Head-to-head · October 2026
HTML Emails vs WP Mail SMTP by WPForms
WP Mail SMTP by WPForms comes out ahead, winning 7 of 7 head-to-head checks against HTML Emails.
HTML Emails
Converts the default plain-text email notifications into fully customizable, sweet-lookin’ HTML emails.
WP Mail SMTP by WPForms
Is your WordPress site not sending emails? You’re not alone. 4+ million websites use WP Mail SMTP to send…
| Metric | HTML Emails | WP Mail SMTP by WPForms |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs | 20+ | 4M+ |
| Downloads (30 days) | 56 | 2M |
| Download trend | +43.6% | +239.3% |
| Rating | 1/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Reviews | 1 | 5,204 |
| Health score | 19/100 | 94/100 |
| Last updated | 16 years ago | 7 days ago |
| Tested up to | WP 3.0.5 | WP 7.1.3 |
| Support resolved | — | 74% |
| Requires PHP | Any | 7.4+ |
| First released | Apr 2010 | Sep 2007 |
Daily downloads, last 90 days
HTML EmailsWP Mail SMTP by WPForms
Choose HTML Emails if…
You prefer its feature set and workflow — it holds its own on the fundamentals.
- Small user base (20+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- No update in 16 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 3.0 (latest is 7.1)
Choose WP Mail SMTP by WPForms if…
You care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
- One of the most-used plugins on the web — 4M+ active sites
- Loved by users — 4.8/5 from 5,204 reviews
- Actively developed — last update 7 days ago
- Tested with the latest WordPress (7.1)
- Responsive support — 74% of recent threads resolved
Both compete in: email
FAQ
HTML Emails vs WP Mail SMTP by WPForms: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 7, 2026
Which is better, HTML Emails or WP Mail SMTP by WPForms?
WP Mail SMTP by WPForms comes out ahead, winning 7 of 7 head-to-head checks against HTML Emails. Choose WP Mail SMTP by WPForms if you care most about active installs, downloads (30 days) and download trend.
Is HTML Emails more popular than WP Mail SMTP by WPForms?
WP Mail SMTP by WPForms is the more popular of the two with 4M+ active installs, compared with 20+ for HTML Emails.
Can I use HTML Emails and WP Mail SMTP by WPForms together?
Both plugins cover email, 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 HTML Emails and WP Mail SMTP by WPForms 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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