Ever sent an email that just disappeared?
Over 20% of legit emails never reach inboxes. That means lost leads and missed sales.
The problem? Weak email infrastructure. Without a solid SMTP server, emails get delayed, blocked, or worst of all… dumped into spam.
That’s why free SMTP providers exist. The right one ensures fast, secure, and spam-free delivery—without the cost. But not all are equal. Some limit sending, and others lack security.
We found and tested the best free SMTP servers so you don’t have to.
Here is our list of the best free SMTP servers:
- SMTP2Go A reliable and secure email delivery with SPF/DKIM setup assistance and bounce reports.
- SendGrid Cloud-based email service with strong deliverability.
- Mailgun Flexible SMTP service with RESTful APIs. The service is ideal for transactional emails and developers.
- Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) All-in-one email platform with marketing automation and high sending limits.
- Mailjet User-friendly email service. It comes with a drag-and-drop editor, templates, and collaboration tools.
- Amazon SES Scalable, cost-effective email service with seamless AWS integration for high-volume sending.
- Zoho Mail A secure ad-free email service. It features productivity tools and custom domain hosting.
- Mailtrap Email deliverability platform. Perfect for developers to test emails safely before sending them to real users.
- Postmark Fast and reliable transactional email service. Postmark comes with prebuilt templates and detailed tracking.
- MailerSend Scalable transactional email service. MailerSend is known for its real-time tracking and inbound email processing.
- ZeptoMail Zoho’s transactional email service with high deliverability and real-time analytics.
- Aha Send Budget-friendly transactional email service with unlimited domains.
- Resend.com Modern email service for developers with real-time analytics.
We hope that this article helps you find the right one for fast, secure, and spam-free delivery.
Fact: Authenticated emails are 3x more likely to reach inboxes. SPF, DKIM, and DMARC help keep your emails out of spam. Without them, your messages might get blocked or ignored. Ensure your SMTP provider supports these security protocols. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference.
The Best Free SMTP Servers
We found and tested the best free SMTP servers.
What to Look for in a Free SMTP Server
Not all free SMTP servers are the same. Some offer high sending limits but lack security features. Others ensure top-tier deliverability but restrict API access.
To find the right one, we recommend you focus on these key factors:
- Free Limits vs. Paid Upgrades: Most free plans cap daily or monthly emails. Paid plans offer higher limits with pay-as-you-go or subscription options.
- Deliverability & Spam Filters: High limits are useless if emails land in spam. Choose a provider with dedicated IPs, bounce handling, and SPF, DKIM, and DMARC authentication.
- API & Integration: Ensure compatibility with email automation, CRM tools, and platforms like WordPress or Zapier.
- Security Features: Protect emails from spoofing and phishing with proper authentication.
- Ease of Use & Support: A simple dashboard, clear documentation, and fast customer support make a big difference.
1. SMTP2Go
SMTP2Go is a reliable email deliverability service that ensures secure and efficient delivery. It’s a great choice if you want a hassle-free setup. The free plan includes SPF and DKIM setup assistance, unlimited sender usernames and passwords, and access to bounce reports.
Best for? Small businesses and individuals looking for a free, reliable email-sending solution.
Free Plan Details:
- Emails Allowed: 1,000 per month
- Daily Limit: 200 emails
- Hourly Limit: 25 emails (limit lifts after sender domain verification)
- Reporting: Email reports available for the past five days
- Support: Ticket support is available after 14 days
Pros:
- Free plan with up to 1,000 emails per month
- Simple setup and easy-to-use interface
- Strong deliverability to prevent emails from landing in spam
- Customer support is available in English, Spanish, and French
Cons:
- Limited features on the free plan
- Daily and hourly limits may not work for high-volume senders
Click here to sign up and start sending emails for free, today.
2. SendGrid
SendGrid, now part of Twilio, is a cloud-based email service aimed at developers. But it is also quite easy to use, so it makes it suitable for email marketers. SendGrid makes sending transactional and marketing emails simple and secure. It helps you manage email delivery with ease. This is because it comes with a powerful API, dynamic templates, and built-in analytics.
Best for? Individuals and small teams that need a simple, reliable email-sending solution.
