • Integration with major SIEM/SOAR platforms for data sharing.
  • Detailed “Human Risk Scores” at the individual and department levels.
• Pros:
  • Highly engaging, cinematic-quality training videos that users actually enjoy.
  • Very flexible API for technical teams wanting custom integrations.
• Cons:
  • Less global market presence compared to KnowBe4, which can limit community-shared templates.
  • Initial setup of role-based paths requires significant planning.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and NIST-aligned content modules.
• Support & community: Strong technical support and a dedicated customer success manager for enterprise clients.

3 — Proofpoint Security Awareness

As a major player in the email security gateway space, Proofpoint’s phishing tool is uniquely powered by real-world threat intelligence gathered from their global sensors.

• Key features:
  • Simulations based on “actual” attacks seen in Proofpoint’s email gateways.
  • “People Risk Explorer” that identifies the most-attacked users in your company.
  • Teachable moments delivered via “Fast Feedback” landing pages.
  • Integrated with Proofpoint’s broader threat protection ecosystem.
  • Advanced analytics on “time-to-report” metrics.
• Pros:
  • The “Threat Intelligence” integration ensures your lures are always cutting-edge.
  • Excellent for large enterprises already using Proofpoint for email security.
• Cons:
  • Can be very expensive if purchased as a standalone solution.
  • Administrative workflows can be rigid compared to more “agile” competitors.
• Security & compliance: FedRAMP authorized, FIPS 140-2, GDPR, and HIPAA compliant.
• Support & community: Enterprise-grade support with global reach and extensive whitepapers.

4 — Hoxhunt

Hoxhunt is the “modern” alternative that focuses heavily on AI-driven automation and gamification. It treats phishing simulation more like a game where users earn points for reporting fakes.

• Key features:
  • Fully autonomous “agentic” phishing—no manual campaign setup needed.
  • Adaptive difficulty: the more you report, the harder the simulations get.
  • Rewards system with leaderboards to drive healthy competition.
  • Integrated micro-learning snippets that take less than 2 minutes.
  • Real-time feedback directly inside the user’s email client.
• Pros:
  • Dramatically higher engagement rates due to the gamified approach.
  • Minimal administrative overhead—the AI handles the lure selection and timing.
• Cons:
  • Lacks the deep, long-form educational libraries of KnowBe4 or Infosec.
  • Premium pricing reflects its advanced AI-driven nature.
• Security & compliance: ISO 27001, GDPR, and SOC 2; focuses on positive reinforcement rather than punishment.
• Support & community: Known for high-touch onboarding and helping build a “positive” security culture.

5 — Cofense PhishMe

Cofense (formerly PhishMe) is built around the philosophy of turning employees into “human sensors.” Their goal isn’t just to stop clicks, but to encourage reporting of real threats.

• Key features:
  • High-fidelity simulations that mimic sophisticated spear-phishing.
  • “Cofense Reporter” button with automated feedback for reported emails.
  • Integration with “Cofense Triage” to help SOC teams process reported threats.
  • Detailed analytics on “reporting accuracy” vs. “false positives.”
  • Playbooks for responding to real threats reported by users.
• Pros:
  • Best-in-class integration between awareness training and incident response.
  • Focuses on the “detection” side of the house, not just the “prevention” side.
• Cons:
  • The UI can feel more technical and less “user-friendly” for non-IT admins.
  • Training content is solid but less “flashy” than competitors like Ninjio or Infosec.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2, GDPR, and rigorous data encryption protocols.
• Support & community: Extensive professional services and a strong network of incident response partners.

6 — Sophos Phish Threat

For organizations already using the Sophos ecosystem, Phish Threat offers a seamless, integrated experience managed directly from the Sophos Central dashboard.

• Key features:
  • Integrated with Sophos Endpoint and Email security.
  • Over 500 realistic phishing templates across multiple languages.
  • Automated enrollment in training for users who fail a test.
  • Simple, one-click campaign scheduling.
  • Executive-level reporting that maps simulation data to endpoint health.
• Pros:
  • If you use Sophos, managing phishing is as easy as managing your antivirus.
  • Very competitive pricing for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
• Cons:
  • Limited advanced features (no gamification or deep AI agents).
  • Not as feature-rich as standalone leaders like KnowBe4.
• Security & compliance: GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2; integrated into a secure cloud management console.
• Support & community: Standard Sophos support with a massive global partner network for localized help.

7 — Mimecast Awareness Training

Mimecast takes a “Hollywood” approach to training, featuring professional actors and binge-worthy video content designed to be genuinely entertaining.

• Key features:
  • “Binge-worthy” video modules that users actually want to watch.
  • Integration with Mimecast’s secure email gateway (SEG).
  • Phishing simulations that use your own “real-world” blocked emails as lures.
  • Risk scoring based on a mix of simulation performance and real-world behavior.
  • Automated nudges for users who haven’t completed their training.
• Pros:
  • Exceptional user engagement due to high-quality comedic content.
  • The integration with the SEG provides “real-world” lures that are hard to beat.
• Cons:
  • The content style (comedy) might not fit every corporate culture.
  • Pricing is most attractive when bundled with Mimecast’s other email security products.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, and FIPS-compliant data centers.
• Support & community: Comprehensive “Mimecast University” for admin training and a strong user group network.

8 — IRONSCALES

IRONSCALES is an AI-first email security platform that treats phishing simulation as a core component of its automated threat detection and response (MDR).

