10 Best SMTP Servers for Email Marketers in 2025

Email marketing is about getting your messages to the right inboxes—on time and out of spam.

So, why do you need an SMTP server? Think of it as your email’s delivery person. It sends emails securely, checks for errors, and keeps them out of spam folders.

But with so many options, how do you pick the best one?

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 SMTP servers, their pros, and cons, and who they’re perfect for. Let’s find the right tool to boost your email game!

Here is our list of the best SMTP Servers for email marketers:

Below, we have summarized the benefits and downsides of the most popular SMTP servers among email marketers.

SMTP2Go Reliable and affordable, perfect for high-volume email delivery with real-time tracking.
Postmark A transactional email specialist with top-notch deliverability and detailed analytics.
MailerSend Budget-friendly and user-friendly, great for transactional emails and small businesses.
Mailjet A versatile all-in-one platform for email marketing and transactional emails, with a free newsletter editor.
SendGrid Scalable and feature-rich, ideal for large businesses handling complex email workflows.
Brevo Affordable and automation-focused, perfect for small to medium-sized businesses.
Mailtrap A developer’s dream for testing and debugging emails, with a free SMTP option.
SendPulse A multichannel platform for email, SMS, and chatbots, great for small businesses.
Elastic Email Affordable and easy to set up, but deliverability can be hit or miss.
Mailgun Developer-friendly with high deliverability, but pricey and complex for beginners.

Choosing an SMTP Server

There are different types of SMTP servers out there —from public, private, shared, dedicated, and transactional to marketing. Choosing the correct one can be key. But knowing which type to use and when and where to use it can be tricky.

In this section, we will provide the right criteria to help you consider the best SMTP server for your particular use case.

Just skimming through?

Criteria	Description	Example Tools/Providers
Deliverability	Ensures emails reach inboxes reliably	SendGrid, Mailgun, Postmark
Pricing	Offers affordable plans for various needs	Mailchimp, Brevo, Amazon SES
Ease of Use	Easy setup and integration options	Mailtrap, Amazon SES
Support	Provides reliable customer service	Mailgun, Elastic Email
Security	Ensures encrypted and secure transmission	Amazon SES, Brevo
Reliability	Offers high uptime and scalability	Elastic Email, SendGrid
Functionality and Features	Advanced features like analytics, automation, and testing tools	SendGrid, Mailgun, Mailtrap
Integrations	Compatible with CRM, CMS, or eCommerce platforms to streamline workflows	WordPress, Shopify, Salesforce

Here is more detail on the criteria that will help you choose an SMTP Server if you are an email marketer:

Deliverability. This is the reason for having your own SMTP server. It is anchored on server reputation and email authentication through Domain Keys Identified Mail (DKIM), Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC), and Sender Policy Framework (SPF).
Pricing. Most SMTP servers offer a free plan with limited features and the number of emails they can deliver. Paid plans allow users to send more emails and have more features. We always recommend this: Do not select the least-priced server immediately.
Ease of Use. An SMTP server is expected to simplify email sending regardless if you are a business owner, developer, or marketer. We recommend you look for one that is easy and quick to set up and with a user-friendly interface. Before committing, look into the providers’ documentation to determine ease of use.
Post-Sales Support. No matter how user-friendly the SMTP server is, issues will come. Those issues will most likely require you to seek support from the provider. So, choose a provider that offers multiple, accessible, and efficient customer support channels, e.g., email, live chat, phone, etc.
Functionality and Features: Some SMTP servers offer more features than others. But don’t just go for the one with the most features. Ask yourself if those features actually add value. For businesses, tools like analytics, automation, and testing can make a big difference. They help improve email performance and track campaign success in real-time. Look for options that include A/B testing and detailed reporting.
Security: Always check if the provider uses strong encryption to protect your emails. Look for TLS (Transport Layer Security) and SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). These will keep your data safe during transmission. Also, make sure the provider follows industry standards like GDPR and HIPAA.
Reliability: A reliable SMTP server is key for consistent email delivery. Choose one with a good track record of high uptime and low downtime. This ensures your emails go out on time, which is crucial for time-sensitive messages. As your business grows, your server should handle more emails without slowing down. Also, consider providers with backup systems and failover mechanisms.
Integrations: Pick an SMTP server that works well with your current tools, like CRM, CMS, or eCommerce platforms. This makes your workflow smoother and cuts down on setup time.You can also look for popular integrations such as WordPress plugins, Shopify, and Salesforce.

