Hunter vs Mailgun: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Hunter 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Hunter
Email finder and verification for outreach
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need email verification features specifically
- • Hunter is an email finding and verification tool for sales and marketing outreach
- • It discovers professional email addresses and verifies deliverability
Mailgun
Email API for developers
Best for you if:
- • You need email deliverability 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 |  Hunter |  Mailgun |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Email Verification | Email Deliverability |
Rating | 86/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Hunter | Mailgun |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Email VerificationLead Generation | Email DeliverabilityEmail Verification |
Understanding the Differences
Both Hunter and Mailgun solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Hunter positions itself as "email finder and verification for outreach" while Mailgunfocuses on "email api for developers". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Hunter
Hunter makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 86/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Mailgun
Mailgun is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Hunter lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Hunter
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Hunter handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Hunter
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: Hunter
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Hunter, 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 Hunter higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Mailgun more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Hunter Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Mailgun 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 Hunter (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Hunter scores higher in our analysis, but Mailgun 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 Hunter or Mailgun better?
Based on our analysis, Hunter scores higher with 86/100. Hunter isfreemium while Mailgun 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 Hunter to Mailgun 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 Hunter and Mailgun offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Hunter is freemium with a free tier.Mailgun is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.