Amazon SES Alternatives for Cold Email
Amazon SES isn’t always the best fit for cold email campaigns. Its strict limits on daily emails (200 for new accounts) and technical setup requirements can make it challenging for businesses. If you’re looking for platforms designed for better deliverability, scalability, and ease of use, here are four alternatives:
Key Takeaways:
- Mailforge: Simplifies setup for cold email infrastructure, automates DNS, and offers budget-friendly pricing starting at $13/month per mailbox.
- SendGrid: Handles high email volumes with features like domain authentication and compliance tools. Starts at $19.95/month for 50,000 emails.
- Postmark: Focuses on reliable deliverability with clear analytics and pricing starting at $15/month for 10,000 emails.
- Mailgun: Developer-friendly platform with email validation tools. Pricing starts at $15/month for 10,000 emails.
Quick Comparison:
| Platform | Starting Price | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mailforge | $13/month | Automated setup, multi-workspaces | Small businesses, startups |
| SendGrid | $19.95/month | High-volume sending, API tools | High-volume senders |
| Postmark | $15/month | Reliable delivery, analytics | Compliance-focused users |
| Mailgun | $15/month | Validation tools, API control | Developers, technical users |
Each platform has strengths tailored to different needs. Whether you prioritize simplicity, scalability, or technical control, there’s an option to match your goals.
1. Mailforge
Mailforge is a shared cold email infrastructure solution designed to simplify cold outreach. It automates the process of setting up and managing hundreds - or even thousands - of domains and mailboxes in just minutes, saving time and effort compared to traditional methods.
With over 10,000 businesses using the platform, from solo entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies, Mailforge has proven its ability to streamline email operations for a wide range of users.
Deliverability
Mailforge prioritizes top-tier deliverability by automating DNS setup for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC protocols. It also offers SSL and domain masking at a cost of $2 per domain per month. These features not only enhance security but also add a layer of professionalism to your email campaigns. The platform also takes care of inbox hosting and maintenance, ensuring your email system stays optimized for consistent performance.
Scalability
When it comes to scaling, Mailforge truly shines. It allows businesses to expand their cold email efforts quickly with features like bulk DNS updates and seamless domain transfers. To keep operations organized, the platform provides multiple workspaces, making it easy to manage separate projects and move domains or mailboxes between them.
"Highly recommended for any organization where streamlined cold email infrastructure setup and scaling processes are needed." - Karlo Binda, Founder Leadsnack.co
For businesses with larger needs, Mailforge offers Infraforge, a private email infrastructure solution. This includes dedicated IP setups and is designed for companies managing hundreds of domains and mailboxes.
Pricing
Mailforge’s pricing starts at $13/month per mailbox (billed annually) or $15/month when billed monthly. Domains are priced at $70 per year, with SSL and domain masking available for $2 per domain each month. For high-volume users, discounts can bring the cost down to as little as $1.67 per mailbox. These plans include setup, maintenance, and advanced features, with options for annual payments and bulk discounts to help reduce overall costs.
Compliance and Security
The platform ensures compliance by automating email authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. It also supports domain transfers and works seamlessly with any email-sending software. This flexibility, combined with its focus on security, ensures your cold email campaigns remain efficient and reliable. Mailforge’s robust infrastructure is designed to address potential issues quickly, keeping your operations running smoothly and securely.
2. SendGrid
SendGrid is a cloud-based email delivery platform that has sent over 1 trillion emails to date, handling massive volumes of email traffic every month.
Deliverability
SendGrid places a strong emphasis on getting emails into inboxes rather than spam folders. It achieves this with proprietary tools designed to improve inbox placement rates. The platform provides features like domain authentication, compliance coaching, and proactive outreach to internet service providers (ISPs). These tools work together to enhance sender reputation, making SendGrid a great choice for independent applications and users who prioritize inbox delivery without needing deep technical expertise.
Scalability
Handling over 148 billion emails monthly, SendGrid’s infrastructure is built for large-scale operations. It adjusts to growing email volumes but requires careful management, such as adding dedicated IPs and gradually increasing sending volumes to maintain a strong sender reputation. This scalability ensures businesses can grow their email operations without compromising deliverability.