Free Plan Details:
- Emails Allowed: Up to 100 per day (around 3,000 per month)
- Contacts Allowed: Store up to 2,000 email contacts
- Features Included:
- Dynamic email templates
- Basic analytics for open and click rates
- Webhooks for app integrations
- API access for automation
- Ticket support
Pros:
- Easy setup with a beginner-friendly interface
- Strong email deliverability to avoid spam filters
- Scalable plans for growing businesses
- Developer-friendly API for seamless integration
Cons:
- A daily limit of 100 emails may not be enough for high-volume senders
- Advanced security features like email validation require an upgrade
Try SendGrid Free.
3. Mailgun
Mailgun (by Sinch) is a reliable email service for sending transactional and marketing emails. It comes with an SMTP relay and a powerful API. So integration is quite easy. Mailgun is popular because it is one of the most flexible and advanced in email management.
Best for? Developers and businesses needing a flexible SMTP service with strong API support for transactional emails.
Free Plan Details:
- Emails Allowed: 100 per day (around 3,000 per month)
- Features Included:
- RESTful email APIs and SMTP relay
- Basic analytics for tracking email performance
- One custom-sending domain
- Ticket support
- One inbound route
Pros:
- Developer-friendly API for seamless integration
- Reliable transactional email delivery
- Advanced analytics for tracking open and click rates
- Scalable plans for growing email needs
Cons:
- Setup can be complex for non-technical users
- Some advanced features like dedicated IPs require a paid plan
Click here to try it for free.
4. Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)
Brevo is an all-in-one email platform for marketing and CRM. It is perfect for sending either transactional and marketing emails. Brevo is easy to use and helps you manage campaigns without hassle. The free plan comes with no upfront costs. This makes it a budget-friendly choice for businesses.
Best for? Small businesses and individuals who want to explore email marketing features without financial commitment.
Free Plan Details:
- Emails Allowed: 300 per day (around 9,000 per month)
- Contacts Allowed: Up to 100,000
- Features Included:
- Drag-and-drop email editor
- 40+ customizable email templates
- Marketing automation for up to 2,000 contacts
- Segmentation and contact management
- Basic reporting and analytics
- SMS marketing (available at an extra cost)
Pros:
- Generous free plan with a high email-sending limit
- Simple, user-friendly interface for easy campaign management
- Includes automation, segmentation, and CRM tools even on the free plan
- Strong deliverability to keep emails out of spam folders
Cons:
- A daily limit of 300 emails may not work for high-volume senders
- Emails sent on the free plan include Brevo branding unless upgraded
Try Brevo Free and start sending emails today!
5. Mailjet
Mailjet is a flexible email deliverability service designed for both marketers and developers. With its user-friendly platform, Mailjet makes creating, sending, and tracking emails super easy. The software also comes with built-in collaboration tools, making it a great option for businesses looking to improve their email communication.
Best for? Mailjet is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. It is perfect for those needing an affordable email marketing solution with strong features.
Free Plan Details:
- Emails Allowed: 6,000 per month (200 per day)
- Contacts Allowed: Unlimited
- Features Included:
- Drag-and-drop email editor
- 70+ customizable templates
- Basic analytics and reporting
- A/B testing for up to 10 email variations
- Email validation tools
Pros:
- Generous free plan with a high monthly sending limit
- Simple, user-friendly interface for all skill levels
- Detailed analytics to track email performance
- Collaboration tools for teams working on campaigns
Cons:
- A daily limit of 200 emails may not work for large campaigns
- Automation features are more ‘basic’ compared to some competitors
Try Mailjet by clicking here.
6. Amazon SES
Amazon SES is a cloud-based email service from AWS. It’s built for high-volume sending and supports both transactional and marketing emails. You can send emails through the SES console, SMTP, or API. Amazon SES comes with security features like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to help maintain the sender's reputation.
Best for? Businesses looking for a scalable, cost-effective email solution. It is also ideal for those already using AWS. Integrating SES with AWS resources is quite straightforward.