The Best SMTP Servers

1. SMTP2Go

SMTP2GO is a New Zealand-based email deliverability solution founded in 2006. It has customers in more than 130 countries and is committed to value delivery. Besides scalability, SMTP2GO promises reliability through its global servers, a powerful application programming interface (API), and comprehensive reports. Known for its excellent deliverability and ease of use, SMTP2GO can process 1000 emails per month for free, and if you need more, you may avail of either its Starter or Professional Plans

Pros:

Exceptional Deliverability: SMTP2GO’s own SMTP servers ensure high-volume emails avoid spam folders.
High Email Limits: Surpasses limits of email clients like Outlook or ISPs.
Real-Time Updates: Built-in tracker lets you monitor recipient reactions.
Downtime-Free Service: Data centers in Amsterdam and New York ensure uninterrupted service.
Affordability: Most users find its pricing reasonable, though some think it’s pricey.
Multi-Channel Support: Get instant help via live chat, phone, email, or social media.

Cons:

Limited reporting. The free plan only allows 5 days of email reporting, and beyond that, monitoring email performance becomes more challenging.
No built-in A/B testing. This downside means you can’t test your mass emails before sending them out. To fix this, you’ll need to buy separate email management software.

2. Postmark

Postmark is a transactional email service built for businesses. It sends secure, reliable emails like password resets, order confirmations, and notifications. Owned by ActiveCampaign, Postmark keeps things simple but top-notch. It shines with high deliverability, developer-friendly tools, and features like server separation, detailed tracking, and GDPR-compliant data control. Users love its easy setup, powerful API, and amazing customer support. While it’s pricier than some, Postmark’s reliability and focus on transactional emails make it a standout choice for businesses that care about email performance. If deliverability is your priority, Postmark’s got your back.

Pros:

High Deliverability: Scored 94% in emailtooltester’s test, thanks to strong sender reputation management.
Better Control: Separates promotional and transactional emails for better performance.
Comprehensive Analytics: Stores recipient info and email previews for 45 days, with advanced tracking to pinpoint improvements.
Top-Notch Support: Efficient assistance via email, live chat, or phone (not 24/7).

Cons:

Expensive Plans: Starts at $15/month for small teams (100 free emails); extras like dedicated IPs cost more.
Limited Data Hosting: Data hosted only in the US, which may conflict with GDPR compliance.
Basic Features: Lacks advanced marketing and automation tools, leaving users wanting more.

3. Mailersend

MailerSend is a US-based company specializing in transactional emails. With over ten years of experience sending massive email volumes, they’ve built a service that’s both reliable and user-friendly. Born from MailerLite, a fresh and forward-thinking email marketing group, MailerSend combines expertise with a modern approach. It’s designed for developers and non-tech users alike, offering features like API integration, a clean interface, and powerful email tracking. While users praise its affordability and quick setup, some note challenges like slow account approval and occasional support hiccups. Still, MailerSend is a strong contender for businesses wanting a budget-friendly, easy-to-use email service.

Pros:

Competitive pricing plan. It is considered a cost-effective solution for small businesses.
Impressive deliverability. Ranking 3rd in emailtooltester’s deliverability test, MailerSend ensures that emails end up in the target recipients’ inboxes.
Responsive customer support. Customer support is in real-time and provided by real people through multiple channels like email and live chat, offering appropriate solutions promptly.

Cons:

Limited Data Retention: Free plan retains email data for only 24 hours; 30-day retention requires the $88/month Professional Plan.
Limited Functionality: Not ideal for large companies needing advanced features.
Limited Templates: Unlimited templates require the Professional Plan.
Unreliable Analytics: Users report inaccurate timing in analytics.
Account Approval Issues: Some users face unclear rejections, causing frustration.

