Head-to-head · Security Awareness Training Software
KnowBe4 vs SANS Security Awareness
KnowBe4 leads on 0 checks, SANS Security Awareness on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreKnowBe4 · 9.4/10
- Most featuresKnowBe4 · 5 of 5
KnowBe4 scores higher on our rubric for security awareness training software: 9.4 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.
KnowBe4 is the better fit for broad enterprise awareness programs. SANS Security Awareness is the better fit for large organizations prioritizing content depth.
- KnowBe4 fits best
Broad enterprise awareness programs
- SANS Security Awareness fits best
Large organizations prioritizing content depth
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Side by side
| Feature | KnowBe4 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | SANS Security Awareness 8.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.9 |
| Ranking | #1 in Security Awareness Training Software | #6 in Security Awareness Training Software |
| Best for | Broad enterprise awareness programs | Large organizations prioritizing content depth |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $2.40/seat/mo | Pricing on request |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web |
| Compliance | SOC 2, ISO 27001, SSO/SAML | GDPR |
| Integrations | 8 integrations | 3 integrations |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features KnowBe4 5/5 · SANS Security Awareness 3/5 | ||
| Phishing simulations | ✓ | ✓ |
| Phish reporting button | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Automated training | ✓ | ✓ |
| Risk scoring | ✓ | ✓ |
| SSO support | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Course languages | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training is a cloud platform for organizations that train employees to identify and respond to phishing and other social-engineering threats. It combines simulated phishing campaigns, security awareness and… Read the review → |
SANS Security Awareness is a structured training and human-risk measurement platform for organizations building or maturing security awareness programs. Its content covers phishing, social engineering, data handling, malware, mobile… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
KnowBe4 — where it wins
- Unlimited phishing tests and automated training campaigns
- Risk scores for users, groups, and organizations
- Microsoft 365, Google, Okta, and Proofpoint integrations
Where it doesn't
- No free plan
- Advanced risk scoring requires SAT Advanced
- Pricing may vary by region and is listed for a 3-year term
SANS Security Awareness — where it wins
- More than 50 modules across six security awareness tracks
- Phishing simulations, remedial courses, and human-risk metrics
- Hosted Litmos or SCORM deployment on an organization’s LMS
Where it doesn't
- Requires contacting sales rather than offering a published standard price
- No permanent free plan is available
- The broad program may exceed the needs of smaller teams
- KnowBe49.4/10 · Paid
A broad security awareness platform with phishing tests, automated training, and risk scoring.
Visit KnowBe4Full verdict → - SANS Security Awareness8.9/10 · Pricing on request
A deep, flexible security awareness suite for large organizations with structured programs.
Visit SANSFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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