Pricing
SendGrid offers two primary pricing models: Email API Plans and Marketing Campaign Plans. For cold email infrastructure, the Email API Plans are most relevant. Here’s a breakdown:
- Free: $0/month, allowing up to 100 emails per day
- Essentials: Starting at $19.95/month for 50,000–100,000 emails per month
- Pro: Starting at $89.95/month for 100,000–2,500,000 emails per month
- Premier: Custom pricing for businesses with high-volume needs
As businesses grow, volume discounts are available to help reduce costs.
Compliance and Security
SendGrid offers built-in tools to ensure compliance and security, such as sender authentication, email routing, and tracking. These features are designed to improve inbox placement across different ISPs. For businesses scaling their email operations, SendGrid also addresses challenges related to infrastructure, analytics, and legal compliance. Users often highlight the platform's technical capabilities and appreciate the ready-to-use templates and workflows that help launch campaigns efficiently.
3. Postmark
Postmark provides a dependable and scalable email service that replaces traditional SMTP, making it ideal for application-based emails. It simplifies email management by separating transactional and marketing emails through its Message Streams feature, streamlining the organization of different campaigns.
Deliverability
Postmark is designed to optimize email deliverability by categorizing emails into Message Streams. For example, Broadcast Message Streams handle bulk emails like newsletters or cold outreach announcements, ensuring sender reputation remains intact.
For high-volume senders - those sending 300,000 or more emails monthly - Postmark offers dedicated IPs, allowing them to establish their own reputation. Smaller-scale senders benefit from shared IPs with pre-established reputations, which is especially helpful for those just starting out.
To provide transparency, Postmark displays delivery metrics and "Time to Inbox" stats on its status page. Users can also track key performance indicators such as emails sent, opens, bounces, and spam complaints.
Scalability
Postmark's Bulk API endpoint is a game-changer for businesses managing large-scale email campaigns. This feature allows users to define email content once and personalize it for recipients using template variables, making it perfect for cold email campaigns that require a personal touch.
The Bulk API supports unlimited recipients per call within a 50 MB payload (including attachments), though each email is capped at 50 recipients across To, CC, and BCC fields.
To maintain high deliverability rates even at scale, Postmark optimizes sending speeds for large email volumes. Additionally, Message Streams help businesses segregate email types, enhancing performance tracking and managing recipient unsubscriptions more effectively.
Pricing
Postmark uses a tiered pricing model, offering predictable costs for businesses with steady email volumes. Here’s how the pricing breaks down:
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Emails Included | Overage Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $15.00 | 10,000 emails | $1.80 per 1,000 |
| Pro | $60.50 | 50,000 emails | $1.30 per 1,000 |
| Platform | $138.00 | 125,000 emails | $1.20 per 1,000 |
Postmark also offers a free developer plan that includes 100 emails per month. Additional optional features include:
- Dedicated IPs: $50/month per IP (available for senders with 300,000+ emails monthly).
- DMARC Monitoring: Starts at $14/month per domain.
- Custom Activity Retention: Starts at $5/month.
While Postmark's Basic plan costs $1.50 per 1,000 emails, which is higher than Amazon SES's $0.10 per 1,000, it includes features like multiple users, servers, and streams that Amazon SES often charges for separately.
Compliance and Security
Postmark ensures sender reputation is protected by encouraging the use of separate subdomains for broadcast messages, a practice particularly useful for cold email campaigns. The platform’s Message Streams help differentiate email types, while detailed tracking of bounces and spam complaints supports compliance with email regulations. These features are essential for maintaining best practices and avoiding deliverability issues.
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4. Mailgun
Mailgun is a developer-oriented email platform that goes beyond basic SMTP services, offering tools for better email deliverability, built-in validation, and detailed analytics. These features make it a solid choice for businesses that need precise control over their email campaigns.
Deliverability
Mailgun excels in improving email deliverability. Its built-in email validation feature automatically removes invalid addresses, helping reduce bounce rates - an issue often encountered in cold email campaigns. The platform also includes tools to avoid blocklists and spam traps, along with automated features and analytics to boost inbox placement rates. Users who switch to Mailgun report a 21% drop in bounce rates and up to a 65% increase in open rates. Unlike Amazon SES, which lacks detailed performance feedback, Mailgun provides a comprehensive analytics dashboard that tracks deliverability and account activity over a 30-day period. These features make it easier to refine email strategies and improve results.
