Data as of Oct 15, 2026A topic in Email Phishing Defense & Awareness Platforms.
Reviewed by Dimitry Apollonsky
AI summary
HoxHunt and KnowBe4 share the lead closely for gamified security awareness training, with HoxHunt favored for behavioral habit-building and KnowBe4 for extensive enterprise programs. Buyers seeking quick weekly routines see alternatives highlighted for micro-learning challenges.
recommended for behavioral engagement, habit-building, and simulated phishing practice
recommended for broad enterprise training programs with extensive content libraries
recommended for gamified awareness training alongside behavioral platforms
recommended for bite-sized weekly cyber challenges and micro-learning
recommended as an alternative gamified awareness training option
Mentioned in · Jul 8 – Oct 15, 2026
ChatGPT SearchOct 7, 2026
Yes. If the problem is employees repeatedly falling for phishing tests, I’d prioritize vendors that make training continuous and game-like rather than just assigning annual compliance videos.
| Vendor | Gamification | Phishing simulation | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoxhunt | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Adaptive | Best for behavior change & engagement |
Google AI ModeOct 7, 2026
My team keeps failing phishing simulations. Can you recommend security awareness training platforms that incorporate gamified elements?
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Best all-around / large content library |
| Proofpoint ZenGuide | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best if you already use Proofpoint |
| NINJIO | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Short, story-driven training |
| SoSafe | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Human-risk analytics & global programs |
| Cofense | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Strong phishing reporting/response focus |
1. Hoxhunt — strongest match
Hoxhunt is particularly interesting for your situation because it combines adaptive phishing simulations, bite-sized training, rewards, badges/stars and leaderboards. The simulations adjust to an employee's behavior and skill level rather than giving everyone the same test. Hoxhunt says its training can be triggered after risky behavior, such as repeatedly clicking simulated phishing messages.
Independent comparisons also specifically identify Hoxhunt as a strong choice for behavior-driven training and engagement.
2. KnowBe4 — strongest broad platform
KnowBe4 has a huge training library, sophisticated phishing simulations, and built-in ways to gamify reporting and other desirable behaviors. Its Smart Groups functionality can award/track progress for actions such as reporting simulated phishing emails.
Given that your employees are already failing phishing tests, I'd pilot Hoxhunt vs. KnowBe4 with the same group for 60–90 days.
Don't measure just click rate. Track:
That distinction matters: the goal isn't simply to make employees scared of clicking—it is to make reporting a suspicious message the habitual response. Current comparisons increasingly emphasize reporting behavior and measurable risk reduction rather than annual-training completion.
If you tell me roughly how many employees you have and whether you're on Microsoft 365, I can narrow this to the 3 best options and compare pricing, gamification, integrations, and phishing capabilities.
Several top security awareness training and phishing simulation providers specifically incorporate gamification, behavioral science, and positive reinforcement to change employee habits . [](https://hoxhunt.com/blog/gamified-cyber-security-training)
When employees treat phishing tests like an annoying chore or fear "click-shaming", engagement drops. Gamified platforms replace passive video modules and punitive tests with points, badges, real-time feedback loops, and challenges.[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFtgTeibHOo&t=103)[[2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFtgTeibHOo&t=103)](https://hoxhunt.com/blog/gamified-cyber-security-training)
If you'd like to narrow down the choice, tell me:
I can recommend which platform will integrate best with your current setup.
If your team keeps failing phishing simulations, I’d look beyond traditional annual security training and prioritize programs that make learning interactive, game-like, personalized, and continuous.
The goal isn't simply to get employees to stop clicking simulated phishing emails. It's to build habits: spotting suspicious messages, reporting them quickly, and recognizing attacks that arrive through email, text, collaboration apps, or QR codes.
Based on current vendor offerings, these are the programs I’d put on your shortlist.
(Best for repeat simulation failures)
Hoxhunt uses adaptive phishing simulations that adjust to each employee's skill level. Employees earn stars and achievements, receive short lessons after simulations, and progress through increasingly challenging scenarios.
