Why Use a WordPress SMTP Plugin?
WordPress typically employs the PHP mail() function to dispatch emails from your WordPress site. These emails encompass various communications, such as order confirmations for customers on your WooCommerce platform, form submissions, newsletters, account activation notifications, and more.
Nevertheless, these crucial emails may not reach users’ inboxes due to server problems, plugin conflicts, or incorrect email settings. Often, these emails get flagged as spam or don’t arrive at all. For more detailed information, consider referring to our introductory guide on resolving the issue of WordPress not sending emails.
This is where SMTP plugins play a pivotal role. They seamlessly integrate with well-known SMTP services, greatly enhancing email deliverability.
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) stands as the standard for email transmission. Unlike the PHP mail() function, SMTP uses proper authentication, rendering it a more dependable protocol with elevated delivery success rates.
Furthermore, an SMTP plugin encrypts all outgoing emails, fortifying them against potential interception by hackers.
These plugins offer extended control over your email settings and even permit customization of the content sent to recipients.
Given these advantages, let’s delve into the top WordPress SMTP plugins available on the market.
1.WP Mail SMTP
WP Mail SMTP stands out as the top WordPress SMTP plugin available, seamlessly replacing the PHP mail() function within your WordPress blog with SMTP functionality. Embraced by over 2 million websites, this plugin enables users to connect their websites to SMTP service providers such as Brevo (formerly Sendinblue), SendLayer, and AWS, thereby enhancing email deliverability.
Additionally, WP Mail SMTP allows users to conduct test emails to ensure successful delivery to recipients. The plugin also provides a weekly email summarizing the statistics of WordPress emails sent, assisting users in devising strategies for improved email marketing performance.
The free version of this plugin encompasses email logging, advanced email reporting, and backup connections. However, for access to smart email routing, email tracking, or White Glove setup, users can consider upgrading to the premium plan.
Pros:
- Comprehensive email log viewing for all website-sent emails.
- Offers a free version with robust features.
- Sends failure notifications through Slack, email, or SMS.
- Tracks open and click rates for emails dispatched via WordPress.
- Provides the option to enable or disable various notification types.
- Compatible with all WordPress hosting providers.
Cons:
- Certain advanced features, such as email tracking and routing, require a paid plan.
2.Easy WP SMTP
Easy WP SMTP stands as a streamlined plugin designed for configuring SMTP settings on websites, enhancing email deliverability with ease. The plugin offers a free version enabling connections to SMTP providers such as SendLayer, Brevo, and Mailgun. It further integrates with Gmail, providing error debugging in its free version.
For an upgrade to the paid plan, users gain access to additional features like backup connections, smart email routing, priority support, and more.
Pros:
- Features a user-friendly interface, well-suited for beginners.
- The paid plan provides email tracking, logging, and reports.
- Allows integration with Gmail, Hotmail, and Yahoo accounts on your WordPress site.
Cons:
- The free version is limited, mainly allowing integration with an SMTP provider.
- The plugin’s support may be limited compared to other alternatives listed here.
3.Post SMTP Mailer
Post SMTP Mailer is another impressive plugin that can significantly enhance your email deliverability. The plugin simplifies the connection of your WordPress site with various SMTP service providers, also sending notifications via the Slack app in case of email delivery failure. Furthermore, it utilizes OAuth 2.0 to safeguard your emails and conducts a connectivity test to identify any firewall blocks or configuration errors.
Pros:
- Offers an in-built email logger to maintain detailed email records.
- Allows connections with Gmail, Mandrill, SendGrid, and Mailgun via API integration.
- Compatible with WordPress multisite setups.
- Provides the option to set up a secondary fallback SMTP server if the primary one encounters issues.
Cons:
- Provides fewer features compared to other SMTP plugins on the list.
- The free version lacks priority customer support.
- The email logs may not be as comprehensive as some other plugins.
4.FluentSMTP
FluentSMTP stands as a free WordPress plugin designed to facilitate seamless email delivery using SMTP providers such as Brevo, SendGrid, Mailgun, and more. Beyond enhancing email delivery, the plugin enables users to maintain an email log and track emails dispatched from their WordPress dashboard.
Pros:
- An open-source plugin provided completely free of charge.
- FluentSMTP offers email encryption to ensure robust email security.
- Incorporates email routing and the capacity to resend failed emails.
Cons:
- Setting up FluentSMTP with certain SMTP providers might be slightly challenging.
- It lacks support for Microsoft Exchange servers.
Why we recommend using FluentSMTP: We suggest utilizing FluentSMTP if you’re operating on a tight budget and seek a straightforward solution due to its open-source nature and free accessibility.
5.Gmail SMTP
The Gmail SMTP plugin is an excellent option for leveraging Gmail as an SMTP server. This free plugin enables straightforward integration of your WordPress site with Gmail, allowing email transmission through this platform. Furthermore, the plugin provides spam protection, email logging functionality, and offers commendable customer support.
Pros:
- Gmail SMTP employs OAuth 2.0, which ensures a more secure login process.
- Allows users to dispatch test emails to ensure proper functionality.
- Encrypts emails before transmission to safeguard them from potential hacking attempts.
Cons:
- Setting up Gmail SMTP might be slightly more complex than other plugins listed here.
- Lacks email tracking or analysis capabilities.
Why we recommend Gmail SMTP: Our recommendation for using Gmail SMTP is primarily geared towards users who wish to send WordPress emails via their administrative Gmail account.
6.SMTP Mailer
SMTP Mailer is a complimentary WordPress plugin designed to facilitate the easy dispatch of emails via SMTP service providers such as SendLayer, SendGrid, SMTP.com, and others. The plugin features a user-friendly interface and utilizes authentication measures to ensure successful email delivery to recipients’ inboxes.
Pros:
- Features a straightforward user interface.
- SMTP Mailer is entirely cost-free.
- Offers the ability to test email delivery to ensure effectiveness.
Cons:
- Requires manual connection between the SMTP Mailer plugin and a mailing provider.
- Lacks email tracking, logging, or scheduling capabilities.
- Offers limited customer support.
Why we recommend SMTP Mailer: SMTP Mailer, though modest in its functionalities, presents a simple user interface. We suggest considering this plugin if you’re on a constrained budget and are willing to manually integrate an SMTP service provider with the plugin.