You can patch a system in minutes, but patching human behavior? That takes work.
And it’s more important than you think. According to a recent report, 95% of all data breaches are caused by human error. Whether it’s falling for a phishing email, reusing passwords, or skipping multi-factor authentication, people remain the weakest (and most unpredictable) link in your security stack.
That’s why I spent time evaluating over 20 tools to find the best security awareness training software. The ones that go beyond generic content and outdated phishing tests. I wasn’t just looking for dashboards and completion rates; I wanted to know which tools drive real behavior change across organizations.
The seven tools in this list stood out for their thoughtful design, real-time insights, and ability to support both lean IT teams and global security programs. Whether you need something scalable for an enterprise rollout or flexible enough for mid-sized teams, you’ll find a solution that fits.
*These best security awareness training platforms are top-rated in their category, according to the latest G2 Grid Reports. I’ve added their standout features for easy comparison. Visit the official website to contact the sales team for pricing details.
You can strengthen your firewalls and tighten your permissions, but if your employees aren’t trained to spot a phishing email, your entire stack is still exposed. That’s why security awareness training software is no longer just a compliance checkbox; it’s become a foundational layer in modern cybersecurity programs.
And the demand is rising fast. According to Market Research Future, the global market for cybersecurity training is projected to grow to USD 37.84 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 7.76%. With phishing, social engineering, and credential-based attacks on the rise, businesses need tools that can reduce human risk at scale.
Over the years, I’ve spent time training with a few of these tools, and I’ve seen dozens of platforms promise “behavior change” and “phishing protection,” but very few deliver on both. Some focus heavily on compliance and miss the engagement piece. Others lean into gamification but offer little in the way of analytics.
That’s what led me to evaluate over 20 platforms based on use cases, company sizes, and levels of security maturity to identify those that provide the most effective cybersecurity awareness programs for companies.
To move past surface-level comparisons, I started with G2’s Grid Report, which ranks tools based on real user reviews and market presence. This gave me a strong starting point that included both category leaders and promising emerging platforms.
I then used AI-assisted analysis to dig into hundreds of verified G2 reviews. I focused on patterns around engagement quality, phishing simulation depth, reporting accuracy, and overall ease of rollout. This helped me pinpoint what security teams value most and where tools often fall short.
To balance the data with real-world context, I also spoke to fellow G2’er IT professionals managing awareness programs. Their feedback helped validate the themes I observed in the reviews and provided a clearer picture of daily usability, adoption struggles, and reporting gaps.
All product screenshots featured in this article come from official vendor G2 pages and publicly available materials.
I considered the following factors when evaluating the best security awareness training software:
The list below contains genuine user reviews from the security awareness training software category page. To be included in this category, a solution must:
*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.
KnowBe4 is one of the widely recognized names in the security awareness space. It’s a top-rated platform on G2, known for helping teams roll out phishing simulations, train staff at scale, and track behavior over time. According to the G2 Grid Report, it is popular across industries such as financial services, IT, and healthcare, with 66% of mid-market businesses using it.
One of the biggest advantages I observed is its massive training content library. G2 reviewers consistently highlight the variety of videos, quizzes, and interactive modules covering topics from phishing and social engineering to secure password practices. The platform also tailors content by role and skill level, making it easy to assign relevant training across departments. Users appreciate that content is frequently refreshed and available in multiple formats, which helps keep things from feeling monotonous early on.
Another highlight is the phishing simulation engine. G2 reviewers often mention how realistic the phishing templates feel and how the platform supports behavior-driven scheduling. Security teams can launch simulations that mimic common threats, track click rates, and automatically enroll users in follow-up training. This closed-loop approach to learning makes it easier to reinforce secure habits across teams. Many reviewers also noted the availability of AI-generated phishing templates, which add variety and reflect current threat trends.
KnowBe4 also earns high marks for its user and group-level risk scoring dashboards. I gathered that these dashboards help IT and security teams identify individuals who are falling behind, spot departments that need more focused attention, and monitor changes in risk over time. The reporting is clear enough for leadership reviews but detailed enough for day-to-day tracking. Several reviewers said that this visibility helped them demonstrate impact to senior stakeholders and make training more targeted.
