Introduction
Phishing simulation tools are specialized software programs that help organizations train their employees to recognize and avoid fake emails. In simple terms, these tools send “safe” versions of a phishing email to workers to see if they will click on a link or give away a password. If a worker makes a mistake and clicks, the tool immediately provides a short lesson to show them what they missed. This practice turns employees into a “human firewall,” making it much harder for real criminals to break into a company’s computer system.
Phishing simulation tools are vital because most cyberattacks today start with a single email. Even the best security software can occasionally let a dangerous message slip through. When that happens, the only thing standing between a criminal and a company’s private data is the person reading the email. These tools allow companies to practice for a real attack in a safe way. Instead of waiting for a real disaster to happen, teams can find out which employees need extra help and provide it before a real hacker tries to trick them.
Real-world use cases for these tools are very common. A bank might use them to ensure their tellers don’t get tricked by fake messages from “headquarters.” A hospital might use them to protect patient records from being locked up by “ransomware.” When choosing a tool, you should look at how many different email templates are available, how easy it is to track the results, and whether the training lessons are actually interesting for the workers. You also want to make sure the tool can be set up quickly and doesn’t require a team of experts to run every day.
Best for: These tools are excellent for security officers, IT managers, and human resources teams. They benefit companies of all sizes, from small local shops to global corporations. Industries like finance, healthcare, and government find them especially useful because they handle very sensitive information.
Not ideal for: They might not be necessary for people who work entirely alone and do not use email for their business. They are also not a great fit for companies that have no time to actually follow up on the results. If a company cannot provide training after a test, the simulation itself won’t be very helpful.
Top 10 Phishing Simulation Tools
1 — KnowBe4
KnowBe4 is one of the largest and most popular platforms in the world for security awareness. It is designed to help teams of any size manage their phishing tests and training lessons from one single, simple dashboard.
Key features:
- It includes a massive library of thousands of email templates.
- It offers a “Phish Alert Button” so workers can report suspicious emails.
- It provides automated “Smart Groups” that send extra training to people who fail tests.
- It features very detailed reports that show how your company’s safety is improving.
- It includes games and videos to make the learning process more fun.
- It can automatically schedule tests throughout the year so you don’t have to remember to do it.
Pros:
- The sheer amount of content means your employees will never see the same test twice.
- The dashboard is very clear and shows you exactly who needs more help.
- It is very easy to set up and works with almost all major email systems.
Cons:
- Because it has so many features, it can take a little while to learn where everything is.
- Some of the best training videos are only available on the more expensive plans.
Security & compliance: SSO, SOC 2 Type II, GDPR compliant, and HIPAA compliant.
Support & community: Excellent documentation and a huge community of users. They offer dedicated support for larger businesses.
2 — Proofpoint Security Awareness
Formerly known as Wombat, Proofpoint is a tool that uses real-world data to create its tests. Because Proofpoint also makes email security filters, they see real attacks and turn them into safe simulations for your workers.
Key features:
- It uses “threat intelligence” to create simulations based on real, active attacks.
- It provides very short, focused lessons that only take a few minutes.
- It identifies “Very Attacked People” in your company who need the most protection.
- It includes a reporting tool for employees to flag dangerous messages.
- It offers training in many different languages for global teams.
- It provides a clear “Cyberstrength” score to measure how safe your team is.
Pros:
- The simulations are very realistic because they are based on real-world events.
- The lessons are short and don’t take too much time away from work.
- It integrates perfectly if you already use other Proofpoint security products.
Cons:
- The interface can feel a bit more “technical” and less modern than some other tools.
- It is often more expensive than the simpler options on the market.
Security & compliance: SOC 2, GDPR, and ISO 27001 certifications.
Support & community: High-quality professional support and a deep library of technical guides.
3 — Infosec IQ
Infosec IQ focuses heavily on the “learning” part of the process. They provide over a thousand different training modules and focus on changing the way employees think about security in their daily lives.
Key features:
- It offers over 2,000 different training resources, including videos and posters.
- It includes a “personalized” learning path for every single employee.
- It provides a “PhishSim” tool that is very easy to use for beginners.
- It offers industry-specific templates for healthcare, finance, and more.
