# Compare your email filtering options

URL: https://iblockspam.com/compare
Last updated: 2026-10-09

> Honest comparisons: Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace built-in filtering vs an MX gateway, Defender for Office 365 vs a gateway, per-domain vs per-user cost.

Microsoft and Google already filter mail well, and a gateway isn't right for everyone. These pages set out what each option covers, what it costs and when you can skip a gateway.

An inbound email gateway sits in front of your mail platform at the MX level and filters mail before your provider sees it. It adds a layer; it doesn't replace what your provider does. Each comparison below states where the built-in option is stronger, where a gateway helps, and the setup risks of running both.

## Built-in protection vs a gateway

### [Microsoft 365 built-in filtering vs a gateway](https://iblockspam.com/compare/microsoft-365-built-in-vs-gateway)

Exchange Online Protection comes with every Microsoft 365 tenant. When a gateway in front of it helps, what it costs, and how to avoid weakening Microsoft's own checks. Setup steps are on the [Microsoft 365 platform page](https://iblockspam.com/platforms/microsoft-365).

### [Microsoft Defender for Office 365 vs a gateway](https://iblockspam.com/compare/defender-for-office-365-vs-email-gateway)

What Defender Plan 1 and Plan 2 add, where Defender is stronger than any MX gateway, and how to run both without double link rewriting.

### [Google Workspace built-in protection vs a gateway](https://iblockspam.com/compare/google-workspace-built-in-vs-gateway)

Gmail's spam, phishing and malware filtering and its advanced settings, the gaps some organizations notice, and how the inbound gateway setting works. Setup steps are on the [Google Workspace platform page](https://iblockspam.com/platforms/google-workspace).

## Pricing models

### [SpamTitan alternative](https://iblockspam.com/compare/spamtitan-alternative)
Per-user pricing with a 25-user minimum versus a flat price per domain, side by side with published prices.

### [Mimecast alternative](https://iblockspam.com/compare/mimecast-alternative)
A broad security suite with custom pricing, compared with a focused, per-domain filter for smaller teams.

### [Proofpoint Essentials alternative](https://iblockspam.com/compare/proofpoint-essentials-alternative)
What the move to 365 Total Protection means for Essentials customers, and when a simpler filter fits.

### [Barracuda Email Protection alternative](https://iblockspam.com/compare/barracuda-email-protection-alternative)
Bundled plans with sandboxing and continuity, compared with per-domain filtering and quarantine digests.

### [N-able Mail Assure alternative](https://iblockspam.com/compare/n-able-mail-assure-alternative)
An MSP-focused service with long spooling and archiving, compared with transparent per-domain pricing.

### [MX Guarddog alternative](https://iblockspam.com/compare/mx-guarddog-alternative)
A low-cost per-address filter that is cheaper than us for small offices, compared with flat per-domain pricing and what it includes.

### [Hornetsecurity 365 Total Protection alternative](https://iblockspam.com/compare/hornetsecurity-alternative)
A four-plan Microsoft 365 security suite on a quote, compared with a focused inbound filter at published prices.

### [Mailprotector alternative](https://iblockspam.com/compare/mailprotector-alternative)
An email security stack sold through MSPs, with published support hours, compared with filtering you can buy directly.

### [MailChannels Inbound alternative](https://iblockspam.com/compare/mailchannels-alternative)
Per-domain filtering offered through web hosts, compared with per-domain filtering you buy yourself.

### [SpamExperts alternative](https://iblockspam.com/compare/spamexperts-alternative)
N-able's filtering platform for web hosts and ISPs, and how it relates to Mail Assure, compared with a filter that stays with you when you change host.

### [Per-domain vs per-user pricing](https://iblockspam.com/compare/per-domain-vs-per-user-pricing)

Worked examples and break-even points for per-domain pricing against a hypothetical per-mailbox plan, including aliases and multiple domains.

## Gateway vs API-based tools

Some email security products connect to your mailboxes by API instead of sitting at the MX. Our guide to [secure email gateways vs API email security](https://iblockspam.com/blog/secure-email-gateway-vs-api-email-security) compares the two designs.

## Ready to look closer?

See [why businesses choose iBlockSpam](https://iblockspam.com/why-iblockspam), the full [feature list](https://iblockspam.com/features) and [pricing](https://iblockspam.com/pricing). If you already use another filter, read [how to switch without losing email](https://iblockspam.com/migrate).

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