SMTP
This plugin configures WordPress to use a SMTP server when sending emails instead of the default PHP mail() function.
Consider an alternative
SMTP shows warning signs in 2026 — compare the alternatives below before installing. It runs on 700+ sites, is rated 2.5/5 and was last updated 9 years ago, and scores 27/100 on our health check.
- Small user base (700+ active installs)
- Low rating so far — 2.5/5 from only 4 reviews
- No update in 8 years
- Only tested up to WordPress 3.3 (latest is 7.1)
How does it stack up?
Side-by-side on installs, updates, ratings & supportDaily downloads
Download spikes usually follow a new release — each site that auto-updates counts as a download.
Rankings
Where SMTP stands todayWordPress.org search rankings
Live position in the plugin search, top 100| Keyword | Position |
|---|---|
| >100 | |
| >100 | |
| mailer | >100 |
| smtp | >100 |
| wp_mail | >100 |
Version adoption
Share of active sites per release.
Rating breakdown
★★★★★★★★★★ 2.5 from 4 reviews
About SMTP
From the official readme · v1.1.2Description
This plugin configures WordPress to use a SMTP server when sending emails instead of the default PHP mail() function.
It also creates a settings page where you can enter the SMTP server details and authenticatin credentials if needed.
Installation
- Upload the plugin to the
/wp-contents/plugins/folder. - Activate the plugin from the ‘Plugins’ menu in WordPress.
- Configure the SMTP details from the ‘SMTP’ settings page
Changelog
1.1.2
1.1
- The password field is of type password instead of text and does not display your saved password
- Now storing encrypted passwords in the database (Make sure you re-enter your password if you are updating)
1.0
- Initial release.
For developers
Is this your plugin? Show off the numbers.
Add a live badge to your site, docs or GitHub README. It updates on its own — no account needed.
Best SMTP alternatives
All email plugins →FAQ
SMTP: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Sep 28, 2026
Is SMTP free?
Yes. SMTP is free to download and use from the official WordPress.org plugin directory.
Is SMTP safe to use in 2026?
SMTP shows warning signs in 2026 — compare the alternatives below before installing. It runs on 700+ sites, is rated 2.5/5 and was last updated 9 years ago, and scores 27/100 on our health check.
How many websites use SMTP?
SMTP is active on 700+ WordPress websites and has been downloaded 82,983 times since it launched in June 2011. It was downloaded 140 times in the last 30 days.
Does SMTP work with WordPress 7.1?
SMTP is officially tested up to WordPress 3.3.2, while the latest release is 7.1.2. It may still work, but try it on a staging site first.
When was SMTP last updated?
The latest version, 1.1.2, was released on November 28, 2017 (9 years ago).
Who makes SMTP?
SMTP is developed and maintained by soso.
What are the best alternatives to SMTP?
The most popular alternatives to SMTP are WP Mail SMTP by WPForms (4M+ installs), MC4WP: Mailchimp for WordPr… (1M+ installs) and Easy WP SMTP (500K+ installs).
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