If you work in IT, security, or systems administration, you know that email is a critical (and very problematic) entry point for both threats and human errors. And, although many software programs promise total protection, the truth is that these do not always fully meet what a company needs; sometimes due to price, other times because of complexity… or simply because they don’t scale well.
Mimecast Email Security is one of the major references in this field. The popular email security solution offers a very complete range of features, including advanced threat protection, cloud archiving, and very useful continuity functions.
Which option to choose?
What is Mimecast?
Mimecast’s offering focuses on providing a cloud platform that integrates email security, data archiving, and operational continuity. Its flagship product, Advanced Email Security, uses artificial intelligence to detect and block threats such as phishing, ransomware, and identity spoofing. Additionally, after the acquisition of Code42 in 2024, it offers training tools for security awareness and internal risk management.
It is noteworthy that Mimecast does not publish standard pricing, as it offers personalized quotes according to each company’s needs. However, it is estimated that the average cost is around €5/user per month for annual commitments of at least 250 users, which equals about €60/user per year (the price may vary depending on the country, distributor, and added features). Furthermore, Mimecast Email Security offers a 30-day free trial with no need to enter payment details, allowing evaluation of the product before making a final decision.
Why look for an alternative to Mimecast?
Mimecast Email Security stands out as a very complete solution, combining gateway security, protection against advanced threats, long-term archiving, and an emergency inbox in a single cloud platform, which, for many companies, is a huge advantage. But there are also aspects that may clash with the needs of certain teams.
For example, the learning curve of its console is not exactly smooth, and new administrators often need considerable external help to fine-tune policies and manage queues of withheld mail.
Another point that can generate frustration is the noise from false positives. According to some Gartner reviews, there are companies that have to manually review legitimate emails blocked by the service, which slows down workflow and complicates the day-to-day of small teams.
Added to that is an opaque pricing model, as, depending on the distributor or country, the cost can vary considerably. Also, many times it is necessary to negotiate user bands and features that are not clearly explained from the start.
For these reasons, it makes perfect sense to consider alternatives. Some tools offer more accessible proposals, others improve the administration experience or simply fit better within certain company structures.
In this guide, we will review options that position themselves both as direct competitors to Mimecast and as solutions that bet on a more flexible or scalable approach. All aimed at helping you find the tool that really fits what your company needs.
Comparison Table: What differentiates each solution?
| Mimecast Email Security | ~60 €/user/year (estimate, depending on contract and volume) | Advanced threat protection, cloud archiving | Companies looking for a robust, scalable all-in-one solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Defender for Office 365 | ~22 €/user/year (Plan 1) | Native integration with Microsoft 365, anti-phishing protection | Organizations already using Microsoft 365 seeking simplicity |
| Proofpoint Essentials | ~34.54 €/user/year (Business) | Advanced threat detection, user risk scoring | SMBs wanting effective protection and clear management |
| Cisco Secure Email | Custom pricing (depending on Essentials, Advantage, or Premier package) | Reputation-based protection and DLP, integration with Cisco Talos | Medium and large companies with flexible security needs |
| Barracuda Email Protection | ~60 €/user/year (estimate, depending on volume) | Post-delivery protection, integration with XDR | Companies managed by MSPs or valuing predictable models |
| Trend Micro Email Security | ~59 €/user/year (estimate, from 6 €/user/month for +300) | AI-driven BEC detection, integration with XDR | Companies seeking advanced protection and centralized management |
1. Microsoft Defender for Office 365 – Ideal if you already work with Microsoft 365
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is probably the most direct (and convenient) alternative for those who already use Microsoft 365. Unlike Mimecast, which works as an external solution, Defender integrates natively with Outlook, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams.
Its deep integration in the Microsoft ecosystem allows it to be deployed effortlessly and take advantage of the security policies already configured in Intune or Entra ID. Additionally, its prices are considerably lower than Mimecast’s, especially if you already have a Microsoft 365 license.