Scalability
Mailgun’s infrastructure is built to handle email campaigns of all sizes, from small startups to enterprises sending millions of emails monthly. Its RESTful email APIs and SMTP relay options provide flexibility, whether you're using basic SMTP or creating custom applications. Features like email template builders, send time optimization, and dedicated IP pools simplify campaign management while protecting sender reputation as your email volume grows. Higher-tier plans also include advanced inbound routing capabilities, making it easier to manage replies and automate follow-ups.
Pricing
Mailgun offers tiered pricing plans designed to suit various business needs:
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Emails Included | Key Features | Overage Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 100/day | Basic APIs, 1 domain, 1-day retention | N/A |
| Basic | $15 | 10,000 | No daily limits, 5 inbound routes | $1.80 per 1,000 |
| Foundation | $35 | 50,000 | Template builder, 5-day retention | $1.30 per 1,000 |
| Scale | $90 | 100,000 | 5,000 validations, dedicated IPs | $1.10 per 1,000 |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom | Advanced deliverability services, burst sending | Custom |
Both the Foundation and Scale plans offer a free first month, giving businesses a chance to explore advanced features before committing. The Scale plan, which includes 5,000 email validations monthly, is particularly useful for cleaning up email lists during cold outreach. While Mailgun's pricing may be higher than Amazon SES's basic rates, many users find its integrated features worth the extra cost. As Michal M., Founder of a computer software company, puts it: "The pricing is very attractive, with a pay-as-you-grow model".
Compliance and Security
Mailgun also emphasizes compliance and security to protect sender reputation. Its email validation service helps prevent problems caused by poorly maintained mailing lists. For businesses needing extra security, the Scale plan includes SAML SSO for enterprise-level identity management. The platform offers log retention ranging from 1 day on basic plans to 30 days on the Scale plan, along with message retention of up to 7 days, making it easier to troubleshoot delivery issues. Additionally, Mailgun supports scheduled analytics reports that can be automatically shared with stakeholders to assist in monitoring compliance. These features ensure that businesses can maintain their email integrity while adhering to regulations.
Advantages and Disadvantages
When it comes to cold email campaigns, each email infrastructure platform has its own strengths and trade-offs. Choosing the right one depends on your specific needs, technical expertise, and budget.
| Platform | Key Advantages | Key Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Mailforge | Quick setup - 100x faster than traditional methods; pricing at $3 per mailbox (about 3× cheaper than Gmail); 4.8/5 rating on G2; automated DNS configuration | Limited reporting and analytics tools; relatively new platform with a smaller user base |
| SendGrid | Sends over 80 billion emails monthly; robust marketing automation tools; offers 7 official libraries for seamless integration | Premium features can be costly; mixed reviews on deliverability; limited email log accessibility |
| Postmark | Achieves a 93.8% deliverability rate in testing; excellent customer support; clear delivery time reporting | Starts at $15/month for 10,000 emails; lacks marketing automation features; fewer template options |
| Mailgun | 99.99% uptime SLA; powerful RESTful API; strong email validation tools | Setup can be complex for non-technical users; steeper learning curve; fewer templates compared to competitors |
Let’s break down these factors further to better understand how each platform aligns with the needs of cold email campaigns.
Cost and Setup Efficiency
Pricing structures differ widely across these platforms, catering to varying business sizes and usage needs. For instance, Mailforge stands out with its budget-friendly $3 per mailbox pricing and lightning-fast setup. According to Karlo Binda, Founder of Leadsnack.co, Mailforge has reduced domain setup times from hours to mere minutes. On the other hand, Mailgun, while powerful, can be challenging to set up without technical expertise, making it less accessible to non-developers.
Deliverability and Reliability
Deliverability rates are a critical factor for cold email campaigns. Postmark boasts a strong 93.8% deliverability rate, making it a reliable option for ensuring emails land in inboxes. SendGrid’s deliverability can vary based on the pricing tier, and Mailgun users often report improved performance after switching from other providers. These nuances can significantly impact campaign success.
Customer Support
Support quality also plays a pivotal role. Mailforge is praised for its responsive and proactive support, while Postmark is widely recognized for its exceptional customer service. In contrast, support experiences with SendGrid and Mailgun may depend on your subscription level, which could be a consideration for businesses needing consistent assistance.
