The 7 Best Phishing Simulation Tools in 2026

Over 90% of data breaches begin with a phishing email, a staggering statistic that underscores a critical vulnerability in modern business: the human element. While technology provides a crucial first line of defense, a truly resilient security posture depends on well-trained employees who can spot and report sophisticated phishing attacks.

Finding the best phishing simulation tools for your organization isn't straightforward. Generic platforms with easily spotted test emails fail to train employees effectively and can create a false sense of security. The most effective phishing simulation software uses authentic, relevant, and challenging scenarios that mimic real-world threats, turning your team from a potential liability into a proactive human firewall.

This guide is based on an in-depth analysis of the leading phishing simulation tools, focusing on platform capabilities, template authenticity, customization options, program management, and reporting features. We'll cut through the noise to help you discover the best phishing test tools available today, covering different use cases and helping you choose the right solution for your organization's unique needs.

A Quick Comparison of the Best Phishing Simulation Tools

The 7 Best Phishing Simulation Tools Reviewed

1. Symbol Security – Best Phishing Simulation Tool Overall

Symbol Security is not just another phishing simulation tool in a security stack; it's a fully managed phishing simulation and security awareness service. It's designed for organizations that demand expert-level results without the significant time and administrative overhead required to run a program in-house. Based on our analysis of its authentic templates, role-based customization, and expert-driven management, Symbol Security stands out as the best overall phishing awareness tool. The platform is currently used by over 1,000 companies and partners who praise its administrative efficiency and reporting accuracy.

Why Symbol Security is Our #1 Recommendation

Symbol Security earns our top recommendation because it fundamentally changes the value proposition from a "do-it-yourself" platform to a "done-for-you" strategic partnership. This model directly addresses the most common points of failure in security awareness programs: lack of time, lack of specialized expertise, and the inability to create truly authentic attack scenarios. By handling the entire program lifecycle, Symbol frees up internal security teams to focus on other critical priorities while ensuring the phishing program delivers real behavioral change.

Best For: Enterprises, Managed Service Providers (MSPs), and virtual CISOs (vCISOs) seeking a high-impact, low-overhead security awareness program that is powerful, white-labeled, and backed by experts.

Key Features

• End-to-End Managed Program Services: Symbol's dedicated team handles program design, template selection, campaign launch, and ongoing operations, acting as an extension of your security team.
• MSP & vCISO-Ready Architecture: Purpose-built for channel partners, the platform features a multi-tenant portal and full white-labeling capabilities, allowing MSPs and vCISOs to resell the service under their own brand.
• New User & Corrective Workflows: Automates onboarding and remediation with structured training assignments for new hires and targeted corrective actions for at-risk users, ensuring continuous improvement and reduced human risk without added administrative overhead.
• Policy Pro: Streamlines policy creation and management with customizable, compliance-ready templates, automated version control, and centralized document tracking to ensure organizations stay audit-ready and aligned with evolving regulatory requirements.
• Automated Roster Synchronization: Integrates with Active Directory, Microsoft 365, and Google Drive to keep user lists automatically updated, reducing administrative burden.
  
  

Strengths

• Saves Significant Time & Resources: The managed service model eliminates the administrative overhead of designing, launching, and analyzing campaigns—a major benefit for lean IT and security teams.
• Leverages Expert Knowledge: Campaigns are crafted by security professionals who understand current attacker TTPs (tactics, techniques, and procedures), resulting in more effective and realistic simulations.
• Highly Targeted and Relevant: Customizes programs for specific departments, roles, and compliance needs, ensuring training is relevant and impactful for every employee group.
• Perfect for the Channel: The multi-tenant, white-label architecture makes it an ideal, high-value security service for MSPs and vCISOs to add to their offerings.
  
  

Limitations to Consider

• Less DIY Control: Not ideal for security teams that want 100% hands-on, granular control over every single detail of every campaign.
• Pricing Isn't Public: Requires direct contact for a quote, which is common for managed services but prevents simple cost comparison.
  
  

2. KnowBe4 – Best Phishing Simulation Tool for Template Variety

KnowBe4 is the undisputed market leader in security awareness training, best known for its massive scale and an immense library of phishing templates. This phishing simulation platform offers a comprehensive, self-managed suite of tools that allows large organizations to run sophisticated, multi-faceted awareness programs. KnowBe4 is used by thousands of enterprises globally to manage their security culture.

Best For: Large enterprises that need an extensive, all-in-one phishing simulation tool with the largest possible variety of templates and training content.