4. Mailjet

Mailjet, a Sinch company and sister to Mailgun, is more than just an SMTP server—it’s also a newsletter service for bulk emails. Founded in 2010, it now has tech hubs worldwide, serving customers in over 150 countries. Perfect for budget-conscious businesses, Mailjet simplifies creating, managing, and sending transactional and marketing emails. It offers tools like an intuitive email builder, robust API integration, and detailed analytics for tracking performance. Known for its scalability, it works for businesses of all sizes. Users love its responsive support and ease of use, especially for API integrations. However, some report account suspensions and slow fixes for technical issues. Despite these challenges, Mailjet remains a go-to for reliable email delivery with advanced features like segmentation and personalization.

Pros:

Free Newsletter Editor: Access Mailjet’s template editor at no extra cost.
Affordable: Free plan allows 6,000 emails/month, great for small to mid-sized businesses. Premium plans are budget-friendly too.
User Collaboration: Multiple users can edit emails in real time, with locked sections to prevent overlap.
Efficient Campaign Approval: Managers can easily sign off on campaigns.
User-Friendly: Easy to build contact lists, design templates, and set up automation.

Cons:

Complex Setup: More complicated than other providers.
Limited Segmentation: Can’t track which specific emails were clicked.
Tedious List Management: Unsubscribing users requires downloading and editing exclusion lists.
Limited Automation: Can’t edit active workflows or use if-then scenarios.

5. SendGrid

SendGrid, a Twilio product, is beyond just an SMTP Server… It is a cloud-based email delivery service perfect for developers and marketers. It’s a scalable solution that easily integrates with other apps, making it great for large businesses handling high volumes of marketing and transactional emails. SendGrid offers powerful tools like API integration, templates, analytics, and deliverability tracking. However, it’s not without flaws. Users have reported account suspensions, slow customer support, and deliverability issues tied to shared IP pools. Despite these challenges, SendGrid remains a top pick for its scalability, rich features, and ability to manage complex email workflows.

Pros:

Scalability. SendGrid can manage large volumes of emails.
Real-time analytics. It has comprehensive APIs that enable the generation of real-time detailed analytics to gain insights on your sender reputation and help you optimize marketing campaigns
Versatility. It integrates well with several applications and platforms.
Comprehensive documentation. It facilitates the setup process.

Cons:

Lackluster customer support. Its support team is slow to respond, especially to users with lower-priced plans.
Expensive. The service has become more costly after SendGrid was acquired by Twilio.
Complex setup. Setting up and integrating the service with other applications is challenging, especially with advanced features.
Limited marketing automation. This is available on the Advanced marketing plan only.

6. Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)

A French-based company, Brevo is suitable for companies managing a high volume of emails. It is an email marketing service with multiple functionalities such as newsletter templates supporting various marketing campaigns, CRM, and landing pages.

Pros:

User-Friendly: Easy for marketers to use, with no technical skills required. Developers can access APIs for custom solutions.
Dedicated APIs: Full control over data acquisition, transmission, and security.
Reliability: Strong sender reputation with split IPs for transactional and promotional emails.
Automation: Build workflows for multiple channels based on user activity and website behavior.
E-commerce Integrations: Seamless plugins for platforms like Shopify.
Affordable: The free plan allows 9,000 emails/month; paid plans are budget-friendly.

Cons:

Inconsistent deliverability. This means a high probability of emails not going to the target recipients’ inboxes.
Inflexible pricing. Should you find the number of allowable emails inadequate for your needs, other providers permit you to buy additional emails in increments of 1,000; Brevo requires you to upgrade to a higher pricing tier.

7. Mailtrap

Mailtrap is a developer’s dream for testing, sending, and debugging emails safely. But marketers love it too—it works as an SMTP server, letting you send up to 1,000 emails monthly for free. Perfect for small campaigns or testing big ideas without breaking the bank. So, you could be fixing bugs or sending emails, regardless, Mailtrap keeps things simple, secure, and cost-effective.

