Mailgun vs Sparkpost: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Mailgun and Sparkpost 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:
Mailgun
Email API for developers
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • Mailgun is an email API service for developers sending transactional email
- • It handles email delivery, validation, and tracking at scale
Sparkpost
Email delivery and analytics
Best for you if:
- • SparkPost is an email delivery platform for transactional and marketing email
- • It provides high deliverability with real-time analytics
| At a Glance |  Mailgun | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Email Deliverability | Email Deliverability |
Rating | 84/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Mailgun | Sparkpost |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Email DeliverabilityEmail Verification | Email DeliverabilityTransactional Email |
Understanding the Differences
Both Mailgun and Sparkpost solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Mailgun positions itself as "email api for developers" while Sparkpostfocuses on "email delivery and analytics". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Mailgun
Mailgun makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 84/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Sparkpost
Sparkpost 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, Mailgun lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Mailgun
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Mailgun handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Mailgun
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: Mailgun
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Mailgun, 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 Mailgun higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Sparkpost more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Mailgun Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Sparkpost 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 Mailgun (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Mailgun scores higher in our analysis, but Sparkpost 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 Mailgun or Sparkpost better?
Based on our analysis, Mailgun scores higher with 84/100. Mailgun isfreemium while Sparkpost 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 Mailgun to Sparkpost 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 Mailgun and Sparkpost offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Mailgun is freemium with a free tier.Sparkpost is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.