Free Plan Details:
- Emails Allowed: 3,000 per month for the first 12 months (when sent from an Amazon EC2 instance)
- Additional Free Tier: Up to 3,000 message charges per month for inbound emails and Virtual Deliverability Manager processing
- Features Included:
- SMTP interface and API access
- Basic analytics and reporting
- Email receiving
- Integration with other AWS services
Pros:
- Pay-as-you-go pricing with a generous free tier for new users
- Scalability for high-volume sending
- Easy integration with other AWS services
- Security features to maintain sender reputation
Cons:
- Setup can be complex for users new to AWS
- The free tier lasts only for the first 12 months
Check the details of Amazon SES.
7. Zoho Mail
Zoho Mail is a secure, ad-free email service designed for businesses. It offers custom domain hosting, built-in productivity tools, and strong security features. The clean interface makes it easy to manage emails. But if you are looking to boost efficiency, Zoho mail also features tools like calendar, task, and note integration.
Best for? Small teams and startups. Ideal for anyone looking for a professional email solution without extra costs.
Free Plan Details:
- Emails Allowed: Up to 5 users
- Storage: 5 GB per user
- Attachment Limit: 25 MB per email
- Features Included:
- Web access only (no IMAP/POP)
- Email hosting for one domain
- Zoho Mail mobile apps
Pros:
- Free plan covers up to 5 users
- Simple interface suitable for beginners
- Strong focus on data privacy and security
- Integrates with other Zoho applications for better productivity
Cons:
- Limited storage and features on the free plan (no IMAP/POP)
- Minimal branding options unless you upgrade
Click here to sign up and get started today!
8. Mailtrap
Mailtrap is an email deliverability platform made for developers. It lets you test and analyze emails safely before sending them to real users. The free plan includes a demo domain, email tracking, and suppression tools to prevent accidental emails.
Best for? Developers and teams looking for a sandbox for email testing. It is perfect for those who don't want to risk emailing real user inboxes.
Free Plan Details:
- Emails Allowed: 1,000 per month
- Features Included:
- Demo domain for testing
- Basic analytics and reporting
- Email logs retained for 30 days
- Email suppression management
- No credit card is required
Pros:
- Risk-Free Testing: Keeps real users safe from test emails
- Simple Interface: Manage sending and testing in an intuitive dashboard
- High Deliverability Rates: Helps ensure emails reach intended recipients
- Strong Developer Support: Includes detailed documentation and integration guides
Cons:
- Limited Features on Free Plan: Some tools are only in paid plans
- Not for Production Emails: Best suited for testing, not live campaigns
Try Mailtrap Free.
9. Postmark
Postmark is an email deliverability service built for speed and reliability. It ensures that time-sensitive transactional emails, like password resets and purchase confirmations, reach inboxes without delays (and without hitting spam). With SMTP and API access, it integrates easily with applications. The platform also features prebuilt templates and detailed activity tracking.
Best for? Businesses that need fast, reliable transactional email without marketing features.
Free Plan Details:
- 100 emails per month (limited free trial)
- API and SMTP access
- Prebuilt templates for quick setup
- Basic analytics for delivery and engagement
- Customizable data retention
Pros:
- High deliverability with strong spam protection
- Clear pricing with no hidden fees
- Easy integration with apps and platforms
- Responsive customer support
Cons:
- No marketing automation or list management
- The free plan is limited to 100 emails per month
Click here to sign up to Postmark and start sending emails for free.
10. MailerSend
MailerSend is an email API and SMTP service built for developers. It offers secure ‘transactional email’ delivery, real-time tracking, and seamless integration with applications. The platform supports bulk sending, inbound email processing, and user role management. MailerSend is focused on simplicity and customer-focused innovation. The company creates easy-to-use email solutions without unnecessary features.
Best for? MailerSend is ideal for anyone looking to send transactional emails reliably. It’s a great fit for developers, e-commerce stores, SaaS companies, marketing teams, agencies, startups, and even enterprises.
Free Plan Details:
- 3,000 emails per month (with your own domain)
- 100 emails per month (with a trial domain)
- SMTP relay and RESTful API access
- Basic analytics for tracking email performance
- Inbound email processing and user management
Pros:
- Generous free plan with high sending limits
- Easy scaling as email needs to grow
- Strong deliverability backed by dedicated experts
- 24/7 customer support for quick assistance
Cons:
- The trial domain is limited to 100 emails
- Some features require technical knowledge to configure
Click here to sign up and start sending emails today!