Some G2 reviewers noted that the content can start to feel repetitive after a while. While the library is large, companies running year-round campaigns may find that certain modules lose their impact. I read a few users express a desire for more advanced learning paths to keep experienced employees engaged over time.
Customization also emerged as an area for improvement. Several users expressed a desire for greater flexibility in editing templates, creating training paths, or modifying content to better align with internal branding and tone. For teams with specific compliance frameworks or localization needs, the existing customization options may seem somewhat limited.
I also came across mentions of the user interface needing refinement. While the platform is functional and easy to learn, some reviewers noted that workflows like campaign setup and report generation could be more streamlined.
KnowBe4 is a strong choice for organizations seeking a feature-rich platform with extensive content and reliable phishing simulations.
“With seamless integration into our environment and access to a comprehensive library of phishing simulations, this tool empowers us to effectively assess our organization's cybersecurity awareness and response readiness.”
- KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training Review, Jennifer G.
“I like KnowBe4, but I wish it had direct integration with Google Workspace for a smoother experience. We are still manually adding and removing user accounts.”
- KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training Review, Brian H.
Related: Learn how to recognize and respond to common network security threats that could compromise your systems.
Hoxhunt adopts a gamified approach to security awareness training and is quite popular in the IT, computer software, and telecommunications industries, with 74% of enterprises using it, according to G2 Grid Report data. It has the highest satisfaction score of 97, based on G2 Data, and stood out in my evaluation for its ability to keep users engaged through short, inbox-based simulations that blend into everyday workflows.
I gathered from the reviews that users love Hoxhunt’s gamified approach to security training. The platform transforms phishing detection into a challenge, encouraging employees to spot suspicious emails in exchange for points, feedback, and positive reinforcement. Many reviewers on G2 say this format makes security awareness feel less like mandatory training and more like a daily habit. Progress tracking is also visible to users, helping them stay accountable and invested.
The realism of Hoxhunt’s phishing simulations is highly approved of. According to G2 reviewers, the mock emails are impressively believable and often indistinguishable from actual threats. This level of detail keeps even experienced employees on their toes. Each interaction is followed by instant feedback, helping users learn in real time without derailing their day.
Another standout is Hoxhunt’s inbox-native delivery. Rather than sending users to an external training hub, the platform brings simulations straight to their everyday tools, primarily Outlook and Gmail. I think this subtlety makes training feel like part of the job, not an extra chore. Several reviewers appreciated how easy it was to get started without requiring technical expertise or constant reminders. For teams with limited training time or change management bandwidth, this makes a real difference.
While overall feedback was positive, some G2 reviewers noted that the experience can become repetitive over time. While the gamified format is initially engaging, users in longer-running programs sometimes feel like they’re seeing the same kinds of emails too frequently. This can reduce the impact of the training and lead to disengagement if not refreshed regularly.
Some teams flagged that adding new types of simulations or scenarios could keep the experience feeling fresh. Although the core framework works well, ongoing variety would help maintain momentum.
Another recurring point of feedback I noticed was the need for more diverse phishing examples. Several users highlighted that while the emails are well-crafted, they want to see broader attack styles and more advanced tactics reflected in the simulations.
The tool’s realism is one of its biggest strengths, but for a few users, it occasionally blurred the line a bit too well. Some employees flagged real internal emails by mistake, while others noted that simulations sometimes landed in spam. These cases weren’t common but could add to IT teams’ workloads. These moments can sometimes cause hesitation or dilute trust in the program. Still, as one reviewer put it, it’s better to report than risk falling for a real threat.
Hoxhunt is a great pick for companies that want to meet users where they are, making security awareness part of the inbox rather than a standalone chore.
“Hoxhunt email training has an edge over traditional video-based training courses for cybersecurity. It gives you real-time emails that can be identified as a phishing attempt or categorized as a malicious email. Learning through this training platform is impactful because we are learning practically with hands-on experience. Also, the platform is very interactive; it shows a leaderboard for the entire organization from all the departments. The after quizzes are also very important, they sharpen the concept of real-time cyber-attacks and tech security awareness. Overall, I like the Hoxhunt very much because the scenarios taken for training are more similar to the real-time cyberattacks.”
