CyberArk vs KnowBe4: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between CyberArk and KnowBe4 comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
CyberArk
Secure every identity across human, machine, and AI with intelligent privilege controls.
Best for you if:
- • You need identity & access features specifically
- • Secures all identities (human, machine, AI) with intelligent privilege controls.
- • Unifies identity security across hybrid, SaaS, and multi-cloud environments.
KnowBe4
Reduce human and AI agent risk with an end-to-end human risk management platform.
Best for you if:
- • You need security features specifically
- • Reduces human and AI agent cybersecurity risk through comprehensive training.
- • Provides advanced cloud email security to prevent phishing and malware attacks.
| At a Glance |  CyberArk |  KnowBe4 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | Custom |
Best For | Identity & Access | Security |
Rating | 3.2/5 | 4.6/5 |
Choose CyberArk or KnowBe4?
Choose CyberArk if
Secure every identity across human, machine, and AI with intelligent privilege controls.
- Comprehensive security for all identity types (human, machine, AI)
- Unified platform simplifies security stack and management
- Advanced AI capabilities enhance threat detection and automation
- Your work is identity & access-shaped, not security-shaped
Choose KnowBe4 if
Reduce human and AI agent risk with an end-to-end human risk management platform.
- Reduces 'Phish-prone' percentage significantly.
- Integrates compliance and security training into one platform.
- Offers AI-powered defense agents for real-time risk detection and mitigation.
- Your work is security-shaped, not identity & access-shaped
| Feature | CyberArk | KnowBe4 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★3.2/5 878 reviews | ★4.6/5 2,471 reviews |
| Categories | Identity & AccessSecurity | SecurityLearning & Training |
In-Depth Analysis
CyberArk
Secure every identity across human, machine, and AI with intelligent privilege controls.
Strengths
- +Comprehensive security for all identity types (human, machine, AI)
- +Unified platform simplifies security stack and management
- +Advanced AI capabilities enhance threat detection and automation
- +Strong focus on privilege controls and least privilege principles
- +Supports hybrid, multi-cloud, and SaaS environments
Weaknesses
- -No free tier or trial explicitly mentioned
- -Complexity of implementation and management for large enterprises
Key features
KnowBe4
Reduce human and AI agent risk with an end-to-end human risk management platform.
Strengths
- +Reduces 'Phish-prone' percentage significantly.
- +Integrates compliance and security training into one platform.
- +Offers AI-powered defense agents for real-time risk detection and mitigation.
- +Provides a comprehensive toolkit for assessing and improving an organization's security posture.
Weaknesses
- -Pricing details are not publicly available, requiring a demo request.
- -Requires active participation from employees for training effectiveness.
- -Implementation and customization may require dedicated IT resources.
Key features
Pricing: CyberArk vs KnowBe4
| Plan | CyberArk | KnowBe4 |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Contact us Contact Sales | Contact us Silver |
| Tier 2 | N/A | Contact us Gold |
| Tier 3 | N/A | Contact us Platinum |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Contact us Diamond |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on CyberArk pricing and KnowBe4 pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: CyberArk
Want the highest-rated option?
CyberArk: 3.2/5 (878 reviews). KnowBe4: 4.6/5 (2,471 reviews).
Go with: KnowBe4
Value user reviews?
CyberArk: 878 reviews (3.2/5). KnowBe4: 2,471 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: KnowBe4
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
CyberArk is a identity & access tool. KnowBe4 is in security. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
KnowBe4 is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 3.2/5.
Key Takeaways
CyberArk
- Our pick for this comparison
KnowBe4
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 3.2/5
- Larger review base (2,471 reviews)
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
CyberArk is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CyberArk or KnowBe4 better?
CyberArk is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are CyberArk and KnowBe4 used for?
CyberArk: Secure every identity across human, machine, and AI with intelligent privilege controls.. KnowBe4: Reduce human and AI agent risk with an end-to-end human risk management platform..
What does CyberArk cost vs KnowBe4?
CyberArk is a paid tool. KnowBe4 is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.