Neverfail Email Alerting - Recommended Free SMTP Servers

Neverfail Email Alerting - Recommended Free SMTP Servers

Summary

This article outlines alternative free SMTP servers that Neverfail customers can use to configure email alerting.

Problem

Many customers have historically used Office365 or Gmail SMTP servers for Neverfail alerting emails. However, due to new authentication requirements (OAuth2, App Passwords, and stricter security policies), setting up SMTP alerting using these services has become increasingly complex or unavailable without paying for additional services.

Solution

Below are free and easier-to-configure SMTP server options compatible with Neverfail's alerting mechanism, which supports standard SMTP (port 25) and SMTP with SSL encryption and authentication.

Recommended Free SMTP Servers

  1. Brevo (ex-Sendinblue)

    • SMTP Server: smtp-relay.brevo.com

    • Port: 587 (TLS/SSL) or 465 (SSL)

    • Authentication Required: Yes (Username/Password)

    • Free Tier: 300 emails/day

    • Notes: Very easy to set up. No need for OAuth. Ideal for lightweight alerting

  2. SMTP2Go

    • SMTP Server: mail.smtp2go.com

    • Port: 2525 (recommended), 25, 587, or 465 (SSL)

    • Authentication Required: Yes (Username/Password)

    • Free Tier: 1,000 emails/month

    • Notes: Extremely simple dashboard. Allows server-based authentication without complex setup.

  3. Mailjet

    • SMTP Server: in-v3.mailjet.com

    • Port: 587 or 465

    • Authentication Required: Yes (Username/Password)

    • Free Tier: 6,000 emails/month (200/day limit)

    • Notes: Easy registration. Supports quick SMTP relay configuration.

  4. hMailServer (Self-Hosted)

    • Setup: Install hMailServer on a Windows machine

    • SMTP Server: Your server IP

    • Port: 25 (by default, customizable)

    • Authentication Required: Optional (depending on config)

    • Free Tier: Fully self-hosted, unlimited

    • Notes: If your server has a public IP and proper DNS records (like PTR records), you can act as your own SMTP server. However, mail delivery may be more complex due to spam protections (DKIM, SPF, DMARC).

  5. Postmark (for Testing / Limited Usage)

    • SMTP Server: smtp.postmarkapp.com

    • Port: 587

    • Authentication Required: Yes (Server API token as username)

    • Free Tier: 100 emails/month for testing

    • Notes: Strictly for production apps, but their free tier can be used for limited alerting during test periods.

Important Considerations

  • Always verify if your server firewall or ISP blocks outbound port (25 or 587 or 465 or 2525)

  • Some providers require validating your "From" email address or domain.

  • Use SSL/TLS when possible to secure alert email transmissions.

  • Neverfail supports authenticated SMTP and SSL encryption out-of-the-box.

Recommendations

  • Best Overall: Sendinblue (Brevo) for ease of use and reliability.

  • Best for High Volume (Free Tier): Mailjet.

  • Best for Full Control: Self-hosted hMailServer (for technical customers comfortable managing their own SMTP relay).

See Also

Applies to 

All Versions