--- description: "Abnormal Security vs Proofpoint Essentials: Which solution wins in 2026? Compare pricing, features, and analyst ratings side-by-side to find the best Email Security Software for your business." --- [Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) > [Email Security Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/email-security-software/) > [Abnormal Security](https://www.selecthub.com/p/email-security-software/abnormal-security/) > Abnormal Security vs Proofpoint Essentials # Abnormal Security vs Proofpoint Essentials Last Updated: November 2nd, 2026 We compared **[Abnormal Security](https://www.selecthub.com/p/email-security-software/abnormal-security/)** vs. **[Proofpoint Essentials](https://www.selecthub.com/p/email-security-software/proofpoint-essentials/)** to help you decide which product makes more sense for you. Our comparison is based on proprietary **[Email Security Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/email-security-software/)** data from our **[software selection platform](https://www.selecthub.com/about/start-free-selection-project-site/?category=Email+Security+Software&cta=email-security-software)**, user reviews and publicly available information about each product’s features and pricing. [Overview](#product-overview) [Pricing](#product-pricing) [Our Review](#product-analyst-summary) [User Ratings](#user-sentiment-section) [Features](#product-benefits-features) [Analyst Ratings](#analyst-rating-section) [Comparison Charts](#product-comparison-charts) [Screenshots](#product-screenshots) Remove Add to Compare [![Abnormal Security Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/9061cb6ece930b623c92d43061cca24e-5b082b3b30b7303975e17734bbf81606/resources/normal/logo.png?1725661883)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/email-security-software/abnormal-security/) [![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg)](#awards-section) Remove Add to Compare [![Proofpoint Essentials Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/e642e53491d96d64124a4d5800c43b5f-3561269611e49096bb90c43cad57f256/resources/normal/logo.png?1725662232)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/email-security-software/proofpoint-essentials/) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Email+Security+Software&product_name=Abnormal%2BSecurity&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F9061cb6ece930b623c92d43061cca24e-5b082b3b30b7303975e17734bbf81606%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1725661883) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Email+Security+Software&product_name=Abnormal%2BSecurity&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F9061cb6ece930b623c92d43061cca24e-5b082b3b30b7303975e17734bbf81606%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1725661883)    [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Email+Security+Software&product_name=Abnormal%2BSecurity&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F9061cb6ece930b623c92d43061cca24e-5b082b3b30b7303975e17734bbf81606%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1725661883&price=5) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Email+Security+Software&product_name=Abnormal%2BSecurity&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F9061cb6ece930b623c92d43061cca24e-5b082b3b30b7303975e17734bbf81606%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1725661883&price=5) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Email+Security+Software&product_name=Proofpoint%2BEssentials&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fe642e53491d96d64124a4d5800c43b5f-3561269611e49096bb90c43cad57f256%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1725662232) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Email+Security+Software&product_name=Proofpoint%2BEssentials&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fe642e53491d96d64124a4d5800c43b5f-3561269611e49096bb90c43cad57f256%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1725662232)    [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Email+Security+Software&product_name=Proofpoint%2BEssentials&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fe642e53491d96d64124a4d5800c43b5f-3561269611e49096bb90c43cad57f256%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1725662232&price=1) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Email+Security+Software&product_name=Proofpoint%2BEssentials&product_logo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fe642e53491d96d64124a4d5800c43b5f-3561269611e49096bb90c43cad57f256%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1725662232&price=1) ### Products Insights Overall Rating Comparison [Analyst RatingAbnormal Security - Analyst Score: 74 out of 100 74 Detailed Analysis](#analyst-rating-section) [User Sentiment![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) (18 Reviews)](#user-sentiment-section) [Analyst RatingProofpoint Essentials - Analyst Score: 80 out of 100 80 Detailed Analysis](#analyst-rating-section) [User Sentiment![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (106 Reviews)](#user-sentiment-section) Price Starts From $87,000 Annually Free Trial is unavailable → $1.65/User, Monthly [Free Trial is available →]() Pros What we