Link copied to clipboard # Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense vs Proofpoint Core Email Protection Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/cisco-secure-email-threat-defense/proofpoint-core-email-protection/export.csv) Cisco Secure Email Threat...Proofpoint Core Email...[+ Add Product](#) Pricing **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** No pricing available **Proofpoint Core Email Protection** Free Trial **Free Trial** 0 Mailbox Per Year · Proofpoint Core Email Protection **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** Not enough reviews yet **Proofpoint Core Email Protection** 2 months Based on 14 responses Return on Investment **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** Not enough reviews yet **Proofpoint Core Email Protection** 11 months Based on 12 responses Perceived Cost **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** $$$$$ **Proofpoint Core Email Protection** $$$$$ Average Discount **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** Not enough reviews yet **Proofpoint Core Email Protection** 12% **Pros & Cons** from reviews **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** Not enough data **Proofpoint Core Email Protection** [ Protection (88) ](https://www.g2.com/products/proofpoint-core-email-protection/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1903218&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Email Security (81) ](https://www.g2.com/products/proofpoint-core-email-protection/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1903441&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Outdated Interface (28) ](https://www.g2.com/products/proofpoint-core-email-protection/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1900507&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ User Interface (24) ](https://www.g2.com/products/proofpoint-core-email-protection/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1901603&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** Not enough data **Proofpoint Core Email Protection** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_8b3109519c061f3739371275d691098a/cortex-xsoar.png "Product Avatar Image") Cortex XSOAR ](https://www.g2.com/products/cortex-xsoar/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_56db399f44b6fabb7c667f09bc770579/crowdstrike-product-suite.png "Product Avatar Image") CrowdStrike Product Suite ](https://www.g2.com/products/crowdstrike-product-suite/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_5e8ef2a178e2eb8d2b5d50c95bfebc6c/cyberark-workforce-identity.png "Product Avatar Image") CyberArk Workforce Identity ](https://www.g2.com/products/cyberark-workforce-identity/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_4a9a6d57cdd833bf0381d21fd9246641/google-workspace.png "Product Avatar Image") Google Workspace ](https://www.g2.com/products/google-workspace/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/proofpoint-core-email-protection/integrations) Screenshots **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** No screenshot available **Proofpoint Core Email Protection** ![Proofpoint Core Email Protection screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/121987/Screenshot-2025-06-16-at-2.24.55-PM.png) **Ratings** from reviews Meets Requirements **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** 9.0 9.019 **Proofpoint Core Email Protection** 9.3 9.3290 Ease of Use **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** 8.4 8.419 **Proofpoint Core Email Protection** 8.5 8.5556 Ease of Setup **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** 8.5 8.58 **Proofpoint Core Email Protection** 8.3 8.3465 Ease of Admin **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** 9.0 9.08 **Proofpoint Core Email Protection** 8.5 8.5252 Quality of Support **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** 8.9 8.917 **Proofpoint Core Email Protection** 8.8 8.8313 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** 9.6 9.68 **Proofpoint Core Email Protection** 9.2 9.2248 Product Direction (% positive) **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** 9.4 9.419 **Proofpoint Core Email Protection** 9.2 9.2277 **Features** ratings from reviews Cloud Email Security 9.0 5 8.9 172 Secure Email Gateway 9.5 5 9.0 143 Intelligent Email Protection Not enough data 9.0 106 Email Anti-spam Not enough data 8.9 24 Email Encryption Not enough data 8.7 25 User Insights **Reviewers' Company Size** Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 19.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 46.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 34.6% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 19.