Head-to-head · September 2026
Gmail SMTP vs Log in with Google
Gmail SMTP comes out ahead, winning 8 of 9 head-to-head checks against Log in with Google.
Gmail SMTP
Gmail SMTP plugin allows you to authenticate with your Gmail account to send email via Gmail SMTP server.
Log in with Google
Ultra minimal plugin to let your users login to WordPress applications using their Google accounts. No more…
| Metric | Gmail SMTP | Log in with Google |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 10K+ | 6K+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 4.1K | 3K |
| Download trend | -36.7% | -64.3% |
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Reviews | 103 | 17 |
| Health score | 86/100 | 62/100 |
| Last updated | 1 month ago | 2 months ago |
| Tested up to | WP 7.1.2 | WP 7.0.6 |
| Support resolved | 100% | 0% |
| Requires PHP | 8.1+ | 7.4+ |
| First released | Nov 2015 | Oct 2020 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
Gmail SMTPLog in with Google
Choose Gmail SMTP if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
- Proven at scale on 10K+ active sites
- Tested with the latest WordPress (7.1)
- Needs PHP 8.1 or newer
Both compete in: oauth
FAQ
Gmail SMTP vs Log in with Google: 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 Log in with Google?
Gmail SMTP comes out ahead, winning 8 of 9 head-to-head checks against Log in with Google. Choose Gmail SMTP if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend. Choose Log in with Google if you care most about rating.
Is Gmail SMTP more popular than Log in with Google?
Gmail SMTP is the more popular of the two with 10K+ active installs, compared with 6K+ for Log in with Google.
Can I use Gmail SMTP and Log in with Google 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 Log in with Google 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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