like about Abnormal Security and Proofpoint Essentials: - Behavioral AI catches sophisticated phishing, BEC, and account takeover attempts that slip past traditional filters - Setup is simple and integrates with Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace without MX record changes - Automated detection and response frees up IT time and reduces manual triage work - Users find the dashboard intuitive and easy for security teams to navigate - Predictive URL Defense isolates suspicious links and helps stop phishing before users click - One-Click Message Pull lets admins quickly remove harmful emails from user inboxes - Tight Microsoft 365 integration makes deployment quick for small and mid-sized teams - Customizable filtering policies let you tune protection to your specific needs Cons What we dislike about Abnormal Security and Proofpoint Essentials: - Users find the pricing expensive compared to competing email security tools on the market - The plugin for detecting compromised user accounts has accuracy issues some reviewers flag - Source material focuses on enterprise scenarios and offers less detail for very small teams - Lacks the multi-tenant management features that managed service providers often need - URL defense can break DKIM signatures and cause legitimate emails to land in spam - Archiving features may fall short for businesses with strict data retention rules - Deployment on Google Workspace is reportedly more difficult than on Microsoft 365 - Lacks internal email scanning, leaving you exposed to threats that originate inside the company ### Our Review **Bottom line:** Abnormal Security and Proofpoint Essentials both stop phishing and business email compromise, but they target different buyers. Abnormal Security fits large enterprises that want AI-driven behavioral analysis. Proofpoint Essentials fits small and mid-sized Microsoft 365 shops that want solid protection at a low entry price. Abnormal Security uses behavioral AI to model how your employees normally communicate, then flags anomalies that look like account takeover or vendor email compromise. Users praise its threat detection and easy rollout, since it doesn't need MX record changes. The tradeoff is cost. Some users find the pricing steep for what they get. Proofpoint Essentials leans on multi-layered detection, Predictive URL Defense, and One-Click Message Pull. It's a good fit if you live in Microsoft 365 and want centralized policy control without a dedicated security team. Users on Google Workspace report a harder time getting it set up. On pricing, Abnormal Security starts at $87,000 per year, while Proofpoint Essentials starts at $1.65 per user per month. The billing units differ, so don't read those numbers as a head-to-head. Abnormal Security is quoted at the contract level for larger deployments, while Proofpoint Essentials scales by seat for smaller ones. If you're an enterprise where sophisticated phishing and BEC are your top worry, and you can absorb the cost, Abnormal Security is the stronger pick. If you're a smaller Microsoft 365 shop that needs reliable filtering, URL defense, and quick admin tools, Proofpoint Essentials lines up better. Buyers needing strong archiving or internal email scanning should weigh those gaps before choosing Proofpoint. ### Analyst Rating Summary Overall Scores Based on the research and analysis by SelectHub's team of research analysts, Abnormal Security has an analyst rating of 74. By comparison Proofpoint Essentials has an analyst rating of 80. Abnormal Security - Analyst Score: 74 out of 100 74 Proofpoint Essentials - Analyst Score: 80 out of 100 80 Features Comparison **Email Encryption and Data Loss Prevention (DLP)** Protects sensitive data by preventing unauthorized access and exfiltration, ensuring confidentiality and compliance. 63 96 **Email Filtering and Protection** Blocks spam, phishing, and malware, safeguarding users and networks from malicious email-borne threats. 100 100 **Platform Capabilities** Provides the infrastructure and tools for effective email threat detection, prevention, and management. 67 100 Show More [Show More]() Strengths The best features of Abnormal Security and Proofpoint Essentials as judged by user reviews and analyst validation. Email Filtering and Protection Integrations Reporting Threat Intelligence and Response User Authentication and Management Email Filtering and Protection Platform Capabilities Reporting Threat Intelligence and Response Email Encryption and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) ### Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data [Customize This Data]() How Abnormal Security and Proofpoint Essentials compare against the top 6 functional requirements as defined by SelectHub project data. *Abnormal Security Proofpoint Essentials + Add Product [+ Add Product]()* Email Encryption and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Email Filtering AndProtection Platform Capabilities Reporting Threat IntelligenceAnd Response User AuthenticationAnd Management 63 100 67 100 100 100 96 100 100 100 97 90 0 25 50 75 100 Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Read more **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Email Encryption And Data Loss Prevention (DLP)** Protects