We recommend its use for companies that already use Microsoft 365 as the core of their infrastructure. If you don’t want to add more administration panels, are looking for something that works from the first minute, and don’t need archiving or mail continuity in the same package, Defender fits perfectly.
Key features of Microsoft Defender for Office 365
- Protection against phishing, malware, malicious links, and dangerous attachments.
- Message tracking to investigate and analyze suspicious emails.
- Native integration with mail, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
- Real-time analysis with artificial intelligence.
- Attack simulation and threat hunting (Plan 2 only).
- Automated response playbooks that speed up threat containment.
Pros and Cons of Microsoft Defender for Office 365
| Very competitive price, especially in Microsoft environments. | Does not provide real value if you use Google Workspace or other platforms. |
|---|---|
| Simple activation, no installations or external integrations needed. | Advanced features (simulations, threat hunting) require the most expensive plan. |
| Leverages the same identity and device policies already configured in Microsoft 365. | Does not include email archiving or operational continuity (you would need extra tools for that). |
Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plans and Pricing
- Plan 1 – approx. €1.85/user per month (€22.20/year): spam filter, Safe Links and Safe Attachments, anti-phishing protection.
- Plan 2 – approx. €4.65/user per month (€55.80/year): all the above + threat simulations, proactive hunting, and automated response.
2. Proofpoint Essentials – Designed for SMEs focused on targeted threats
Proofpoint Essentials is specifically designed for small and medium-sized businesses that need serious protection against advanced threats, but without the complexity of suites intended for large corporations.
Unlike Mimecast, Proofpoint emphasizes behavior-based and individual risk detection, using machine learning to identify attacks such as targeted phishing. Its interface is clean, intuitive, and allows fine-tuning policies without having to read hundred-page manuals. However, if you plan to add awareness training or archiving, prepare the budget.
Its use is highly recommended for SMEs that need a solid solution for targeted threats, with good visibility into what is happening in the email environment. Ideal for companies that value a clear interface, good filtering capabilities, and flexibility to adapt protection to different roles or departments.
Key Features of Proofpoint Essentials
- Advanced detection engine with artificial intelligence and behavioral analysis.
- User risk scoring system (“people-risk scoring”).
- Filters for spam, malware, and malicious attachments.
- Granular management of quarantines and policies by group or individual.
- Email continuity during primary server outages.
Pros and cons of Proofpoint Essentials
| Excellent detection: stands out in independent rankings like VBSpam. | Archiving and security training are contracted separately. |
|---|---|
| Very clear and easy-to-use interface, even for small teams. | Can be more expensive than Mimecast if you add all options. |
| Specific options for sectors with high exposure to threats (such as legal or financial). | Some premium features are only available in higher plans. |
Proofpoint Essentials Plans and Pricing
- Business (~€34.54): Basic protection with filters, DLP, and continuity.
- Business+ (~€38.30): Adds predictive URL defense and one-click recovery.
- Advanced (~€47.08): Includes encryption and social media protection.
- Advanced+ (~€58.48): Adds BEC detection and warning banners.
- Professional (~€66.80): Includes archiving and advanced protection.
- Professional+ (~€78.20): The full package with all previous features.
Note: prices may vary depending on provider and region. Discounts available for over 100 users.
3. Cisco Secure Email – Strong in threat intelligence, ideal for Cisco environments
Cisco Secure Email is a robust solution that is part of Cisco’s cybersecurity ecosystem. It relies on an XaaS model (“everything as a service”) that allows organizations to adapt and scale the solution according to their needs, including from basic email protection to advanced layers with training and threat analysis.
Compared to MimeCast, Cisco stands out for its integration with products such as Duo, Umbrella, or SecureX, and for offering clearly differentiated packages covering various protection levels.
As for who can benefit from this software, we recommend Cisco Secure Email to medium or large companies that are already Cisco customers or are looking for a scalable platform that goes beyond email. It is ideal if you need to combine email protection with other security layers such as multifactor authentication, DNS protection, or staff awareness, all under the same technological umbrella.
