1 March 2026 • Cyber security
The top KnowBe4 alternatives we evaluated are:
- Guardey
- Safetitan
- Hook Security
- ESET
- Proofpoint
- Phinsec
- Usecure
- Breach secure Now
- Phished.io
- Awaretrain
- Hoxhunt
- Infoseq IQ
- Metacompliance Security Awareness Training
- Phishing Box
- Proofpoint Security Awareness Training
- NINJIO
- Immersive Labs
- Arctic Wolf
If you’re looking for an alternative to KnowBe4 that’s engaging and accessible for smaller companies (who don’t need 25+ seats), we recommend Guardey. Below, we’ll explain exactly why.
Why we believe Guardey is a strong KnowBe4 alternative
After doing thorough research, we have concluded that the team at KnowBe4 has built a valuable product that may help your team become more aware of cyberthreats.
However, each organization may have different demands when it comes to security awareness training, in which case Guardey could be a valuable alternative.
4 reasons to consider trying out Guardey
Let’s take a closer look at Guardey and why it’s an alternative you should trust.
Please note that we’re not suggesting that KnowBe4 cannot meet these needs. Only that different tools solve them in different ways. Our evaluation looked at how each provider delivers value in these areas.
1. You don’t need a minimum number of seats with Guardey
Many platforms offer a minimum number of seats. This is obviously not an issue for larger businesses, but simply not an option for smaller businesses that don’t need that many users.
There is no minimum seat rule at Guardey.
2. Guardey encourages internal competition 🏆
Guardey delivers security awareness training built around gamification. Because in any game, progress matters. Every Guardey user starts their own fictional company. By completing challenges, they earn XP, grow their company, and strengthen its reputation. Miss a challenge? Your company’s reputation takes a hit. This way learning becomes interactive as decisions show clear consequences and behavior turns into habit.
In the leaderboard, Guardey users can see how well they’re doing compared to their colleagues. This adds an element of competition, which you can even amplify by offering prizes. Admins can easily see how users are performing and which topics may need more attention.
3. Guardey offers fresh training content 52 times a year 🔄
Guardey offers weekly challenges that take 3 minutes to finish. The challenges are put together with cyber security professionals every week, and contain the most relevant information about modern cyber threats. Cyber criminals are developing new tactics fast, which means your employees need regular and up-to-date training.
Guardey’s weekly challenges help teams to build up their knowledge slowly and actually retain information. Research has shown that regular training (even if it’s as short as 3 minutes) builds up more knowledge over time than yearly or even quarterly trainings that take hours.
4. Guardey offers training content adapted to sector-specific needs
Security awareness only works when people recognize themselves in the training. That’s why Guardey develops sector-specific storylines tailored to real-life situations. From healthcare and education to hospitality, public safety, and students, the challenges reflect the risks people actually face in their daily work.
And if your sector isn’t there yet? We’re ready to build it. When there’s demand, Guardey invests in developing new, sector-aligned content to ensure the training remains relevant, realistic, and effective.
5. Guardey offers lightning-fast onboarding and friendly UX 👩💻
To start using Guardey, you only need to create a free trial account. Within 3 minutes, you’ll be able to test the game and invite your colleagues to do the same. Its UX is accessible and friendly, especially compared to the usually greyish and boring cyber security landscape.
The bottom line: KnowBe4 isn’t your only option
Human error is at the root of 95% of all company data breaches, and cyber security awareness training plays an important role in helping companies turn employees into their most important firewall.
Curious about what Guardey can do for your organization? Feel free to start a trial or plan a demo with one of our Guardey specialists.
