10 Best Phishing Simulation Tools In 2026 [Reviewed]

Key Takeaways:

• KnowBe4 is the best overall phishing simulation tool in 2026, offering the most complete balance of simulation realism, automated testing, and enterprise-grade reporting for sustained awareness improvement.
• A strong phishing simulator should accurately mirror modern social-engineering tactics so organizations can measure real human-risk and identify where users struggle to recognize threats.
• Effective evaluation depends on reporting clarity, integration support, ease of deployment, and how well the tool turns user behavior into actionable insights for targeted training.
• Open-source options like Gophish remain valuable for teams wanting full customization and budget-friendly testing without vendor lock-in.

What Is a Phishing Simulation Tool?

A phishing simulation tool is a cybersecurity system that creates safe, fake phishing attempts to see how people react to deceptive messages. It helps organizations understand who can spot a threat and who may fall for one.

Simulated scenarios mirror common attacker tactics, including misleading prompts, urgent requests, and credential-stealing layouts. Realistic conditions highlight how users interpret cues that often go unnoticed during everyday communication.

Results reveal patterns of vulnerability and show where security awareness needs reinforcement. Insights from these tests guide targeted improvements that strengthen an organization’s overall resilience.

Our Top Picks For Phishing Simulation Platforms In 2026

Review Source: Capterra.

How Did We Review Phishing Simulation Software?

Our review process focused on how well each phishing simulation tool reflects real attacker behavior and supports practical awareness goals. Careful attention went into evaluating how naturally the simulations mirror modern social-engineering techniques.

Testing criteria centered on simulation quality, reporting clarity, usability, and overall readiness for different organizational sizes. Emphasis stayed on factors that directly influence risk reduction rather than surface-level features.

Final assessments drew from hands-on testing, documented capabilities, and comparison across core attributes such as automation, scalability, and training impact. Continuous refinement ensured the results remain accurate, balanced, and helpful for real-world decision-making.

What Are the 10 Best Phishing Simulation Tools in 2026?

1. KnowBe4 — Best Overall

KnowBe4 is the best overall phishing simulation tool in 2026 because it combines phishing simulations, security awareness training, and enterprise reporting in a single workflow that scales cleanly. Campaign automation and a large template library help sustain continuous testing without turning the program into manual admin work.

Behavior analytics add real clarity by surfacing repeat-risk users, department exposure, and reporting rates that map to meaningful KPIs. Risk dashboards make it easy to explain progress to executives without reducing the program to click-rate snapshots.

A strong KnowBe4 rollout shows up in metrics leadership actually follows: higher report rates, fewer repeat clicks, and faster time-to-report across Microsoft 365. One platform can cover baseline testing, continuous coaching, and board-ready reporting without forcing the awareness program to sprawl across multiple tools.

Pros

• Massive template ecosystem
• Smart Groups segmentation
• Phish-prone baselining metric
• Executive-ready reporting

Cons

• Heavy admin tuning
• Add-ons for full stack

Key Features

• Phish Alert Button
• Smart Groups rules
• Custom landing pages
• Automated campaigns
• Risk score dashboards
• Threshold notifications

2. IRONSCALES — Best for AI Automation

IRONSCALES keeps simulations dynamic through AI-driven variation, so employees see fresh lures instead of a predictable template cycle. One-click campaign launches and automated workflows reduce the operational load on security administrators.

Phishing variants shift based on interaction patterns, which improves realism across themes like credential harvesting, shared-document impersonation, and reply-chain manipulation. The platform’s analytics also highlight behavior trends that help refine campaigns without constant manual tuning.

Automation is the core advantage, especially for a SOC that wants awareness running continuously while analysts focus on alerts and investigations. In Google Workspace environments, fast iteration and constant lure variation matter more than hand-building every campaign, and IRONSCALES aligns with that reality.

Pros

• AI lure variation
• Autonomous campaign cadence
• Behavior-based personalization
• Fast campaign launches

Cons

• Limited manual crafting
• Needs steady automation

Key Features

• GenAI simulations
• Behavior targeting
• Auto training moments
• Threat-based templates
• Campaign orchestration
• Spike alerts

3. Phished AI — Best for Risk Scoring

Phished AI stands out by turning employee behavior into meaningful risk scores rather than relying on pass/fail results. Predictive modeling and behavioral profiling help identify the highest-risk users, the most exposed departments, and the most common failure patterns.

Personalized lures change based on susceptibility signals and learning progress, which keeps training targeted instead of generic. That personalization also supports precise remediation, including risk-based micro-training and role-specific follow-ups.

