Amazon SES vs Instantly: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Amazon SES and Instantly comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Amazon SES
Transactional email service from AWS
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.1/10 vs 7.5/10)
- • You need email deliverability features specifically
- • Amazon SES is a cloud email service for sending transactional and marketing emails at scale
- • It provides high deliverability, email authentication, and detailed analytics for sent messages
Instantly
Cold email outreach platform
Best for you if:
- • You need cold email features specifically
- • Instantly is an email outreach platform for scaling cold email campaigns
- • It manages multiple inboxes, warms up domains, and automates follow-ups
| At a Glance |  Amazon SES |  Instantly |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Email Deliverability | Cold Email |
Rating | 81/100 | 75/100 |
| Feature | Amazon SES | Instantly |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 81 | 75 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Email DeliverabilityTransactional Email | Cold EmailEmail Deliverability |
Understanding the Differences
Both Amazon SES and Instantly solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Amazon SES positions itself as "transactional email service from aws" while Instantlyfocuses on "cold email outreach platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Amazon SES
Amazon SES makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 81/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Instantly
Instantly is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Instantly
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Amazon SES handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Amazon SES
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Amazon SES is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Amazon SES
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Amazon SES—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Amazon SES higher (81/100). But the community has upvoted Instantly more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Amazon SES Does Better
- Higher overall score (81/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Instantly If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Amazon SES (81/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Amazon SES scores higher in our analysis, but Instantly might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amazon SES or Instantly better?
Based on our analysis, Amazon SES scores higher with 81/100. Amazon SES ispaid while Instantly is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Amazon SES to Instantly easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Amazon SES and Instantly offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Amazon SES is paid with potential trial.Instantly is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.