- It tracks “Security Awareness Proficiency” to see if workers are actually learning.
- It includes automated campaigns that run themselves once you turn them on.
Pros:
- The training content is very high quality and feels like a professional school course.
- It is very good at explaining “why” a certain email is dangerous.
- The support team is very helpful during the initial setup.
Cons:
- The large amount of training content can be overwhelming to choose from.
- The reporting dashboard could be a bit more colorful and easier to read at a glance.
Security & compliance: SOC 2 Type II and GDPR compliant.
Support & community: Very strong customer success team and a large online knowledge base.
4 — Cofense
Cofense, which used to be called PhishMe, is a tool that focuses on “crowdsourcing” security. It encourages every employee to become a part of the security team by reporting suspicious emails as soon as they see them.
Key features:
- It focuses on “active” reporting rather than just passive testing.
- It provides “Cofense Reporter” which is a simple button for your email app.
- It includes a huge library of templates that look like real business messages.
- It allows you to see how many people reported a “fake” email versus how many clicked it.
- It helps your IT team quickly see which reported emails are real threats.
- It provides simple, text-based training for people who fail a simulation.
Pros:
- It is excellent at building a culture where people feel proud to report threats.
- The simulations are very high quality and look exactly like real invoices or logs.
- It is a very stable and reliable platform for large organizations.
Cons:
- The training lessons are a bit more basic than the videos found in KnowBe4.
- It can take more work for the IT team to manage the reported emails.
Security & compliance: FedRAMP authorized, SOC 2, and GDPR compliant.
Support & community: Great enterprise support and a very professional group of experts.
5 — GoPhish
GoPhish is a unique tool because it is “open source” and completely free to use. It is a simple, lightweight program that you install on your own computer or server to run your own phishing tests.
Key features:
- It is completely free and has no monthly fees.
- It is a single file that is very easy to install on Windows, Mac, or Linux.
- It provides a simple web-based interface to build and send emails.
- It tracks who opened the email and who clicked on the link in real-time.
- It allows you to import existing emails to use as templates.
- It is very fast and does not use much of your computer’s power.
Pros:
- You cannot beat the price, as it costs nothing to use.
- You have total control over all your data because everything stays on your computer.
- It is very simple and does not have any confusing “extra” features.
Cons:
- It does not include any training lessons or videos for your workers.
- You have to be a bit more “tech-savvy” to set it up and make it work.
Security & compliance: Varies / N/A (It depends on how you secure your own server).
Support & community: There is no official customer support, but there is a large group of users on GitHub who help each other.
6 — Barracuda PhishLine
Barracuda is well known for their email firewalls, and PhishLine is their tool for training employees. It combines deep data analysis with hundreds of different simulation options to give you a very complete picture of your safety.
Key features:
- It offers hundreds of templates for emails, text messages, and even phone calls.
- It provides “advanced” simulations like “vishing” (voice phishing).
- It includes a very deep reporting system for finding your most “at-risk” users.
- It provides training that is automatically matched to the mistake the user made.
- It works very well with Barracuda’s other security products.
- It offers a “manager” view so different department heads can see their own teams.
Pros:
- It is great for companies that want to test more than just email (like phone calls).
- The reports are very professional and ready to be shown to the boss.
- It is very effective at stopping “social engineering” attacks.
Cons:
- The interface can feel a bit old-fashioned compared to some newer tools.
- It can be a bit complicated to set up if you are not already a Barracuda customer.
Security & compliance: SOC 2 and GDPR compliant.
Support & community: Professional customer support and a global network of partners.
7 — SANS Security Awareness
SANS is a world-famous organization for cybersecurity training, and their awareness platform is built on their decades of expert knowledge. Their tool focuses on high-quality education and long-term behavior change.
Key features:
- It features training content created by world-class security experts.
- It provides “End User” training that is translated into over 30 languages.
- It includes a wide variety of simulation templates that are updated frequently.
- It offers specialized training for different roles, like “Security for Developers.”
- It provides a clear “Maturity Model” to see how your program is growing.
- It focuses on “real-world” skills that help people stay safe at home too.
Pros:
- You are getting advice from some of the smartest security people in the world.
