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Head-to-head · Security Awareness Training Software

KnowBe4 vs SANS Security Awareness

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score KnowBe4 #1 in Security Awareness Training Software 9.4/10 Paid ✓ 5 of 5 features Visit KnowBe4
SANS Security Awareness #6 in Security Awareness Training Software 8.9/10 Pricing on request ✓ 3 of 5 features Visit SANS

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

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

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
  • Unlimited phishing tests and automated training campaigns
  • Risk scores for users, groups, and organizations
  • Microsoft 365, Google, Okta, and Proofpoint integrations
  • 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
Cons
  • No free plan
  • Advanced risk scoring requires SAT Advanced
  • Pricing may vary by region and is listed for a 3-year term
  • 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
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 →
  1. KnowBe4Security Awareness Training Software 9.4Paid
  2. SANS Security AwarenessSecurity Awareness Training Software 8.9Pricing on request

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 →

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update