Table of Contents
- Why You Need an SMTP Plugin for WordPress
- How to Choose the Best Free SMTP Plugin
- Best Free SMTP Plugins for WordPress to Improve Email Delivery
- How to Set Up an SMTP Plugin on WordPress
- Conclusion
Email delivery issues are a common occurrence on WordPress websites. For many website owners, emails that end up in spam folders are an issue. This happens because WordPress uses PHP’s mail() function by default. Most email providers reject these emails because of insufficient authentication.
The best choice is SMTP, or Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. Through the use of an authenticated mail server, email delivery is improved. SMTP plugins facilitate WordPress’s integration with external email providers. This ensures that emails do not wind up in spam folders but rather in inboxes.
The best choice is SMTP, or Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. These plugins support services such as Gmail, SendGrid, and Mailgun. This post will discuss the best free SMTP plugins. Additionally, we will discuss how to choose and set up an SMTP plugin.
Why You Need an SMTP Plugin for WordPress
Problems with the WordPress Default Mail System
By default, WordPress uses PHP mail() to send emails; however, this method isn’t validated. A lot of email providers classify these emails as spam or prohibit them. This may result in difficulties with notifications, order confirmations, and contact forms.
SMTP Plugins Improve Email Delivery
By establishing a connection between WordPress and an SMTP server, an SMTP plugin addresses this issue. A dependable email service is used to send emails rather than the unstable PHP mail() method. Email deliverability and security are improved as a result.
How to Choose the Best Free SMTP Plugin
To ensure dependable email delivery, selecting the appropriate SMTP plugin is crucial. While there are a lot of free alternatives, they are not all the same. Before choosing a plugin, take into account these important considerations.
Ease of Use
Installing a decent SMTP plugin should be simple. It should work with well-known email services like Gmail, Outlook, and SendGrid. A setup wizard is useful for initiators.
Email Logging
Certain plugins maintain a log of every email sent. This aids in debugging emails that have failed or gone missing. Email logs indicate whether or not a message was sent successfully.
Security and Authentication
OAuth 2.0 is a great feature for additional security, and a secure WordPress SMTP plugin should support SSL/TLS encryption and secure authentication methods to prevent emails from being flagged as spam.
Compatibility with Email Providers
Not all SMTP plugins support every email service. Check if the plugin works with your SMTP provider, such as Gmail SMTP, Mailgun, or Amazon SES.
Support and Updates
An excellent plugin should have an active WordPress support staff and be updated often. Forums and documentation should provide basic help for even free plugins.
Free vs. Paid Features
Basic logging and email delivery are provided by several free SMTP plugins. Advanced services like priority help and thorough reporting, however, could necessitate a premium package. Select a plugin according to the requirements of your website.
Best Free SMTP Plugins for WordPress to Improve Email Delivery
There are a lot of free SMTP plugins for WordPress. Each plugin has unique features that improve email delivery. The following is a summary of the main features, drawbacks, and advantages of the best free SMTP plugins.
WP Mail SMTP
WP Mail SMTP is the most popular SMTP plugin for WordPress. Over 3 million people use it regularly. The plugin helps fix issues with email delivery by connecting WordPress to an SMTP service.
Key Features:
✔️ Supports Gmail, Outlook, SendGrid, and other SMTP providers.
✔️ Simple setup with a step-by-step setup wizard.
✔️ Secure authentication with OAuth 2.0 and SSL/TLS encryption.
Pros:
✅ Easy to use for beginners.
✅ Works with popular email services.
✅ Frequent updates and proactive customer service.
Cons:
❌ For certain sophisticated features, the premium version is required.
❌ No built-in email logging in the free version.
Bit SMTP
Bit SMTP is a lightweight and easy-to-use WP SMTP plugin. It helps websites send emails without deliverability issues.
Key Features:
✔️ Supports multiple SMTP services.
✔️ Free version includes basic authentication.
✔️ Works with Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook SMTP.