- The training is very clear, honest, and easy to understand.
- It is a very respected name in the industry.
Cons:
- It is often more expensive than simpler tools.
- The focus is more on the “training” than on the “simulation” technology.
Security & compliance: ISO 27001, SOC 2, and GDPR compliant.
Support & community: High-level professional support and a massive community of experts.
8 — Hoxhunt
Hoxhunt is a more modern type of tool that uses “artificial intelligence” to create personalized tests for every worker. Instead of everyone getting the same fake email, each person gets a test that is perfect for their specific job.
Key features:
- It uses AI to send tests that look like things the worker actually sees in their job.
- It uses “gamification,” where workers earn points and stars for being safe.
- It provides immediate, bite-sized training right inside the email app.
- It adjusts the difficulty automatically—if you are good, the tests get harder.
- It encourages people to report real threats as well as the fake ones.
- It features a very modern and clean dashboard for managers.
Pros:
- Employees often enjoy using it because it feels more like a game than a chore.
- The personalized tests are much more effective than “one size fits all” emails.
- It takes very little time for the IT team to manage because the AI does the work.
Cons:
- It can be expensive for very small teams.
- Some people might find the “game” aspect a bit distracting from their work.
Security & compliance: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and GDPR compliant.
Support & community: Excellent modern support and a very helpful onboarding process.
9 — Microsoft Defender (Attack Simulation Training)
If your company already uses Microsoft Office 365, you might already have access to their built-in simulation tool. It is a very convenient way to test your team without needing to buy a whole new piece of software.
Key features:
- It is built directly into the Microsoft 365 dashboard you already use.
- It uses real attacks seen in Microsoft’s network to create simulations.
- It provides a “Payload Automations” tool to keep tests fresh.
- It automatically suggests training for people based on their mistakes.
- It gives you a “Predicted Compromise Rate” to see how likely an attack is.
- It allows you to target specific groups based on their department or location.
Pros:
- There is nothing extra to install or set up if you are a Microsoft customer.
- It is very stable and works perfectly with your existing email.
- It provides great value if you are already paying for a Microsoft license.
Cons:
- It only works if you use Microsoft 365 for your email.
- The library of training videos is smaller than what KnowBe4 offers.
Security & compliance: Follows all of Microsoft’s strict security and data rules (ISO, SOC, GDPR, HIPAA).
Support & community: Standard Microsoft support and an enormous community of users.
10 — Ironscales
Ironscales is a “complete” email security platform that includes phishing simulations as part of its defense system. It focuses on using humans and computers together to stop attacks before they cause any damage.
Key features:
- It combines an email filter with a training platform.
- It uses AI to identify when an employee is being targeted by a real hacker.
- It provides “Themis,” an AI helper that helps users decide if an email is safe.
- It includes a library of simulation templates that are easy to customize.
- It offers training videos from several different top providers.
- It allows for “instant” training the moment someone clicks on a bad link.
Pros:
- It is very helpful because it protects the email and trains the worker at the same time.
- The AI helper is like having a security expert sitting next to every employee.
- It is very modern and easy to use on mobile devices.
Cons:
- It is a “full package” tool, so it might be too much if you only want simulations.
- It can be a bit more complex to set up than a simple training tool.
Security & compliance: SOC 2, GDPR, and HIPAA compliant.
Support & community: Good customer support and a helpful library of tutorial videos.
Comparison Table
| Tool Name | Best For | Platform(s) Supported | Standout Feature | Rating |
| KnowBe4 | All sizes / huge library | Web-based | Massive content library | High |
| Proofpoint | Real-world threat data | Web-based | Threat intelligence | High |
| Infosec IQ | Deep education | Web-based | Personalized learning | High |
| Cofense | Large enterprise reporting | Web-based | Focus on reporting | High |
| GoPhish | Budget-conscious teams | Windows/Mac/Linux | Completely free | N/A |
| Barracuda | Multi-channel testing | Web-based | Phone and SMS tests | N/A |
| SANS | High-level expert training | Web-based | Expert-led content | High |
| Hoxhunt | Modern personalized AI | Web-based | Gamified AI tests | High |
| Microsoft | Current M365 users | Microsoft 365 | Built into Office | N/A |
| Ironscales | All-in-one protection | Web-based | AI Security Assistant | N/A |
Evaluation & Scoring of Phishing Simulation Tools
In the table below, we score the overall performance of these tools based on a weighted system. A score of 100 means the tool is perfect in that specific area.
