If you’re an MSP (Managed Service Provider), you know how critical email authentication is to protecting client communications. One of the biggest headaches? SPF record limits.
Sender Policy Framework (SPF) is essential for preventing spoofing and phishing, but traditional SPF records come with the 10 DNS lookup restriction. For MSPs managing multiple SaaS providers per client, this limit gets hit quickly — breaking SPF and causing email delivery failures.
That’s where solutions like AutoSPF and PowerSPF by PowerDMARC come in. Both help flatten SPF records to avoid DNS lookup errors, but they differ significantly in automation, scalability, and MSP-friendliness.
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down:
- Features and benefits of AutoSPF vs PowerSPF
- Pricing models for MSP scalability
- Integration and compatibility
- Pros, cons, and best-fit use cases
- Alternatives worth considering
- FAQs for MSPs tackling SPF headaches
Let’s dive in.
Why Unlimited SPF Matters for MSPs
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) helps verify whether an email was sent from an authorized mail server. But here’s the problem:
- SPF records allow a maximum of 10 DNS lookups.
- Each SaaS or email-sending provider (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, AWS SES, Mailchimp, etc.) consumes one or more lookups.
- Complex stacks quickly exceed this limit.
When that happens, SPF breaks — legitimate client emails start failing authentication, leading to deliverability issues or outright rejection.
For MSPs managing dozens of clients, manual SPF upkeep becomes a nightmare. Unlimited SPF flattening is the only scalable solution.
AutoSPF vs PowerSPF: Quick Feature Breakdown
| Solution | Core Benefit | MSP Advantage | Best Fit |
| AutoSPF | Fully automated, unlimited SPF flattening | Zero maintenance, scalable to any number of domains | MSPs managing multiple clients with complex email stacks |
| PowerSPF (PowerDMARC) | Manual SPF flattening generator | Some lookup reduction, but requires updates | Small businesses managing 1–2 domains, already using PowerDMARC suite |
AutoSPF: Fully Automated SPF Flattening
AutoSPF was designed specifically for MSPs, not just single-domain businesses. It eliminates the hassle of constantly updating SPF records by:
1. Unlimited Lookups
No matter how many third-party senders your clients use, AutoSPF consolidates them into a flattened SPF record that avoids the 10-lookup restriction.
2. Continuous Real-Time Updates
If Microsoft, Google, or AWS changes their sending IP ranges (which happens frequently), AutoSPF updates automatically — no human intervention required.
3. Multi-Domain Management
A single dashboard lets MSPs manage SPF across all client domains, ensuring centralized visibility and easy compliance checks.
4. MSP-Focused Features
- White-label branding for MSP resale
- Bulk domain onboarding
- API support for automation into MSP workflows
With AutoSPF, you set it once and forget it — freeing your team to focus on security strategy, not record maintenance.
PowerSPF by PowerDMARC: Useful But Limited
PowerSPF, part of the PowerDMARC suite, offers SPF flattening by generating optimized SPF records. It’s better than static SPF but comes with trade-offs:
1. Manual Regeneration Required
When providers update their IPs, MSPs must re-run PowerSPF to generate a new flattened record. This introduces delays and manual work.
2. Limited Lookup Handling
While PowerSPF reduces lookup pressure, it doesn’t provide true unlimited flattening. Large or complex MSP stacks may still run into issues.
3. Best Fit for Small Teams
PowerSPF works for in-house IT teams managing one or two domains, especially if they’re already invested in PowerDMARC’s ecosystem. For MSPs handling dozens of clients, the lack of automation becomes a bottleneck.
Pricing Comparison
- AutoSPF: Clear, MSP-friendly pricing designed to scale across multiple domains. No hidden costs, no unnecessary bundles.
- PowerSPF: Typically packaged with PowerDMARC’s enterprise suite, which may include features an MSP doesn’t need — potentially raising costs.
👉 If SPF flattening is your primary concern, AutoSPF is more cost-efficient.
User Experience: Which Is Easier for MSPs?
- AutoSPF: Simple, automated, and designed for scale. Once set up, it runs in the background — no ongoing user action required.
- PowerSPF: Requires manual regenerations and maintenance, making it less MSP-friendly over time.
For MSPs managing dozens of domains, automation isn’t just convenient — it’s essential.
Integration & Compatibility
- AutoSPF: Works seamlessly with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, AWS SES, SendGrid, Mailchimp, and any other major ESP. Perfect for MSPs with diverse client stacks.
- PowerSPF: Integrates into the broader PowerDMARC suite. If you’re already a PowerDMARC customer, this may be convenient — but less flexible if you only want SPF flattening.
Alternatives to AutoSPF and PowerSPF
If you’re evaluating other SPF solutions, here are some alternatives:
- dmarcian’s SPF Surveyor – A diagnostic tool for analyzing SPF, but not designed for continuous management.
- MXToolbox SPF Flattening – Useful for one-off SPF checks, but lacks ongoing automation and scalability.
- Manual SPF Records – Feasible for one or two domains, but risky and unsustainable for MSP operations.
For ongoing MSP work, these tools may help with audits, but they don’t replace the need for a dedicated unlimited SPF service.
Final Verdict: AutoSPF vs PowerSPF
When it comes to MSP scalability, AutoSPF clearly outshines PowerSPF.
- Choose AutoSPF if you want a fully automated, unlimited SPF flattening solution with MSP-ready features like bulk onboarding and white-label support.
- Choose PowerSPF if you already use PowerDMARC and only manage a handful of domains.
For MSPs focused on efficiency, compliance, and reliability at scale, AutoSPF is the clear winner.
👉 Ready to simplify SPF management across all your clients? Start with AutoSPF today.
FAQs: AutoSPF vs PowerSPF for MSPs
1. What is SPF flattening, and why do MSPs need it?
SPF flattening restructures SPF records to avoid exceeding the 10 DNS lookup limit. MSPs need it because their clients often use multiple SaaS providers, which quickly break standard SPF.
2. How is AutoSPF different from PowerSPF?
AutoSPF is fully automated and offers truly unlimited lookups, while PowerSPF requires manual regeneration and does not guarantee unlimited flattening.
3. Can PowerSPF handle unlimited domains?
Not reliably. PowerSPF reduces DNS lookups but isn’t designed for true unlimited flattening. MSPs with large client portfolios may still hit limits.
4. Is AutoSPF better for large enterprises or MSPs?
Yes — AutoSPF was built for scalability. It supports multi-domain management, API integration, and MSP white-labeling, making it ideal for enterprises and service providers.
5. Does AutoSPF work with all email service providers?
Yes. AutoSPF integrates with major ESPs like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, AWS, SendGrid, Mailchimp, and others.
6. How much does AutoSPF cost compared to PowerSPF?
AutoSPF offers transparent, MSP-focused pricing. PowerSPF is typically bundled with PowerDMARC’s enterprise plans, which may raise costs for MSPs who only need SPF flattening.
7. What happens if I don’t use SPF flattening?
Without flattening, SPF records may break, causing email delivery failures, authentication errors, and security risks. For MSPs, this creates ongoing client issues.