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Proofpoint alternatives depend on what you want to replace: email filtering, BEC protection, or controls for encrypted messages and files. In one Reddit thread, an O365 shop said Proofpoint blocked too much or too little and needed frequent manual adjustment. Avanan drew positive comments there, but other commenters also reported outages and email delays. We’d compare it with INKY and Abnormal AI for email threats, and consider Virtru or Paubox for more specific security needs. Prices and plan limits are not equally clear.
01Why people leave Proofpoint
Filtering misses the balance
One Reddit thread described Proofpoint as blocking too much or too little, leaving the team unsure it had found the right setting.
Too much manual adjustment
The same thread said Proofpoint required frequent manual tuning. Compare how each candidate handles the threats your team actually needs to manage.
Unclear buying and exit terms
Proofpoint’s listed starting price is $2.75, but enterprise buyers are advised to negotiate. Get the final price and exit terms in writing.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- API-connected email security
AvananAvananAvanan is worth comparing if your priority is email security plus inspection of SaaS files and chat, or post-delivery remediation. It was recommended by several commenters in a Reddit thread started by an O365 shop looking beyond Proofpoint; one commenter said their move went well. That is anecdotal, not a guarantee of fit or reliability.
Trade-off: Pricing and limits are not published; Reddit commenters also reported outages and email delays.
6.7/10from
Custom - Impersonation and malware
INKYINKYINKY is a candidate if you want broad email protection with a focus on impersonation and malware. That gives a buyer a different option to assess when Proofpoint’s filtering balance and manual adjustment are the sticking points. The listed price is not available, so request a quote and confirm which protections and limits it includes before comparing costs.
Trade-off: Price is not listed, and reports about support after the Kaseya acquisition are mixed.
6.6/10from
Custom - Behavioral BEC detection
Abnormal AIAbnormal AIAbnormal AI is a better fit to evaluate when business email compromise detection is the main reason to leave, rather than simply seeking another general email filter. Its listed focus also includes identity security and AI governance. Compare its coverage against your specific needs; the available listing flags URL-phishing trade-offs that call for careful evaluation.
Trade-off: Pricing is not listed, and URL-phishing trade-offs need careful review.
6.2/10from
Custom - Lower-cost email filtering
Proofpoint EssentialsProofpoint EssentialsProofpoint Essentials may suit teams that want to stay within the Proofpoint product family while seeking a lower listed entry price. It is positioned for business email security and includes Active Directory onboarding. The listed starting price is $1.65, but there is an eligibility catch, so confirm whether your organization qualifies before treating it as a cheaper replacement.
Trade-off: The entry price has an eligibility catch, and reports are mixed.
6.2/10from
$1.65/mo - Healthcare email and forms
PauboxPauboxPaubox is worth a look for healthcare teams using Google or Microsoft email that also want forms, inbound security, or archiving. That makes it a more specific fit than a general search for another Proofpoint filter. The price is not listed, and the available plan information includes a five-sender limit, so check the fit for your team size.
Trade-off: Pricing is not listed; one plan has a five-sender limit.
6.8/10from
Custom - Encrypted email and files
VirtruVirtruVirtru is an option when the gap is secure email and attachment handling, or broader secure file workflows—not necessarily a like-for-like replacement for email filtering. Its listed focus includes data-security controls and compliance features. The starting price is $119, so compare that cost with the specific controls you need and ask for full pricing details.
Trade-off: The listed $119 starting price is steep, and price transparency is limited.
6.0/10from
$119/mo
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Proofpoint Proofpoint (current) | 6.0 | $2.75/mo | No | Small businesses seeking email security |
| Avanan Avanan | 6.7 | Custom | No | Teams seeking API-connected email security |
| INKY INKY | 6.6 | Custom | No | Organizations needing broad email protection |
| Abnormal AI Abnormal AI | 6.2 | Custom | No | Teams prioritizing behavioral BEC detection |
| Proofpoint Essentials Proofpoint Essentials | 6.2 | $1.65/mo | No | Existing Essentials customers seeking lower pricing |
| Paubox Paubox | 6.8 | Custom | No | Healthcare teams using Google or Microsoft email |
| Virtru Virtru | 6.0 | $119/mo | No | Teams needing encrypted email and attachments |
Questions people ask
What is the best Proofpoint alternative for an O365 shop?
Avanan is one candidate to evaluate: it appeared in a Reddit thread started by an O365 shop looking to leave Proofpoint, and several commenters recommended it. That thread is not proof of a universal fit. Compare its API-connected email security, SaaS file and chat inspection, and post-delivery remediation against your needs; pricing and limits are not listed.
Which Proofpoint alternative has the clearest listed price?
Among these picks, Proofpoint Essentials lists a starting price of $1.65, while Virtru lists $119. Essentials has an eligibility catch, and Virtru’s price transparency is limited. Avanan, INKY, Abnormal AI, and Paubox do not have listed starting prices here. Confirm the eligible plan, limits, and full quote before comparing total costs.
What should we check before switching from Proofpoint?
First, write down which problem you are solving: filtering balance, manual adjustment, BEC detection, or secure email and files. Then confirm the replacement’s coverage, limits, support arrangements, price, and contract exit terms in writing. A Reddit thread reports both positive Avanan feedback and complaints about outages and delays, so assess reliability as well as features.