MXToolbox Alternative for MSPs:
Full Security Scanning With an API
MXToolbox's free DNS lookup tools are fast and useful for one-off diagnostics. MXToolbox is a set of individual lookup tools; ComplianceLayer runs 15 scan modules as one unified assessment — a single A-F grade, scheduled monitoring, compliance framework mapping, client-ready PDF reports, and an API built for MSP workflows.
MXToolbox Does Well — and What ComplianceLayer Adds
MXToolbox is a collection of individual free lookup tools, and they are genuinely useful. For a single lookup when you don't have an account and need an instant answer, it's the fastest tool available. ComplianceLayer is built around a different job: one unified, scored assessment of a domain rather than a set of separate lookups.
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
What ComplianceLayer adds for MSPs:
- A single aggregate A-F grade across every check, rather than raw records per lookup
- One assessment that covers many domains at once, instead of a lookup at a time
- An API built for MSP automation across a client portfolio
- A unified, client-ready PDF report combining every check
- Compliance framework mapping (SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS, ISO 27001)
ComplianceLayer vs MXToolbox
| Feature | ComplianceLayer | MXToolbox Free |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free to $99/month | Free (limited) |
| API for MSPs | Yes, documented, stable | Rate-limited |
| Scan scope | 15 scan modules in one unified assessment | Individual lookups, run one at a time |
| Aggregate security grade | Yes (A-F) | Not in the free tools |
| Bulk multi-domain scanning | Yes | Not in the free tools |
| Scheduled scans | Yes | Not in the free tools |
| Historical tracking | 7-90 days (plan-dependent) | Not in the free tools |
| PDF reports | Yes | Not in the free tools |
| DMARC analysis | Full policy analysis | Record display |
| SSL certificate check | Yes (expiry, cipher, TLS) | Not in the free tools |
| Port scanning | Yes | Not in the free tools |
| Security headers check | Yes | Not in the free tools |
| Remediation guidance | Yes (per module) | Not in the free tools |
This table compares ComplianceLayer with MXToolbox's free lookup tools. Feature availability varies by plan and changes over time; verify with the vendor.
Where MXToolbox Wins
Where ComplianceLayer Wins
Pricing Comparison
MXToolbox
- Free tools: Available, limited scope
- MXToolbox Pro: paid monitoring plans — see the vendor for current pricing
- API: Rate-limited
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. The difference is packaging: MXToolbox runs each of these as a separate lookup, while ComplianceLayer runs 15 scan modules — including SSL/TLS, open ports, HTTP security headers, DNSSEC, and domain reputation — as one scored assessment with monitoring, compliance mapping, and a PDF report.
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 15 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 review clients against common insurer security expectations before binding, and to show remediation progress at renewal.
Other comparisons
All product names, logos, and brands are the property of their respective owners. ComplianceLayer is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any company mentioned on this page. Competitor information is based on publicly available sources as of mid-2026, may be incomplete or outdated, and should be verified with the vendor.
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