Phishing training isn’t something you buy off the shelf and forget about. It’s an ongoing process that needs to feel real enough to matter, but not so expensive that it derails your budget. And that’s where most companies get stuck. The pricing varies wildly, from free open-source tools to fully managed platforms that cost thousands per month.
This guide walks through what those numbers actually mean, where your money goes, and how to choose a phishing simulation approach that fits your risk level, team size, and internal resources. No upsell, no fluff, just the real stuff that matters when you’re trying to build a smarter, safer workplace without overpaying for yet another tool.
What Is Phishing Simulation Training and What Is the Cost?
Phishing simulation training tests and improves how employees respond to simulated phishing messages that closely mimic real-world attacks. It helps raise awareness, reinforce safer habits, and uncover risky behavior before an actual incident occurs.
Most phishing simulation platforms automate tasks like campaign execution, message delivery, and follow-up actions, but they still require manual setup, configuration, and ongoing oversight. Simulated phishing emails are sent as part of planned campaigns, and user interactions such as clicking links or submitting information are recorded.
Depending on how the program is set up, these actions can trigger immediate follow-up training, including just-in-time guidance, awareness prompts, or structured learning content. Results are collected in reporting dashboards that show trends, track progress over time, and highlight areas where additional training is needed.
Beyond basic education, this approach provides measurable insight into real employee behavior, producing data that supports security teams, risk management efforts, and compliance reporting.
So, how much does it cost?
On average, phishing simulation training can cost:
- $0 for DIY or open-source setups, though these require internal resources.
- $2 to $10 per user per month for SaaS subscriptions.
- $20 to $50 per user per year for basic annual packages.
- $100+ per session per person for live or in-person workshops.
If you’re looking for a more accurate budget range, here’s a closer look.
How We Look at Phishing Simulation Training From an Engineering Perspective
Unter A-listware, we usually get involved in security from the infrastructure and engineering side, not as a training vendor. That gives us a slightly different view on phishing simulation training costs. In practice, the software itself is rarely the expensive part. What drives real cost is how well the training fits into existing systems, how much internal effort it takes to run, and whether the results actually lead to safer day-to-day behavior.
We work with companies that already have complex environments – cloud platforms, internal tools, legacy systems, distributed teams. In those setups, phishing simulation training only works if it integrates cleanly with identity management, email systems, and internal processes. When it does not, teams end up spending extra hours maintaining scripts, exporting reports, or manually following up with users. That hidden effort often costs more over time than the license itself.
From our side, the goal is always to reduce operational friction. Whether a company runs simulations monthly or quarterly, the most cost-effective approach is the one that requires the least manual intervention and fits naturally into how teams already work. When training is aligned with real workflows and supported by stable infrastructure, phishing simulation becomes a predictable, manageable line item instead of an ongoing drain on time and budget.
Key Pricing Models Explained
Most providers structure their pricing around one of three models: per-user subscriptions, flat-rate tiers, or pay-per-use sessions. Each comes with its own implications.
1. Per-User Subscription (Monthly or Annual)
This is the most common model for phishing simulation training. You pay a fixed fee per employee either monthly or annually. It usually includes:
- Ongoing phishing tests.
- Basic or advanced reporting.
- Short training videos for failed users.
Common cost range:
- Monthly: $2 to $10 per employee
- Annual: $20 to $50 per employee
This works well if you want consistent training and reporting but don’t need a ton of customization or live sessions.
2. Pay-Per-Session or One-Off Campaigns
Some companies prefer to run ad hoc phishing campaigns a few times a year, especially if they have internal IT staff or consultants running the show.
Estimated cost: $20 to $100 per user, per training session.
These sessions often include a live workshop or a deep-dive phishing assessment. While less scalable, it can be effective in regulated industries or during onboarding.
3. Flat-Rate for Full Access
Larger organizations or teams running hundreds of simulations per year might go with a flat annual license. This might include unlimited use, admin tools, and custom branding.
Common price points:
- From $1,500 annually for small orgs.
- Up to $30,000+ for enterprise access depending on features and seat count.
What Affects the Final Price?
Several factors can increase or reduce the overall cost of phishing simulation training. Here’s what to look for when building a realistic budget:
Company Size and Headcount
Most pricing is per-user, so naturally the bigger your team, the more you’ll pay. That said, many providers offer volume discounts once you hit 500 or 1000 seats.
Small teams (under 100 people) may end up paying more per seat due to minimum contract values.
Training Depth and Format
Basic phishing templates and click-through tracking cost less. If you add custom simulations, advanced reporting, behavioral scoring, or micro-learning modules, the price goes up.
Interactive or instructor-led training is also more expensive than automated email-based setups.
Frequency and Customization
Running simulations once or twice a year will be cheaper than doing monthly or randomized phishing campaigns. And if you need tailored scenarios for specific departments, you’ll either need an internal resource or pay extra for customization support.
Support and Integration
Some platforms include support and integrations in the base price. Others charge extra for things like:
- Active Directory sync.
- LMS or API integrations.
- Advanced admin dashboards.
- SSO setup and reporting exports.
