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12 KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training Alternatives Ranked by Real Users — Free Picks Included (2026)

Explore 12 alternatives to KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training — vetted by our editors with real user reviews, pricing, and feature comparisons.

Top free KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training alternatives, compared at a glance

Quick answer

The KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training alternatives buyers weigh most are Qualys VM, AppSecEngineer and Drip7. Qualys VM leads the list with a 4.1★ rating from real users. Compare all 12 on rating and pricing below.

If you're weighing whether KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training still fits, this lineup helps. These 12 security awareness training software free alternatives are the top contenders, ordered by SpotScore, a measure of verified satisfaction and market presence, plus star ratings and pricing model. Each one passes editorial review. Use the table to compare, then explore the breakdowns below.

ProductSpotScoreRatingPricingBest for
Qualys VMSecure your assets, stay protected.★★★★ 4.1FreeFree Trial · Quotation Basedteams of all sizes
AppSecEngineerSecure your apps with expert training.Not yet ratedFreefrom $33.25/moteams of all sizes
Drip7Empowering learning for a thriving workplace.Not yet ratedFreeFree Trial · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
Hook SecurityEmpowering organizations to stay ahead of cyber threats.Not yet ratedFreeFree Trial · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
CYRIN Cyber RangeRevolutionizing cybersecurity training with real-time modifications.Not yet ratedFreeFree Trial · Quotation Basedteams of all sizes
CybSafePrevent incidents, protect assets, elevate security.Not yet ratedFreeFreemium · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
CanIPhishCustomized cybersecurity for your unique needs.Not yet ratedFreeFreemium · Quotation Based · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
CyberPilotStay secure in a digital world with CyberPilot.Not yet ratedFreeFree Trial · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
Phishing TackleTrain, test, and stay aware against cyber threats★★★★★ 4.9FreeFree Trial · Quotation Based · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
CyberHootEmpowering cybersecurity through tailored training.★★★★★ 4.84(19)FreeFree Trial · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
PhishingBoxEmpower your workforce with advanced security training.Not yet ratedFreeFree Trial · Quotation Based · Subscriptionteams of all sizes
Proofpoint Security Awareness TrainingEmpower your team to defend against cyber threats.★★★★★ 4.8FreeFree Trial · Quotation Basedteams of all sizes
Qualys VM

Qualys VM

Secure your assets, stay protected.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

4.1

Add to compare

What is Qualys VM?

Qualys Vulnerability Management (VM) is a scalable, flexible, and cost-effective vulnerability management solution to identify and fix vulnerable software across the enterprise. VM continuously monitors public and local internal assets for known security vulnerabilities; identifies suspect ...

Read more about Qualys VM
Free Trial·

Qualys VM offers custom pricing plan

AppSecEngineer - New SaaS Software

AppSecEngineer

Secure your apps with expert training.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is AppSecEngineer?

AppSecEngineer is the world's most comprehensive Application Security Training Platform. It provides specialized knowledge in Cloud Security, Kubernetes, DevSecOps, and more. With an interactive learning approach, students enjoy the best learning experience possible. AppSecEngineer takes the ...

Read more about AppSecEngineer
Free TrialTry Free →·

AppSecEngineer offers custom pricing plan

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Reach in-market buyersRank above rivals2M+ buyers a year
Drip7

Drip7

Empowering learning for a thriving workplace.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is Drip7?

Drip7 is a security awareness training platform built around daily microlearning: short, targeted questions delivered on a regular cadence rather than a single annual course. It supports customizable content, internal videos, leaderboards, and a point-based rewards system to increase employee ...

Read more about Drip7
Free TrialTry Free →·

Starts from $4.00/user / month when Billed Yearly

Hook Security

Hook Security

Empowering organizations to stay ahead of cyber threats.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is Hook Security?

Hook Security is a security awareness training platform that helps organizations run phishing simulations and train employees. When a staff member clicks a simulated phishing email, the platform immediately delivers video training. Admins track progress and awareness levels through real-time ...

Read more about Hook Security
Free Trial
CYRIN Cyber Range

CYRIN Cyber Range

Revolutionizing cybersecurity training with real-time modifications.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is CYRIN Cyber Range?

CYRIN Cyber Range is a cybersecurity training platform for engineering students, network professionals, and corporate defense teams. It provides high-fidelity hands-on exercises through a customizable Exercise Builder, supports real-time scenario modifications, and includes an instructor-facing ...

Read more about CYRIN Cyber Range
Free Trial·

CYRIN Cyber Range offers custom pricing plan

CybSafe

CybSafe

Prevent incidents, protect assets, elevate security.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Try for Free

Add to compare

What is CybSafe?

Introducing CybSafe: Empowering Organizations to Proactively Prevent Security Incidents CybSafe is a cutting-edge software solution designed to proactively safeguard organizations against security threats. With its advanced capabilities, CybSafe goes beyond conventional measures by analyzing ...

Read more about CybSafe

Starts from $1.00/user / month when Billed Yearly, also offers free forever plan

CanIPhish

CanIPhish

Customized cybersecurity for your unique needs.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Try for Free

Add to compare

What is CanIPhish?

CanIPhish is a phishing simulation and security awareness platform with fully customizable configuration for different organizational environments. It integrates with public domain tools to provide a Secure Email Gateway evaluation toolkit, and includes phishing libraries, campaign setup, and ...

Read more about CanIPhish

CanIPhish offers custom pricing plan

CyberPilot

CyberPilot

Stay secure in a digital world with CyberPilot.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is CyberPilot?