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 46.2% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 34.6% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 4.7% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 29.4% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 65.9% Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 4.7% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 29.4% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 65.9% **Reviewers' Industry** [![Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_38b2594bf3660b0b77b70d2dd1b16fee/cisco-secure-email-threat-defense.jpg "Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense")](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-email-threat-defense/reviews) Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense Information Technology and Services 19.2% Higher Education 11.5% Marketing and Advertising 7.7% Architecture & Planning 3.8% Computer Hardware 3.8% Other 53.8% [![Proofpoint Core Email Protection](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/8adf2eedd5616a9f5e200c4520f6d30d/proofpoint-core-email-protection.svg "Proofpoint Core Email Protection")](https://www.g2.com/products/proofpoint-core-email-protection/reviews) Proofpoint Core Email Protection Financial Services 9.6% Hospital & Health Care 8.0% Information Technology and Services 6.7% Retail 5.2% Banking 4.6% Other 66.0% Alternatives **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense Alternatives** ![Mimecast Advanced Email Security](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4de3129d806e9580f2866c054f5a8591/mimecast-advanced-email-security.svg "Mimecast Advanced Email Security") [ Mimecast Advanced Email... ](/products/mimecast-advanced-email-security/reviews) ![Microsoft Defender for Office 365](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a8a99a96fda235658139f710592f8a53/microsoft-microsoft-defender-for-office-365.svg "Microsoft Defender for Office 365") [ Microsoft Defender for... ](/products/microsoft-microsoft-defender-for-office-365/reviews) ![SpamTitan Email Security](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1553620140/spamtitan-email-security.svg "SpamTitan Email Security") [ SpamTitan Email Security ](/products/spamtitan-email-security/reviews) ![FortiMail](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_5837e273a4c3cb67895b3aa9d2e5953b/fortimail.jpg "FortiMail") [ FortiMail ](/products/fortimail/reviews) **Proofpoint Core Email Protection Alternatives** ![Paubox](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/57b768928a3f3f68b3afeb8a9c97e31b/paubox.svg "Paubox") [ Paubox ](/products/paubox/reviews) ![SpamTitan Email Security](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1553620140/spamtitan-email-security.svg "SpamTitan Email Security") [ SpamTitan Email Security ](/products/spamtitan-email-security/reviews) ![Mimecast Advanced Email Security](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4de3129d806e9580f2866c054f5a8591/mimecast-advanced-email-security.svg "Mimecast Advanced Email Security") [ Mimecast Advanced Email... ](/products/mimecast-advanced-email-security/reviews) ![Symantec Email Security.Cloud](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/7e0271a147c13a70a6587f9586b454a0/symantec-email-security-cloud.png "Symantec Email Security.Cloud") [ Symantec Email Security.Cloud ](/products/symantec-email-security-cloud/reviews) ## Cisco Secure Email Threat... vs Proofpoint Core Email... FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Cisco Secure Email Threat... vs Proofpoint Core Email...? Proofpoint Core Email Protection stands out with a higher G2 rating and review volume, while Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense is favored for its administrative ease and support. | | [Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-email-threat-defense/reviews) | [Proofpoint Core Email Protection](https://www.g2.com/products/proofpoint-core-email-protection/reviews) | | --- | --- | --- | | G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.3/5 (28 reviews) | 4.6/5 (601 reviews) | | Largest Segment | Enterprise | Mid-Market | | Ease of Setup score | 8.5 | 8.3 | | Quality of Support score | 8.9 | 8.8 | | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Ease of administration and broad protection | Effectiveness (52 all-time mentions) | ### How do the pricing models of Cisco Secure Email Threat... and Proofpoint Core Email... compare? Reviewers consider Proofpoint Core Email Protection the stronger value, as reflected in satisfaction scores and recent review sentiment. - **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense:** Recent reviewers note the product's cost is high compared to other tools, though they acknowledge its effectiveness and broad protection. - **Proofpoint Core Email Protection:** In recent reviews, many highlight satisfaction with the value provided, citing comprehensive protection and ease of use as justifying the investment. - **Switching reasons:** Reviewers switching to Proofpoint Core Email Protection often cite its advanced threat detection and reporting capabilities as key drivers. ### What are the best alternatives to Cisco Secure Email Threat... and Proofpoint Core Email...? The best alternatives to Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense and Proofpoint Core Email Protection are Paubox, Mimecast Advanced Email Security, and SpamTitan Email Security. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-email-threat-defense/reviews) | 4.3/5 (28 reviews) | Enterprise | High cost noted in recent reviews | Ease of administration and broad protection | | [Proofpoint Core Email Protection](https://www.g2.com/products/proofpoint-core-email-protection/reviews) | 4.6/5 (601 reviews) | Mid-Market | Value justified by comprehensive protection | Effectiveness (52 all-time mentions) | | [Paubox](https://www.g2.com/products/paubox/reviews) | 4.9/5 (622 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — | | [Mimecast Advanced Email Security](https://www.g2.com/products/mimecast-advanced-email-security/reviews) | 4.4/5 (350 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | — | | [SpamTitan Email Security](https://www.g2.com/products/spamtitan-email-security/reviews) | 4.5/5 (199 