Top Phishing Simulation Software for Security Awareness Training for 2026

If your security awareness program still equates “phishing simulation” with nothing but tricky emails, you’re behind the threat curve. Attackers now mix voice (vishing), SMS (smishing), QR (quishing), and MFA-fatigue prompts with old-school email lures. The best phishing simulation software helps employees practice across all of those channels, produces actionable risk analytics for your security team, and fits your compliance model without creating more admin work.

Below is a practical, no-nonsense buyer’s guide to the top phishing simulation tools and platforms. We’ll start with Keepnet, then look at GoPhish, KnowBe4, Phishing Frenzy, Proofpoint, Mimecast, and—because they’re often mentioned—controversial offensive toolkits like PHPhisher, Evilginx2, and PhishX (with clear guidance on why they’re not appropriate for security awareness training programs).

Why organizations need phishing simulation

Security leaders type a lot of different queries when they’re narrowing down options—everything from “best phishing simulation tools” to “cloud-native phishing simulation software” and “phishing simulation platforms with real-time feedback.” The common thread is this: you want a solution that’s realistic, scalable, and safe.

What you actually need usually falls into five buckets:

1. Cross-channel realism: Email + SMS + voice + QR + MFA-fatigue.
2. Low lift, high signal: Automation for campaigns; phishing simulation reporting tools that roll up to risk dashboards your CISO can use.
3. Localization & inclusivity: Multi-language phishing simulation options and region-specific content for global teams.
4. Integrations: SSO/SCIM, SIEM/SOAR export, HRIS, LMS/SCORM (for security awareness training)—without a month of setup.
5. Governance: Clear legal/ethical boundaries, opt-outs for sensitive groups, data residency choices, and a managed phishing simulation service option.

TL;DR: The most effective phishing simulation platform is the one that trains people in the channels attackers are using today, not last decade.

How to choose a phishing simulation platform (short checklist)

• Channels: Do you need email phishing simulation, voice phishing, SMS phishing, QR phishing, and MFA-fatigue simulations?
• Real-time feedback: Can users get just-in-time, contextual coaching?
• AI & personalization: Can you run AI-powered phishing simulations that adapt to roles and languages?
• Admin time: Can you launch an on-demand phishing simulation in minutes, not days?
• Scale & security: Is it cloud-based, enterprise-ready, and auditable?
• Reporting: Does it ship top-rated phishing simulation dashboards for executives and enterprise phishing simulation platforms analytics for the SOC?
• Services: Is there a phishing simulation service / managed option if you’re resource-constrained?

The Top Phishing Simulation Tools Shortlist

Navigating the world of cybersecurity can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding the right tools to protect your organization. Phishing simulations are a significant component of a robust security awareness training program. This shortlist aims to simplify your search for the best phishing simulation tools available today.

Keepnet — Modern, multi-channel, and built for human risk reduction

If your goal is to move beyond “click rates” and actually reduce human risk, Keepnet is one of the few phishing simulation tool that was built for that end-to-end outcome. It stands out because it goes beyond email and makes voice, SMS, QR, and MFA-fatigue simulations first-class citizens—exactly where modern social-engineering lives.

Why teams pick Keepnet

• Cross-channel by design: Run realistic phishing simulation campaigns across email, SMS, voice (vishing), QR (quishing), and MFA prompts—so your program keeps pace with attackers.
• AI-driven personalization: Launch AI-powered phishing simulations that adapt to roles, languages, and local context without hand-crafting every lure.
• Localization at scale: Deep multi-language support and culture-aware templates help global organizations train fairly.
• Instant coaching: Real-time, in-moment nudges turn mistakes into micro-lessons, reinforcing behavior change.
• Actionable analytics: Go beyond vanity metrics with phishing simulation reporting tools that map to human-risk KPIs, departments, and trends.
• Flat, predictable economics: A single subscription that avoids the “add-on tax” many vendors apply for non-email channels.
• Enterprise foundations: SCIM/SSO, SIEM/SOAR integrations, SCORM, and data-residency options for regulated sectors.

Best for: Security leaders who want a human risk management approach, not just “gotcha emails,” and who need phishing simulations that mirror today’s mixed-channel attacks. It’s also a strong fit for teams seeking managed phishing simulation services without sacrificing control.

GoPhish — Open-source starter for labs and small pilots

GoPhish is a popular open-source phishing simulation tool used by researchers and small teams to learn the basics.

Pros

• Free to start; good for testing concepts in a lab.
• Simple campaigns for email phishing simulation.

Cons

• Self-hosting, patching, and security hardening are on you.
• Limited features for multi-language, voice/SMS/QR, executive dashboards, and compliance.
• Not ideal for global rollouts or enterprise-ready phishing simulation solutions.

