Cold Email Plugin for WordPress: Are They Worth It in 2025?

The Best Email Marketing Plugin for WordPress

Cold email plugin for WordPress is becoming more useful than ever in 2025. Especially if you’re trying to grow your audience, get leads, or follow up with clients directly from your WordPress dashboard. 

If you’re wondering whether these plugins are actually worth it. Then the short answer is: Yes, they are – but only if you use the right ones.

You don’t need to be a developer or marketing expert to start using cold email tools inside WordPress. With the right plugin, you can send cold outreach emails, build contact lists, and track responses. All without leaving your site. 

These tools can help you skip the tech headaches and focus on what really matters: reaching real people. If you’re a small business owner, freelancer, blogger, or digital agency then you’ll find options that fit your goals.

In this post, we’re breaking down 7 of the best cold email plugins for WordPress. So you can pick one that actually works for you. 

We’ll explore features, pricing, pros and cons, and whether you can get good results using free cold email plugins for WordPress. Also, we’ll answer common questions like Is WP SMTP free? and Is FluentCRM free? so you don’t waste time or money guessing.

As a digital marketer who has personally tested dozens of plugins, I can say from experience that a good cold email plugin can save hours each week. No need to rely on third-party tools or jump between dashboards. Everything runs from your WordPress site, and that simplicity makes a big difference when you’re running a business.

Let’s dive in and find out which plugin fits your workflow best and which ones you should skip.

🛠️ The 7 Best Cold Email Plugin for WordPress in 2025

Looking to send cold emails directly from your WordPress site? You’re not alone. In 2025, more businesses are ditching external tools and choosing to manage everything—including outreach—from their dashboard. Below, we’ll look at the 7 best cold email plugins for WordPress, each tested and reviewed with hands-on experience. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale your cold outreach, there’s a plugin on this list for you.

Fluent CRM - Best Cold Email Plugins for WordPress

✅ 1. FluentCRM – Full-Stack Email Automation Built for WordPress

If you want a plugin that feels native to WordPress but works like a full email marketing platform, FluentCRM is it. It’s one of the most popular cold email plugins for WordPress in 2025, especially for marketers, solopreneurs, and agency owners.

Why marketers love FluentCRM for cold email:

FluentCRM makes it easy to build cold outreach sequences using tag-based automation. You can add leads manually, through forms, or via integrations like WooCommerce or LearnDash. Then, build personalized drip campaigns using conditions, delays, and follow-ups.

Key features of FluentCRM:

  • Tag-based segmentation and contact lists
  • Cold email automation using visual funnels
  • Built-in analytics for opens, clicks, and replies
  • WooCommerce and LMS integration

Improve deliverability using FluentSMTP:

To make sure your emails land in inboxes—not spam—pair it with FluentSMTP. This plugin connects your site to reliable email services including Amazon SES, Mailgun, and SendGrid. Also, this setup improves domain reputation and boosts cold email success.

Is FluentCRM Free?

Yes, there’s a free version on the WordPress plugin directory. It includes basic automation, contact management, and tagging. But if you want advanced features like funnel automation, email sequences, or deep WooCommerce triggers, the Pro version is worth the upgrade.

🟢 When to upgrade:
If you send cold emails often, or need more advanced triggers and email funnels, go Pro. You’ll get better control over sequences and higher deliverability.

➡️ Internal Link Tip: Want to improve cold email open rates? Check out WordPress email warm-up tips in the video below:

✅ 2. MailPoet – The OG of WordPress Emailing with Cold Outreach Add-ons

MailPoet has been around for years, and it’s still one of the best email plugins for WordPress. It wasn’t built for cold outreach, but with its segmentation tools and SMTP flexibility, you can make it work for cold campaigns.

Best for bloggers and freelancers:
If you’re running a personal blog, small business, or niche content site, MailPoet helps you email new leads directly from your WordPress dashboard.

What it does well:

  • Custom subscriber segments for basic cold targeting.
  • Drag-and-drop email builder.
  • Schedule bulk emails and track open rates.
  • Supports 3rd party SMTPs like Sendinblue and Mailgun.
The Best Email Marketing Plugin for WordPress

Best practices for cold outreach:

This cold email marketing plugin is best when paired with a clean list and a custom SMTP. Keep your cold emails short, use personalization, and avoid spammy terms. Use MailPoet’s segmentation feature to group leads by topic or source.

Pro Tip: You can combine MailPoet with WP Mail SMTP to improve deliverability.

🟢 Free plan available – up to 1,000 subscribers. For more advanced automation and support, go with the Premium version.

✅ 3. Groundhogg – One of the Best Cold Email Plugin for WordPress

Groundhogg stands out because it offers both a CRM and cold email automation in one WordPress plugin. If you want full control over contacts, campaigns, and follow-ups, this one’s for you.

Why it’s ideal for cold outreach:

You can create step-by-step email funnels, use tags to track lead stages, and even automate reminders or tasks. It’s like having ActiveCampaign, but inside WordPress.

