MXToolbox Alternative for MSPs:
Full Security Scanning With an API
MXToolbox's free DNS lookup tools are fast and useful for one-off diagnostics. But MXToolbox is a lookup tool, not a security scanner. ComplianceLayer gives you A-F grades across 16 security modules, bulk scanning, and an API built for MSP workflows.
MXToolbox Does Well — and Where It Stops
MXToolbox's free tools are genuinely useful for one-off diagnostics. For a single lookup when you don't have an account and need an instant answer, it's the fastest tool available.
What MXToolbox does well:
- MX Lookup, DMARC Lookup, SPF Record Lookup
- Blacklist Check across common RBLs
- DNS Lookup for any record type
- Email Header Analyzer for deliverability troubleshooting
- Fast, no account required for free tools
Where MXToolbox falls short for MSPs:
- No aggregate scoring — raw data, no A-F grade
- No bulk scanning across multiple domains
- No MSP-oriented API (rate-limited, inconsistently documented)
- No PDF reports for client delivery
- No historical tracking — stateless per lookup
- No SSL, port, or security headers checks
- No remediation guidance on what to fix
ComplianceLayer vs MXToolbox
| Feature | ComplianceLayer | MXToolbox Free |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free to $99/month | Free (limited) |
| API for MSPs | Yes, documented, stable | Rate-limited, basic |
| Scan scope | 16 modules per domain | One check at a time |
| Aggregate security grade | Yes (A-F) | No |
| Bulk multi-domain scanning | Yes | No |
| Scheduled scans | Yes | No |
| Historical tracking | 7-90 days (plan-dependent) | No |
| PDF reports | Yes | No |
| DMARC analysis | Full policy analysis | Record display only |
| SSL certificate check | Yes (expiry, cipher, TLS) | No |
| Port scanning | Yes | No |
| Security headers check | Yes | No |
| Remediation guidance | Yes (per module) | No |
Where MXToolbox Wins
Where ComplianceLayer Wins
Pricing Comparison
MXToolbox
- Free tools: Available, limited scope
- MXToolbox Pro: ~$129+/month (monitoring only, not MSP-oriented)
- API: Rate-limited, not designed for multi-client bulk use
ComplianceLayer ★ MSP Pricing
- Free: 10 scans/month, 1 domain, 7-day history
- Pro: $99/month — 1,000 scans, 50 domains, full API
- Enterprise: $499/month — 5,000 scans, 200 domains
- Monthly billing, no contracts
Common questions
Can I use ComplianceLayer instead of MXToolbox for daily DNS lookups?
For one-off diagnostic lookups, MXToolbox is still convenient. ComplianceLayer is designed for systematic security assessment, not ad-hoc lookups. Most MSPs use both: MXToolbox when troubleshooting a specific issue, ComplianceLayer for client security assessments and scheduled monitoring.
Does ComplianceLayer check everything MXToolbox checks?
For DMARC, SPF, DKIM, blacklist, and DNS, yes. ComplianceLayer also adds SSL certificate analysis, open port scanning, HTTP security headers, DNSSEC, CAA records, and domain reputation checks that MXToolbox does not cover.
Does ComplianceLayer have an API I can use in scripts?
Yes. The ComplianceLayer API is documented, stable, and available on all paid plans. You can trigger scans, retrieve results, and list domain history. It is designed for PSA and RMM integration, not just for web dashboard use.
How does the A-F grading work?
ComplianceLayer runs 16 external security modules against a domain. Each module returns a pass/fail result and a severity weight. The aggregate score produces a letter grade from A to F. You can drill into any module to see the raw data behind the grade and the recommended fix.
Is ComplianceLayer useful for cyber insurance?
Yes. Cyber insurance underwriters ask about DMARC, SPF, SSL, open ports, and security headers. ComplianceLayer checks all of these and generates a report you can submit directly as documentation. MSPs use it to pre-qualify clients before binding and to show remediation progress at renewal.
Other comparisons
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