Table Of Contents
Introduction
If you run a WordPress website, email is part of your daily workflow. Password reset emails, contact form notifications, order confirmations, and user registrations all depend on one thing: reliable email delivery. Yet many site owners discover a frustrating problem: emails are sent, but never arrive.
This usually happens because WordPress uses PHP mail by default. Hosting servers often block or limit it. Even when emails go through, they may land in spam folders. For a business site, this can mean lost leads, missed orders, and unhappy users.
That’s where WP Mail SMTP by WPForms comes in. Instead of relying on unreliable server mail, this plugin connects your WordPress site to trusted email providers like Gmail, Outlook, SendLayer, Amazon SES, or SendGrid. Emails are authenticated properly, so inboxes trust them.
In this review, we’ll look closely at how WP Mail SMTP works, what features it offers, and whether it’s the right choice for your site. We’ll cover setup, pricing, real-world use cases, and how it compares to other SMTP plugins. If email delivery matters to your website and it usually does—this guide will help you decide.
What Is WP Mail SMTP by WPForms?
WP Mail SMTP is a WordPress plugin designed to fix email delivery issues. It replaces the default PHP mail function with authenticated SMTP or API-based email sending.
Why WordPress Emails Fail
Most WordPress hosting providers are not optimized for email sending. Common issues include:
- Emails blocked by hosting firewalls
- Missing authentication records (SPF, DKIM)
- Shared IP addresses with poor sender reputation
- Messages flagged as spam by email providers
WP Mail SMTP solves these problems by routing emails through trusted mail services that already have a good sending reputation.
Who Built WP Mail SMTP?
The plugin is developed by the WPForms team, a well-known name in the WordPress ecosystem. Their focus is on reliability, clear setup steps, and strong support especially for non-technical users.
Key Features of WP Mail SMTP
WP Mail SMTP is more than a basic SMTP connector. It includes several features that make email delivery easier to manage and troubleshoot.
Multiple Mailer Options
The plugin supports a wide range of email services, including:
- Gmail / Google Workspace
- Microsoft Outlook / Office 365
- SendLayer
- SMTP.com
- Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)
- Amazon SES
- SendGrid
- Zoho Mail
- Any custom SMTP server
API-based mailers are often faster and more reliable than standard SMTP, and WP Mail SMTP makes them easy to configure.
Email Logging
Email logs show:
- Recipient email address
- Subject line
- Date and time sent
- Delivery status
This is useful when a user claims they didn’t receive an email. You can confirm whether it was sent and resend it if needed.
Email Failure Alerts
If an email fails to send, WP Mail SMTP can notify you instantly via:
- Email
- Slack
- Microsoft Teams
- Webhooks
This allows you to fix issues before they affect users or customers.
One-Click Setup Wizard
The setup wizard walks you through configuration step by step. It asks which mailer you want to use, then shows exactly what credentials are required. This reduces setup errors, especially for beginners.
From Email and Name Control
You can force a consistent “From Email” and “From Name” across your entire site. This avoids mismatches that often trigger spam filters.
How Easy Is WP Mail SMTP to Set Up?
Ease of setup is one of WP Mail SMTP’s strongest points.
Installation Process
- Install the plugin from the WordPress dashboard
- Activate it
- Launch the setup wizard
- Choose your mailer
- Enter credentials or connect your account
- Send a test email
For most mailers, the plugin provides screenshots and exact instructions. You don’t need to edit code or server files.
Gmail and Outlook Setup
Gmail and Outlook use secure API connections rather than passwords. WP Mail SMTP handles the OAuth process, which improves security and reliability.
Custom SMTP Setup
If you use your hosting email or a third-party SMTP service, you only need:
- SMTP host
- Port number
- Encryption type
- Username and password
The plugin tests the connection before saving.
Real-World Use Cases
WP Mail SMTP is useful for many types of websites.
Small Business Websites
Contact form messages are often the first point of contact with customers. WP Mail SMTP ensures those emails arrive instantly, not hours later or never.
WooCommerce Stores
Order confirmations, shipping updates, and password reset emails are critical. Reliable delivery reduces customer support tickets and builds trust.
