Easy WP SMTP – WordPress SMTP and Email… vs wp_mail return-path (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Easy WP SMTP – WordPress SMTP and Email…
500K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, wp_mail return-path has a higher user rating (5/5 from 9 reviews) while Easy WP SMTP – WordPress SMTP and Email… leads in active installations (500K+ vs 5.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Easy WP SMTP – WordPress SMTP and Email… has accumulated 13M+ total downloads while wp_mail return-path has 33K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Easy WP SMTP – WordPress SMTP and Email… | wp_mail return-path | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6/5 | ► | 5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 699 | ◄ | 9 |
| Active Installs | 500K+ | ◄ | 5.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 13M+ | ◄ | 33K+ |
| Support Resolution | 100% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 3 days ago | ◄ | 2 years ago |
| First Released | 2013 | 2015 | |
| Age | 13 years | 11 years | |
| WP Requires | 5.2+ | 3.0.1+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.4+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 2.14.0 | 1.1.1 |
Rating Breakdown
Easy WP SMTP – WordPress SMTP and Email…
wp_mail return-path
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Easy WP SMTP – WordPress SMTP and Email… averaged approximately 5,982 daily downloads while wp_mail return-path averaged 10.
Recent Reviews
Easy WP SMTP – WordPress SMTP and Email… Reviews
An essential plugin
An essential plugin to have when using WordPress forms and mails.
Absolutely Essential
This just works. Simple as that.
Fantastic app
Tries to use other apps but they were difficult to use. Easy WP SMTP is a breeze.
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 Outlook Worth Comparing
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Easy WP SMTP – WordPress SMTP and Email… or wp_mail return-path more popular?
Which has better ratings — Easy WP SMTP – WordPress SMTP and Email… or wp_mail return-path?
Are Easy WP SMTP – WordPress SMTP and Email… and wp_mail return-path free?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.