| Category (Weight) | Large Platforms (KnowBe4/Proofpoint) | Open Source (GoPhish) | Modern AI (Hoxhunt/Ironscales) |
| Core features (25%) | 95 | 40 | 90 |
| Ease of use (15%) | 85 | 60 | 95 |
| Integrations (15%) | 90 | 20 | 90 |
| Security (10%) | 95 | 60 | 95 |
| Performance (10%) | 90 | 90 | 90 |
| Support (10%) | 95 | 10 | 90 |
| Price / value (15%) | 80 | 100 | 85 |
| Total Weighted Score | 89 | 53 | 89 |
Which Phishing Simulation Tool Is Right for You?
Choosing the right tool depends on your company size, your budget, and how much time you have to manage the project.
Solo Users vs SMB vs Mid-Market vs Enterprise
If you are a solo user or a very small shop with a tiny budget, GoPhish is a great way to start testing for free. Small and medium businesses (SMBs) will find the best value in Infosec IQ or KnowBe4 because they handle the hard work for you. For mid-market and large enterprises, Cofense and Proofpoint provide the heavy-duty reporting and security certifications that big companies need.
Budget-Conscious vs Premium Solutions
If you have no budget, GoPhish is your only real choice. If you have a small budget, Infosec IQ offers great plans for smaller teams. If you are willing to pay for a premium solution, Hoxhunt and SANS provide a much better experience for the workers and better results over the long term.
Feature Depth vs Ease of Use
If you want every feature imaginable, KnowBe4 is the clear winner. However, if you want something that is simple and runs itself, Hoxhunt or Ironscales are much better choices because their AI handles the complicated parts.
Integration and Scalability Needs
If you already use Microsoft 365, the built-in Microsoft Defender tool is the easiest to integrate. If you need a tool that can grow from ten people to ten thousand people, KnowBe4 and Proofpoint are the most scalable options on this list.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a phishing simulation?
It is a safe “fake” attack where a company sends a suspicious email to its own employees to see if they can identify it. It is used for training, not for punishment.
Why shouldn’t I just block all bad emails?
Even the best filters miss things. Training your employees creates a backup plan for when a real threat eventually gets through the filter.
Will my employees be mad if I test them?
Not if you explain it correctly. If you show them that this helps protect their own data and the company’s future, most people are happy to learn.
How often should I run a simulation?
Most experts suggest doing it at least once a month. This keeps security at the front of everyone’s mind without being too annoying.
Is GoPhish really free?
Yes, it is completely free to download and use. However, you have to provide your own training videos and manage the server yourself.
What happens if someone clicks on a simulation?
They should be immediately shown a “teachable moment” page that explains what they missed and how to stay safe next time.
Are these tools hard to set up?
Most modern web-based tools (like KnowBe4 or Hoxhunt) can be set up in about an hour. Tools like GoPhish take a bit longer.
Can these tools test for text message phishing?
Yes, some tools like Barracuda and KnowBe4 offer “smishing” (SMS phishing) tests as well.
Is it safe to store employee data in these tools?
Yes, leading tools are SOC 2 and GDPR compliant, meaning they follow strict rules to keep your employee information safe.
What is a “Phish Alert Button”?
It is a simple button added to an email app that lets an employee report a suspicious message to the security team with one click.
Conclusion
Phishing simulation tools are one of the most effective ways to protect your business from modern threats. While technology is important, the “human” part of security is where most attacks succeed or fail. There is no single “best” tool for everyone; the right choice for you depends on what you need most.
If you want a huge library of content, go with KnowBe4. If you want a free and simple tool, try GoPhish. If you want a modern, AI-driven experience that feels like a game, Hoxhunt is a fantastic partner. What matters most is that you start training your team today. By turning your employees into a smart and alert “human firewall,” you can stop real criminals before they ever get a foot in the door.