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — | ### Which Secure Email Gateway features should I prioritize when comparing Cisco Secure Email Threat... and Proofpoint Core Email...? Buyers should prioritize threat detection, ease of administration, reporting, integration capabilities, and support quality when comparing Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense and Proofpoint Core Email Protection. - **Threat detection:** Proofpoint Core Email Protection is cited for effectiveness (52 all-time mentions), while Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense is praised for broad protection in recent reviews. - **Ease of administration:** Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense scores 9.0, Proofpoint Core Email Protection scores 8.5. - **Reporting:** Proofpoint Core Email Protection is frequently mentioned for strong reporting capabilities in recent reviews. - **Integration capabilities:** Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense is noted for Office 365 integration in recent reviews; Proofpoint Core Email Protection is cited for integration flexibility in large organizations. - **Support quality:** Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense scores 8.9, Proofpoint Core Email Protection scores 8.8. ### What are the pros and cons of Cisco Secure Email Threat... vs Proofpoint Core Email...? Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense is strongest in administrative ease and support, while Proofpoint Core Email Protection leads in effectiveness and reporting. - **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense strengths:** High ease of administration (9.0), broad protection, praised for integration with Office 365, and responsive support. - **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense trade-offs:** High cost noted in recent reviews, limited reporting customization, and a learning curve for interface navigation. - **Proofpoint Core Email Protection strengths:** Effectiveness (52 all-time mentions), comprehensive feature set (33 mentions), strong protection (21 mentions), robust reporting, and ease of use (12 mentions). - **Proofpoint Core Email Protection trade-offs:** Poor customer support (19 mentions), limited features (17 mentions), integration issues (10 mentions), and navigation difficulty (10 mentions). ### Is Cisco Secure Email Threat... or Proofpoint Core Email... better for small businesses? Paubox is the top-rated small-business fit, but between Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense and Proofpoint Core Email Protection, Proofpoint Core Email Protection is more aligned with mid-market and small-business needs. - **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense:** Largest segment is Enterprise; recent reviews highlight its flexibility and effectiveness but note higher cost as a barrier for smaller organizations. - **Proofpoint Core Email Protection:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; recent reviews emphasize ease of setup, strong protection, and value for organizations outside the enterprise segment. ### Which Secure Email Gateway platform has better integrations? Reviewers cite parity between Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense and Proofpoint Core Email Protection for integrations, with both products supporting key email platform integrations. - **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense:** Recent reviews highlight integration with Office 365 as a major benefit. - **Proofpoint Core Email Protection:** Recent reviews mention integration flexibility for large organizations and support for DMARC, DKIM, and SPF policies. ### How do Cisco Secure Email Threat... and Proofpoint Core Email... compare on customer support? Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense and Proofpoint Core Email Protection are rated at parity on Quality of Support, with scores of 8.9 and 8.8 respectively. - **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense:** Reviewers consistently describe support as responsive and helpful, with several noting positive experiences with setup assistance and ongoing support. - **Proofpoint Core Email Protection:** While many reviewers praise the support team for being informative and helpful, 19 all-time mentions cite poor customer support, and some recent reviews note slow response times and complex support processes. ### Which is easier to implement, Cisco Secure Email Threat... or Proofpoint Core Email...? Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense and Proofpoint Core Email Protection are rated at parity for Ease of Setup, with scores of 8.5 and 8.3 respectively. - **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense:** Reviewers describe setup as straightforward, with positive experiences working with Cisco engineers during implementation. - **Proofpoint Core Email Protection:** Many reviewers highlight easy setup and "set and forget" deployment, though some note complexity in initial configuration for advanced scenarios. ### Which product has better Reporting? Proofpoint Core Email Protection is favored for Reporting, with frequent reviewer mentions and strong supporting scores. - **Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense:** Reviewers note reporting is effective but limited in customization; no all-time mention count for reporting. - **Proofpoint Core Email Protection:** Reporting is a frequently cited strength in recent reviews, with robust and detailed reports highlighted as a key benefit.