SendGrid vs Amazon SES: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between SendGrid 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
SendGrid
Email delivery service
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 8.1/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • Email delivery service by Twilio
- • Transactional and marketing emails
Amazon SES
Transactional email service from AWS
Best for you if:
- • Amazon SES is a cloud email service for sending transactional and marketing emails at scale
- • It provides high deliverability, email authentication, and detailed analytics for sent messages
| At a Glance |  Amazon SES | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Email Deliverability | Email Deliverability |
Rating | 87/100 | 81/100 |
| Feature | SendGrid | Amazon SES |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 81 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Email DeliverabilityTransactional Email | Email DeliverabilityTransactional Email |
Understanding the Differences
Both SendGrid and Amazon SES solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.SendGrid positions itself as "email delivery service" while Amazon SESfocuses on "transactional email service from aws". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose SendGrid
SendGrid makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 87/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Amazon SES
Amazon SES is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, SendGrid lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: SendGrid
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. SendGrid handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: SendGrid
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Amazon SES takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Amazon SES
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with SendGrid, 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 SendGrid higher (87/100). But the community has upvoted Amazon SES more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What SendGrid Does Better
- Higher overall score (87/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Amazon SES If
- 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 SendGrid (87/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. SendGrid scores higher in our analysis, but Amazon SES 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 SendGrid or Amazon SES better?
Based on our analysis, SendGrid scores higher with 87/100. SendGrid isfreemium while Amazon SES is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from SendGrid to Amazon SES 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 SendGrid and Amazon SES offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. SendGrid is freemium with a free tier.Amazon SES is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.