KnowBe4 vs Proofpoint
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Email security and human-centric protection
The verdict
Both KnowBe4 and Proofpoint 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
Proofpoint — Email security and human-centric protection
KnowBe4 vs Proofpoint: side by side
| Dimension | KnowBe4 | Proofpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Custom | Custom |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | 30 daysWinner | — |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Best for | Smb, Enterprise, It Teams | Enterprise, Security Teams, Compliance Teams |
| Platforms | Web, Api | Web, Api |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
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
Proofpoint key facts
- Vendor
- Proofpoint
- Pricing
- Subscription — Custom
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Enterprise, Security Teams, Compliance Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2002
- Headquarters
- Sunnyvale, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is KnowBe4 better than Proofpoint?
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 Proofpoint cheaper?
KnowBe4 is the more affordable of the two to get started, at custom. KnowBe4 starts at custom; Proofpoint starts at custom.
Can KnowBe4 replace Proofpoint?
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.