• Key features:
  • GenAI simulations: AI crafts unique lures based on your specific industry.
  • One-click “sim-to-training” workflows.
  • Automated campaign orchestration based on real-time threat data.
  • “Themis” AI: a virtual analyst that helps users during the simulation process.
  • Mobile-responsive training that works on any device.
• Pros:
  • Excellent for companies wanting a modern, AI-centric approach to email defense.
  • Extremely fast to deploy—literally minutes to set up your first campaign.
• Cons:
  • The simulation library is growing but not as deep as the legacy “training” vendors.
  • Focuses more on automated tech than on deep, classroom-style education.
• Security & compliance: SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, and native integration with Microsoft 365/Google Workspace security.
• Support & community: Fast-growing community and highly responsive technical support.

9 — Terranova Security

Terranova focuses on the “global” enterprise, offering a vast array of content localized into over 40 languages and tailored for diverse cultural sensitivities.

• Key features:
  • Content library available in 40+ languages with cultural localization.
  • NIST-aligned training framework.
  • “Phishing Simulation Builder” for creating highly customized, complex attacks.
  • Micro-learning (2-minute) and Nano-learning (30-second) modules.
  • Deep compliance-focused reporting for global audits.
• Pros:
  • The best choice for truly global organizations with a presence in many countries.
  • Highly flexible and customizable compared to “rigid” automated tools.
• Cons:
  • Customization takes time—it is not as “hands-off” as Hoxhunt or IRONSCALES.
  • The admin dashboard can feel a bit traditional compared to modern SaaS UIs.
• Security & compliance: ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2.
• Support & community: Strong focus on the “Human Fix” and building long-term security awareness programs.

10 — GoPhish (Open Source)

GoPhish is the only tool on this list that is completely free and open-source. It is designed for IT professionals and penetration testers who want full control over their simulations.

• Key features:
  • Completely free and open-source (MIT License).
  • Lightweight, web-based interface that runs on Windows, Mac, or Linux.
  • Full control over the HTML of every email and landing page.
  • REST API for programmatic control of campaigns.
  • Real-time tracking of clicks, data entry, and email opens.
• Pros:
  • Zero licensing cost—perfect for startups or non-profits on a tight budget.
  • Ideal for “red team” exercises where you need total customization.
• Cons:
  • No built-in training content; you have to create or buy your own videos.
  • Requires a technical person to host, secure, and maintain the server.
• Security & compliance: Varies—it is up to the user to secure the GoPhish instance and ensure compliance.
• Support & community: Very active GitHub community and extensive community-written guides.

Comparison Table

Evaluation & Scoring of Phishing Simulation Tools

Which Phishing Simulation Tool Is Right for You?

Selecting the right tool depends on your organization’s “Security Maturity” and the bandwidth of your IT team.

• Solo Users & Startups: If you have zero budget but some technical skill, GoPhish is your best bet. If you want something easy and professional, Sophos or IRONSCALES offer accessible entry points.
• SMBs (10–500 Users): Focus on automation. Tools like Hoxhunt or KnowBe4 (lower tiers) provide great coverage without needing a full-time “Security Awareness Manager.”
• Mid-Market & Enterprises: You need deep reporting. Infosec IQ and KnowBe4 are the heavyweights here. If your team is global, Terranova is the clear winner for localization.
• Budget-Conscious vs. Premium: If you want the lowest “long-term” cost, KnowBe4’s multi-year bundles are hard to beat. If you want the absolute highest engagement regardless of price, Hoxhunt or Mimecast are worth the premium.
• Compliance vs. Culture: If you just need to “check a box” for auditors, KnowBe4 provides the best audit trails. If you want to actually change behavior and get users to like security, Mimecast and Hoxhunt are superior.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is phishing simulation “punitive”? It shouldn’t be. The most effective programs use failures as “learning moments” rather than grounds for disciplinary action. Punitive programs often lead to employees hiding real threats out of fear.

2. How often should we run simulations? Industry best practice is at least once a month. Quarterly is often too infrequent for users to retain habits, while weekly can lead to “simulation fatigue.”

3. What is a “Phish Alert Button”? It is a plugin for email clients (like Outlook or Gmail) that allows users to report a suspicious email with one click. It is the single most important tool for turning users into active defenders.

4. Can these tools simulate SMS and Voice attacks? Yes, many top-tier tools like KnowBe4, Infosec, and CanIPhish now offer “Smishing” (SMS) and “Vishing” (Voice) simulations to cover modern multi-channel threats.

5. How do I know if the tool is working? The primary metric is your “Phish-prone Percentage” (clicks) going down and your “Reporting Rate” (PAB clicks) going up. A successful program sees a high report rate even for real threats.

6. Do I need to buy a separate Learning Management System (LMS)? Most of these tools (except GoPhish) come with a built-in LMS. However, many also allow you to export their training modules to your own existing enterprise LMS.

7. Are these tools safe to use? Yes. Simulations are designed to look like attacks but contain no malicious code. If a user enters credentials on a fake landing page, the data is encrypted and used only for reporting, not stored.

8. Can I create my own custom lures? Absolutely. All these platforms allow you to clone real emails you’ve received and turn them into safe simulations within minutes.

9. What is a “Teachable Moment”? This is the landing page a user sees immediately after they click a simulation link. It usually shows the email they just clicked with “red flags” highlighted to explain what they missed.

10. How does AI help in phishing simulation? AI can help by generating hyper-personalized lures based on a user’s role or location, and by automatically adjusting the difficulty of tests based on an individual’s past performance.

Conclusion

Phishing simulation tools are no longer a “nice-to-have”—they are an essential part of any modern cybersecurity strategy. The key to a successful program is not finding the most difficult “gotcha” lure, but finding a tool that makes security education a routine, non-disruptive part of the workday. Whether you choose the massive library of KnowBe4, the AI-driven engagement of Hoxhunt, or the incident-response focus of Cofense, the best tool is the one that your employees will actually use to become your organization’s strongest defense.