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.
Bottom line: CyberArk wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick. Pick KnowBe4 if you need security.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
CyberArk
Secure every identity across human, machine, and AI with intelligent privilege controls.
Best for you if:
- • You want comprehensive security for all identity types (human, machine, AI)
KnowBe4
Reduce human and AI agent risk with an end-to-end human risk management platform.
Best for you if:
- • You want reduces 'Phish-prone' percentage significantly
| At a Glance | CyberArk | KnowBe4 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | Custom |
Category | Identity & Access Security | Security Learning & Training |
Rating | 3.8/5 Trustpilot 3.2 · G2 4.4 · Capterra 4.3 976 reviews | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 · Capterra 4.7 2,424 reviews |
Free plan | No | No |
Watch out for | Potential for high minimum user counts | Potential for high minimum seat counts |
Choose CyberArk or KnowBe4?
Choose CyberArk if
- You want comprehensive security for all identity types (human, machine, AI)
- You want unified platform simplifies security stack and management
- You work in identity & access, not security
Choose KnowBe4 if
- You want reduces 'Phish-prone' percentage significantly
- You want integrates compliance and security training into one platform
- You work in security, not identity & access
In-Depth Analysis
CyberArk
Secure every identity across human, machine, and AI with intelligent privilege controls.
Watch out
Potential for high minimum user counts
Strengths
- Pro: Comprehensive security for all identity types (human, machine, AI)
- Pro: Unified platform simplifies security stack and management
- Pro: Advanced AI capabilities enhance threat detection and automation
- Pro: Strong focus on privilege controls and least privilege principles
- Pro: Supports hybrid, multi-cloud, and SaaS environments
Weaknesses
- Con: No free tier or trial explicitly mentioned
- Con: 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.
Watch out
Potential for high minimum seat counts
Strengths
- Pro: Reduces 'Phish-prone' percentage significantly.
- Pro: Integrates compliance and security training into one platform.
- Pro: Offers AI-powered defense agents for real-time risk detection and mitigation.
- Pro: Provides a comprehensive toolkit for assessing and improving an organization's security posture.
Weaknesses
- Con: Pricing details are not publicly available, requiring a demo request.
- Con: Requires active participation from employees for training effectiveness.
- Con: 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.
Key Takeaways
CyberArk
- Our pick for this comparison
KnowBe4
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 3.8/5
- Larger review base (2,424 reviews)
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
CyberArk wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CyberArk or KnowBe4 better in 2026?
CyberArk wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick. Pick CyberArk for identity & access workflows (main strength: comprehensive security for all identity types (human, machine, AI)). Pick KnowBe4 for security workflows (main strength: reduces 'Phish-prone' percentage significantly).
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 pricing is on their site. KnowBe4 pricing is on their site.
What's the main difference between CyberArk and KnowBe4?
CyberArk's main strength: comprehensive security for all identity types (human, machine, AI). KnowBe4's main strength: reduces 'Phish-prone' percentage significantly.