- Hoxhunt Review, Prateek V.
“The 'vacation' feature could be more flexible, allowing more days to pause tests, or even integrating it with Outlook. The current volume of free days is quite limited, impacting both learning consistency and user ranking, especially considering the gamification aspect.”
- Hoxhunt Review, Ligia B.
Related: Explore data security best practices that help prevent breaches and keep sensitive information secure.
SoSafe offers a structured and localized approach to security awareness training. It is popular in the automotive, manufacturing, and IT industries. G2 Grid Report data also shows that it is primarily used by mid-market and enterprise companies, at 51% and 35%, respectively.
One thing I saw reviewers consistently praise is SoSafe’s microlearning format. The platform breaks training down into short, easy-to-complete modules that users can move through at their own pace. G2 reviewers appreciated that the content doesn't require long attention spans or lengthy time commitments. Instead, it fits into small gaps in the workday, making it easier to roll out across busy teams. Many also stated that this format helps reduce fatigue and makes security training feel more approachable.
SoSafe’s built-in progress tracking stood out to me as another key strength. Several reviewers liked being able to monitor completed modules, see learning paths, and track how far along users were in the program. This visibility is helpful both for learners and admins. It supports accountability and helps security teams spot who might need follow-up. In several G2 reviews, users said this made it easier to stay engaged over time and gave them a clearer sense of achievement.
I also read a lot of positive feedback for its multilingual support. Users appreciated that the platform supports a broad range of languages and adapts to different regional needs. This made it easier to deploy across global teams or to match the language preferences of non-native English speakers.
However, one theme that came up here, just like it did with KnowBe4 and Hoxhunt, is the risk of repetition. A few G2 reviewers felt that the modules could start to feel familiar if used over long periods of time. While this wasn't flagged as a major concern, it’s something to keep in mind when running continuous campaigns.
There were minor platform issues. A few users experienced slow loading times or noted that modules didn’t always save progress correctly on the first attempt, although these situations didn’t seem to be widespread.
Lastly, I got the impression that a handful of users faced friction in the module structure. In some cases, if a user answered a question incorrectly, they had to repeat the entire section. While some reviewers stated that this reinforces learning, a few expressed a desire for more flexibility.
Overall, SoSafe is a solid option for teams that want short, structured training in multiple languages with built-in progress tracking and a clean user experience.
“SoSafe makes learning interesting and fun. It is created in a way that the user has a feeling of playing a game. The collection of points and badges made me complete all the available courses at once. The quiz at the end of each module was a great opportunity to rethink the topics covered.”
- SoSafe Review, Shreevathsa C.
“SoSafe has had problems running on non-Windows operating systems, which makes it seem a bit archaic."
- SoSafe Review, Kelly T.
Related: Check out this deep dive on AI vs. AI in cybersecurity and see how both attackers and defenders are using machine learning.
Arctic Wolf is widely recognized for its managed detection and response (MDR) services, but its Security Awareness Plus training solution deserves a closer look. It’s used in the manufacturing, banking, and construction industries, with 77% of its users coming from mid-market companies, according to the G2 Grid Report.
I came across several reviews on how the platform combines bite-sized training, realistic phishing simulations, and helpful feedback into one meaningful experience. The lessons are short and updated regularly, which makes it easier to keep employees informed without overwhelming them. The training is sent straight to users via email, so there’s no need to log into a separate dashboard or remember extra passwords. That kind of delivery fits naturally into the workday and seems to boost participation.
Customer support received consistent praise, too. I saw plenty of G2 reviews calling out the responsiveness of the team and the overall reliability of their assistance. Whether it was a question during setup or help troubleshooting an issue later on, users generally seemed happy with the experience. That kind of steady support matters, especially when you’re introducing something new across a large team.