Leadership teams often ask, “Where is human risk concentrated?” and Phished AI answers that with quantified scoring and trend movement across people and departments. Risk scoring becomes the decision engine for remediation, so coaching and follow-ups can be prioritized like vulnerability management instead of treated as generic training.

Pros

• Behavioral risk scoring
• Predictive user profiling
• Levelized simulation difficulty
• Targeted remediation insights

Cons

• Scoring needs alignment
• Overkill for basics

Key Features

• Behavioral Risk Score
• Personalized lures
• Microlearning triggers
• Report button
• Trend dashboards
• Risk-threshold alerts

4. Proofpoint Security Awareness Training — Best for Employee Training

Proofpoint Security Awareness Training shines for education-first programs, pairing realistic phishing simulations with training content that feels relevant to everyday work. Corrective training flows smoothly after a risky interaction, so the program stays consistent instead of fragmented.

Forensic reporting captures user actions in detail, including clicks, credential entry, attachment interaction, and reporting behavior. Benchmarking views help awareness owners compare performance across departments and track progress over time.

HR onboarding, annual refreshers, and role-based learning paths land well on Proofpoint because simulations and training feel like one continuous journey. Organizations that measure success by retention and behavior change, not just campaign scores, tend to prefer Proofpoint’s training depth.

Pros

• Training-first depth
• PhishAlarm reporting add-in
• Automated message analysis
• Strong action forensics

Cons

• Formal program feel
• Learning-path setup time

Key Features

• PhishAlarm button
• PhishAlarm Analyzer
• Teachable moments
• ThreatSim USB
• Benchmark dashboards
• Training reminders

5. Defendify — Best for Small Teams

Defendify keeps phishing simulations straightforward, with prebuilt templates, automated scheduling, and dashboards that stay readable without heavy configuration. Small and mid-sized businesses can run continuous testing without needing a dedicated awareness specialist.

Spot Training is a practical differentiator, delivering a short lesson immediately after an employee fails a simulation. That immediate feedback loop improves retention because the correction arrives while the mistake is still fresh.

Defendify works well for lean IT teams that need dependable automation, quick remediation, and clear reporting for leadership updates. Consistent testing plus instant coaching keeps the program moving even when security awareness is only one responsibility among many.

Pros

• “Automagically” running program
• Randomized test timing
• Spot Training followups
• Clear scorecard reporting

Cons

• Limited deep customization
• Less sequencing control

Key Features

• Auto campaign delivery
• Random send times
• Spot Training nudges
• Scorecard analytics
• Template rotation
• Failure alerts

6. Infosec IQ — Best for Template Variety

Infosec IQ stands out for scenario breadth, with templates that cover BEC impersonation, credential theft, cloud login lures, invoice fraud, HR scams, and vendor-payment manipulation. That variety keeps campaigns realistic and reduces employee “template recognition.”

Behavior-triggered micro-lessons reinforce training right after risky actions, tying the lesson to the exact behavior. Segmentation tools support targeted campaigns for finance, HR, executives, and IT, reflecting real differences in phishing exposure.

Campaign fatigue drops fast with Infosec IQ because monthly rotations can stay fresh while still mapping to real attacker playbooks. Finance and procurement teams benefit in particular, since invoice fraud and vendor-change requests remain common and the templates stay relevant.

Pros

• 2,000+ templates
• Weekly template releases
• Department segmentation options
• Broad phishing themes

Cons

• Needs content governance
• Baselines harder to compare

Key Features

• Template categories
• Weekly updates
• Custom templates
• PhishSim platform
• Role targeting
• Reporting alerts

7. PhishingBox — Best for Security Teams

PhishingBox offers a clean simulation workflow with LDAP/Active Directory integration, group targeting, automated campaigns, and reliable reporting. User management stays aligned with real org structure, which helps keep targeting accurate as departments change.

Campaign execution is straightforward, with scheduling and automation that support regular testing without constant rework. The training marketplace adds flexibility for bundling simulations with broader cybersecurity lessons inside the same platform.

Directory-driven targeting is a real advantage here, especially in environments where AD groups define departments, job functions, and access tiers. If a monthly cadence, predictable reporting, and stable campaign operations matter most, PhishingBox stays easy to run.

Pros

• Entra ID integration
• API + webhooks
• SCORM LMS support
• Strong target syncing

Cons

• Config can sprawl
• Content needs curation

Key Features

• Webhook events
• Graph sync
• SCORM courses
• Custom groups
• SSO portal
• Activity alerts

8. Usecure uPhish — Best for Fast Deployment

Usecure uPhish helps teams launch phishing simulations quickly with minimal setup, which is useful for new program rollouts and time-sensitive awareness requirements. Templates are realistic enough to start testing immediately without heavy customization.