sensitive data by preventing unauthorized access and exfiltration, ensuring confidentiality and compliance. *63%* *0%* *37%* *100%* *0%* *0%* **Email Filtering And Protection** Blocks spam, phishing, and malware, safeguarding users and networks from malicious email-borne threats. *100%* *0%* *0%* *100%* *0%* *0%* **Platform Capabilities** Provides the infrastructure and tools for effective email threat detection, prevention, and management. *67%* *0%* *33%* *100%* *0%* *0%* **Reporting** Provides insights into email security trends and threats, enabling informed decision-making and improved security posture. *100%* *0%* *0%* *100%* *0%* *0%* **Threat Intelligence And Response** Proactively identifies and mitigates emerging email threats, minimizing their impact on organizations. *100%* *0%* *0%* *100%* *0%* *0%* **User Authentication And Management** Controls access to email systems, preventing unauthorized use and protecting sensitive information. *100%* *0%* *0%* *75%* *25%* *0%* **Customize This Data For Your Unique Needs** and compare feature capabilities head-to-head CUSTOMIZE NOW [CUSTOMIZE NOW]() ### Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data [Customize This Data]() Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Read more **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Integrations** Connects email security software with other security tools, enhancing threat visibility and automating response workflows for comprehensive protection. *100%* *0%* *0%* *83%* *0%* *17%* **Requirements Summary** Of typical requirements, 90% are fully supported out of the box by Abnormal Security including Email Filtering And Protection, Integrations and Reporting. Proofpoint Essentials supports 85% and excels at Email Filtering And Protection, Platform Capabilities and Reporting. Abnormal Security has an analyst rating of 74 and a user sentiment rating of 'excellent' based on 18 reviews, while Proofpoint Essentials has an analyst rating of 80 and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 106 reviews. ### User Sentiment Summary Abnormal Security has a user sentiment rating of 98 based on 18 reviews. Proofpoint Essentials has a user sentiment rating of 84 based on 106 reviews. ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 18 reviews ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 106 reviews Synopsis Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. 98% *of users recommend this product* Abnormal Security has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 98% when considering 18 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites. 84% *of users recommend this product* Proofpoint Essentials has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 84% when considering 106 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites. User Review Scores**G2.com, Inc** n/a **3.9** (22) **Gartner, Inc** n/a **4.4** (74) **TrustRadius** **4.9** (18) **3.6** (10) ### Awards SelectHub awards earned by these products based on a comprehensive analysis by our research analysts. Abnormal Security stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite. ![User Favorite Award](<> "User Favorite Award") No awards. ### Product Assistance Training Resources Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Help Desk Knowledge Base Tickets Training 24/7 Live Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Help Desk Knowledge Base Tickets Training 24/7 Live Support ### Product Basics Company Size i Small Medium Large Small Medium Large Platforms Supported Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Deployment Supported Cloud On-Premise Mobile Cloud On-Premise Mobile Comparison of Top Alternatives [Abnormal Security Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/email-security-software/abnormal-security/alternatives/) [Proofpoint Essentials Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/email-security-software/proofpoint-essentials/alternatives/) ### Screenshots ![Screenshots]() ![Screenshots]() ### Key Features - **Behavioral AI** – Machine learning models employee communication patterns and flags anomalies that point to phishing, BEC, or account takeover. - **VendorBase** – A database of trusted vendors helps spot vendor email compromise by checking sender behavior against known relationships. - **Account takeover protection** – Watches login activity and unusual access patterns to catch compromised accounts before attackers can act. - **Automated response** – Quarantines malicious emails and blocks compromised accounts without waiting for an admin to step in. - **URL Defense** – Predictive URL analysis checks links in real time and blocks access to malicious sites before users open them. - **Spam filtering** – Algorithms cut down inbox clutter and reduce exposure to malicious mail across the organization. - **One-Click Message Pull** – Admins can yank suspicious emails out of user inboxes after delivery with a single action. - **Multi-tenant management** – Supports MSPs and parent organizations that need to manage email security for multiple clients from one console. ### Top Alternatives in Email Security Software [![Avanan Software Tool]()--- Avanan](https://www.selecthub.com/p/email-security-software/avanan/) [![Barracuda Email