These costs may be hidden in higher-tier plans or billed as add-ons.
What Does “Good” Phishing Training Include?
Not all training programs are equal. If you’re evaluating pricing, it helps to know what features are actually useful and worth paying for. Here’s a list to work with:
Essentials
Phishing simulation training is only one component of a broader cybersecurity awareness program and does not replace comprehensive security education. A solid phishing simulation program should start with the basics. That means sending simulated phishing emails with varying levels of difficulty to mirror real-world threats. The system should track things like who opens the emails, who clicks on them, and who repeatedly falls for them. When someone fails a simulation, it’s important that follow-up training kicks in right away – usually in the form of a quick, targeted video or tip. And to keep things moving smoothly, the ability to schedule campaigns and automate the whole process is key.
Nice to Have
Some features aren’t critical but can definitely make life easier. For example, being able to customize phishing templates or create scenarios that match your company’s structure adds realism. A behavioral risk score tied to user actions gives you better insight into which employees need more attention. Integration with systems you already use, like an LMS or HR platform, keeps training consistent and centralized. And if your company has different roles with unique risk profiles, it’s helpful to include content tailored for executives or technical teams.
Overkill for Most
Not every feature is worth the extra spend. Gamified dashboards or employee leaderboards might sound fun, but they’re often more distracting than useful. Some platforms also offer unlimited scenario creation supported by consultants, which can be overkill unless you’re managing security for a huge, complex org. And while video libraries seem like a value-add, most teams won’t watch them unless they’re tied to specific learning moments, so they end up sitting unused.
The goal is to reinforce smart behavior, not overload your team with more content.
Cost vs Value: Is It Worth It?
Let’s put it in perspective. A phishing simulation platform might cost your company a few thousand dollars per year. The average cost of a real-world data breach? Upwards of $4 million, depending on what gets exposed and who’s impacted.
While phishing simulations play an important role, the overall value of cybersecurity awareness training is driven by program format, delivery model, and organizational scale, with simulations being only one contributing element. So yes, even if the training catches one employee before they enter credentials into a fake Microsoft 365 login screen, that might be enough to justify the cost.
More than that, regular simulations do a few valuable things:
- Create a “muscle memory” response to suspicious emails.
- Uncover high-risk users who need more attention.
- Help satisfy compliance frameworks (ISO, NIST, HIPAA, etc.).
- Demonstrate security investment to stakeholders or insurers.
From a budgeting standpoint, phishing training isn’t a big-ticket item. But it punches above its weight in impact.
How to Budget Smartly for Phishing Simulation
If you’re putting together a training budget or RFP, here are a few practical suggestions to make your dollars go further:
- Start small: Test a monthly or quarterly simulation plan with a subset of users.
- Use built-in features: Many tools offer good-enough templates and reports for no extra cost.
- Set behavior-based goals: Focus on reducing click rates, not maximizing training hours.
- Avoid hourly consulting unless scoped: Open-ended support contracts can eat into your budget fast.
- Bundle where it makes sense: Some providers include phishing training in broader awareness packages.
Abschließende Überlegungen
Phishing simulation training doesn’t need to be complex or overpriced. The key is picking a model that fits your team’s size, risk level, and appetite for hands-on management. Whether you run a 10-person nonprofit or a 2,000-seat enterprise, the core value stays the same: you’re building habits that can prevent real-world damage.
If you’re clear on what you need and realistic about what you’re willing to manage internally, you can find a setup that works without draining your security budget. The right price is the one that actually helps people learn, not just check a box.
FAQ
- How much should we actually budget for phishing simulation training?
It depends on your setup, but most companies spend somewhere between $20 and $50 per employee per year for ongoing training. If you’re running more frequent tests or need advanced features, that number can climb. The real cost comes down to how hands-on you want to be and how many people you’re training.
- Is it worth doing if we’re a small team?
Yes, especially if you don’t have a dedicated security team. Smaller companies are often more vulnerable simply because one bad click can have a bigger impact. A lightweight phishing simulation program doesn’t have to cost much and can catch risky behavior before it turns into something serious.
- What makes phishing training expensive?
The software itself is often pretty reasonable. What adds up fast is customization, advanced reporting, integrations with your internal systems, or consultant time. Also, if you’re trying to train thousands of people or cover multiple regions and languages, the complexity starts to show up in the price.
- Can we just run phishing training once a year and be done with it?
You could, but the results probably won’t stick. One-and-done sessions usually fade from memory fast. Most teams that see improvement run monthly or quarterly simulations. Repetition builds habits. That’s the point.
- What happens when employees fail a phishing test?
In most cases, nothing dramatic. They’ll usually receive just-in-time guidance or targeted awareness content shortly after the mistake. It’s not meant to shame people – it’s just a way to teach in the moment, when the lesson actually lands.
- Do we need to buy a full training platform, or can we build our own?
You can definitely build your own if you’ve got the time and technical know-how. Open-source tools exist, but you’ll need to handle setup, templates, tracking, and follow-up manually. If your team’s already stretched thin, that internal cost can end up being more than a license fee. So it’s really a trade-off between money and time.