Micro-training nudges trigger right after interaction, turning a failure into a quick teachable moment. That fast feedback loop helps employees connect the lesson to the exact lure that caught them.

Rapid rollouts are where uPhish earns its ranking, especially during onboarding waves, acquisitions, or compliance deadlines that leave little setup time. Simulations go live quickly, feedback arrives instantly, and the program starts producing behavior change without weeks of configuration.

Pros

• Rapid rollout workflow
• AutoPhish scheduling
• Auto-enroll at-risk
• Guardrail safety rules

Cons

• Less bespoke lures
• Lighter deep reporting

Key Features

• AutoPhish engine
• At-risk enrollment
• Fresh templates
• Safety rules
• Risk trend views
• Click alerts

9. Hook Security — Best for Behavioral Coaching

Hook Security focuses on behavioral coaching, using psychology-based training that targets triggers like urgency, curiosity, fear, and authority pressure. The tone feels approachable, which can improve participation across non-technical departments.

Training moments activate immediately after a failed simulation, keeping the lesson tied to a real experience rather than abstract guidance. That timing supports habit-building because users still remember exactly what convinced them to act.

Hook’s approach fits culture-change efforts, especially in high-email roles like finance, HR, and operations where urgency cues drive mistakes. The coaching style reinforces safer decisions under pressure without making the program feel like a compliance scoreboard.

Pros

• Training Moments feedback
• Behavioral coaching tone
• Automated test cadence
• Compliance-friendly reporting

Cons

• Less technical depth
• Cadence dependent results

Key Features

• Training Moments
• Phishing simulator
• Personalized training
• Reporting dashboards
• Template library
• Repeat alerts

10. Gophish — Best for Open Source

Gophish gives technical teams full control over templates, landing pages, SMTP configuration, and campaign logic without licensing limitations. Red teams and penetration testers often prefer it because campaigns can be customized deeply to match internal environments.

Custom workflows make it possible to mirror internal branding, intranet login flows, and organization-specific lures that commercial libraries may not match. Tracking and reporting are flexible, but hosting, updates, and security hardening stay with your team.

Controlled internal assessments are where Gophish shines, including red team exercises that mimic a real SSO portal and internal comms style. Full ownership is the trade-off, so it rewards security engineers who are comfortable running infrastructure and tightening configs over time.

Pros

• Open-source control
• JSON API automation
• Webhook event push
• Custom landing pages

Cons

• Self-hosting responsibility
• Needs security hardening

Key Features

• JSON API
• Webhooks
• SMTP config
• Landing pages
• Template editor
• Real-time alerts

When To Choose Which Phishing Simulation Tools?

Selecting the right phishing simulation tool depends on your goals, team size, technical environment, and the type of behavioral insight you want to measure.

KnowBe4

Choose KnowBe4 when you need a single platform that handles broad testing, continuous coaching, and executive-ready reporting without creating parallel workflows. Consistent campaign automation and extensive content make it a strong fit for long-term awareness programs.

IRONSCALES

IRONSCALES fits teams that want simulations driven by AI variation rather than manual template building. Automated lure rotation and adaptive difficulty work well for organizations seeking realistic, always-changing scenarios.

Phished AI

Phished AI is the right choice when your priority is identifying high-risk users through behavioral scoring rather than simple pass-or-fail results. Predictive modeling helps target remediation with precision across departments.

Proofpoint Security Awareness Training

Proofpoint Security Awareness Training works best for organizations focused on structured employee education tied to realistic phishing events. Detailed action forensics and strong training pathways support programs that value long-term behavior change.

Defendify

Defendify suits small teams that need dependable, automated simulations without heavy configuration or complex reporting layers. Immediate follow-up coaching keeps programs effective even when awareness is only one part of someone’s job.

Infosec IQ

Infosec IQ is a good fit when you need broad scenario coverage to prevent template fatigue across departments. Frequent content updates and behavior-triggered micro-lessons maintain engagement throughout the year.

PhishingBox

PhishingBox works well for security teams relying on directory-driven targeting and predictable campaign scheduling. Strong syncing and reliable workflows make it easy to maintain monthly testing without operational strain.

Usecure uPhish

Usecure uPhish is ideal for environments that need fast rollout and simple deployment, especially during onboarding cycles or compliance deadlines. Quick setup and immediate micro-training keep the program moving with minimal effort.

