WP Mail SMTP vs Easy WP SMTP: What’s The Difference? (2025)

With popular SMTP plugin options available, the choice in the WP Mail SMTP vs Easy WP SMTP debate is tough. 

On the surface, they look very similar. Both promise to fix WordPress email delivery, but their features and user experience differ significantly. 

This definitive comparison gives you a clear, side-by-side breakdown. Let’s find the right tool to solve your email problems for good.

TL;DR: For the same $49 starting price, WP Mail SMTP Pro offers more features like analytics and email resending, making it the better value. Before you install either, protect your site by using a solid backup plugin.

WP Mail SMTP vs Easy WP SMTP at a glance

A comprehensive feature comparison

Both WP Mail SMTP and Easy WP SMTP are heavy hitters in the WordPress SMTP world. But when you get past the similar-looking dashboards, you start to see where they really differ. Let’s break down what you actually get with each one.

So, what do they actually do?

At their core, both plugins do the exact same job: they are designed to fix the default email deliverability issue inherent in WordPress. 

Instead of letting your server send emails (which often land in spam), they route them through a proper email service like Gmail or SendGrid. This process dramatically improves email reliability.

Both plugins give you an essential email test feature. This is non-negotiable. After setup, you click a button to send a test message. If you get it, you’re golden. If not, you know something’s wrong. It saves a ton of guesswork.

Now, here’s where things start to diverge, especially when you look at the Pro versions:

Honestly, for a basic blog, the free features are often enough. But if your website’s emails are critical to your business, the Pro features are worth a serious look.

Which email services do they work with?

Both the SMTP plugins have you covered for the most popular options. They connect with services like SendGrid and Mailgun using secure APIs, which makes the connection more reliable and easier to set up. You just need to copy and paste a key.

Here’s the key difference you need to know: WP Mail SMTP lets you connect to Gmail or Google Workspace for free. This is a massive advantage for small businesses. 

Easy WP SMTP, on the other hand, puts the simple, one-click Gmail setup behind its Pro paywall.

Of course, both have a generic Other SMTP option. Just be prepared to manually enter server details like the host, port, and password. It’s not hard, but it’s definitely not as smooth as the API methods.

What about support and updates?

A plugin is only as good as the team behind it. A plugin that isn’t updated is a security risk waiting to happen.

Thankfully, you’re in good hands either way, as both are backed by reputable developers with a strong track record.

WP Mail SMTP is from the creators of WPForms. We have reviewed WPForms, and it’s one of the best form builders on the market. That commitment to quality clearly carries over to this plugin.

What’s less known is that Easy WP SMTP is also backed by the same parent company, though it’s positioned under their SendLayer brand. This shared background explains why both plugins are so well-maintained and follow similar quality standards. You can expect reliable updates and solid code from either choice.

What this means for you:

We’ve found that WP Mail SMTP has slightly more extensive documentation and tutorials. They even offer a White Glove Setup on their top plan, where their team will do the entire installation for you.

It’s important to note that Easy WP SMTP also provides this service for users who purchase their Elite license, but you’ll need to request the White Glove setup after purchase. So, regardless of your choice, there’s an option to have an expert handle the setup if you invest in their top-tier plans.

Which one is easier to set up?

When it comes to the actual setup process, there is no difference between the two. You will follow the same essential steps in both plugins to get your email working.

🧷 Note: Creating a WordPress backup is the most important first step before you configure any new plugin, ensuring you can restore your site if anything goes wrong.

The only variation is in the interface: WP Mail SMTP uses a multi-step wizard, while Easy WP SMTP uses a single settings page. 

This is a matter of presentation, not difficulty. The key differences are in the features and mailer options they offer, not in how you configure them.

Understanding the cost

Both plugins offer excellent free versions that will solve the core email delivery problem. No question. The difference comes when you need more power.

Interestingly, the Pro versions for both plugins start at the exact same price point: around $49/year. This makes the decision less about cost and more about what you get for your money.

At that entry-level price:

💡 Expert opinion: Since both plugins start at the same price, the value proposition becomes very clear. WP Mail SMTP Pro offers significantly more for the money. For business websites, the detailed reports and automatic resend feature are easily worth the investment, making it the better choice at this price level.

Making your choice

So, which one should you install? There’s no single right answer, but there is a right answer for you.

🎫 Note: Before you install any new plugin, it’s crucial to have a good WordPress backup strategy in place. This ensures you can instantly restore your site if you encounter any unexpected issues.

Choose Easy WP SMTP if:

Choose WP Mail SMTP if:

Honestly, for most personal blogs, Easy WP SMTP is perfectly fine. For any site where emails are tied to revenue, like an online store or a site relying on contact forms, WP Mail SMTP is the smarter, more robust investment.

Other notable SMTP plugin alternatives

While these two are market leaders, they aren’t your only options.

Crucial steps after installing your SMTP plugin

Your job isn’t done after you click “Activate.” To make sure your emails land in the inbox, do these things.

Parting thoughts

Here’s the thing: both plugins are excellent tools that solve one of the most annoying problems in WordPress. You really can’t make a “bad” choice here.

Your decision simply comes down to what you need. Do you need a simple tool that just works? Go with Easy WP SMTP. Do you need a comprehensive system with detailed insights and safety nets? Then WP Mail SMTP is your answer. Just pick one, set it up correctly, and stop worrying.

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