> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.abusix.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Comparison Tool Overview

> A lightweight tool to quickly and transparently compare Guardian Mail against other DNS blocklists using log-based or real-time analysis—without disrupting your mail flow.

## **Preface**

Testing a [DNS](https://abusix.com/glossary/domain-name-system/) [blocklist](https://abusix.com/glossary/real-time-blocklist/) to evaluate its performance on your production mail stream can be a difficult and time-consuming process. It often takes weeks and requires a considerable amount of resources.

To simplify the comparison process, we have created a “Comparison Tool” that allows you to see how Guardian Mail compares to other lists you currently use. This tool enables you to run an evaluation in just a few hours, without making any changes to your mail system. It also makes comparisons much easier, quicker, repeatable, and transparent.

## **Overview**

The “Comparison Tool” is a Linux or Mac binary that must be run on a machine within your network and with access to the necessary [DNS](https://abusix.com/glossary/domain-name-system/) namespaces for querying Guardian Mail and the list you wish to compare it against.

This tool can only compare Guardian Mail with one other list at a time, and it supports only [IPv4](https://abusix.com/glossary/internet-protocol-version-4/) and [IPv6](https://abusix.com/glossary/internet-protocol-version-6/) lists; it does not support domain or hash lookups.

The tool has two modes: logfile and real-time/streaming. Each mode has its advantages and disadvantages.

| Mode                | Advantages                                                                                                                                  | Disadvantages                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
| :------------------ | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Logfile             | – Easier to collect the necessary data. – Rapid results. – In-depth analysis provided by CSV output.                                        | – Should only be used on data that is \< 2 days old because each list will have different policies for listing expiry. – Does not reflect how quickly a list reacts to [spam](https://abusix.com/glossary/spam/), e.g., which listed the [IP](https://abusix.com/glossary/internet-protocol-address/) first. |
| Real-Time/Streaming | – Needs real-time log data. – Can be run for as long as you like. – Identical to running both lists in production, so a perfect comparison. | – Can be more complicated to set up. – Does not provide in-depth the analysis only provides [IP](https://abusix.com/glossary/internet-protocol-address/) addresses missed by Abusix.                                                                                                                         |

### **Learn more about the Comparison Tool**

Back to the Overview of Guardian Mail

**Send us a message**

Having trouble with your set up or a technical issue? Get in touch with our team of Abusix experts.

Click the chat button at the bottom and send us your questions. Alternatively, you can email us at [support@abusix.com](mailto:support@abusix.com)

**Also, follow our **[**LinkedIn Channel**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/abusix)** for updates & subscribe to our **[**YouTube Channel**](https://www.youtube.com/@Abusix/featured)** for the latest Abusix how-to-videos.**