Darktrace vs KnowBe4: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Darktrace 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:
Darktrace
The essential AI cybersecurity platform for proactive cyber resilience.
Best for you if:
- • AI-native cybersecurity platform for proactive cyber resilience.
- • Uses Self-Learning AI to detect known and novel threats across network, email, cloud, OT, identity, and endpoints.
KnowBe4
Reduce human and AI agent risk with an end-to-end human risk management platform.
Best for you if:
- • Reduces human and AI agent cybersecurity risk through comprehensive training.
- • Provides advanced cloud email security to prevent phishing and malware attacks.
| At a Glance |  Darktrace |  KnowBe4 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Contact sales/moEnterprise | Contact us/moSilver |
Best For | Security | Security |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Darktrace or KnowBe4?
Choose Darktrace if
The essential AI cybersecurity platform for proactive cyber resilience.
- Self-learning AI requires no signatures or rules
- Unified platform covering network, cloud, email, and endpoints
- Autonomous response stops threats without human intervention
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.
| Feature | Darktrace | KnowBe4 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 78 reviews | ★4.6/5 2,471 reviews |
| Categories | SecurityAI & Automation | SecurityLearning & Training |
In-Depth Analysis
Darktrace
The essential AI cybersecurity platform for proactive cyber resilience.
Strengths
- +Self-learning AI requires no signatures or rules
- +Unified platform covering network, cloud, email, and endpoints
- +Autonomous response stops threats without human intervention
- +Detects novel and AI-driven attacks others miss
- +Excellent visibility across hybrid environments
Weaknesses
- -Enterprise pricing not publicly disclosed
- -Requires significant initial tuning period
- -Can generate false positives during learning phase
- -Resource-intensive deployment
- -Best suited for larger organizations
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: Darktrace vs KnowBe4
| Plan | Darktrace | KnowBe4 |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Contact sales Enterprise | Contact us Silver |
| Tier 2 | Contact sales Full Platform | 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 Darktrace pricing and KnowBe4 pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Darktrace
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Darktrace
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Darktrace
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?
Both are security tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Darktrace
- Our pick for this comparison
KnowBe4
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (2,471 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Darktrace is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Darktrace or KnowBe4 better?
Darktrace is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Darktrace and KnowBe4 used for?
Darktrace: The essential AI cybersecurity platform for proactive cyber resilience.. KnowBe4: Reduce human and AI agent risk with an end-to-end human risk management platform..
What does Darktrace cost vs KnowBe4?
Darktrace is a paid tool. KnowBe4 is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.