Hook Security

Hook Security fits organizations that want a psychology-driven approach to improve instinctive threat recognition. Coaching moments land naturally and support culture-change efforts where tone and engagement matter.

Gophish

Gophish is the right option for technical teams wanting full customization and ownership of their testing environment. Deep control over templates, sending logic, and infrastructure makes it a strong fit for internal red-team or open-source-first environments.

How Do You Choose a Phishing Simulation Tool?

A strong phishing simulation tool should align with your organization’s goals, technical environment, and training needs.

Simulation Quality

High-quality simulations reflect real attacker behavior and expose users to subtle cues found in modern phishing attempts. Accurate replication of threat patterns provides a clearer picture of how people respond under realistic conditions.

Reporting Depth

Comprehensive reporting highlights patterns in user behavior and reveals where risk is concentrated. Clear metrics guide decisions about where to focus awareness efforts and how to strengthen internal defenses.

Ease of Deployment

Smooth deployment ensures teams can run campaigns without unnecessary configuration or technical barriers. Effortless setup supports consistent testing and reduces time spent managing routine tasks.

Integration Support

Strong integration capabilities connect simulations to identity systems, security tools, and internal workflows. Unified data flow improves visibility and reduces gaps between human testing and broader security processes.

Best Practices for Running Phishing Simulations Effectively

Consistent phishing simulations strengthen employee awareness and reveal how well people respond to evolving social-engineering tactics.

Regular Frequency

Regular simulations help maintain awareness and prevent long gaps that reduce familiarity with phishing cues. Steady cadence supports measurable improvements in behavior over time.

Realistic Content

Realistic scenarios mirror active threat patterns and encourage users to recognize subtle warning signs in everyday communication. High-fidelity content produces more accurate assessments of human vulnerability.

Targeted Training

Targeted follow-up training addresses specific weaknesses identified in simulation results. Focused reinforcement helps reduce repeat mistakes and builds stronger defensive instincts.

Are There Open-Source or Low-Cost Alternatives to Paid Phishing Simulation Software?

Open-source and budget-friendly phishing simulation tools provide flexible options for organizations that need control without high licensing costs.

Gophish

Gophish offers complete customization for creating phishing templates, landing pages, and campaign logic without subscription fees. Control over configuration makes it valuable for technical teams with in-house expertise.

King Phisher

King Phisher supports advanced campaign customization and detailed tracking for more technical security operations. Structured workflows allow organizations to replicate diverse social-engineering scenarios with high precision.

FortiPhish

FortiPhish delivers lightweight simulation capabilities for teams wanting a free, straightforward testing environment. Simple deployment helps small teams run campaigns without complex setup.

Final Thoughts

Phishing simulations remain one of the most effective ways to measure human-risk and strengthen day-to-day security behavior across an organization. Clear reporting and targeted follow-ups help teams improve faster and reduce exposure to modern social-engineering tactics.

Choosing the right tool depends on the level of automation, insight, and customization your environment requires. A well-run program built on accurate simulations creates a more resilient workforce and lowers the chances of a successful phishing attack.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do phishing simulations reduce security risk?

They reduce security risk by revealing who is vulnerable and enabling targeted training that fixes those exact weaknesses. Organizations see fewer successful phishing attempts once high-risk behaviors are corrected.

2. How often should organizations run phishing simulations?

Monthly or quarterly simulations provide the best results because they maintain awareness and prevent skill decay. Longer gaps reduce user readiness and increase risk exposure.

3. What should a phishing simulation report include?

It should include click rates, report rates, repeat-risk users, and department-level patterns so teams know where risk is concentrated. Clear metrics allow immediate prioritization of training and remediation.

4. Are AI-powered phishing simulations more effective?

Yes, AI-powered simulations are more effective because they generate varied, realistic lures that mimic current attacker tactics. Adaptive variation prevents template recognition and produces more accurate behavior insights.

5. Can small companies run phishing simulations successfully?

Yes, small companies can run them successfully by using tools with automated campaigns and minimal configuration. Lean teams benefit from platforms designed to run awareness programs without heavy administration.

6. What makes open-source phishing tools valuable?

Open-source tools are valuable because they offer full customization without licensing costs. Technical teams can build tailored simulations that match internal environments precisely.

7. What should companies do when employees repeatedly fail simulations?

They should deliver targeted micro-training and reinforce the exact skills the employee missed. Focused coaching reduces repeat failures and builds stronger recognition habits.

8. Should phishing simulations mimic real attacker tactics?

Yes, simulations must mimic real attacker tactics to produce accurate behavior data and prepare users for genuine threats. Realistic lures improve recognition skills and make the training outcomes meaningful.