Top 5 Proofpoint Alternatives for Security Awareness Training

Proofpoint established itself as a cybersecurity company focused on email security, offering a mixture of threat detection and simulation-based learning. But with the cybersecurity landscape constantly evolving, it’s wise to explore alternatives that provide comprehensive security awareness training.

IT and security teams are turning to next-generation platforms to replace their legacy solutions and prepare employees for AI-powered attacks emerging through every channel.

Considering Proofpoint or switching to another security awareness training platform? In this guide, we’ll help you determine which platform — amongst Proofpoint and its alternatives — best suits your organization.

How to Choose Security Awareness Training Software

Between Proofpoint and its competitors, security awareness training software differs significantly.

Here’s a breakdown of the most important factors to consider when choosing security awareness training software:

1. Forward-Thinking: Cybersecurity threats are evolving rapidly, particularly with AI-enabled attacks such as deepfakes and voice phishing becoming increasingly prevalent. Choose a platform that’s keeping up with tomorrow’s threats, not just today’s.
2. Engaging Content: Training must capture employees’ attention. Look for a mix of formats, such as videos, quizzes, gamification, and bite-sized lessons, that make learning and remembering easier.
3. One-Stop Shop: Switching between multiple tools is a hassle. The ideal platform enables you to handle everything from training and phishing tests to tracking and reporting, all from one place with an intuitive interface.

IT and security professionals will look for specific features and capabilities, but the factors listed above indicate what a best-in-class platform for security awareness training should look like.

Proofpoint Alternatives: Top Competitors for IT & Security Teams to Consider

Organizations have a plethora of platforms to choose from. But how do you know which to choose? We’ve compiled a list of the top Proofpoint competitors to help IT and security teams find the best security awareness training platform.

#1. Adaptive Security

As OpenAI’s first cybersecurity investment, Adaptive Security is designed to address today’s AI-driven threats, including deepfakes, vishing attacks, and SMS scams. Publicly launched in early 2025, Adaptive is already the go-to platform chosen by hundreds of companies worldwide, including Figma, First State Bank, and the Dallas Mavericks.

Pros of Adaptive Security

• AI-powered training content tailored to any industry.
• Unique deepfake and voice phishing simulations featuring AI-generated personas.
• Competitive pricing compared to legacy solutions.
• Seamless all-in-one platform for training, simulations, and reporting.
• Dedicated customer success managers for every organization.
• Focused on the future of AI threats, yet the training spans all relevant departments of a business.

Cons of Adaptive Security

• Automated threat response features are still being finalized.
• New features roll out frequently, so admins need to stay up-to-date.

Adaptive Security is perfect for companies wanting to stay ahead of AI-powered attacks, though the platform’s rapid growth means you need to stay engaged with product updates.

#2. KnowBe4

A leader for over a decade, KnowBe4 offers an enormous content library and a well-established platform for security awareness training and phishing simulations.

Pros of KnowBe

• A wide variety of training materials for various industries.
• Proven track record and large user community.
• User-friendly interface with solid reporting capabilities.

Cons of KnowBe4

• Outdated content without an emphasis on future threats.
• Dated UI and UX, not built for modern organizations.
• Content can sometimes feel generic or lengthy.
• Pricing tends to be on the higher side with add-ons.
• Overwhelming for smaller or less resourced teams.

KnowBe4 is a solid choice for organizations seeking a trusted and comprehensive platform, although it may feel less flexible or modern compared to newer competitors.

#3. Hoxhunt

Hoxhunt takes a gamified approach, focusing on behavior change through personalized phishing simulations and training to reduce human risk.

Pros of Hoxhunt

• Fun, game-like experience with points and leaderboards to boost engagement.
• Simulations adapt based on individual user performance.
• Clean, easy-to-navigate dashboards for admins and users.
• Good at encouraging a culture of security awareness.

Cons of Hoxhunt

• Gamification features might frustrate some users.
• Training content can repeat over time.
• Setup and customization require heavy lifting.

Great for teams seeking engaging, behavior-focused training, although the initial setup requires some refinement and ongoing monitoring.

#4. SoSafe

SoSafe focuses on interactive microlearning with gamification, tailored for local languages and regions, especially popular in Europe.

Pros of SoSafe

• Short, engaging modules with gamified elements
• Personalized training paths based on behavior
• Strong multi-language support and regional customization
• Industry- and region-specific phishing simulations

Cons of SoSafe

• Initial setup can be slow and complex
• Reporting tools could be more detailed
• Limited mobile and offline options

Ideal for European organizations that require localized training, clients may find SoSafe’s reporting and mobile experience to be limiting.

#5. Cofense PhishMe

Cofense PhishMe is a well-established player specializing in phishing simulation and incident response training, with a vast library of real-world phishing scenarios. 

Pros of Cofense PhishMe

• Extensive library of realistic phishing templates.
• High level of customization for campaigns.
• Detailed analytics and reporting.
• Responsive support during deployment and beyond.

Cons of Cofense PhishMe

• User interface feels outdated and can be confusing.
• Few region-specific or localized phishing options.
• Training feedback mainly targets users who fail phishing tests.

A good fit for organizations that focus heavily on phishing awareness and analytics, Cofense PhishMe lacks a modern feel or broader training reinforcement.

Security Awareness Training Platforms: Comparison

The Best Security Awareness Training Platform: Adaptive Security

Adaptive Security offers industry-leading security awareness training and phishing simulations all in one dedicated platform, built for the future of AI-powered threats.

Recognized for its next-generation approach, with a strong focus on deepfakes and multi-channel simulations across email, voice, video, and SMS, Adaptive Security boasts a 5-star rating on G2.

Why do top brands choose Adaptive Security?

Top brands from every industry choose Adaptive Security to stay ahead of evolving cybersecurity attacks targeting their employees.

Built for AI Threats

• Adaptive Security enables users to gain hands-on experience with emerging cyberattacks. The platform can create AI personas for deepfakes of anyone within an organization and instantly implement them into training and simulations.
• With a focus not just on email phishing, the platform enables organizations to conduct comprehensive training on more modern threats, including SMS and voice phishing.

Modern UI & Adaptable

• Adaptive Security’s platform is built for the future. New users say that it’s intuitive and easy to use.
• While the platform offers extensive training tailored to compliance, specific departments, and industries, Adaptive Security’s AI Content Creator enables managers to easily create content tailored to any of an organization’s needs.

Seamless Support

• With every team getting access to a customer success manager, potential problems are resolved in minutes, not days.
• Onboarding is quick and efficient, even for non-technical users, and Adaptive Security’s 30+ integrations make it seamless to connect to your organization.

Choosing the right security awareness platform is a significant decision in today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape. Proofpoint remains a solid choice, especially if you want integrated email security with training. However, these alternatives offer fresh features, including AI-powered simulations, gamified learning, regional customization, and in-depth analytics.

Think about your team’s size, priorities, and the threats you face to choose a solution that truly protects your people and data, especially when thinking about the next generation of AI threats.