KnowBe4 vs Material Security
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Email security and data protection for cloud mailboxes
The verdict
Both KnowBe4 and Material Security are credible security privacy tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose KnowBe4 if you want a longer free trial (30 days). Security awareness training and phishing simulation
Material Security — Email security and data protection for cloud mailboxes
KnowBe4 vs Material Security: side by side
| Dimension | KnowBe4 | Material Security |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Custom | Custom |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | 30 daysWinner | — |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Best for | Smb, Enterprise, It Teams | Enterprise, Mid Market, Security Teams |
| Platforms | Web, Api | Web, Api |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
KnowBe4 key facts
- Vendor
- KnowBe4
- Pricing
- Subscription — Custom
- Free tier
- Free trial (30 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Smb, Enterprise, It Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2010
- Headquarters
- Clearwater, USA
Material Security key facts
- Vendor
- Material Security
- Pricing
- Subscription — Custom
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Enterprise, Mid Market, Security Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2017
- Headquarters
- Redwood City, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is KnowBe4 better than Material Security?
Neither is universally better — KnowBe4 edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is KnowBe4 or Material Security cheaper?
KnowBe4 is the more affordable of the two to get started, at custom. KnowBe4 starts at custom; Material Security starts at custom.
Can KnowBe4 replace Material Security?
Yes for most teams — both are security privacy tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.