Pros:

Reliability: Secure infrastructure with spammer-free systems and IPs, plus error analysis to fix issues before emails reach inboxes.
Easy Integration: Intuitive setup wizard and clear instructions make integration simple.
In-Depth Analytics: Comprehensive email logs and analytics help improve email performance.
24/7 Support: Human support via email, live chat, or phone.
Unique Testing: Fake SMTP server prevents emails from being sent during testing.

Cons:

Limited free emails. Mailtrap’s free plan can only send up to 1,000 emails per month, which may not be adequate for large businesses.
Inconsistent deliverability performance. Although Mailtrap claims to have made its system more stable, it remains to be seen if its deliverability has reached an acceptable level.

8. SendPulse

SendPulse is a Ukrainian company offering tools for email marketers, including AMP for Email to add interactive elements. It’s a multichannel platform for email, SMS, web push, and chatbots, with features like Automation 360 for personalized workflows. Great for small to medium businesses, it’s user-friendly and affordable. However, some users note challenges with support, approvals, and extra fees. Despite this, it’s a versatile, all-in-one marketing solution.

Pros:

Affordable and generous plan. Its paid plans are affordable. Even if you decide to upgrade, it won’t hurt you financially. Also, the free plan offers 12k emails monthly.
Comprehensive marketing platform. The service offers a variety of features including chatbots, CRM, email automation, a landing page, etc.

Cons:

Strict Moderation: Email campaigns can be rejected, or accounts suspended without clear explanations, frustrating users.
Inconsistent Support: Delays and unhelpful responses from customer support can make issue resolution difficult.

9. Elastic Email

Founded in 2010, Elastic Email is based in Poland and offers two main services: Email API and Marketing. Users of its free plan share IP addresses, adversely affecting its deliverability. Email API is ideal for transactional emails integrated with Elastic Email’s API or SMTP relay. You can also integrate it with third-party software for marketing purposes. It comes with a free SMTP server. Marketing, on the other hand, takes care of your email marketing needs, giving you access to several tools through its intuitive dashboard. It also features the Campaign Creator, which allows you to design and send a marketing campaign spontaneously. It won several awards in 2024, including Easiest Setup in the Mid-market sector and High Performer Overall in the Summer of 2024.

Pros:

Affordability. It has low-priced subscription rates for both Email API and Marketing.
Customer Support. You may ask for support through email or in-app messenger and they will respond within 24 hours. If you want a shorter response time or to be prioritized, you may avail of its paid, dedicated support.

Cons:

Unsatisfactory deliverability. Free users share an IP address, adversely impacting Elastic Email’s sender reputation.

10. Mailgun

Mailgun was formed in 2010 to address the need for a simple process for developers to integrate email capabilities into an application. Since then, it has committed itself to providing above-average deliverability. Tech-savvy users favor Mailgun probably because it was designed with developers in mind. Its marketing service is a by-product of its SMTP service. Today, Mailgun is far beyond a simple SMTP server, but in reality, they are better known as a Transactional Email API service which is perfect for developers.

Pros:

Developer-friendly API. It facilitates automation and custom integrations.
High deliverability. Using sophisticated email validation tools ensures emails go into target recipients’ inboxes.
Scalability. It can manage increases in email requirements without sacrificing performance.
Real-time reporting. You can track your email performance every hour.

Cons:

Complex features. It has complex, sophisticated features intended for developers. New users, especially non-tech, have a steeper learning curve.
Pricey. Companies with high-volume emails may find it too costly. Not suitable for businesses with budget constraints.
Unshareable DNS records. This might adversely affect deliverability.
Short data retention. Low-priced plans have a log retention of only five days.

Conclusion

Picking the right SMTP server is like finding the perfect pair of shoes—it has to fit your needs just right. Want something affordable? Scalable? Packed with advanced tools? There’s something for everyone.SMTP2Go keeps things reliable, while Mailtrap shines at testing.

Each tool has its own superpower (and a few quirks). At the end of the day, it’s not just about sending emails—it’s about making sure they land where they should.

So, choose smart, and let your emails work their magic!