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# Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense vs Symantec Messaging Gateway Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Cisco Secure Email Threat...Symantec Messaging Gateway[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense**

**Contact Vendor for Pricing** · Basic

**Symantec Messaging Gateway**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Perceived Cost

**Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense**
$$$$$

**Symantec Messaging Gateway**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense**
Not enough reviews yet

**Symantec Messaging Gateway**
Not enough reviews yet

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Time to Implement

**Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Symantec Messaging Gateway** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

Return on Investment

**Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Symantec Messaging Gateway** 6 months
Based on 100 responses

**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense**
Not enough data

**Symantec Messaging Gateway**
Not enough data

**Ratings**
from reviews

Meets Requirements

**Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense**

**9.0** /10

Based on 19 responses

**Symantec Messaging Gateway**

**8.1** /10

Based on 14 responses

Ease of Use

**Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense**

**8.4** /10

Based on 19 responses

**Symantec Messaging Gateway**

**8.2** /10

Based on 14 responses

Ease of Setup

**Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense**

**8.5** /10

Based on 8 responses

**Symantec Messaging Gateway**

**8.2** /10

Based on 11 responses

Ease of Admin

**Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense**

**9.0** /10

Based on 8 responses

**Symantec Messaging Gateway**

**7.5** /10

Based on 12 responses

Quality of Support

**Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense**

**8.9** /10

Based on 17 responses

**Symantec Messaging Gateway**

**7.4** /10

Based on 13 responses

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense**

**9.6** /10

Based on 8 responses

**Symantec Messaging Gateway**

**8.3** /10

Based on 10 responses

Product Direction (% positive)

**Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense**

**9.4** /10

Based on 19 responses

**Symantec Messaging Gateway**

**8.1** /10

Based on 12 responses

**Features**
ratings from reviews

Secure Email Gateway

**9.5** /10

Based on 5 responses

**8.4** /10

Based on 12 responses

Cloud Email Security

**9.0** /10

Based on 5 responses

Not enough data

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.)
26.7%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
26.7%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
46.7%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
26.7%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
26.7%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
46.7%

**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%

[![Symantec Messaging Gateway](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_0e4871d875df1fd8e78ec9d6297edb56/symantec-symantec-messaging-gateway.gif "Symantec Messaging Gateway")](https://www.g2.com/products/symantec-symantec-messaging-gateway/reviews)
Symantec Messaging Gateway

Information Technology and Services
26.7%

Transportation/Trucking/Railroad
13.3%

Banking
13.3%

Non-Profit Organization Management
6.7%

Hospitality
6.7%

Other
33.3%

Alternatives

**Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense Alternatives**

 ![Proofpoint Core Email Protection](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/8adf2eedd5616a9f5e200c4520f6d30d/proofpoint-core-email-protection.svg "Proofpoint Core Email Protection")

[
Proofpoint Core Email...
](/products/proofpoint-core-email-protection/reviews)

 ![Mimecast Email & Collaboration Security](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/c97922b8b687c48a1c77730e5b621a3a/mimecast-email-collaboration-security.svg "Mimecast Email & Collaboration Security")

[
Mimecast Email &...
](/products/mimecast-email-collaboration-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)

**Symantec Messaging Gateway Alternatives**

 ![Proofpoint Core Email Protection](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/8adf2eedd5616a9f5e200c4520f6d30d/proofpoint-core-email-protection.svg "Proofpoint Core Email Protection")

[
Proofpoint Core Email...
](/products/proofpoint-core-email-protection/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 Email & Collaboration Security](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/c97922b8b687c48a1c77730e5b621a3a/mimecast-email-collaboration-security.svg "Mimecast Email & Collaboration Security")

[
Mimecast Email &...
](/products/mimecast-email-collaboration-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)

## Cisco Secure Email Threat... vs Symantec Messaging Gateway FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 16, 2026

### What is the difference between Cisco Secure Email Threat... vs Symantec Messaging Gateway?

Cisco Secure Email Threat... stands out for higher reviewer satisfaction across key dimensions compared to Symantec Messaging Gateway.

| [Cisco Secure Email Threat...](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-email-threat-defense/reviews) | [Symantec Messaging Gateway](https://www.g2.com/products/symantec-symantec-messaging-gateway/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.3/5 (28 reviews) | 3.9/5 (21 reviews) |
| — | — |
| 8.5 | 8.2 |
| 8.9 | 7.4 |
| Broad protection against spam and cyber-attacks, advanced security features, and strong integration with Office 365 | Ease of deployment, content filtering, and flexible administration |

### How do the pricing models of Cisco Secure Email Threat... and Symantec Messaging Gateway compare?

Cisco Secure Email Threat... receives higher satisfaction scores for value compared to Symantec Messaging Gateway.

- **Cisco Secure Email Threat...:** In recent reviews, several reviewers note the product's cost is higher than alternatives, but they also highlight its effectiveness and advanced features as justifying the investment.
- **Symantec Messaging Gateway:** Recent reviews do not cite cost as a major concern, with reviewers focusing more on ease of deployment and administration.

