Mailgun vs Amazon SES: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Mailgun and Amazon SES 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 wins this matchup. Our overall API Tools pick is ElevenLabs. Our free API Tools pick is Steampipe. 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:
Mailgun
Send, parse, and validate emails with a reliable developer API
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want powerful API
- • You want email validation
Amazon SES
Transactional email service from AWS
Best for you if:
- • You want cheapest email sending
- • You want high deliverability
| At a Glance | Mailgun | Amazon SES |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $0.1/moPay-as-you-go |
Best For | API Tools | |
Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Mailgun or Amazon SES?
Choose Mailgun if
Send, parse, and validate emails with a reliable developer API
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want powerful API
- You want email validation
- Your work is email-shaped, not API tools-shaped
Choose Amazon SES if
Transactional email service from AWS
- You want cheapest email sending
- You want high deliverability
- Your work is API tools-shaped, not email-shaped
| Feature | Mailgun | Amazon SES |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.1/5 1,850 reviews | ★4.5/5 326 reviews |
| Categories | EmailDeveloper Tools | API ToolsEmail |
In-Depth Analysis
Mailgun
Send, parse, and validate emails with a reliable developer API
Mailgun's pricing is competitive, especially for developers needing high volume.
Watch out
High overage fees on lower tiers
Strengths
- +Powerful API
- +Email validation
- +Good logs
Weaknesses
- -Complex pricing
- -Support can be slow
Key features
Amazon SES
Transactional email service from AWS
Amazon SES offers a highly competitive and generally fair pricing model, especially for its pay-as-you-go outbound and inbound email services at $0.10/1000 emails.
Watch out
Attachments at $0.12/GB add up.
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
Pricing: Mailgun vs Amazon SES
| Plan | Mailgun | Amazon SES |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $0.10/1000 emails Pay-as-you-go |
| Tier 2 | $35 Foundation | $0.10/1000 emails Inbound Email |
| Tier 3 | $90 Scale | $24.95/IP Dedicated IP (Standard) |
| Tier 4 | Custom Enterprise | $15/account + usage Dedicated IP (Managed) |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Mailgun pricing and Amazon SES 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?
Mailgun: 4.1/5 (1,850 reviews). Amazon SES: 4.5/5 (326 reviews).
Go with: Amazon SES
Value user reviews?
Mailgun: 1,850 reviews (4.1/5). Amazon SES: 326 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: Mailgun
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Mailgun is freemium. Amazon SES is paid. Mailgun lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Mailgun is a email tool. Amazon SES is in API tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Amazon SES is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 4.1/5.
Key Takeaways
Mailgun
- Larger review base (1,850 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Amazon SES
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.1/5
- Better fit for API tools
The Bottom Line
Mailgun wins this matchup. Our overall API Tools pick is ElevenLabs. Our free API Tools pick is Steampipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mailgun or Amazon SES better?
Mailgun is rated in our evaluation. Mailgun is freemium and Amazon SES is paid.
What are Mailgun and Amazon SES used for?
Mailgun: Send, parse, and validate emails with a reliable developer API. Amazon SES: Transactional email service from AWS.
What does Mailgun cost vs Amazon SES?
Mailgun is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Amazon SES is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.