A couple of reviewers pointed out that the platform takes some getting used to, especially during the setup phase. The dashboard isn’t hard to use, but it’s not immediately intuitive either. That said, once everything’s in place, users seemed to find it easy to maintain. If your team has time to get familiar with the system early on, it shouldn’t be a blocker.
Pricing was also a concern in a few reviews, as per my evaluation. Arctic Wolf’s security awareness training is part of a broader MDR package, so the cost may not always be justifiable if you’re only looking for a standalone training solution. But for teams already using the Arctic Wolf platform, the added value seems to outweigh the cost.
If you’re already working with Arctic Wolf for threat detection, their training solution is a smooth extension that is simple to deploy, easy to maintain, and backed by strong support.
“What I love most about Arctic Wolf is their unwavering commitment to our security. Their solutions are not only effective but also seamlessly integrated into our operations, making our lives so much easier. The staff, especially our Customer Success Representatives, have been phenomenal. Their proactive approach and insightful recommendations have significantly improved our security posture. Plus, their friendly and professional demeanor makes every interaction a pleasure. It's like having a team of security superheroes on our side!”
- Arctic Wolf Review, Ian K.
"Cost. It is an expensive service, but you get what you pay for.”
- Arctic Wolf Review, David W.
MetaCompliance helps organizations educate employees on cybersecurity best practices and regulatory compliance. It offers structured training modules, phishing simulations, and policy management tools to support a more security-conscious workforce. According to the G2 Grid Report data, the tool is commonly used in the financial services, government administration, and healthcare industries, with 71% adoption among mid-market businesses.
While reading the reviews, a common theme I noticed was the quality and range of the training content. G2 users frequently described the platform’s materials as easy to follow, well-organized, and relevant to real-life cybersecurity risks. There’s a clear emphasis on awareness-building rather than compliance-only content, and many users noted that the platform makes it easier to engage users with training that feels meaningful.
Another favorable aspect highlighted in the reviews was the platform’s reporting and visibility features. Reviewers appreciated being able to track training completion and monitor user progress. The reporting features appear to be well-suited to both operational users and executive stakeholders, striking a balance between day-to-day metrics and high-level summaries. It’s not just about checking a box; the data seems to help teams understand whether training is actually reaching people.
Support also came up often and positively. I kept circling back to G2 reviewers regularly praising the customer success team, onboarding experience, and technical support's responsiveness. Several noted having a dedicated contact who helped with rollout or who responded quickly to configuration questions. This kind of support appears to be especially valuable in larger organizations, where training must be adapted to multiple departments or compliance needs. It was clear from multiple reviews that users didn’t feel left on their own once the platform was live.
A few reviewers mentioned that certain workflows felt more complicated than they needed to be. While the platform is powerful, I saw some users describe the learning curve as steep, particularly for first-time admins. A handful of reviews suggested that the interface could benefit from being more intuitive. These comments didn’t suggest anything was broken, just that simplicity could go further to support daily use.
The phishing simulation also received mixed reviews. While the phishing modules were praised by some users, others said they lacked the variety or realism they were hoping for. A few reviewers said that the simulated emails didn’t fully reflect modern phishing tactics or that their teams stopped taking the tests seriously after repeated exposure.
Another limitation I came across was the user interface. Although "easy to use” appeared in positive feedback, quite a few users flagged the UI. Specifically, reviewers pointed out that some screens felt dated, and others wished the navigation were simpler.
MetaCompliance is a strong choice for organizations that want engaging security content, detailed reporting, and dedicated customer support, all in one platform built for scale.
“One of the best things about MetaCompliance Security Awareness Training is how engaging and amusing the content is. Their Cyber Police series is so well done that you could binge-watch it like any other series on Netflix! The videos are short, to the point, and keep you entertained while delivering important security awareness lessons. Plus, at the end of each video, there’s a quick quiz to ensure employees paid attention and actually understood the material. It’s an effective and enjoyable way to improve cybersecurity awareness across the organization! Customer support is amazing. We couldn't be happier with Conor O'Brien, who is our Customer Success Manager.”
- MetaCompliance Security Awareness Training Review, Daria M.