CyberPilot is a cybersecurity platform from Denmark that delivers security awareness training and IT security tools for businesses of all sizes. Developed by CyberPilot ApS, it combines proprietary technology with third-party security products to protect organizations against cyber attacks and ...

Read more about CyberPilot
Free Trial
Phishing Tackle

Phishing Tackle

Train, test, and stay aware against cyber threats

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

4.9

Add to compare

What is Phishing Tackle?

Introducing Phishing Tackle, a cutting-edge tool designed for enhancing security awareness through a combination of training and simulated phishing exercises. With the tagline "Security Awareness Training and Simulated Phishing," Phishing Tackle is built to provide a comprehensive view of an ...

Read more about Phishing Tackle
Free Trial·

Phishing Tackle offers custom pricing plan

CyberHoot

CyberHoot

Empowering cybersecurity through tailored training.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is CyberHoot?

CyberHoot is a cybersecurity awareness training platform that lets organizations build training programs from any video URL and add interactive quizzes to test comprehension. Automated follow-up emails ensure training completion, and administrators can use the built-in video library or upload ...

Read more about CyberHoot
Free TrialTry Free →·

Starts from $25.00/month when Billed Yearly

PhishingBox

PhishingBox

Empower your workforce with advanced security training.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

Add to compare

What is PhishingBox?

Introducing PhishingBox – a comprehensive Simulation & Awareness Training platform designed to fortify your organization's security measures. With the tagline "All-in-one Simulation & Awareness Training Software," PhishingBox goes beyond conventional security solutions to offer a holistic ...

Read more about PhishingBox
Free TrialTry Free →·

Starts from $41.66/month when Billed Yearly

Proofpoint Security Awareness Training

Proofpoint Security Awareness Training

Empower your team to defend against cyber threats.

Best for: SMB teams · Mid-market · Enterprise

Start Free Trial

4.8

Add to compare

What is Proofpoint Security Awareness Training?

Proofpoint Security Awareness Training is an advanced software designed to enhance cybersecurity measures within businesses by providing comprehensive training and assessment tools to employees. With a focus on customization and centralized administration, this platform equips organizations ...

Read more about Proofpoint Security Awareness Training
Free Trial·

Proofpoint Security Awareness Training offers custom pricing plan

KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training competitors, compared

There are 12 direct KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training competitors in Security Awareness Training Software. The ones that come up most often are Qualys VM, AppSecEngineer and Drip7. Each is compared against KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training on rating, pricing and feature coverage below.

Sites and apps like KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training

Searches for "sites like KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training" and "apps like KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training" land on the same shortlist as "KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training alternatives" — the 12 options below cover both, whether you want a like-for-like replacement or something lighter.

Why these KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training alternatives stand out

Qualys VMBest for teams of all sizes

Scalable and flexible solution

Watch for: Can be overwhelming for beginners

AppSecEngineerBest for teams of all sizes

Comprehensive training resources

Watch for: Limited to application security

Drip7Best for teams of all sizes
Hook SecurityBest for teams of all sizes
CYRIN Cyber RangeBest for teams of all sizes
CybSafeBest for teams of all sizes
CanIPhishBest for teams of all sizes
CyberPilotBest for teams of all sizes
Phishing TackleBest for teams of all sizes
CyberHootBest for teams of all sizes

Provides up-to-date content on current threats, helping in continuous employee training.

Watch for: Lack of granular control in certain settings like timing of notifications, designed more for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) initially.

PhishingBoxBest for teams of all sizes
Proofpoint Security Awareness TrainingBest for teams of all sizes

Why teams look for a KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training alternative

Here's what tends to push teams toward a KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training alternative:

  • The richness of features and customizations can be overwhelming for new users without adequate support or guidance.
  • Limited availability of apps and connectors in the Marketplace may restrict access to advanced functionalities.

What a good KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training alternative should have

By the numbers, these 12 security awareness training software free alternatives shake out as follows: 12 offer a free tier; paid plans run $33.25, with AppSecEngineer the cheapest entry point; and CyberHoot is the highest rated at 4.84 across 19 reviews.

Our ranking criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Stuck on something? We're here to help with all the questions and answers in one place.

The top-rated alternatives to KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training are Phishing Tackle (4.9★), CyberHoot (4.8★), Proofpoint Security Awareness Training (4.8★). Compare all 12 alternatives side-by-side above.

When evaluating alternatives to KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training, prioritize: Dashboard, Status Tracking, Compliance Reporting, Compliance Tracking, transparent pricing, free trial availability, and integrations with your existing tools. Use the filters above to compare by feature, budget, and team size.

KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training starts from $17 /Year. Many alternatives offer similar functionality at different price points — some with free tiers, others with more flexible per-seat pricing. Use the filters above to narrow by budget.

Migration difficulty depends on how deeply KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training is integrated into your workflows. Most alternatives offer data export/import tools and dedicated onboarding support. We recommend narrowing to 2–3 options, running a free trial, and checking each vendor's migration guides before committing.

Which KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training alternative belongs in your final few?

  • On a budget / just exploring: start with a free tier — Qualys VM, AppSecEngineer and Drip7 let you evaluate without paying upfront.
  • If real-user ratings matter most: CyberHoot has the strongest star rating (4.84★) among the options with verified reviews.

How to leave KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training behind

Switching away from KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training is safest in stages. Export your data, verify the new tool can import it, and confirm the features you depend on. Run a pilot first, then migrate fully, keeping KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training running until you've validated the fit. Free trials above help.

Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].