### What are the best alternatives to Cisco Secure Email Threat... and Symantec Messaging Gateway?

The top three alternatives to Cisco Secure Email Threat... and Symantec Messaging Gateway are Proofpoint Core Email Protection, Mimecast Advanced Email Security, and SpamTitan Email Security.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Cisco Secure Email Threat...](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-secure-email-threat-defense/reviews) | 4.3/5 (28 reviews) | — | Cost is higher than alternatives, but advanced features and effectiveness are highlighted | Broad protection, advanced security features, Office 365 integration |
| [Symantec Messaging Gateway](https://www.g2.com/products/symantec-symantec-messaging-gateway/reviews) | 3.9/5 (21 reviews) | — | Cost is not a major concern in recent reviews | Ease of deployment, content filtering, flexible administration |
| [Proofpoint Core Email Protection](https://www.g2.com/products/proofpoint-core-email-protection/reviews) | 4.6/5 (601 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Comprehensive threat protection |
| [Mimecast Advanced Email Security](https://www.g2.com/products/mimecast-advanced-email-security/reviews) | 4.4/5 (350 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Advanced threat detection and reliability |
| [SpamTitan Email Security](https://www.g2.com/products/spamtitan-email-security/reviews) | 4.5/5 (199 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Strong spam filtering and ease of use |

### Which Secure Email Gateway features should I prioritize when comparing Cisco Secure Email Threat... and Symantec Messaging Gateway?

Buyers should prioritize threat detection, ease of setup, quality of support, reporting, and integration capabilities when comparing Cisco Secure Email Threat... and Symantec Messaging Gateway.

- **Threat detection:** Cisco Secure Email Threat... scores 9.0 on Meets Requirements, while Symantec Messaging Gateway scores 8.1.
- **Ease of setup:** Cisco Secure Email Threat... scores 8.5, Symantec Messaging Gateway scores 8.2.
- **Quality of support:** Cisco Secure Email Threat... scores 8.9, Symantec Messaging Gateway scores 7.4.
- **Reporting:** Both products are frequently cited for reporting, with Cisco Secure Email Threat... noted for advanced malicious reporting and Symantec Messaging Gateway for good but improvable reporting.
- **Integration capabilities:** Cisco Secure Email Threat... is highlighted for strong Office 365 integration in recent reviews.

### What are the pros and cons of Cisco Secure Email Threat... vs Symantec Messaging Gateway?

Cisco Secure Email Threat... is strongest in advanced security features and support, while Symantec Messaging Gateway is praised for ease of deployment and content filtering.

- **Cisco Secure Email Threat... strengths:** Advanced threat detection, broad protection against spam and cyber-attacks, strong integration with Office 365, high reviewer satisfaction with support and administration.
- **Cisco Secure Email Threat... trade-offs:** Higher cost compared to alternatives, some reviewers mention limited reporting customization and a learning curve for the interface.
- **Symantec Messaging Gateway strengths:** Ease of deployment, flexible administration, strong content filtering, and effective spam and phishing protection.
- **Symantec Messaging Gateway trade-offs:** Lower satisfaction with support, older management console, and requests for improved reporting and integration capabilities.

### Is Cisco Secure Email Threat... or Symantec Messaging Gateway better for small businesses?

SpamTitan Email Security is the top alternative for small businesses, but between Cisco Secure Email Threat... and Symantec Messaging Gateway, neither product is dominant in the small-business segment.

- **Cisco Secure Email Threat...:** No largest segment data available, but reviewers recommend it for businesses of all sizes and highlight its effectiveness and ease of use.
- **Symantec Messaging Gateway:** No largest segment data available, but reviewers note its ease of deployment and administration, which can benefit small businesses.

### Which Secure Email Gateway platform has better integrations?

Neither Cisco Secure Email Threat... nor Symantec Messaging Gateway is favored for integrations in recent reviews, with parity on this dimension.

- **Cisco Secure Email Threat...:** Recent reviews highlight integration with Office 365.
- **Symantec Messaging Gateway:** Recent reviews mention integration with other solutions and mail servers, but also note limitations with some email platforms.

### How do Cisco Secure Email Threat... and Symantec Messaging Gateway compare on customer support?

Cisco Secure Email Threat... outperforms Symantec Messaging Gateway on Quality of Support by a material margin of 1.5 points (8.9 vs 7.4).

- **Cisco Secure Email Threat...:** Reviewers consistently praise responsive and helpful support, with multiple mentions of positive support experiences and a Quality of Support score of 8.9.
- **Symantec Messaging Gateway:** Reviewers report generally good support but cite lower satisfaction overall, with a Quality of Support score of 7.4 and some mentions of support system lag and less responsive experiences.

### Which is easier to implement, Cisco Secure Email Threat... or Symantec Messaging Gateway?

Cisco Secure Email Threat... is rated higher for Ease of Setup than Symantec Messaging Gateway, with a 0.3-point advantage (8.5 vs 8.2).

- **Cisco Secure Email Threat...:** Reviewers describe setup as straightforward, especially with assistance from Cisco engineers, though some note a learning curve due to the number of controls.
- **Symantec Messaging Gateway:** Reviewers highlight ease of deployment and administration, but also mention the need for customization and learning to use all features efficiently.

### Which product has better Reporting?

Cisco Secure Email Threat... is favored for Reporting, with reviewers citing advanced malicious reporting and higher satisfaction scores.

- **Cisco Secure Email Threat...:** Reviewers highlight advanced malicious reporting, with a Meets Requirements score of 9.0 and frequent mentions of detailed visibility and reporting features.
- **Symantec Messaging Gateway:** Reviewers note reporting is good but request more analytics capabilities, with a Meets Requirements score of 8.1 and some feedback that reporting could be improved.

## Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense vs Symantec Messaging Gateway

When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense easier to use, set up, and administer. Reviewers also preferred doing business with Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense overall.

- Reviewers felt that Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense meets the needs of their business better than Symantec Messaging Gateway.
- When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense is the preferred option.
- For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of Cisco Secure Email Threat Defense over Symantec Messaging Gateway.