11. ZeptoMail
ZeptoMail is Zoho’s transactional email service, perfect for automated messages like order confirmations and password resets. It focuses on speed and reliability. This ensures emails reach inboxes without delays. For better tracking and security, the platform features real-time analytics, email segmentation, and suppression list management.
Best for? Businesses need high deliverability for transactional emails. Developers and marketing teams can benefit from using ZeptoMail.
Free Plan Details:
- 10,000 emails per month (first 30 days)
- SMTP and API access
- Real-time analytics and reporting
- Customizable templates
Pros:
- Easy setup with a user-friendly interface
- Generous free plan for testing
- 24/7 customer support
- Flexible pay-as-you-go pricing
Cons:
- Free plan expires after 30 days
- No bulk marketing features
Try ZeptoMail for free.
12. Aha Send
Aha Send is an email deliverability service for businesses and developers who need a simple way to send transactional emails. It offers 1,000 free emails per month. With that you get unlimited domains, open and click tracking, and automated bounce management. After the free tier, the cost is $5 per month for up to 10,000 emails, plus $0.50 for each additional 1,000.
Best for: AhaSend’s transparent pricing makes it a budget-friendly option for small teams and startups.
Free Plan Details:
- 1,000 emails per month at no cost
- Unlimited domains and team members
- Open and click tracking
- Automated bounce and blocklist management
- Customizable data retention (up to 30 days)
- Priority support
Pros:
- Generous free plan suitable for testing
- Straightforward pricing model
- All features remain available on the free plan
- Priority support for quick help
Cons:
- Designed for transactional sending, not bulk marketing
Click here to sign up.
13. Resend
Resend is a modern email service designed for developers. It handles both transactional and marketing emails (at scale) without the usual hassles. You can integrate Resend with your apps using SMTP or a REST API. Then monitor every message with real-time analytics. A drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to design broadcast emails, while region-based sending speeds up delivery times.
Best for? Teams (especially developer teams) that want a straightforward way to send and manage both transactional and marketing emails.
Free Plan Details:
- 1,000 emails per month
- SMTP and REST API access
- Real-time tracking for opens and clicks
- Webhooks for instant notifications
- WYSIWYG editor for campaigns
Pros:
- Generous free plan
- Developer-friendly with multi-language support
- Detailed metrics for optimizing performance
- Responsive customer support
Cons:
- Some advanced tools require a paid plan
- Mostly geared toward developers, which might not suit everyone
Try Resend.com for free.
Conclusion
Choosing the right free SMTP provider can make or break your email success. Whether you need developer-friendly APIs (SendGrid or Mailgun), high deliverability (Postmark), or scalability for bulk emails (Amazon SES), there’s an option that fits your needs.
Free plans work well for low-volume sending. But don't forget that if you’re hitting limits or struggling with deliverability, upgrading to a paid plan gives you more flexibility, security, and support.
So, are you ready to improve your email deliverability?
Try a free SMTP plan or trial from the list given in this article today and see which provider works best for your business.
SMTP Server FAQs
How does a free SMTP plan compare to paid plans?
Free plans have limits on emails, basic support, and essential API access. Paid plans offer higher sending limits, dedicated IPs, and advanced features like analytics and spam filtering.
How do I choose the right SMTP provider?
Compare key features like sending limits, deliverability, and spam protection. Check API support, customer service, and pricing. Select a provider that can scale with your needs.
Can I send bulk emails using a free SMTP service?
Most free plans have limits. For example, SendGrid allows only 100 emails per day. For high-volume campaigns, a paid plan or dedicated server is needed.
What happens when I exceed the free SMTP limits?
Your emails may be paused, blocked, or rejected. Some providers upgrade you automatically, while others stop sending until the next cycle.
How do I set up an SMTP server?
You need the server address, port, username, and password. SPF, DKIM, and DMARC authentication are also important. An SMTP relay service can improve reliability.
Can I use SMTP services for Gmail and Outlook?
Yes, both Gmail SMTP (smtp.gmail.com) and Outlook SMTP (smtp.office365.com) support email sending. However, they have rate limits and are not ideal for bulk emails.