Best for: Tinkerers and very small teams that want to experiment—then graduate to a managed, cloud-native phishing simulation software when they scale.

KnowBe4 — Big library, email-centric heritage

KnowBe4 has a content library and wide market recognition. It’s commonly used for email phishing simulation paired with e-learning.

Pros

• Lots of templates and training modules.
• Familiarity makes stakeholder buy-in easier.

Cons

• Historically email-centric; non-email channels typically require more work or extra products.
• Can feel heavy to administer for frequent, on-demand phishing simulation in multiple languages.
• Pricing can climb as you add features to match modern attacker channels.

Best for: Organizations that want a library and are primarily focused on email phishing simulation software, with moderate need for cross-channel campaigns.

Phishing Frenzy — Vintage open-source, more pentest than program

Phishing Frenzy is an older, Ruby-on-Rails, open-source framework. It has history in red-team workflows but isn’t actively positioned for large-scale security awareness training.

(Image alt text: Phishing Frenzy Phishing Simulation)

Pros

• Useful for learning mechanics in a contained environment.

Cons

• Aging codebase, maintenance overhead, and limited modern features (AI, SMS/voice/QR, dashboards).
• Not aligned with the governance controls most enterprises require.

Best for: Lab exploration—not a long-term phishing simulation platform for broad awareness programs.

Proofpoint — Enterprise ecosystem with email DNA

Proofpoint brings phishing simulation capabilities that plug into a large email security stack.

Pros

• Tight alignment with secure email gateways and threat intel.
• Familiar vendor for teams already standardized on Proofpoint.

Cons

• DNA is strongly email-first; cross-channel realism depends on add-ons and integration work.
• Admin surface can be complex for smaller teams.

Best for: Enterprises with an existing Proofpoint footprint that want to keep phishing simulations close to their email controls and reporting.

Mimecast — Awareness tied to the email boundary

Mimecast offers awareness training and phishing simulation features wrapped around its email security products.

Pros

• Clean alignment with email routing and policies.
• Consolidation benefits if you’re already a Mimecast shop.

Cons

• Emphasis on email; SMS, voice, QR, and MFA-fatigue may require third-party work or won’t feel native.
• Global localization and advanced AI-driven phishing simulation platforms capabilities may be limited compared to specialized vendors.

Best for: Organizations consolidating vendors and primarily training via email.

PYPhisher — Offensive toolkit, not for awareness programs

PYPhisher is code commonly used to spin up phishing pages for offensive testing in tightly controlled red-team labs. It is not designed for employee security awareness training.

Pros

• Can demonstrate phishing page mechanics in a lab by qualified professionals.
• Useful for limited proof-of-concept work under strict legal authorization.

Cons

• No governance features for training (consent, auditing, safe coaching, HR exclusions).
• High legal/ethical risk if used outside contracted tests; easy to breach policy/law.
• Lacks enterprise capabilities (SSO/SCIM, LMS/SCORM, executive dashboards, SOC exports).

Best for: Lawful, contracted red-team engagements in isolated environments—not security awareness programs.

PhishX — Offensive framework, not a training platform

PhishX is a toolkit that can generate phishing campaigns and templates, typically discussed in offensive contexts—not in employee training.

Pros

• Flexible campaign generation for expert testing under strict authorization.
• Can model varied lure types during controlled exercises.

Cons

• Missing enterprise training needs (governance, PII minimization, LMS/SCORM, SOC integrations).
• Significant compliance, privacy, and reputational risk if misused.
• No built-in real-time coaching or behavior-change analytics.

Best for: Contracted red-team work in a lab setting—not security awareness programs.

Feature-by-feature comparison of Best Phishing Simulation Tools

If you’re trying to figure out which phishing simulation tool is best, a detailed feature-by-feature comparison can really help. It’s all about seeing what each one offers and how that stacks up against your needs. This kind of breakdown ensures you pick the right tool to strengthen your organization’s defenses.

Cross-channel Phishing simulation (email + SMS + voice + QR + MFA)

Attackers blend channels. Your phishing simulation program should, too. Platforms like Keepnet make voice phishing (vishing), SMS phishing (smishing), QR phishing and MFA-fatigue part of standard playbooks—so users practice the exact scenarios they’ll face.

What to look for

• Native QR and MFA scenarios, not bolt-ons.
• Phone-based vishing with scripts, safe call flows, and opt-outs.
• SMS sender configuration and geo-compliant delivery.

Real-time feedback and just-in-time training

The training that works best is instant—right when someone clicks, enters data, scans a QR, or responds to a voicemail prompt. It should be short, contextual, and tracked in your analytics. This is where phishing simulation platforms with real-time feedback shine.

AI-powered personalization (without the creepiness)

“Personalized” doesn’t mean creepy profiling. It means lures that reflect the role, language, and local context of the user while respecting privacy. Modern AI-driven phishing simulation platforms can auto-generate variants, simplify translation, and adapt to difficulty levels to sustain learning.

