Zoho Mail for WordPress vs wp_mail return-path (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Zoho Mail for WordPress
20K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, wp_mail return-path has a higher user rating (5/5 from 9 reviews) while Zoho Mail for WordPress leads in active installations (20K+ vs 5.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Zoho Mail for WordPress has accumulated 344K+ total downloads while wp_mail return-path has 33K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Zoho Mail for WordPress | wp_mail return-path | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.8/5 | ► | 5/5 |
| Total Reviews | 41 | ◄ | 9 |
| Active Installs | 20K+ | ◄ | 5.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 344K+ | ◄ | 33K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 week ago | ◄ | 2 years ago |
| First Released | 2017 | 2015 | |
| Age | 9 years | 11 years | |
| WP Requires | 4.8+ | 3.0.1+ | |
| PHP Requires | 5.6+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 1.6.3 | 1.1.1 |
Rating Breakdown
Zoho Mail for WordPress
wp_mail return-path
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Zoho Mail for WordPress averaged approximately 345 daily downloads while wp_mail return-path averaged 10.
Recent Reviews
Zoho Mail for WordPress Reviews
Works as Intended
I have this installed and working on several websites. I always recommend Zoho for inexpensive quality email. They have a free level, but you need the paid level which is currently $1/mo per email a
Great plugin, but no Reply-To support
The plugin works great with the Zoho Mail account. Unfortunately, WordPress forms currently don’t include the Reply-To header, which makes it inconvenient for our client to confirm bookings. We had th
Great for mail
If you have to get your own ssl certificate because you’re living on the cheap; this is the way to. Even if paid, zoho mail is cheaper and always reliable. Very happy, 5/5
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 Zoho Mail for WordPress and wp_mail return-path
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Fixes WordPress emails going to spam/junk folders. The default settings often resolve the issue.
Configure SMTP mailing in WordPress, including support for sending email via SSL/TLS (such as Gmail).
Zoho ZeptoMail Plugin lets you configure your ZeptoMail account on your WordPress site enabling you to send transactional emails of your site via Zept …
A friendly SMTP plugin for WordPress. No third-party, simply using WordPress native possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zoho Mail for WordPress or wp_mail return-path more popular?
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.