Pros:
✅ Simple and lightweight plugin.
✅ Good for small websites and personal blogs.
✅ Free version offers essential features.
Cons:
❌ Lacks advanced security options.
❌ No email logging in the free version.
Post SMTP Mailer
Post SMTP Mailer is a powerful SMTP plugin with advanced features. It replaces the default WordPress mail function for better email delivery.
Key Features:
✔️ Supports Office 365, Gmail, and Amazon SES.
✔️ Offers advanced email logging and error tracking.
✔️ Secure authentication with OAuth 2.0 and TLS encryption.
Pros:
✅ Great for users needing advanced email tracking.
✅ Works with multiple email providers.
✅ Free version has many useful features.
Cons:
❌ Setup is slightly complex for beginners.
❌ Some features may not be needed for small websites.
Easy WP SMTP
A lightweight and straightforward WordPress SMTP plugin is called Easy WP SMTP. It assists in configuring SMTP settings without the need for complex settings.
Key Features:
✔️ Works with Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook SMTP.
✔️ Simple setup and configuration.
✔️ Free to use with basic email sending features.
Pros:
✅ Best for users who need a basic SMTP plugin.
✅ No complicated settings.
✅ Works with most email providers.
Cons:
❌ No email logging feature.
❌ Lacks advanced security options.
FluentSMTP
For WordPress, FluentSMTP is a dependable and quick SMTP plugin. In addition to having strong features, it is totally free.
Key Features:
✔️ Supports multiple SMTP providers, including Gmail SMTP and Amazon SES.
✔️ Includes email logging and detailed reports.
✔️ Secure authentication with SSL/TLS encryption.
Pros:
✅ 100% free with no premium version.
✅ Works with many SMTP services.
✅ Email logs for troubleshooting issues.
Cons:
❌ May have a learning curve for beginners.
❌ No built-in customer support.
WP Email SMTP
WP Email SMTP is another free WordPress SMTP plugin. It allows websites to send emails using external SMTP servers.
Key Features:
✔️ Simple configuration for SMTP settings.
✔️ Works with Gmail, Yahoo, and other email providers.
✔️ Includes basic email logging in the free version.
Pros:
✅ Lightweight and easy to use.
✅ Supports major SMTP services.
✅ Free version has useful features.
Cons:
❌ Lacks OAuth 2.0 authentication.
❌ No advanced security features.
How to Set Up an SMTP Plugin on WordPress
In just a few minutes, you may quickly and simply set up an SMTP plugin. This is a thorough guide on using WP Mail SMTP, one of the most popular plugins.
Step 1: Install the plugin and turn it on.
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Go to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for WP Mail SMTP.
- Click Install Now, then Activate.
Step 2: Configure SMTP Settings
- Go to WP Mail SMTP > Settings.
- Enter your From Email (the email you want to send from).
- Set your From Name (this is your website name or brand).
Step 3: Choose Your SMTP Mailer
- Select your SMTP mailer (Gmail, SendGrid, Mailgun, or other services).
- Enter the required SMTP server details, like SMTP Host, Port, and Encryption.
- If using Gmail, choose OAuth Authentication for better security.
Step 4: Enter SMTP Authentication Details
- Put in your SMTP login credentials (or API key for certain providers).
- Select “Save Settings.”
Step 5: Send a Test Email
- Go to WP Mail SMTP > Tools.
- Enter a test email address and click Send Email.
- Verify whether the email has reached your inbox.
That’s it! Your WordPress SMTP plugin is now set up. Emails should be delivered successfully without going to spam.
Conclusion
Delivering emails with WordPress requires the use of an SMTP plugin. Emails frequently fail or end up in spam when SMTP isn’t used. For novices, WP Mail SMTP is the greatest choice. For users that want email logs, FluentSMTP is excellent.
Choose the best free SMTP plugin based on your needs. Always test your email settings after setup. A good SMTP plugin ensures reliable and secure email delivery.