Key Features

• Vast Template Library: Offers thousands of templates sourced from original creations, real-world scams, and user-reported phishes.
• AI-Driven Template Selection: For top-tier customers, an AI engine recommends templates based on individual user performance, training history, and proficiency scores.
• Full Randomization: The "Anti-Prairie Dog" feature randomizes templates and delivery times to prevent employees from warning each other about an active test.
• Phishing Reply Tracking: A unique feature that allows administrators to capture and analyze user replies to simulated phishing emails.
  
  

Strengths

• Unmatched Variety: The sheer volume and diversity of templates and training modules are unparalleled, catering to virtually any industry or scenario.
• Advanced Personalization: Features like Smart Groups and AI-driven phishing (at the Diamond tier) allow for highly targeted campaigns that adapt to user behavior.
• Granular Filtering: Administrators can search and filter the extensive library by attack vector, language, difficulty, and other attributes to find the perfect template.
  
  

Limitations to Consider

• Premium Features are Gated: The most powerful features, like AI-selected templates and Social Engineering Indicators (SEI), are locked behind the most expensive subscription tiers (Platinum and Diamond).
• Potential for Complexity: The vast number of features and options can be overwhelming for smaller teams without a dedicated program manager.
• DIY Management: It is a self-service platform, meaning the user is responsible for all campaign setup, management, and analysis.
  
  

Pricing Structure

KnowBe4 uses a tiered subscription model (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond). Pricing is quote-based and depends on the number of users and the feature tier selected.

3. Proofpoint – Best Phishing Simulation Tool for Threat Intelligence

Proofpoint Security Awareness, part of the broader Proofpoint Assess platform, leverages the company's massive global threat intelligence network to inform its phishing simulations. This makes it one of the best phishing simulation tools for organizations that want tests based on real-world attacks that Proofpoint's systems are observing in the wild.

Best For: Organizations already invested in the Proofpoint email security ecosystem or those who prioritize simulations based on currently active, real-world threats.

Key Features

• Threat Intelligence-Based Templates: Simulations are based on data from analyzing tens of billions of messages daily, using lures and brands seen in actual attacks.
• "Very Attacked People (VAP)" Identification: Integrates with Proofpoint Email Security to identify and target high-risk users who are most frequently attacked.
• Multi-Vector Testing: Goes beyond email to offer simulations for SMS (smishing) and USB-based attacks.
• Machine Learning-Leveled Phishing: An ML algorithm adjusts the difficulty and content of simulations based on individual user risk profiles and performance.
  
  

Strengths

• High Realism: Using active threat intelligence ensures templates are timely and highly realistic, which has been shown to reduce click rates by up to 90%.
• Risk-Based Targeting: The VAP feature allows security teams to focus training resources on the employees who need them most, improving efficiency and impact.
• Seamless Integration: For existing Proofpoint customers, the platform integrates smoothly into their security stack, providing a unified view of threats and user risk.
  
  

Limitations to Consider

• Less Focus on Emerging Threats: Compared to some specialized competitors, there is less emphasis on newer AI-driven threats like voice phishing (vishing).
• Generic Spear Phishing: Tends to use more generic templates rather than highly personalized spear-phishing scenarios based on open-source intelligence (OSINT).
• Can Be Complex: As part of a larger enterprise suite, navigating the platform and its reporting can be challenging for those not already familiar with the Proofpoint ecosystem.
  
  

4. Cofense PhishMe – Best Phishing Simulation Tool for SOC Integration

Cofense PhishMe has carved out a specialized niche by focusing on transforming employees into an active part of the threat detection process. This phishing test tool excels at integrating its "report phish" functionality directly into security operations, creating a powerful human-sensor network. Reviewers often praise its ease of setup and use, with a 67% favorable rating ratio.

Best For: Security-mature organizations with a Security Operations Center (SOC) that can act on employee-reported phishing threats and integrate them into an incident response workflow.

Key Features

• SOC Integration: The platform is designed to feed employee-reported threats directly into incident response workflows, with integrations for SIEMs and other security tools.
• One-Click Threat Reporting: A native "report phish" button integrates into email clients like Outlook, making it simple for users to report suspicious messages.
• Real-Time Threat Calibration: Simulation templates are calibrated against live global phishing activity, ensuring content is current and relevant.
• Multi-Threat Scenarios: The platform supports simulations for emerging threats like smishing, vishing, and QR-code phishing.
  
  

Strengths

• Empowers Employees: Effectively turns every employee into a threat sensor, extending the reach of the security team.
• Operationalizes Reporting: Bridges the gap between security awareness and security operations, making employee reports actionable for the SOC.
• Ease of Use: Users consistently highlight the platform's intuitive interface and the simplicity of its single-click reporting functionality.
  
