Buttondown vs Resend: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Buttondown and Resend 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:
Buttondown
Simple newsletter tool for independent writers
Best for you if:
- • You need email features specifically
Resend
Developer-first email API
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • You need developer tools features specifically
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Developer Tools | |
Rating | 80/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Buttondown | Resend |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Email | Developer ToolsEmail |
Understanding the Differences
Both Buttondown and Resend solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Buttondown positions itself as "simple newsletter tool for independent writers" while Resendfocuses on "developer-first email api". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Buttondown
Buttondown makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Resend
Resend is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 82/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Buttondown lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Buttondown
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Resend is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Resend
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: Resend
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Buttondown, 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 Resend higher (82/100). But the community has upvoted Resend more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Resend Does Better
- Higher overall score (82/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Buttondown 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 Resend (82/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Resend scores higher in our analysis, but Buttondown 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 Buttondown or Resend better?
Based on our analysis, Resend scores higher with 82/100. Buttondown isfreemium while Resend 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 Buttondown to Resend 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 Buttondown and Resend offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Buttondown is freemium with a free tier.Resend is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.