Protection Software Tool]()--- Barracuda Email Protection](https://www.selecthub.com/p/email-security-software/barracuda-email-protection/) [![Cisco Secure Email Software Tool]()--- Cisco Secure Email](https://www.selecthub.com/p/email-security-software/cisco-secure-email/) [![Coro Email Protection Software Tool]()--- Coro Email Protection](https://www.selecthub.com/p/email-security-software/coro-email-protection/) [![Egress Intelligent Email Security Software Tool]()--- Egress Intelligent Email Security](https://www.selecthub.com/p/email-security-software/egress-intelligent-email-security/) [![FortiMail Software Tool]()--- FortiMail](https://www.selecthub.com/p/email-security-software/fortimail/) [![Graphus Software Tool]()--- Graphus](https://www.selecthub.com/p/email-security-software/graphus/) [![Harmony Email \& Collaboration Software Tool]()--- Harmony Email & Collaboration](https://www.selecthub.com/p/email-security-software/harmony-email-and-collaboration/) [![Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Software Tool]()--- Microsoft Defender for Office 365](https://www.selecthub.com/p/email-security-software/microsoft-defender-for-office-365/) [![Mimecast Advanced Email Security Software Tool]()--- Mimecast Advanced Email Security](https://www.selecthub.com/p/email-security-software/mimecast-advanced-email-security/) [![Proofpoint Essentials Software Tool]()--- Proofpoint Essentials](https://www.selecthub.com/p/email-security-software/proofpoint-essentials/) [![Retarus Email Continuity Software Tool]()--- Retarus Email Continuity](https://www.selecthub.com/p/email-security-software/retarus-email-continuity/) [![RMail Software Tool]()--- RMail](https://www.selecthub.com/p/email-security-software/rmail/) [![Sophos Email Software Tool]()--- Sophos Email](https://www.selecthub.com/p/email-security-software/sophos-email/) [![Trustifi Software Tool]()--- Trustifi](https://www.selecthub.com/p/email-security-software/trustifi/) ### Head-to-Head Comparison ![Abnormal Security Software Tool]() ![Avanan Software Tool]() [Abnormal Security VS Avanan](https://www.selecthub.com/email-security-software/abnormal-security-vs-avanan/) ![Abnormal Security Software Tool]() ![Barracuda Email Protection Software Tool]() [Abnormal Security VS Barracuda Email Protection](https://www.selecthub.com/email-security-software/abnormal-security-vs-barracuda-email-protection/) ![Abnormal Security Software Tool]() ![Cisco Secure Email Software Tool]() [Abnormal Security VS Cisco Secure Email](https://www.selecthub.com/email-security-software/abnormal-security-vs-cisco-secure-email/) ![Abnormal Security Software Tool]() ![FortiMail Software Tool]() [Abnormal Security VS FortiMail](https://www.selecthub.com/email-security-software/abnormal-security-vs-fortimail/) ![Abnormal Security Software Tool]() ![Graphus Software Tool]() [Abnormal Security VS Graphus](https://www.selecthub.com/email-security-software/abnormal-security-vs-graphus/) ![Abnormal Security Software Tool]() ![Ironscales Software Tool]() [Abnormal Security VS Ironscales](https://www.selecthub.com/email-security-software/abnormal-security-vs-ironscales/) ![Abnormal Security Software Tool]() ![Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Software Tool]() [Abnormal Security VS Microsoft Defender for Office 365](https://www.selecthub.com/email-security-software/abnormal-security-vs-microsoft-defender-for-office-365/) ![Abnormal Security Software Tool]() ![Proofpoint Essentials Software Tool]() [Abnormal Security VS Proofpoint Essentials](https://www.selecthub.com/email-security-software/abnormal-security-vs-proofpoint-essentials/) ![Abnormal Security Software Tool]() ![RMail Software Tool]() [Abnormal Security VS RMail](https://www.selecthub.com/email-security-software/abnormal-security-vs-rmail/) ![Abnormal Security Software Tool]() ![Trustifi Software Tool]() [Abnormal Security VS Trustifi](https://www.selecthub.com/email-security-software/abnormal-security-vs-trustifi/) ![Abnormal Security Software Tool]() ![Vade Software Tool]() [Abnormal Security VS Vade](https://www.selecthub.com/email-security-software/abnormal-security-vs-vade/) ![Abnormal Security Software Tool]() ![Valimail Software Tool]() [Abnormal Security VS Valimail](https://www.selecthub.com/email-security-software/abnormal-security-vs-valimail/) **About SelectHub (and our data)** We’re the employee-owned Austin-based startup democratizing software data so you can make your decisions in an influence-free zone. Our market data is crowdsourced from our user-base of 100,000+ companies. WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more... ![SelectHub Products Reporting and Analytics]() [Build Your Requirements](https://pmo.selecthub.com/software-requirements/?category=Email%20Security%20Software&campaign_name=Email%20Security%20Requirements) ![SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide]() [Get Your Free Comparison Report](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Email%20Security%20Software) **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor with or without any additional cost. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. Requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. 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