Why I'd shortlist it: It directly addresses the problem of people repeatedly failing by adapting training rather than giving everyone the same lesson.
Website:
(Best all-around platform)
KnowBe4 offers a broad library of security training, simulated phishing campaigns, interactive games, badges, and optional leaderboards. Administrators can also create remedial training for repeat offenders.
Why I'd shortlist it: A good fit if you want gamification alongside broad compliance coverage and flexible campaign management.
Website:
(Best for lean IT teams)
Huntress combines story-driven animated episodes, gamification, realistic phishing simulations, and just-in-time coaching. Its managed option handles much of the training program's planning and delivery.
Why I'd shortlist it: Particularly appealing if your team lacks the time to manage frequent campaigns and follow-up training manually.
Website:
Proofpoint offers gamified learning, role-based education, realistic phishing simulations, and just-in-time coaching based on user behavior and risk.
Why I'd shortlist it: Strong candidate for organizations that want to connect awareness training with broader human-risk management and existing Proofpoint security tools.
Website:
Launched in October 2026, this interactive experience puts employees through security scenarios involving email, chat, phone, social media, and QR codes. Learners earn badges and progress through personalized missions.
Why I'd shortlist it: Worth evaluating if your employees need to recognize social engineering beyond email. Confirm availability and licensing with Check Point before planning a rollout.
Website:
| Program | Main differentiator | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Hoxhunt | Adaptive challenges and rewards | Persistent simulation failures |
| KnowBe4 | Broad content and game library | General-purpose training |
| Huntress | Managed delivery and coaching | Small or overstretched IT teams |
These are feature-based recommendations, not an independently verified performance ranking. Confirm which gamification features are included in each package, since licensing and capabilities can vary.
Whichever platform you choose, I would run a 60–90 day pilot rather than simply purchasing a license and repeating your current training approach.
Weeks 1–2: Establish a baseline
Measure simulation click rates, successful phishing reports, and which departments or scenarios cause the most difficulty.
Weeks 3–6: Introduce gamified learning
Use short, frequent simulations, immediate explanations after mistakes, badges for reporting suspicious emails, and optional team-based challenges.
Weeks 7–12: Measure improvement
Compare results with the baseline, using new scenarios so employees cannot simply memorize the test. Provide additional coaching to people who continue to struggle.
Huntress and Hoxhunt both describe approaches that combine repeated simulations with coaching and performance tracking.
One important caution: make gamification about rewarding good security habits, not publicly shaming people who fail. A team-based challenge that rewards reporting is often a better starting point than a leaderboard of the worst performers.
I can recommend the best two or three options for your team if you share a little context.
1. How large is your team?
1–100 employees
101–500 employees
501–2,000 employees
More than 2,000 employees
2. What email environment do you use?
Microsoft 365
Google Workspace
Mixed environment / other
3. What's your biggest priority?
Adaptive training for repeat failures
More engaging games and rewards
Minimal IT administration
Compliance and management reporting
4. Do you have a budget range?
Under $2,000/year
$2,000–$10,000/year
$10,000+/year
Not sure yet
[Find the best-fit programs]
Google AI ModeOct 15, 2026
When teams repeatedly fail phishing simulations, it usually means the training feels like a punitive compliance checkbox rather than a practical skill. Shifting to platforms that use positive reinforcement, immediate micro-feedback, and gamification can dramatically improve engagement and reporting rates.
Top security awareness platforms featuring strong gamification and behavioral mechanics include:
ModStore ) that includes interactive games, modules, and leaderboards. It allows you to run automated, continuous phishing assessments paired with competitive elements to keep employees invested.If you'd like to narrow this down, tell me:
| Risk-based, role-specific training |
| Larger or security-mature organizations |
| Check Point Mission: Human Firewall | Cross-channel interactive missions | Email, phone, chat, and QR threats |
I can help you compare pricing models or deployment effort for these options.