“I sometimes struggle with creating a phishing test for the domains, ensuring added emails won't be blocked.”
- MetaCompliance Security Awareness Training Review, Jason B.
Hacker Rangers is a security awareness training platform designed to help employees develop everyday cybersecurity habits through engaging, gamified content. The tool is widely used by IT and software companies, with 66% of users in the mid-market segment.
A lot of reviews talked about how fun and accessible the training is. The platform uses storytelling and animated videos to make lessons feel like part of an interactive journey rather than just another compliance task. G2 users liked how Hacker Rangers made it easier to connect abstract cybersecurity topics to real situations. This kind of engagement seems to work well across different roles and departments, especially for teams that don’t deal with security daily.
I was also impressed by the number of people who said how easy it is to understand across languages. Several users noted that the platform is simple to follow, even for non-technical staff, and works well in different linguistic contexts. It supports multiple languages, which likely helps companies roll it out across global or regional teams.
The content itself got a lot of praise, too. Users stated that the materials were well-structured, up to date, and relevant. The modules seem to strike a good balance between simplicity and relevance, making them accessible without losing depth. Topics like phishing, information security, and day-to-day cyber hygiene were mentioned frequently, and users appreciated that the training didn’t feel overly technical.
However, I did see a few mentions of repetition. Some users felt that the training could become a bit predictable over time, especially for employees going through multiple cycles. This wasn’t flagged as a major issue and isn’t new in this space, but something to consider if you’re looking for novelty with each rollout.
A couple of reviewers also wished the platform had more customization options. Things like tailoring modules to internal policies or adjusting the training paths weren’t always possible. I got the sense that it’s designed more for simplicity than flexibility.
Reporting and analytics didn’t come up as frequently, but where they did, users seemed to want more detailed visibility. It’s not that reporting was missing, just that it could offer deeper insights.
Hacker Rangers is a strong fit for teams that want to make security training fun, approachable, and easy to roll out, especially if they’re prioritizing engagement over complexity.
“Our employees really appreciated the interactive and gamified format. Many highlighted how accessible the content was, even for people without technical backgrounds. It made learning about cybersecurity enjoyable and approachable, which boosted engagement. Several teams even created friendly competitions around it!”
- Hacker Rangers Security Awareness Review, Emmanuel C.
“In my perception, some content seemed quite generic, and I also felt a lack of greater variety in the formats of the courses and quizzes, which sometimes become repetitive.”
- Hacker Rangers Security Awareness Review, Daniel Z.
Proofpoint Security Awareness Training helps organizations educate employees on real-world cyber threats by combining threat intelligence with phishing simulations and role-based learning. It’s widely used across financial services, healthcare, and IT, with 55% of users in the enterprise segment and 40% in mid-market, according to the G2 Grid Report.
I came across multiple comments about how straightforward it was to roll out sessions across large teams, especially with the help of pre-built templates and support from customer success reps.
Phishing simulations were frequently called out as a core strength. Users said there were a wide variety of templates to choose from and appreciated how the system supported evolving phishing tactics. I read several reviews noting that Proofpoint’s templates helped simulate real-world threats and made it easier to drive behavior change across departments.
The content library received strong praise, too. According to G2 reviewers, the platform provides a broad selection of training modules across different topics and roles. I also noticed consistent mentions of support for multiple languages, which helps teams deliver content that’s accessible across regions and departments. For companies with multilingual users, this seems to be a helpful feature.
Scheduling and campaign setup were also features highlighted positively. Several users said they liked being able to plan campaigns in advance using built-in tools and appreciated how the scheduling process reduced their admin workload.
Customization was one area where users wanted more flexibility. A number of G2 reviews had the desire to personalize dashboards, tailor training modules to specific teams, or generate consolidated reports that brought together phishing, training, and user risk data. It sounds like some teams needed more visibility or control than what was available out of the box.
I also read a few reviews from users in non-English-speaking regions who said translation quality is something that could be improved. While the platform supports a range of languages, there were occasional notes about inconsistency or awkward phrasing in certain training modules. This wasn’t raised as a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind for global rollouts.