Features and Functionality
Each platform offers unique feature sets tailored to different priorities. SendGrid is a go-to choice for businesses needing comprehensive marketing automation tools, while Mailgun appeals to developers seeking granular control through its robust API. Postmark, with its focus on reliable delivery, keeps things straightforward without extra bells and whistles. Mailforge, on the other hand, emphasizes simplicity and automated setup, making it ideal for businesses focused on cold email campaigns.
Final Recommendations
Selecting the right platform for your cold email campaigns depends on your business size, technical expertise, and specific email needs. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
For Small Businesses and Startups
If you're just starting out with cold emailing or have limited technical resources, simplicity and affordability are key. Mailforge stands out with its automated DNS setup and budget-friendly pricing of $13/month per mailbox (billed annually). Another great option is Salesforge, offering an all-in-one solution for inbox creation and email sending.
For High-Volume Senders
For businesses sending thousands of emails daily, a scalable and reliable setup is essential. Platforms like Mailgun and SendGrid are built to handle high-volume sending but require some technical know-how. If you'd rather avoid the hassle of managing the technical side, Infraforge is a strong choice. Starting at $49/month, it provides private email infrastructure with multi-IP provisioning, offering dedicated resources and advanced features for seamless high-volume campaigns.
For Marketing Agencies
Agencies juggling multiple client campaigns need tools designed for collaboration and multi-domain management. Mailforge offers bulk DNS management and easy domain transfers, allowing you to oversee numerous domains while continuing to use your preferred sending software. This flexibility simplifies managing campaigns across a diverse client base.
For Compliance-Focused Organizations
If you're in a regulated industry, compliance and reliable delivery are non-negotiable. Postmark is a trusted option, known for its emphasis on compliance and transparent analytics. As mentioned earlier, its focus on deliverability and clear reporting makes it a strong contender for organizations prioritizing regulatory requirements and consistent email performance.
Budget Considerations
Surprisingly, technical issues - not message quality - are responsible for over 45% of cold email failures, while 21% of B2B emails never reach inboxes due to poor domain or IP setups. Investing in proper email infrastructure can significantly boost deliverability rates. For example, Mailforge's automated DNS setup saves development time and offers a cost-effective solution that grows with your business.
Technical Expertise Requirements
For users without technical expertise, intuitive platforms like Postmark and Mailforge make cold emailing straightforward. On the other hand, Mailgun and SendGrid offer robust features but demand more hands-on management, making them better suited for those with technical resources.
The key is to choose a platform that fits your current needs while allowing room to grow as your email volume increases. A well-matched infrastructure is the backbone of successful cold email campaigns.
FAQs
What should I look for in an email platform for successful cold email campaigns?
When choosing an email platform for cold outreach, the first priority should be deliverability - making sure your emails reach inboxes rather than getting flagged as spam. You'll also want to think about scalability, so the platform can grow with your needs. Look for tools that fit smoothly into your current workflow and offer key features like automation, personalization, and tracking to streamline your campaigns and boost engagement. Don’t overlook security measures to safeguard your data and stay compliant with regulations. Finally, balance all of this with cost-effectiveness to ensure the platform aligns with your budget.
Why is scalability important when choosing an email platform for growing businesses?
Scalability matters a lot for businesses looking to expand their email outreach. A scalable email platform ensures you can handle a growing volume of emails without compromising on deliverability or performance. As your audience grows, it becomes essential to maintain steady communication while avoiding pitfalls like emails being marked as spam or blocked altogether.
Platforms built with scalability in mind make it easier to adapt as your business grows. They support higher engagement rates and help maximize your ROI. Choosing a platform that evolves with your needs means you can concentrate on strengthening customer relationships instead of stressing over infrastructure challenges.
What security and compliance features are essential in a cold email platform?
When selecting a cold email platform, businesses should prioritize security and compliance to protect their data and ensure outreach efforts stay within legal boundaries. Here are some key elements to look for:
- Compliance with regulations such as the CAN-SPAM Act and GDPR, which help avoid potential legal troubles.
- Support for email authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, which enhance deliverability and guard against email spoofing.
- Data encryption and secure storage solutions to keep sensitive information safe from breaches.
- Integrated opt-out options to honor recipient preferences and maintain ethical communication practices.
Focusing on these features helps businesses safeguard their reputation, build trust, and improve the effectiveness of their cold email campaigns.