Configure SMTP vs wp_mail return-path (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, wp_mail return-path has a higher user rating (5/5 from 9 reviews) while Configure SMTP leads in active installations (7.0K+ vs 5.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Configure SMTP has accumulated 369K+ total downloads while wp_mail return-path has 33K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Configure SMTP | wp_mail return-path | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9/5 | ► | 5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 45 | ◄ | 9 |
| Active Installs | 7.0K+ | ◄ | 5.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 369K+ | ◄ | 33K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 year ago | ◄ | 2 years ago |
| First Released | 2009 | 2015 | |
| Age | 17 years | 11 years | |
| WP Requires | 5.5+ | 3.0.1+ | |
| PHP Requires | false+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 3.5 | 1.1.1 |
Rating Breakdown
Configure SMTP
wp_mail return-path
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Configure SMTP averaged approximately 16 daily downloads while wp_mail return-path averaged 10.
Recent Reviews
Configure SMTP Reviews
First thing I install on all my WP websites
Configure SMTP is a staple of setting up a useful WordPress website, I would call it “a household name” for WP installations (if there’s any such thing as household names in this area). Anyway, what a
Simple and functional way to configure SMTP settings in your WordPress
Most of my users and customers ask me: why my mails are not being sent? Why some mails sent from my site do not arrives? The problem are spam filters and things like this, so SMTP is a basic tool to o
Still works!
There are some minor warnings under php7. See here for the fix: https://wordpress.org/support/topic/warning-declaration-of-c2c_configuresmtp-with-plugin-installed/#post-9832908 Hopefully the author w
wp_mail return-path Reviews
Just what the doctor ordered
Works a treat and fixes an otherwise troublesome issue. Many thanks.
Works as expected
Needed to be able to set return-path email header in my WordPress emails so that they don’t get flagged as spam. This plugin does the trick.
Thanks for the plugin. To be honest, this should be part of WP.
It works, and it fixes a major flaw of WP.
More Phpmailer Worth Comparing
Top alternatives in the same category as Configure SMTP and wp_mail return-path
Configure a SMTP server to send email from your WordPress site. Configure the wp_mail() function to use SMTP instead of the PHP mail() function.
Zoho Mail Plugin lets you configure your Zoho Mail account on your WordPress site enabling you to send the email via Zoho Mail API.
Send WordPress emails from a M365 / Exchange Online Mailbox using Microsoft Graph, leveraging OAuth for authentication which is more secure than SMTP
Fixes WordPress emails going to spam/junk folders. The default settings often resolve the issue.
Zoho ZeptoMail Plugin lets you configure your ZeptoMail account on your WordPress site enabling you to send transactional emails of your site via Zept …
Improve your deliverability and avoid the spam box with MailerSend’s SMTP server. Check your analytics to improve your emails for better conversion!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Configure SMTP or wp_mail return-path more popular?
Which has better ratings — Configure SMTP or wp_mail return-path?
Are Configure SMTP and wp_mail return-path free?
Which plugin has better support — Configure SMTP or wp_mail return-path?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.