SendGrid (by Twilio) is one of the most popular platforms for sending transactional and marketing emails at scale. Known for its robust APIs, SMTP service, and deliverability infrastructure, SendGrid is widely used by developers, SaaS platforms, and e-commerce businesses. However, as teams grow, some users look for SendGrid alternatives that offer better templates, automation, analytics, or pricing flexibility.
In 2025, businesses are choosing modern platforms that combine marketing and transactional emails, support SMTP or REST APIs, and provide better UX or pricing tiers for startups. Whether you want advanced automation, better email editor tools, or easier onboarding, there’s a SendGrid alternative that fits your workflow and budget.
This article highlights the top SendGrid alternatives for transactional email, email marketing, and deliverability in 2025.
What is SendGrid?
SendGrid is a cloud-based email platform for sending transactional and marketing emails. It provides APIs, SMTP relay, dynamic templates, and tools for deliverability monitoring, suppression handling, and analytics. It’s ideal for developers and high-volume senders but can be costly or overly technical for marketers who want an easier email solution.
Why Look for SendGrid Alternatives?
1. Developer-Centric Interface: SendGrid is API-first, but not ideal for marketers needing a visual campaign builder.
2. Pricing at Scale: As email volume grows, pricing can increase sharply—especially with add-ons.
3. Basic Automation: SendGrid lacks advanced marketing workflows found in dedicated platforms.
4. Template Builder Limitations: The editor is functional but not as polished or intuitive as newer platforms.
5. Stronger All-in-One Tools Exist: Some tools combine email marketing, automation, and transactional emails with a simpler UI and built-in CRM.
Top SendGrid Alternatives (Comparison Table)
| # | Tool | Free Plan | Best For | Deployment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Mailgun | Yes (trial) | Transactional + developer tools | Cloud |
| #2 | Amazon SES | No | Affordable high-volume email | Cloud |
| #3 | MailerSend | Yes | Transactional + visual editor | Cloud |
| #4 | Brevo (Sendinblue) | Yes | Email + SMS + automation | Cloud |
| #5 | Mailchimp | Yes | Email marketing + automation | Cloud |
| #6 | Postmark | No | Fast transactional delivery | Cloud |
| #7 | Moosend | Yes (trial) | Email automation + personalization | Cloud |
| #8 | Elastic Email | Yes | Transactional + API + UI | Cloud |
| #9 | SMTP2GO | Yes | SMTP relay with analytics | Cloud |
| #10 | Customer.io | No | Behavioral email automation | Cloud |
Detailed Alternatives to SendGrid
#1. Mailgun
Mailgun is a developer-first email API service similar to SendGrid. It offers robust SMTP + REST APIs, inbox placement tools, and analytics for transactional messaging.
Features:
- Transactional + bulk email APIs
- Routing rules and webhook tracking
- Analytics + inbox placement testing
- Drag-and-drop template builder
- Great for developers and SaaS apps
#2. Amazon SES
Amazon Simple Email Service (SES) is a low-cost email platform built for high-volume transactional and bulk emails. It’s ideal for developers with AWS experience.
Features:
- Very affordable per-email pricing
- SMTP and API support
- Built-in deliverability monitoring
- Integration with Lambda, SNS, and S3
- Best for large-volume senders with dev support
#3. MailerSend
MailerSend is a transactional email platform by the creators of MailerLite. It combines developer-friendly APIs with a visual editor for non-technical users.
Features:
- SMTP relay and email API
- Visual email builder + templates
- Inbound email routing and analytics
- Attachments + file sending support
- Free tier with generous limits
#4. Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)
Brevo combines email marketing, transactional emails, SMS, and CRM in one platform. It replaces SendGrid for marketers who want more than just APIs.
Features:
- Email + SMS automation workflows
- Transactional SMTP and API support
- CRM and customer segmentation
- Marketing templates and analytics
- Affordable pricing with free plan
#5. Mailchimp
Mailchimp is a leading marketing automation platform with email, landing pages, forms, and AI tools. It’s a SendGrid alternative for marketers who prioritize design and automation.
Features:
- Email templates and segmentation
- Landing page and form builder
- Basic transactional email support (Mandrill)
- CRM + analytics
- Free plan with limitations
#6. Postmark
Postmark is a transactional email service with fast delivery speeds and exceptional reliability. It’s a developer-favorite alternative to SendGrid for apps.
Features:
- Instant delivery with webhooks
- SMTP + REST API
- Open/click tracking + retention
- Inbound email parsing
- High deliverability reputation
#7. Moosend
Moosend offers email marketing automation with dynamic content and personalization. It replaces SendGrid for marketers seeking AI, segmentation, and campaign features.
Features:
- Automation workflows with triggers
- Email builder with personalization blocks
- Real-time reporting
- Affordable monthly plans
- Supports transactional emails
#8. Elastic Email
Elastic Email provides both transactional and marketing email with pay-as-you-go pricing. It’s a good budget-friendly alternative to SendGrid.
Features:
- SMTP relay and API access
- Email designer and automation
- Advanced analytics + delivery tracking
- Dedicated IP options
- Simple pricing model
#9. SMTP2GO
SMTP2GO is a reliable SMTP service with easy setup, dashboards, and deliverability features — good for replacing SendGrid’s SMTP relay service.
Features:
- SMTP + REST API support
- Email logs and delivery insights
- Blacklisting and bounce management
- Easy dashboard + analytics
- Global server infrastructure
#10. Customer.io
Customer.io is a behavioral messaging platform with advanced triggers and segmentation. It replaces SendGrid for SaaS apps that want event-driven communication.
Features:
- Real-time event-based automation
- Custom data attributes and audiences
- Transactional + marketing flows
- In-app, SMS, and push support
- Powerful workflow builder
Conclusion
SendGrid is great for developers and SaaS platforms — but in 2025, many companies are switching to alternatives with better pricing, automation, or user-friendly interfaces. Whether you’re sending millions of transactional emails or want a drag-and-drop campaign builder with CRM, there’s a SendGrid alternative that fits your business and technical needs.
Use Mailgun or Postmark for API-driven transactional messages. Try MailerSend or Brevo for marketing + transactional hybrid needs. Choose Elastic Email or SMTP2GO for budget-friendly SMTP delivery. The right tool depends on your email volume, technical stack, and team skill level.
FAQs
What are the best SendGrid alternatives in 2025?
The best SendGrid alternatives are:
- Mailgun
- Amazon SES
- MailerSend
- Brevo (Sendinblue)
- Mailchimp
- Postmark
- Moosend
- Elastic Email
- SMTP2GO
- Customer.io
Which SendGrid alternative is best for developers?
Mailgun, Postmark, and Amazon SES are API-first platforms built for developers and SaaS apps.
Which platform supports both transactional and marketing emails?
MailerSend, Brevo, Elastic Email, and Moosend support both use cases in one platform.
Is there a free alternative to SendGrid?
Yes — MailerSend, Brevo, and Elastic Email offer free plans with generous sending limits for small apps or new businesses.
Which tool offers the best deliverability?
Postmark and Mailgun are widely trusted for their high deliverability, fast sending times, and reliable infrastructure.
