Amazon SES vs Mailgun: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Amazon SES and Mailgun 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.
Bottom line: Mailgun is our overall pick for email workflows. Pick Amazon SES if you need API tools.
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 need API tools 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
Mailgun
Send, parse, and validate emails with a reliable developer API
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need email features specifically
- • Mailgun is an email API service for developers sending transactional email
- • It handles email delivery, validation, and tracking at scale
| At a Glance |  Amazon SES |  Mailgun |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0.10/1000 emails/moPay-as-you-go | $35/moFoundation |
Best For | API Tools | |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Amazon SES or Mailgun?
Choose Amazon SES if
Transactional email service from AWS
- Cheapest email sending
- High deliverability
- Pay per email
- Your work is API tools-shaped, not email-shaped
Choose Mailgun if
Send, parse, and validate emails with a reliable developer API
- Powerful API
- Email validation
- Good logs
- Your work is email-shaped, not API tools-shaped
| Feature | Amazon SES | Mailgun |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 323 reviews | ★4.2/5 518 reviews |
| Categories | API ToolsEmail | EmailDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Amazon SES
Transactional email service from AWS
Strengths
- +Cheapest email sending
- +High deliverability
- +Pay per email
- +Integrates with AWS
- +No monthly minimum
Weaknesses
- -Basic features only
- -Not for marketing emails
- -Setup can be complex
- -UI minimal
- -Reputation management manual
Key features
Mailgun
Send, parse, and validate emails with a reliable developer API
Strengths
- +Powerful API
- +Email validation
- +Good logs
Weaknesses
- -Complex pricing
- -Support can be slow
Key features
Pricing: Amazon SES vs Mailgun
| Plan | Amazon SES | Mailgun |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0.10/1000 emails Pay-as-you-go | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $0.10/1000 emails Inbound Email | $35 Foundation |
| Tier 3 | $24.95/IP Dedicated IP (Standard) | $90 Scale |
| Tier 4 | $15/account + usage Dedicated IP (Managed) | Custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Amazon SES pricing and Mailgun pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Mailgun has a free tier. Amazon SES is paid only.
Go with: Mailgun
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Amazon SES
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Mailgun
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Amazon SES is paid. Mailgun is freemium. Mailgun lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Amazon SES is a API tools tool. Mailgun is in email. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Mailgun
- Larger review base (518 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Amazon SES
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.2/5
- Better fit for API tools
The Bottom Line
Mailgun is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amazon SES or Mailgun better?
Mailgun is rated in our evaluation. Amazon SES is paid and Mailgun is freemium.
What are Amazon SES and Mailgun used for?
Amazon SES: Transactional email service from AWS. Mailgun: Send, parse, and validate emails with a reliable developer API.
What does Amazon SES cost vs Mailgun?
Amazon SES is a paid tool. Mailgun is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.