Comparisons · sourced & dated
Every SMTP plugin publishes a comparison it wins. These three follow a different rule: every claim about the other plugin is taken from their own listing, pricing page or documentation, dated, linked at the bottom of the page, and each page has a real section on what they do better. If their offer moves, the page moves with it.
The comparisons
The short version of each verdict is on the page itself, in two sentences and without hedging, under “How to choose”.
The market leader. The split is the model: their log, alerts and SES mailer are paid; ours are the free plugin.
Both entirely free, so price decides nothing. The split is why each is free, and where your credentials travel.
A freer free tier than WP Mail SMTP, a mobile app nobody else has, and the same licence question on SES, 365 and Zoho.
The method
A comparison is marketing unless it can be checked. These can, and here is the standard they hold themselves to.
Install, pick your provider from the preset list, send yourself a test. The twelve guides carry the exact values, provider by provider.