Amazon SES vs SendGrid: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Amazon SES and SendGrid 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:
SendGrid
Transactional email API trusted by developers worldwide
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.3/10 vs 8.1/10)
| At a Glance |  Amazon SES | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | ||
Rating | 81/100 | 83/100 |
| Feature | Amazon SES | SendGrid |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 81 | 83 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Email | Email |
Understanding the Differences
Both Amazon SES and SendGrid solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Amazon SES positions itself as "transactional email service from aws" while SendGridfocuses on "transactional email api trusted by developers worldwide". 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 budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose SendGrid
SendGrid is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 83/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Amazon SES lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Amazon SES
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. SendGrid is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: SendGrid
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: SendGrid
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Amazon SES, upgrade when you're ready.
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 SendGrid higher (83/100). But the community has upvoted SendGrid more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What SendGrid Does Better
- Higher overall score (83/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Amazon SES If
- You want to start free and scale later
- 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 SendGrid (83/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. SendGrid scores higher in our analysis, but Amazon SES 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 SendGrid better?
Based on our analysis, SendGrid scores higher with 83/100. Amazon SES isfreemium while SendGrid is freemium. 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 SendGrid 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 SendGrid offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Amazon SES is freemium with a free tier.SendGrid is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.