  

Limitations to Consider

• Cost-Prohibitive for SMBs: The pricing model is better suited for larger companies, with some users noting it "cost a lot if you are a small company."
• Performance Issues at Scale: Some users have reported performance delays when running bulk searches or during periods of high server load.
• Niche Focus: While excellent at operationalizing threat reporting, it may be less comprehensive in other areas of security awareness training compared to all-in-one platforms.
  
  

5. Infosec IQ PhishSim – Best Phishing Simulation Tool for Training Reinforcement

Infosec IQ's PhishSim platform is built around the concept of the "teachable moment." Its core strength as a phishing awareness tool is the immediate delivery of context-sensitive microlearning the instant an employee fails a phishing test. This reinforces the lesson when it's most likely to be retained.

Best For: Organizations focused on immediate, context-sensitive training reinforcement that capitalizes on the moment an employee makes a mistake.

Key Features

• Paired Training Content: Features a library of over 2,000 phishing templates, each paired with a tailored microlearning module specific to that attack type.
• Automatic, "Teachable Moment" Training: When a user clicks a simulated phish, they are automatically served the relevant training content for immediate reinforcement.
• PhishNotify Reporting Plugin: An email plugin allows employees to report real and simulated phishes with one click, quarantining real threats for analysis.
• Deep Customization: Administrators can customize every aspect of a template, spoof landing pages, or even build campaigns from scratch to mimic real attacks.
  
  

Strengths

• Effective Learning Model: The "just-in-time" training model is highly effective for behavioral change and knowledge retention.
• Comprehensive Library: A large and diverse library of templates ensures training can remain fresh and relevant over time.
• Employee Empowerment: The PhishNotify plugin encourages a positive security culture where employees feel empowered to participate in defense.
  
  

Limitations to Consider

• Complex User Interface: Some users have reported that the UI for campaign management can be complex and less intuitive than some competitors.
• Part of a Broader Suite: PhishSim is one component of the larger Infosec IQ platform, and its full potential is best realized when used in conjunction with the other training tools.
  
  

6. Mimecast Awareness Training – Best Phishing Simulation Tool for Engagement

Mimecast is a dominant force in email security, and its Awareness Training platform is a natural extension of its core services. This phishing simulation software stands out for its use of short, engaging, sitcom-style videos to make security training memorable and combat "training fatigue."

Best For: Companies wanting to combat training fatigue with highly engaging content, and organizations that already use Mimecast for email security and want an integrated phishing simulation tool.

Key Features

• Engaging Video Content: Uses professionally produced, 2-5 minute sitcom-style videos to teach security concepts in an entertaining way.
• Personalized Risk Scoring: Assigns a risk score to each employee based on their training performance, behavior patterns, and role within the company.
• Integrated Phishing Simulations: Uses real-time threat data to create relevant phishing tests that complement the video training.
• Just-in-Time Learning: When integrated with Mimecast Email Security, the platform can trigger training automatically based on detected threats.
  
  

Strengths

• High Employee Engagement: The high-quality, entertaining video content is more likely to hold employee attention than traditional training modules.
• Data-Driven Risk Management: The personalized risk scoring allows for a targeted approach, focusing efforts on the most vulnerable users.
• Seamless for Mimecast Customers: For organizations already using Mimecast, it provides a "single pane of glass" for email security and awareness training.
  
  

Limitations to Consider

• Training is the Primary Focus: The platform's main strength is its video training; the phishing simulation component may be less robust or customizable than specialized phishing tools.
• Best When Integrated: While it can be deployed standalone, its full value is realized when paired with Mimecast's other security services.
  
  

Pricing Structure

Mimecast Awareness Training pricing starts at approximately £6.30 per user, but specific quotes are provided upon request.

7. GoPhish – Best Free Phishing Simulation Tool

GoPhish is a powerful, self-hosted, and completely free open-source phishing framework. It is the phishing test tool of choice for penetration testers, red teams, and organizations with deep technical expertise and zero budget for a commercial solution.

Best For: Penetration testers, security researchers, and organizations with the in-house technical skill to deploy, manage, and secure their own infrastructure for security awareness testing.

Key Features

• Completely Free & Open Source: No licensing costs or subscription fees. The code is publicly available for audit and modification.
• Simple, Self-Contained Installation: Runs from a single binary with no external dependencies, making setup on Windows, macOS, or Linux incredibly fast.
• Clean Web UI & REST API: Features a beautiful, intuitive interface for campaign management and a full REST API for automation and integration.
• Real-Time Results: Provides detailed, real-time tracking of email opens, link clicks, and submitted credentials for each target.
  
