Mailgun vs SendGrid: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Mailgun 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
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
SendGrid
Email delivery service
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need email marketing features specifically
- • Email delivery service by Twilio
- • Transactional and marketing emails
| At a Glance |  Mailgun |  SendGrid |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Email Deliverability | Email Marketing |
Rating | 84/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | Mailgun | SendGrid |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Email DeliverabilityEmail Verification | Email MarketingEmail Deliverability |
How Mailgun and SendGrid Compare
Mailgun
Email API for developers
Free tier available · 84/100 score
SendGrid
Email delivery service
Free tier available · 87/100 score
Mailgun is a email deliverability tool. SendGrid is in email marketing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Mailgun
Want the highest-rated option?
Mailgun: 84/100. SendGrid: 87/100.
Go with: SendGrid
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: SendGrid
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Mailgun is a email deliverability tool. SendGrid is in email marketing. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
SendGrid scores higher: 87/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
SendGrid
- Higher score: 87/100 vs 84
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Mailgun
- Better fit for email deliverability
The Bottom Line
SendGrid (87/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mailgun or SendGrid better?
SendGrid scores 87/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Mailgun and SendGrid used for?
Mailgun: Email API for developers. SendGrid: Email delivery service.
What does Mailgun cost vs SendGrid?
Mailgun is freemium (free tier + paid plans). SendGrid is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.