What is SPF Permerror?

SPF=Permerror indicates that there is a fundamental problem with the SPF record, making it impossible to determine if the sending server is authorized or not.

What is the 10 DNS lookup limit?

During SPF check, every time an email is sent from your domain, your recipient’s email server performs DNS query requests, also known as DNS lookups to check the presence of authorized IP addresses in your DNS and match them to the ones in the received email’s return-path header. However, RFC limits the number of DNS lookups to 10. This is known as the 10 DNS lookup limit.

Am I exceeding SPF Too Many DNS Lookups limit?

If you are worried about exceeding the lookup limit for SPF, you can check your record instantly using our SPF record checker tool.

How to fix SPF Permerror?

A more effective way to avoid SPF errors is to deploy an SPF flattening tool that is automatic and hassle-free – like PowerSPF!

Top 10 Valimail Alternatives And Competitors

PowerDMARC
Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection
dmarcian
Skysnag
GoDMARC
Proofpoint
MxToolbox
DMARCLY
Sendmarc
Fraudmarc

Operating since 2015, Valimail is a key player in anti-phishing, email authentication, and security. However, as businesses seek more diverse solutions, many are exploring alternatives that might better suit their specific needs or budget constraints. This guide examines top Valimail competitors, comparing features, pricing, and overall effectiveness to help you make an informed decision for your organization’s email security strategy.

About Valimail

9 years in the industry, Valimail offers DMARC enforcement, email fraud protection, and monitoring. It provides comprehensive solutions for both inbound as well as outbound email protection against phishing and cyberattacks. Despite an intuitive UI, easy-to-understand reporting, and advanced SPF optimization, Valimail also has its set of weaknesses. Such disadvantages include a lack of MTA-STS management and TLS reporting, and a rather limited number and range of offerings when using the free version.

For enterprises that seek to bypass such disadvantages, there are numerous alternatives in the market, some of which are presented below.

Top Valimail Competitors

1. PowerDMARC

As a powerful DMARC analyzer, domain security, and reporting SaaS platform, PowerDMARC aims to protect organizations, MSSPs, and even governmental entities from email spoofing which has become increasingly more common with time and AI developments. Carefully observing other anti-phishing software in the industry, PowerDMARC has identified the missing points of each and crafted a platform that fills all the gaps of competitors while also providing numerous other advantages and a comprehensive suite of advanced solutions. Below are some key advantages that make PowerDMARC stand out in the market.

PowerDMARC Pros

Free trial available, along with a flexible and convenient pricing structure
A complete suite of solutions, including SPF, DKIM, DMARC, MTA-STS, and BIMI authentication services
Easy to navigate despite the wide range of features and functionalities, making it an ideal fit for both beginners and professionals
PGP-encryption on failure reports, GeoMaps reporting
Supports as many as 11 languages,
Threat Intelligence with the help of advanced AI technology
Comes with Macros for SPF optimization

PowerDMARC Cons

In the initial phase, some advanced solutions might be hard to understand for complete beginners

2. Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection

Barracuda aims to enhance email safety and prevent cyber threats through DMARC reporting and analysis solutions. With its attention to detail in reporting and analytics, as well as a high degree of transparency, Barracuda helps minimize false positives and ensure the security of your emails.

Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection Pros

Barracuda email protection includes domain fraud protection
Zero Trust Access for Microsoft 365
Entra ID backup
Cloud archiving

Barracuda Domain Fraud Protection Cons

Some features may be impractical for small companies
The wide range of features might cause confusion and difficulty of use
Lack of specialization in email authentication management
Pricing may vary significantly depending on services, commitment period, etc., so you will need to contact their customer service for a detailed pricing overview

3. dmarcian

dmarcian’s simple setup and intuitive GUI make it particularly beneficial for those who are taking their first steps in DMARC implementation. Though, the lack of hosted MTA-STS and other advanced features might be unsuitable for enterprises looking for advanced security.

dmarcian Pros

Easy of setup, configuration, and navigation
A free plan is available for those who just need the basic features

dmarcian Cons

Hosted MTA-STS is missing
Some key threat Intelligence features are not available
Detailed and comprehensive reports need a higher budget

4. Skysnag

Trusted by several organizations, Skysnag helps IT professionals and marketers in the process of email authentication automation and DMARC enforcement, providing enhanced protection against blacklists.

Skysnag Pros

Provides speedy DMARC enforcement
Ensures DNS records are set up correctly

Skysnag Cons

The dashboard can be confusing and overwhelming for new users
Lack of advanced email authentication services like MTA-STS, TLS-RPT, and BIMI
Complex pricing structure
No in-depth tutorials

5. GoDMARC

GoDMARC offers a user-friendly UI. The platform operates on the cloud, making it easy for users to access the information they need anytime and anywhere. This is a good option for those looking for a budget-friendly platform that can help simplify complex DMARC processes and enhance email security.

