Moosend SMTP Vs Transactional API: Which Is Right For You?

Businesses often choose between sending emails using SMTP or a Transactional API.

While both serve the same purpose, they vary in complexity, speed, scalability, and functionality. Choosing the right method depends on your unique needs and goals.

This post breaks down the key differences between SMTP and Transactional APIs, with practical examples to help you decide which option best fits your email strategy.

SMTP vs. Transactional API

Here’s an overview of the advantages of Moosend’s SMTP and Transactional API.

Let’s dive into each option to see how they compare.

1. Integration complexity

Moosend SMTP

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is a standard for sending emails that most email systems already support.

The integration process is straightforward: you provide the SMTP server credentials, which include the host, port, username, and password, and you’re ready to send emails.

For example, if you’re setting up a “Forgot Password” email in a third-party application, you would simply enter the SMTP settings to start sending through our service.

Moosend Transactional API

Integrating a Transactional API, on the other hand, requires a bit more development work, as it involves writing code to interact with the API.

However, this extra effort brings more customization and control. You can design specific transactional emails, like “Order Shipped” notifications, where the API allows you to pull dynamic shipping details from your system directly into the email.

Example

• Moosend SMTP (Forgot password): A third-party service, such as a CMS, may only need the SMTP credentials to send a password reset email, making it quick and easy to set up.
• Moosend Transactional API (Shipping details): You might use the Transactional API to dynamically include tracking numbers and personalized content for a shipping confirmation email. You can create the email template once and manage it directly from our platform.

2. Speed and performance

Moosend SMTP

SMTP is typically faster for immediate email delivery, as it only requires establishing an SMTP connection and performing handshakes before sending the email.

The downside is that the connection may need to be re-established multiple times, especially for bulk emails.

Moosend Transactional API

While Transactional APIs may be slightly slower due to the overhead of RESTful protocols, they can process multiple messages more efficiently by batching emails (up to 50 per request).

This is ideal for situations where speed is less critical, but batching and high-volume handling are important.

3. Reliability and scalability

Moosend SMTP

SMTP is reliable for smaller email volumes but struggles with high-volume transactional sending. If you’re sending large campaigns, using either the UI or API is better.

SMTP was designed for transactional emails, not for sending massive bulk campaigns.

Moosend Transactional API

APIs are built for scale. They can handle higher volumes of emails, providing better reliability, retry mechanisms, and resilience against network or server disruptions.

If your business requires sending thousands of transactional emails daily, the Transactional API is your best bet.

4. Features and functionality

Moosend SMTP

SMTP is more basic and primarily focused on sending emails. If you’re looking for advanced features like templates or A/B testing, SMTP won’t provide them.

You’ll need to manage everything externally, including creating the email content and copying/pasting HTML code into your third-party system.

Moosend Transactional API

The Transactional API, on the other hand, offers more advanced features. It allows you to manage templates, A/B test email content, and get detailed insights through reporting and logs.

If speed is crucial and you want to use the editor for your transactional emails, the API allows you to do that directly on the platform—saving you from the hassle of managing HTML code manually, as you would with SMTP.

5. Error handling and monitoring

Moosend SMTP

SMTP provides basic error handling. You might receive bounce notifications but won’t get granular details on delivery status or specific errors.

Moosend Transactional API

In contrast, the Transactional API offers more advanced monitoring and error handling. You’ll receive real-time feedback on delivery status, whether emails were opened, bounced, or marked as spam, and be able to take action if necessary.

6. Security

Moosend SMTP

SMTP can be secured with SSL/TLS encryption, but it generally relies on traditional username-password authentication, which may leave it more vulnerable if not properly configured.

Moosend Transactional API:
APIs typically use token-based authentication (API keys), which is more secure and easier to manage.

Transactional APIs often include additional security features, such as rate limiting and data encryption, making them safer for businesses handling sensitive information.

The Best Solution for Your Email Needs

SMTP and Transactional APIs offer distinct advantages, depending on your email needs.

SMTP is ideal for simplicity and quick setup, especially for low-volume, straightforward emails like password resets. In contrast, Moosend’s Transactional API is suited for prioritizing functionality, scalability, and security, offering advanced features like template management and detailed error handling for high-volume emails.

You can choose the best solution to optimize your email strategy and ensure smooth, effective campaign delivery by evaluating your specific needs.