revel8 vs. SoSafe vs. KnowBe4: The Best Security Awareness Platform in 2025?

August 5, 2025

SAT platforms have evolved far beyond annual phishing tests. In 2025, leading solutions combine AI-driven simulations, multichannel attack vectors, real-time training, and deep integrations with enterprise infrastructure. Choosing the right platform can make the difference between users who learn from threats and those who fall for them.

Whether you're a CISO, security engineer, or compliance lead, this comparison helps you cut through the noise - and select the platform that actually reduces human risk.

What Defines a Best-in-Class SAT Platform in 2025

1. Multichannel Attack Simulation: Attackers don’t just use email anymore; so why train on email alone? The best platforms simulate phishing, vishing (voice), smishing (SMS), and more.

2. Real-Time, Context-Aware Content: Static templates are outdated. Top tools use AI and live threat intel to generate highly relevant simulations that reflect today’s attack landscape.

3. Frequent, Gamified Microlearning: Bite-sized, interactive training sessions deliver better retention than long annual seminars; especially when personalized and gamified.

4. Deep Enterprise Integration: SAT tools must integrate with your SIEM, SOC, SSO, SCIM, and directory services to maximize value and ensure consistent enforcement.

Platform Comparison: revel8 vs SoSafe vs KnowBe4

1. revel8 - The most advanced, real-time SAT platform in 2025

Best for: Organizations that want AI-powered, real-world simulations and real-time training.

Key Strengths:

  • AI-Created Phishing from Real Context: revel8’s context collector uses real attack patterns from across organizations to craft highly relevant, personalized phishing simulations.
  • Real-Time Coaching & Interventions: Integrated into SOC and SIEM tools, it delivers just-in-time coaching exactly when risky behavior is detected.
  • Multichannel Simulations: Goes beyond email with SMS, voice, and other channel simulations; mirroring real-world tactics.
  • OSINT-Based User Risk Profiling: Unmatched visibility into user exposure using open-source intelligence. All OSINT profiling is conducted within GDPR-compliant processes and uses only publicly available information.
  • Call Reporting App: Employees can report suspicious calls and messages directly; critical in the age of hybrid vishing attacks.

revel8 is the only platform that fully integrates AI, real-time response, and multichannel simulation with enterprise-grade compliance and SOC integration. It doesn’t just test employees; it actively strengthens their behavior in real time.

2. SoSafe - Gamified learning with limited threat simulation

Best for: Organizations focused on engaging UX and e-Learning.

Key Strengths:

  • Gamified learning experience with points, avatars, and progress tracking.
  • Compliance-oriented reporting aligned with standards such as GDPR and ISO/IEC.
  • Awareness Assistant chatbot supports learning reinforcement through conversational interaction.

Considerations:

  • The platform emphasizes user experience and long-term awareness building, rather than simulating attacks across multiple channels like voice or SMS.
  • Simulations and training content are generally based on predefined templates, which may offer less contextual realism for some users.
  • Real-time coaching or automated behavioral interventions are not a core focus based on publicly available information.
  • Risk-based personalization (e.g., based on publicly available exposure) is currently not prominently featured in product descriptions.

Summary:
SoSafe stands out through its gamified approach and engaging training environment. It’s a solid choice for teams aiming to boost awareness in an accessible and visually compelling way. Organizations seeking in-depth simulation capabilities or real-time risk mitigation may want to explore more technically adaptive platforms.

3. KnowBe4 - Legacy leader with limited innovation

Best for: Organizations seeking a well-established platform with a large content library and mature compliance tools.

Key Strengths:

  • Extensive training library with thousands of modules covering phishing, compliance topics, and more.
  • Risk scoring tools help administrators identify users who may require additional support based on behavioral trends.
  • Robust reporting and automation features to support compliance-driven environments.

Considerations:

  • The platform’s primary focus is on email-based phishing simulations. Public documentation does not currently highlight simulations across other channels such as SMS or voice.
  • Real-time coaching or in-the-moment interventions are not a core feature of the platform’s published approach.
  • Training simulations are typically based on templated content, which may offer less contextual adaptation compared to AI-driven alternatives.
  • User risk profiling based on publicly available exposure (e.g., OSINT) is not currently emphasized in product materials.

Summary:
KnowBe4 remains a widely recognized choice for organizations prioritizing scalable training programs and compliance readiness. For companies looking to explore AI-powered, context-driven simulations with multichannel coverage and real-time feedback, newer platforms like revel8 may offer a more adaptive approach.

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While all three platforms have strong points, revel8 uniquely combines:

  • AI-powered phishing from real-time context
  • OSINT-based user profiling
  • Real-time behavioral coaching
  • Multichannel simulation (voice, SMS, email, and more)
  • Deep integration with SOC/SIEM systems

While SoSafe excels at engagement and KnowBe4 delivers content scale, revel8 provides the technical depth, context-awareness, and immediate training capabilities needed to defend against today’s evolving threat landscape.

Feature availability and descriptions are based on publicly available information as of August 5, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best KnowBe4 alternative in 2025?

For organizations seeking AI-powered, context-aware simulations with real-time coaching and OSINT-driven personalization, revel8 represents a modern, adaptive alternative to legacy SAT platforms.

Does revel8 support voice-based phishing simulations?

Yes. revel8 includes multichannel simulations like email, SMS, and voice calls (vishing), reflecting modern attack methods.

How does revel8 compare to SoSafe in terms of realism?

revel8 generates simulations using live threat intelligence and contextual data tailored to each user. Based on publicly available product information, SoSafe focuses more on templated scenarios and long-term user engagement.

What makes OSINT risk profiling valuable in SAT platforms?

OSINT profiling helps identify how exposed employees are online, allowing revel8 to tailor attack simulations to actual user risk, boosting training effectiveness.

Does KnowBe4 offer AI-based phishing or multichannel simulations?

As of August 2025, KnowBe4’s publicly available materials focus primarily on email-based simulations using templated content. Platforms like revel8 may offer additional coverage across channels such as SMS and voice.

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Julius Muth

About the author

Co-Founder and CEO at revel8 and a recognized expert in cybersecurity go-to-market strategy. Julius specializes in positioning enterprise solutions against AI-driven phishing, deepfakes, and advanced social engineering threats. He has a proven track record in scaling B2B SaaS, building high-impact sales motions, and aligning product-market fit with evolving security challenges.