# Proofpoint ZenGuide vs Purple Academy by Picus: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Proofpoint ZenGuide](https://cybersectools.com/tools/proofpoint-security-awareness-training) is a commercial [security awareness training](https://cybersectools.com/categories/security-awareness) solution by [Proofpoint](https://cybersectools.com/companies/proofpoint). [Purple Academy by Picus](https://cybersectools.com/tools/purple-academy-by-picus) is a free [security awareness training](https://cybersectools.com/categories/security-awareness) solution. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Our take

What our shortlists say about the one we picked.

### [Proofpoint ZenGuide](https://cybersectools.com/tools/proofpoint-security-awareness-training)

Best for: Teams wanting training driven by real attacks on their people

Proofpoint is here for the risk-led approach, because it decides who gets which lesson from the attacks actually aimed at each person. That works best if Proofpoint already guards your email, since that is where the threat data comes from. If it does not, ask how much of the scoring still works without it.

From [Best Security Awareness Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-security-awareness-solutions), Fall 2026.

Reviewed by [Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze](https://cybersectools.com/about).

Need the answer fast? [Best Security Awareness Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-security-awareness-solutions) picks Fortra Terranova Security, KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training, Proofpoint ZenGuide and 5 more.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Proofpoint ZenGuide | Purple Academy by Picus |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Free |
| Category | Security Awareness Training | Security Awareness Training |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | Cloud |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Proofpoint | – |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Proofpoint ZenGuide | Purple Academy by Picus |
|---|---|---|
| Security Culture | Yes | – |
| Social Engineering | Yes | – |
| Ransomware | – | Yes |
| Blue Team | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Proofpoint ZenGuide**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**Purple Academy by Picus**

No features listed.

### Integrations

**Proofpoint ZenGuide**

1 integration listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**Purple Academy by Picus**

No integrations listed.

## Which one fits you

Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.

- [Purple Academy by Picus](https://cybersectools.com/tools/purple-academy-by-picus) fits if you are a startup and you need a free product.

## Proofpoint ZenGuide vs Purple Academy by Picus FAQ

Common questions when comparing Proofpoint ZenGuide vs Purple Academy by Picus for security awareness training.

### What is the difference between Proofpoint ZenGuide and Purple Academy by Picus?

**Proofpoint ZenGuide**: Security awareness training platform to educate employees on cyber threats. Built by Proofpoint.

**Purple Academy by Picus**: Platform offering cybersecurity courses for Red, Blue, and Purple Teamers by Picus.

The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.

### Is Proofpoint ZenGuide a good alternative to Purple Academy by Picus?

Often, yes. Proofpoint ZenGuide and Purple Academy by Picus are both Security Awareness Training products. Key differences: Proofpoint ZenGuide is Commercial while Purple Academy by Picus is Free. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Proofpoint ZenGuide vs SMARTFENSE](https://cybersectools.com/compare/proofpoint-security-awareness-training-vs-smartfense)
- [Proofpoint ZenGuide vs Innvikta Security Awareness Training](https://cybersectools.com/compare/innvikta-security-awareness-training-vs-proofpoint-security-awareness-training)
- [Proofpoint ZenGuide vs Arctic Wolf Managed Security Awareness](https://cybersectools.com/compare/arctic-wolf-managed-security-awareness-vs-proofpoint-security-awareness-training)
- [Purple Academy by Picus vs SMARTFENSE](https://cybersectools.com/compare/purple-academy-by-picus-vs-smartfense)
- [Purple Academy by Picus vs Innvikta Security Awareness Training](https://cybersectools.com/compare/innvikta-security-awareness-training-vs-purple-academy-by-picus)
- [Purple Academy by Picus vs Arctic Wolf Managed Security Awareness](https://cybersectools.com/compare/arctic-wolf-managed-security-awareness-vs-purple-academy-by-picus)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Proofpoint ZenGuide alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/proofpoint-security-awareness-training)
- [See all Purple Academy by Picus alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/purple-academy-by-picus)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/proofpoint-security-awareness-training-vs-purple-academy-by-picus

For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/proofpoint-security-awareness-training.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on Proofpoint ZenGuide and Purple Academy by Picus: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md