Key features of Cisco Secure Email
- Protection against spam, malware, and graymail with reputation-based filtering.
- Malicious URL filtering and outbreak analysis.
- Data loss prevention (DLP) and email encryption (in advanced plans).
- Integration with Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense and awareness training (only in Premier package).
- Integration with Cisco Umbrella, Duo, and SecureX for deep defense.
Pros and cons of Cisco Secure Email
| Rapid threat detection thanks to reputation analysis and Cisco Talos data. | Initial setup can be complex if you are not familiar with the Cisco environment. |
|---|---|
| Well-integrated Cisco ecosystem for organizations already using its technology. | The management interface is less intuitive than other more modern options. |
| Scalable and flexible model, with packages that suit different maturity levels. | Advanced reports and security training are only included in higher-tier packages. |
Cisco Secure Email Plans and Pricing
Cisco offers three main packages under the XaaS subscription model:
- Essentials: protection against spam, malware, graymail, and URL threats.
- Advantage: adds DLP, outbound email encryption, and unrestricted malware analysis.
- Premier: includes all of the above plus Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense and awareness training.
Licenses are purchased per user, with durations of 1, 3, or 5 years and monthly, quarterly, annual, or full billing. Prices are not officially published and vary depending on the number of users and the contract duration. It is recommended to request a quote directly from Cisco.
4. Barracuda Email Protection – A Good Fit for MSPs and Companies Seeking Simplicity in Their Email
Barracuda Email Protection is a tool designed to simplify email security without sacrificing key features. It includes a secure gateway, post-delivery protection, and extended detection and response (XDR) capabilities that integrate with other Barracuda solutions.
Compared to Mimecast, it offers a more predictable experience for managed service providers (MSPs), and adds the option to include Microsoft 365 backup. That said, its graphical interface is somewhat outdated and archiving is only available in the highest-tier plans.
It is ideal for companies looking for a clear solution without surprises in pricing, especially if they work with an MSP or want to keep their email and backups under the same provider. It is also useful if you already use other Barracuda solutions and want to take advantage of platform integrations.
Key Features of Barracuda Email Protection
- Spam, malware, and phishing filter (full SEG).
- Post-delivery remediation of malicious emails.
- Integration with Barracuda’s XDR solutions.
- Protection against advanced threats with sandboxing.
- Option to add Microsoft 365 backup.
Pros and Cons of Barracuda Email Protection
| Stable and predictable pricing, especially for MSPs. | Although stable, prices are not public. |
|---|---|
| Optional backup for Microsoft 365. | The administration portal has an outdated design. |
| Easy-to-understand layered protection model. | Archiving features are only unlocked in Premium plans. |
Barracuda Email Protection Plans and Pricing
Barracuda does not publish fixed rates, but according to industry sources:
Approximate average cost:
€5/user per month (€60/year).Available plans:
Advanced: basic email protection features.
Premium: adds archiving and more management options.
Premium Plus: full security, continuity, and compliance features.
Free trial: 14 days.
5. Trend Micro Email Security – Strong in BEC and Focused on Integration
Trend Micro Email Security takes a layered approach, combining artificial intelligence, sandboxing, and URL reputation to detect sophisticated threats. It stands out for its ability to identify BEC (business email compromise) emails, a type of increasingly common attack.
Compared to Mimecast, it offers a single console that can be integrated with other Trend Micro security solutions, such as web or endpoint protection. That said, its credit-based licensing system can be confusing, and it does not have a native continuity inbox.
Its ideal use case would be organizations concerned about advanced threats like BEC, seeking a powerful solution with a modular focus. Very useful if you already use or plan to use other Trend Micro products, as the unified console allows for a more complete and simplified view of the security environment. Ideal for medium-sized environments with technical teams who can take advantage of its more advanced features.
Key Features of Trend Micro Email Security
- BEC detection through behavioral analysis and AI.