GoDMARC Pros

Detailed reports
Reduced false positives
A free plan is available on the platform

GoDMARC Cons

The free plan does not provide forensic reports (RUF)
Limitations on the number of subdomains in the free version
Custom reports available only on enterprise subscription

6. Proofpoint

Proofpoint services include email archiving, email security, identity threat defense, electronic discovery, and data loss prevention. The program comes with hosted SPF & DMARC as well as an AI-powered phishing URL checker. An important feature of Proofpoint is also the email header analysis that helps identify relevant information about an email’s origin, route, and security authentication, thereby preventing potential threats.

Proofpoint Pros

You can download and investigate quarantined emails for additional IoCs (Indicators of compromise).
Data loss prevention
Includes Single Sign-On (SSO)
Ability to block senders and whitelist senders
With the Email Firewall regulations, you can stop malicious emails before they get to your mailbox.

Proofpoint Cons

Low refresh time in domain-based login
Not enough filtering fields for the Firewall rules
Basic reporting system
Expensive pricing

7. MxToolbox

The main advantage of MxToolbox is that it includes numerous free-of-charge tools for DNS lookups. Operating since 2004, MxToolbox is mainly used for network diagnostics, email deliverability problem troubleshooting, and blacklist checks.

MxToolbox pros

Provides complete details of MX records
Helps with email reputation checks
Free tools available for DNS lookups as well as blacklist checks
Easy setup

MxToolbox cons

Paid plans start at as high as $129
Lacks advanced features
Basic UI
Inaccurate search functionality (as it sometimes redirects to the default function instead of a selected specific function)

8. DMARCLY

DMARCLY is a SPF, DKIM, and DMARC monitoring platform. The software also provides TLS-RPT reports, MTA-STS implementation, SPF flattening, and aggregate reports (RUA).

DMARCLY Pros

Automatic subdomain detection is available on the platform
DKIM Record Generator

DMARCLY Cons

No reputation or blacklist monitoring
No email investigation
No hosted BIMI service is available

9. Sendmarc

With automated workflows, comprehensive reports, and threat intelligence technology, Sendmarc is an effective alternative to Valimail. Although it might be challenging for beginners in the field, Sendmarc’s DMARC, DKIM, and SPF functionalities can be a good fit for people looking for advanced features.

Sendmarc Pros

Enhanced visibility into your emails
Smooth implementation
Free package available
Agile and adjustable to various needs

Sendmarc Cons

A potentially steep learning curve for new users
The free version comes with restrictions and limited domains
SSO is not available when using the free package

10. Fraudmarc

Fraudmarc enables enterprises to manage their DMARC policy without the help of the DNS team. It helps ensure compliance for SPF records, provides DMARC record checks, and eases the otherwise challenging transition from monitoring-only to strict policy.

Fraudmarc Pros

Simplifies the email authentication process
Universal SPF
Comprehensive email deliverability solution that includes some level of DMARC analysis

Fraudmarc Cons

No clear pricing structure for the products and services offered
No information on customer service availability or responsiveness rate.
Limited features and functionalities for DMARC analysis

Why PowerDMARC Stands Out as a Valimail Replacement

PowerDMARC offers everything you need to enhance your company’s email security, ranging from hosted SPF, DKIM, DMARC, MTA-STS, and BIMI authentication all the way to comprehensive API endpoints. Despite the wide range of features and functionalities available on PowerDMARC, the platform is still easy to navigate, and if you ever come across any challenges, PowerDMARC’s professional team is always ready and willing to help you master the program and the nuances of email authentication as a whole. Moreover, PowerDMARC supports 11 languages, from German and Dutch to French and Japanese, making it a top player in the email authentication market on a global scale.

A free trial is offered by PowerDMARC, so you can start exploring it today and unleash the true potential of email authentication!

To Wrap Up

Now that we have presented you with numerous Valimail alternatives, it is your turn to decide which option best suits your business requirements and needs. In case you are interested in PowerDMARC’s email authentication services in particular, feel free to contact our support team and we will respond to your queries in the shortest possible time and in the most satisfactory way!

About
Latest Posts

Ayan Bhuiya

Shift Lead, Infrastructure & Email Security Expert at PowerDMARC

With over 13 years of experience in Cyber Security, Ayan Bhuiya specializes in Infrastructure, Business Continuity, Risk Management, and Email Security. Currently acting as Shift Lead at PowerDMARC. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Networking and Security and has a proven track record of leading strategic security initiatives to mitigate threats and ensure business resilience.

Top 10 Valimail Alternatives: A Complete Comparison with Pros & Cons