Reporting your executives actually read

Your board won’t read a CSV. You need top-rated phishing simulation dashboards that translate campaign outcomes into human-risk indicators your security operations team and executives can track. Ask for:

• Heatmaps by department/location.
• Trend lines across channels, not just email.
• “What changed after training?” cohorts.
• Export to SIEM/SOAR and business intelligence.

Global readiness: multi-language and accessibility

Look for strong multi-language phishing simulation options, including right-to-left support, cultural fit in lures, and accessible micro-training. Global teams deserve training that feels native, not translated at the last minute.

Compliance, governance, and employee trust

A mature platform makes it easy to define who is in-scope, when, and how. You’ll want opt-outs for sensitive populations, executive approvals for high-risk content, and clear audit trails. If you’re resource-constrained, a managed phishing simulation service that follows your policies can be a life saver.

Which phishing simulation tool fits which team?

Choosing the right phishing simulation tool can be a real game-changer for your team’s cybersecurity posture. It’s not a one-size-fits-all decision, as different teams have unique needs and goals. This guide will help you navigate the options and find the perfect fit to strengthen your defenses.

For SMBs and fast-moving IT teams

• Keepnet: Launch cross-channel campaigns quickly; minimal admin overhead; strong out-of-the-box content.
• GoPhish (with caution): Fine for a lab or tiny pilots, but expect to outgrow it once you need dashboards, localization, and services.

For enterprises standardizing on email security suites

• Proofpoint or Mimecast: Sensible if consolidating inside their ecosystems, especially if you’re comfortable with a mostly email-centric program.

For global organizations needing depth in languages and channels

• Keepnet: Best balance of phishing simulation software for global organizations, multi-language depth, and interactive phishing simulation solutions across non-email channels.

Practical FAQs on Top Phishing Simulation Software

World of cybersecurity can be tricky, especially when it comes to choosing the right tools. Phishing simulations are a important defense, and selecting the best software can make all the difference. This FAQ aims to cut through the jargon and provide practical answers to your most pressing questions about top phishing simulation software.

What is a phishing simulation?

A controlled exercise where you send realistic but safe lures (email, SMS, voice, QR, MFA prompts) to employees to practice detection and reporting. The goal isn’t to “catch” people; it’s to build habits and measure human risk over time.

What’s the best phishing simulation tool for my security team?

It depends on your channels and constraints. If you need cross-channel realism, AI personalization, and enterprise-ready governance with managed service options, Keepnet is a strong starting point. If you’re deeply embedded in an email suite, Proofpoint or Mimecast can work—just plan for non-email coverage.

Are AI-generated phishing simulation tools safe?

Yes—if they’re purpose-built for awareness (audited prompts, privacy-aware data use, consistent tone, localized content). Avoid generic offensive frameworks. Look for vendors offering AI phishing simulation that’s explainable and aligned with your policies.

Do I need cloud-native software?

For most teams, yes. Cloud-based phishing simulation tools reduce maintenance, speed up localization, and simplify integrations. If you must self-host, budget for patching, backups, and compliance reviews.

Can I run on-demand campaigns?

You should. The most effective programs mix automated cadences with on-demand phishing simulation platforms to respond to new threats and executive requests.

What metrics actually matter?

• Report rate (not just click rate).
• Time-to-report and time-to-coach after an event.
• Cross-channel improvement (email, SMS, voice, QR, MFA).
• Risk by department/role and post-training behavior change.
  These beat raw “fail rates” because they measure resilience, not embarrassment.

Mini buyer’s matrix on Best Phishing Simulation Tools (quick-reference)

(Matrix is directional; always verify the latest feature sets with each vendor.)

Phishing simulation campaign program patterns that separate leaders from laggards

Phishing simulation campaigns are a critical tool in bolstering an organization’s cybersecurity defenses. However, not all campaigns are created equal. The most effective programs, those run by industry leaders, exhibit distinct patterns that set them apart from less successful, or “laggard,” approaches. Understanding these patterns is key to developing a phishing simulation strategy that genuinely strengthens your human firewall.

1. Normalize reporting, not shame: Reward fast reporting—even after a click.
2. Make it multi-channel: Rotate email phishing simulation, SMS, voice, QR, and MFA prompts.
3. Coach in the moment: Use real-time feedback and keep lessons short.
4. Localize everything: Language + culture + time zones.
5. Automate the boring bits: Scheduling, user targeting, reminders, and risk roll-ups.
6. Close the loop with the SOC: Connect outcomes to phishing triage, IR playbooks, and KPI reviews.
7. Keep it humane: Transparent policy, opt-outs where appropriate, and leadership buy-in.

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