Proofpoint is a solid pick for companies looking for a structured, scalable training platform that’s informed by real-world threat intelligence and built for large, distributed teams.
“The product is easy to deploy and effective at engaging a user audience. The reporting provides valuable insight into where the gaps are in security awareness. The phishing simulations are particularly good.”
- Proofpoint Security Awareness Training Review, Donna G.
“If I have to pick one thing, it would be the complication of the setup. But this also is why it is so adaptable and customizable.”
- Proofpoint Security Awareness Training Review, Dylan M.
Got more questions? We have the answers.
Hoxhunt, SoSafe, and KnowBe4 are among the most user-friendly options for large organizations. According to the G2 Grid Report, Hoxhunt has the highest enterprise adoption (74%) among these tools. Its inbox-based delivery keeps training seamless for employees. SoSafe supports multilingual learning with intuitive navigation, and KnowBe4 offers automation and scalability without overcomplicating the user experience. All three are frequently praised in reviews for reducing friction during rollout and making security training easier to follow across large teams.
Based on G2 usage data, Arctic Wolf, MetaCompliance, and Proofpoint are top choices for mid-sized companies. Arctic Wolf leads with 77% mid-market adoption and offers inbox-based training. MetaCompliance supports compliance-focused training at scale, and Proofpoint stands out for its easy campaign scheduling and extensive phishing simulation options.
KnowBe4, Hoxhunt, SoSafe, and MetaCompliance are consistently recognized as leading providers. These platforms offer a full range of features, including phishing simulations, behavior scoring, compliance tracking, and multilingual content, all backed by high user satisfaction on G2.
The top security awareness platforms for corporate environments include MetaCompliance, Proofpoint, and KnowBe4. MetaCompliance offers policy alignment and structured content tailored to regulatory needs. Proofpoint brings in threat intelligence and large-scale campaign management. KnowBe4 is known for robust simulations and enterprise-grade scalability, making it a reliable choice across large organizations.
According to user feedback on G2, Hoxhunt and Hacker Rangers are the highest-rated security training apps among end users. Hoxhunt gamifies phishing detection and embeds training directly into the inbox, making participation effortless. Hacker Rangers engages users with animated scenarios and multilingual modules designed for all roles. Both tools earn high praise for making training interactive and enjoyable.
Effectiveness often comes down to behavior change. KnowBe4, SoSafe, and Arctic Wolf earned strong reviews for phishing simulation accuracy, adaptive training content, and real-time feedback. These platforms are designed to build lasting awareness, not just check compliance boxes.
If you’re training teams on phishing, credential theft, and insider threats, Proofpoint, SoSafe, and Hoxhunt offer highly relevant content. Proofpoint simulates emerging threats using real-world templates. SoSafe provides frequent, short lessons backed by multilingual support. Hoxhunt personalizes training by tracking user behavior and delivering feedback after every phishing test.
SoSafe, Hacker Rangers, and Arctic Wolf are solid picks for smaller teams looking to build strong security habits without overwhelming their resources. These platforms offer microlearning modules, multilingual support, and engaging content that keeps users interested. Their straightforward rollout processes also make it easier for smaller teams to launch and manage training without heavy admin work.
Based on G2 reviews and usage data, Hoxhunt and Hacker Rangers are among the top recommended platforms for those in tech. Hoxhunt keeps employees engaged with interactive, inbox-based phishing challenges, while Hacker Rangers uses animated storytelling to explain security concepts in a way that’s both simple and memorable. Both platforms stand out for making training feel like part of the workflow rather than a time-consuming task.
Finding the best security awareness training software isn’t just about checking off a compliance box; it’s about choosing a solution your team will actually engage with. Whether you prioritize gamification, localization, phishing simulations, or content variety, the tools featured here reflect what real users on G2 are saying works in the field.
At the end of the day, the best fit comes down to your team’s size, technical comfort level, and how you want to deliver training: short videos, inbox modules, or something in between. And with cybersecurity threats growing more sophisticated every day, now’s a good time to go beyond awareness and build lasting behavior change.
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