Membership and LMS Sites
Account creation emails, login links, and course notifications must reach users every time. SMTP authentication helps prevent delivery failures.
Agencies and Developers
Email logs and alerts make it easier to manage multiple client sites. If something breaks, you know right away.
WP Mail SMTP Pricing and Plans
WP Mail SMTP offers both free and paid versions.
Free Version
The free plugin includes:
- Basic SMTP setup
- Gmail SMTP (manual setup)
- Test email feature
It works well for simple sites but lacks logs and alerts.
Paid Plans
Paid plans unlock:
- Email logging and resending
- Failure notifications
- API-based mailers
- Priority support
Pricing is tiered based on the number of sites. This makes it flexible for bloggers, businesses, and agencies.
Pros and Cons of WP Mail SMTP
Pros
- Fixes most WordPress email issues
- Clear setup wizard
- Supports many mail providers
- Detailed email logs
- Fast support response
Cons
- Email logging requires a paid plan
- Some mailers need external accounts
- Advanced features may be unnecessary for very small sites
How WP Mail SMTP Compares to Other SMTP Plugins
WP Mail SMTP vs FluentSMTP
FluentSMTP is free and powerful but lacks guided setup. WP Mail SMTP is easier for beginners and offers better documentation.
WP Mail SMTP vs Post SMTP Mailer
Post SMTP includes diagnostics but has a more complex interface. WP Mail SMTP focuses on clarity and simplicity.
WP Mail SMTP vs Mail SMTP by WPExperts
WP Mail SMTP offers more mailer options and stronger support, especially for API-based connections.
Is WP Mail SMTP Worth Using?
If email delivery matters to your website and it usually does WP Mail SMTP is a solid choice. It removes guesswork from WordPress email sending and replaces it with predictable, authenticated delivery.
The plugin works quietly in the background, but its impact is noticeable. Fewer missed emails. Fewer support issues. Better trust from users and customers.
Conclusion
Email issues are one of the most common WordPress problems, yet they’re often overlooked until something goes wrong. WP Mail SMTP by WPForms addresses this issue directly by replacing unreliable server mail with trusted email services.
With guided setup, multiple mailer options, and useful features like logs and alerts, it suits beginners and experienced site owners alike. Whether you run a blog, business site, or online store, dependable email delivery is not optional—it’s essential.
WP Mail SMTP doesn’t promise magic. It simply ensures your emails are sent the right way. And for most WordPress sites, that makes all the difference.
FAQs About WP Mail SMTP
What does WP Mail SMTP do in WordPress?
WP Mail SMTP improves WordPress email delivery by sending emails through authenticated SMTP or API-based mail services instead of the default PHP mail function. This helps ensure messages reach inboxes reliably rather than being blocked or marked as spam.
Is WP Mail SMTP free to use?
WP Mail SMTP offers a free version with basic SMTP functionality suitable for small websites. Advanced features such as email logs, failure alerts, and API-based mailers are available in the paid plans.
Does WP Mail SMTP work with Gmail?
WP Mail SMTP supports Gmail and Google Workspace using a secure API connection. This method improves email reliability, avoids password-based logins, and aligns with Google’s recommended sending practices.
Can WP Mail SMTP fix emails going to spam?
WP Mail SMTP can greatly reduce spam issues by adding proper email authentication. However, inbox placement also depends on factors like email content quality, sending frequency, and the reputation of the email service used.
Is WP Mail SMTP suitable for WooCommerce?
WP Mail SMTP works well with WooCommerce by ensuring order confirmations, invoices, password resets, and customer notifications are delivered consistently and without delays.
Does WP Mail SMTP log sent emails?
Email logging is included in the paid version of WP Mail SMTP. It allows you to view sent email details, confirm delivery attempts, and resend messages directly from the WordPress dashboard.
Do I need technical skills to set up WP Mail SMTP?
No technical skills are required. The setup wizard provides clear, step-by-step instructions that guide beginners through connecting their chosen email service without coding.
Which email service works best with WP Mail SMTP?
Popular choices include SendLayer, Gmail API, Amazon SES, and SendGrid. These services are known for stable delivery, good sender reputation, and smooth integration with WP Mail SMTP.
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