- Sandbox to analyze suspicious attachments before delivery.
- Optional integration with Trend Micro’s XDR platform.
- Protection against phishing, malware, and malicious links.
- Unified console for email, web, and endpoint (when used in conjunction with other Trend Micro products).
Pros and cons of Trend Micro Email Security
| Excellent detection rate for BEC-type attacks. | The credit-based licensing system can cause confusion. |
|---|---|
| Centralized console that allows managing multiple layers of security. | Does not include an integrated continuity inbox. |
| Good integration with Trend Micro’s XDR platform. | Some advanced features require deeper technical configuration. |
Trend Micro Email Security Plans and Pricing
- Estimated average price: ~€59/user per year (can drop to €6/user per month for 300 users or more).
- License model: credit-based by feature, which can vary the cost depending on usage and the contracted package.
- Free trial: available upon request.
Category Comparison: What is the best alternative to Mimecast for each function?
| — | — | | Trend Micro Email Security – Its modular approach allows adjustment according to the protection level you need. | | | Security and Compliance | Proofpoint Essentials – Advanced detection, good track record in independent tests, and support for DLP. | | Trend Micro Email Security – Strong ability to block BEC threats and good compliance control. | | | Ease of Use | Microsoft Defender for Office 365 – Fully integrated into Microsoft 365, activates in just a few clicks. | | Proofpoint Essentials – Clear and friendly interface, designed for teams without extensive technical resources. | | | Customization | Cisco Secure Email – Thanks to its XaaS model and the three available packages, it allows a high degree of adaptation. | | Trend Micro Email Security – Offers many integration options and adjustments based on the type of threat. | | | Scalability | Cisco Secure Email – Its service-oriented approach and different licenses make it ideal for complex and growing environments. | | Microsoft Defender for Office 365 – Scales naturally with the growth of the Microsoft environment. | | | Price | Microsoft Defender for Office 365 – By far the most affordable option if you’re already using Microsoft 365. | | Proofpoint Essentials – Second lowest starting price, with progressive and clear plans for SMEs. | |
Quick guide to help you decide: Continue with Mimecast or try another alternative?
Teams with limited budgets
If your budget is tight, Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is hard to beat. For less than €2/user per month, you can protect emails, links, and files without complications, especially if you already use Microsoft 365. Also, Proofpoint Essentials can fit well if you’re looking for a balance between cost and features without dealing with higher prices (although it increases if you choose one of the higher plans).
Large companies
Do you have multiple domains, complex hierarchies, and need a solution that scales well? Cisco Secure Email is ideal for this, as it integrates with other Cisco tools and offers solid protection with advanced configuration options. Trend Micro Email Security is also a good option if you want to cover more security layers (email, endpoint, web) from a single console.
Users who prioritize privacy
If you are concerned about targeted attacks, BEC, or insider risks, Proofpoint Essentials is a solid choice. Its behavior-based detection engine and user risk scoring system make a difference. Trend Micro, with its layered analysis and sandboxing approach, is also an excellent option to protect sensitive data.
Distributed or remote teams
For teams working from different locations, the ideal is to have a solution that is easy to deploy and manage remotely. Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is perfect for that, as it activates with a couple of clicks and integrates into the entire 365 environment. Proofpoint Essentials, with its clear dashboard and good policy control by group or person, also works very well for distributed structures.
What option to choose?
Conclusion: What solution do you need for your company?
If your team also needs backup or a more flexible billing model (like MSPs), Barracuda Email Protection might be just what you’re looking for. Does your company have a more technical approach or want to go beyond email and also protect endpoints and web browsing? In that case, Trend Micro Email Security offers powerful integration with its XDR ecosystem that can make a difference.
In short: there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It all depends on your budget, team size, technical environment, and priorities. Ideally, you try one or two options before deciding; the good thing is that most offer demos or free trials, so you can take your time. Finding a suitable alternative to Mimecast Email Security will not only improve security, it will also reduce operational burden and give the team peace of mind.