Head-to-head · September 2026
Gmail SMTP vs Login for Google Apps
Gmail SMTP comes out ahead, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head checks against Login for Google Apps.
Gmail SMTP
Gmail SMTP plugin allows you to authenticate with your Gmail account to send email via Gmail SMTP server.
Login for Google Apps
Login for Google Apps allows existing WordPress user accounts to log in to your website using Google to…
| Metric | Gmail SMTP | Login for Google Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 10K+ | 10K+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 4.1K | 2.8K |
| Download trend | -36.7% | +14.5% |
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Reviews | 103 | 64 |
| Health score | 86/100 | 54/100 |
| Last updated | 1 month ago | 1 year ago |
| Tested up to | WP 7.1.2 | WP 6.8.10 |
| Support resolved | 100% | — |
| Requires PHP | 8.1+ | 7.2+ |
| First released | Nov 2015 | Nov 2013 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
Gmail SMTPLogin for Google Apps
Choose Gmail SMTP if…
You care most about downloads (30 days), reviews and health score.
- Proven at scale on 10K+ active sites
- Tested with the latest WordPress (7.1)
- Needs PHP 8.1 or newer
Choose Login for Google Apps if…
You care most about download trend and rating.
- Proven at scale on 10K+ active sites
- Loved by users — 4.6/5 from 64 reviews
- No update in over a year
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.8 (latest is 7.1)
Both compete in: oauth
FAQ
Gmail SMTP vs Login for Google Apps: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Sep 28, 2026
Which is better, Gmail SMTP or Login for Google Apps?
Gmail SMTP comes out ahead, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head checks against Login for Google Apps. Choose Gmail SMTP if you care most about downloads (30 days), reviews and health score. Choose Login for Google Apps if you care most about download trend and rating.
Is Gmail SMTP more popular than Login for Google Apps?
Gmail SMTP is the more popular of the two with 10K+ active installs, compared with 10K+ for Login for Google Apps.
Can I use Gmail SMTP and Login for Google Apps together?
Both plugins cover oauth, so most sites only need one. Running two plugins that do the same job can cause conflicts and slow your site down — pick the one that fits best and remove the other.
Are Gmail SMTP and Login for Google Apps free?
Yes. Both are free to download from the official WordPress.org plugin directory. Either may also offer paid upgrades from its developer.
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