Gmail SMTP vs Configure SMTP (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Configure SMTP has a higher user rating (4.9/5 from 45 reviews) while Gmail SMTP leads in active installations (10K+ vs 7.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Gmail SMTP has accumulated 723K+ total downloads while Configure SMTP has 369K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Gmail SMTP | Configure SMTP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.1/5 | ► | 4.9/5 |
| Total Reviews | 101 | ◄ | 45 |
| Active Installs | 10K+ | ◄ | 7.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 723K+ | ◄ | 369K+ |
| Support Resolution | 50% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 month ago | ◄ | 1 year ago |
| First Released | 2015 | 2009 | |
| Age | 11 years | 17 years | |
| WP Requires | 6.9+ | 5.5+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.2.3.18 | 3.5 |
Rating Breakdown
Gmail SMTP
Configure SMTP
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Gmail SMTP averaged approximately 118 daily downloads while Configure SMTP averaged 16.
Recent Reviews
Gmail SMTP Reviews
Good when it works, only for small sites installed at root
The plugin is great when it works. The plugin suddenly stopped working. I contacted support, they checked the site, and stopped answering. They did not say yes, no, we can or cannot fix it. They st
Works well, simple clean interface.
It’s wonderful when you can find a plugin that is not bloated. Thank you to the developer for this great, easy to use and easy to follow instructions!
Worked Like Magic!
this plugin works like magicdirectly to the inboxDaaamn its really goodif you are using your own vps – dont forget to open port 587 and 465 in tcp protocolotherwise it wont work – open them also in yo
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.