  

Strengths

• Unbeatable Price: It's free, making it accessible to anyone looking for a basic phishing simulation tool.
• Highly Flexible: As an open-source tool, it can be customized and extended to meet very specific needs.
• Fast and Easy to Deploy: A security professional can have a campaign up and running in minutes.
  
  

Limitations to Consider

• Requires Self-Hosting and Management: You are responsible for the entire infrastructure, including setup, security, and maintenance.
• Easily Fingerprinted: Out of the box, GoPhish can be easily identified by email filters and security controls unless manually modified and hardened.
• No Support or Managed Services: There is no dedicated support team; users must rely on community forums and their own expertise to troubleshoot issues.
  
  

How to Choose the Best Phishing Simulation Tools

Selecting the right phishing simulation tool involves more than just picking the one with the most features. Consider these key factors to find the best fit for your organization.

Managed Service vs. Self-Service Platform

This is the most critical decision when evaluating phishing simulation software. A self-service platform like KnowBe4 or GoPhish gives you full control, but it requires significant time and security expertise to run effectively. A managed service like Symbol Security is the ideal choice if your team is already stretched thin. It offloads the operational burden and ensures your program is run by experts, leading to better results with far less internal effort.

Template Quality and Authenticity

Don't be fooled by quantity. A library of 10,000 generic templates is less effective than a curated selection of 100 authentic, high-quality templates that mimic modern, sophisticated attacks. The best phishing simulation tools use clean designs, relevant scenarios, and templates based on real-world threat intelligence.

Customization and Targeting

A one-size-fits-all phishing campaign is a recipe for failure. Your finance department faces different threats than your HR team. The best phishing test tools allow you to tailor simulations to specific departments, roles, and even individual users, making the training more relevant and impactful.

Reporting and Analytics

Effective reporting goes beyond just the click rate. Look for phishing simulation platforms that track credential entry, reporting rates, and trends over time. The ability to generate clear, board-ready reports is crucial for demonstrating the program's value and securing ongoing support from leadership.

The Best Phishing Simulation Tools: Our Verdict

Building a resilient security culture requires a strategic, consistent, and effective phishing simulation program. While specialized tools like Cofense PhishMe are excellent for mature SOCs and free options like GoPhish serve the technical community well, they don't solve the core challenge most businesses face: a lack of time and dedicated expertise.

When evaluating the best phishing simulation tools, consider whether your team has the bandwidth to manage campaigns in-house or whether a managed approach would deliver better results.

For this reason, Symbol Security stands out as the top choice for organizations that value expert management, authentic simulations, and measurable results without the administrative burden. Its "done-for-you" model ensures your phishing program is not just another task on a long to-do list, but a professionally managed initiative designed to drive real behavioral change and demonstrably reduce risk.

Ready to see how a managed phishing program can transform your security awareness?

Learn more about Symbol Security's Phishing Simulations today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the best phishing simulation tools for small businesses?

For small businesses with limited IT resources, the best phishing simulation tools are those that minimize administrative overhead while still delivering effective training. Symbol Security's managed service model is ideal because it handles all campaign operations. For budget-conscious small businesses with technical expertise, GoPhish offers a free alternative, though it requires self-hosting and management.

What makes a phishing simulation tool effective?

An effective phishing simulation tool is defined by its template realism, ease of management, and reporting capabilities. Key elements include templates that closely mimic actual attacker tactics, the ability to customize scenarios for different departments or roles, automated training delivery when employees fail tests, and comprehensive analytics that track improvement over time.

What are the main types of phishing simulation scenarios?

The most common scenarios supported by phishing simulation software include:

• Credential harvesting: Tricking users into entering logins on a fake page
• Malware delivery: Prompting users to download a benign file
• Business Email Compromise (BEC) or CEO fraud: Impersonating an executive to request a wire transfer or sensitive data
• Vendor impersonation: Pretending to be a trusted partner to steal information
  
  

How often should you run phishing simulation tests?

Security best practice calls for an ongoing program rather than a one-time event. The best phishing simulation tools support continuous testing, with campaigns running at least quarterly—ideally monthly. Varying the timing, targets, and difficulty of the simulations is crucial to keep employees vigilant and prevent them from anticipating tests.

What's the difference between free and paid phishing simulation tools?

Free tools like GoPhish provide basic functionality but require technical expertise to deploy, secure, and maintain. Paid phishing simulation platforms offer managed services, larger template libraries, integrated training content, advanced reporting, and dedicated support. For most organizations, the time savings and improved results from paid tools justify the investment.