Compare SendWP
SendWP vs WordPress default mail
Default mail gets you started; SendWP adds authenticated sending, a log and bounce tracking for the emails your site relies on.
The details, side by side.
Compare the email allowance as well as the price. Plugin-only prices do not include a sending provider. Last checked October 2026. On a phone, swipe the table to see both options.
| What matters | SendWP | WordPress default mail |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Sending service with its own WordPress plugin | WordPress’s built-in mail through PHP mail() |
| What you set up | Install SendWP, connect your site and follow the domain authentication steps. No separate sending provider. | Nothing extra to install; sending depends on your host. |
| Price including sending | Basic $9/month or $99/year (1,000 emails a month); Premium $19/month or $199/year (10,000 emails a month); Pro $39/month or $399/year (Unlimited emails a month). Per site; first month $1 on monthly plans. | No separate plugin or sending-service charge; hosting still applies. |
| Free tier | No ongoing free tier; the first-month offer applies to monthly plans. | Built into WordPress; host limits may apply. |
| Email logs | At least 30 days of hosted, searchable email logs on every plan. | No built-in email logs or failure visibility. |
| Domain authentication | Exact DKIM, SPF and DMARC records, DNS host detection and record checks. One-click setup on supported hosts. | Unauthenticated by default. |
| Support | Basic: Email support; Premium: Email support; Pro: Premium support. Help with your site’s email, from setup through delivery issues. | Depends on your host; no separate sending service. |
| WordPress fit | Built for email sent through WordPress’s own mail function, including forms, resets and receipts. | Already in WordPress, but without a dedicated sending service. |
Where SendWP wins
Less to manage.
More clarity.
Know what happened after WordPress hit send. Get authenticated sending, a searchable log and bounces and spam complaints in plain view.
One subscription covers sending, hosted logs, a 30-day overview and help with your WordPress email. See what’s included.
Making the move
A short path
to SendWP.
Your old provider’s logs stay with that provider. Save any history you need before closing an account.
- Connect your site. Download SendWP and follow the Getting Started guide to install and connect the plugin.
- Authenticate your domain. Add the exact records shown and wait for the checks to confirm them. Keep records still used by your other mail services.
- Use one WordPress mail route. Disable the previous mail-routing plugin when SendWP is ready. Check your log as ordinary site email comes through, then retire an unused provider subscription when you no longer need it.
Frequently asked questions
Something else on your mind? Ask us.
Do I need another sending provider with SendWP?
No. SendWP is the sending service. Its plugin connects the email WordPress already sends, with no separate provider account or SMTP settings.
Is WordPress default mail free?
Built into WordPress; host limits may apply. No separate plugin or sending-service charge; hosting still applies.
Does authenticated sending guarantee the inbox?
No sender can guarantee inbox placement. Authentication helps prove the email came from your domain. A delivered status means the receiving mail server accepted it, not that it reached a particular folder.
Can I keep my forms and store plugins?
Yes. SendWP routes email sent through WordPress’s own mail function. Your forms, password resets and store receipts can keep using that path. Plugins using a separate email API need their own configuration.
Competitor details from their public pricing and plugin pages, last checked October 2026.
Plans and features can change. Confirm current terms with the provider before choosing.
Don’t face your email issues alone.
Tell us about your site and the emails it sends. The SendWP team will write back with how SendWP fits and how to get started.
Email the SendWP team