Zix (OpenText) vs Paubox
Zix (OpenText)
Zix, now part of OpenText, is one of the longest-established email encryption platforms with a massive install base across healthcare, finance, and government. Zix provides policy-based encryption that automatically secures emails containing sensitive data, using TLS and a secure portal fallback. Its ZixDirectory enables direct encrypted delivery between Zix customers without portal friction. Zix signs BAAs and meets HIPAA, PCI DSS, and SOX requirements.
Pros
- Largest install base. ZixDirectory reduces portal friction
- Mature, proven platform with 20+ years in market
- Strong regulatory compliance (HIPAA, PCI, SOX)
- Policy engine automates encryption decisions
- Enterprise-grade scalability
Things to check
- Portal experience for non-Zix recipients
- Interface feels less modern compared to newer competitors
- OpenText acquisition creates product roadmap uncertainty
- Pricing not publicly listed
Pricing: Custom enterprise pricing
Paubox
Paubox is a HIPAA-compliant email encryption platform purpose-built for healthcare organizations. It encrypts every outbound email by default using TLS with automatic fallback to a secure portal, so recipients read messages in their normal inbox without passwords or portals. Paubox is HITRUST CSF certified and signs BAAs, making it the go-to choice for hospitals, health systems, and medical practices that need frictionless HIPAA-compliant email.
Pros
- No portal login required for recipients
- HITRUST CSF certified. Highest bar for healthcare
- Zero learning curve for senders
- Purpose-built for healthcare compliance
- Includes inbound email security
Things to check
- Premium pricing for smaller practices
- Less granular sender control than end-to-end solutions
- Healthcare focus may not fit all industries
- No on-premise deployment option
Pricing: From $29/user/month