Best features for outreach:

  • Visual funnel builder with cold email sequences.
  • Built-in CRM with notes, tagging, and custom fields.
  • Works with WooCommerce, WPForms, and more.
  • GDPR compliant and open-source.

Use case: cold outreach for a coaching business

Many coaches and consultants use Groundhogg to reach leads from LinkedIn or webinars. Tag them as “new lead,” start a cold sequence, and automatically follow up based on behavior.

🆚 Groundhogg vs FluentCRM:

  • FluentCRM is lighter, easier to set up.
  • Groundhogg offers deeper CRM tools and sales pipeline features.
  • Choose FluentCRM for speed, Groundhogg for full control.

Free version available on wordpress.org. The paid plans of Groundhogg has advanced integrations and automation steps.

✅ 4. WP Mail SMTP – Fix Email Deliverability First!

Here’s the truth: No matter which plugin you use, if your emails aren’t getting delivered, none of it matters. That’s where WP Mail SMTP comes in.

What it actually does:

This plugin doesn’t send cold emails. Instead, it connects your WordPress emails to trusted SMTP providers like Gmail, SendGrid, and Amazon SES. This improves deliverability and ensures your cold outreach lands in the inbox.

Is WP Mail SMTP Free?

Yes! The free version includes everything most people need to get started—SMTP support, setup wizard, and domain authentication help.

Use with other cold email plugins:

  • FluentCRM + WP Mail SMTP = 🔥.
  • MailPoet + WP Mail SMTP = 💯.
  • Even Groundhogg benefits from it.

🟢 When to upgrade: Pro version adds email logs, alerts, and 3rd-party integrations. But most cold email beginners can start free.

✅ 5. Icegram Express (Formerly Email Subscribers & Newsletters)

Icegram Express is simple, free, and surprisingly capable when it comes to basic cold outreach. It’s lightweight and works well for bloggers and freelancers sending personal cold emails.

Why people love it:
You don’t need a tech background to get started with Icegram Express. Just install it, build your list, and send cold emails to your contacts with simple scheduling.

What it offers:

  • Email sequences and broadcasts
  • List segmentation
  • Basic automation (drip support)
  • Clean interface for beginners

Free version details:

Unlimited emails to your list, even on the free plan. Great if you’re doing smaller campaigns manually.

🔁 Combine it with WP Mail SMTP for better delivery. Also consider using a tool like GlockApps to test if your emails hit the inbox.

✅ 6. Sendinblue (Brevo) Plugin – External Power, Internal Control

Sendinblue (now known as Brevo) lets you run powerful cold email campaigns using their dashboard. The WordPress plugin simply connects your site to your Brevo account for subscriber syncing and form integration.

Great for agencies and ecommerce:

Sendinblue is not 100% WordPress-native. But this email marketing plugin works smoothly. You can manage everything. Such as A/B tests, sequences, and segmentation from your Brevo account.

Cold email features:

  • List hygiene tools (remove bad leads)
  • Email personalization and A/B testing
  • Smart scheduling + time zone optimization

Expert Tip: Use WP Mail SMTP to connect Sendinblue SMTP for extra deliverability control. You can also warm up new domains using their IP warming feature.

🟢 Free tier supports up to 300 emails/day. Paid plans unlock automation and custom branding.

✅ 7. weMail – Affordable Email Marketing Plugin for WordPress

weMail is another strong contender for sending cold emails from WordPress. It uses external cloud-based email services like Mailgun, Amazon SES, and SendGrid—helping you stay compliant and avoid spam filters.

Cold email highlights:

  • Drip campaigns and campaign builder
  • Integrates with external email APIs (SES, Mailgun)
  • Works inside WordPress dashboard
  • Good analytics and tracking features

Who it’s best for:
Affiliate marketers, small ecommerce sites, or freelancers who want cheap and fast outreach.

Pricing:
Free version offers 3,000 emails/month. Premium plans are affordable—starts around $5/month depending on email volume.

🟢 If you’re just starting out or testing cold outreach ideas, weMail gives you flexibility without the cost.

📌 Moving On

Now that you’ve seen what each plugin offers, you might still be wondering which one is actually the best for your needs.

In the next section, we’ll break down what to look for in an email plugin, compare top choices, and help you figure out which one deserves a spot in your WordPress toolbox.

🔹 What Is the Best Email Plugin for WordPress?

Let’s clear this up first—there’s a big difference between email plugins and cold email plugins for WordPress.

An email plugin usually helps you send newsletters, transactional emails, or updates to your subscribers. Cold email plugins are built for outreach. They help you send personalized emails to people who don’t already know you—like potential clients, partners, or leads.

If you’re doing cold outreach, you’ll need:

  • Automation (for follow-ups)
  • CRM tools (for tagging and managing leads)
  • SMTP setup (this will make sure your emails actually reach the contact inboxes)

Without these features, your emails might land in spam or just never get opened.

Now, if you’re wondering what the best email plugin for WordPress is, the answer depends on what you’re trying to do.

For cold outreach:

Plugins like FluentCRM, Groundhogg, and weMail stand out. They offer sequences, tagging, and CRM tools that help you track leads and follow up without switching tabs.

For bulk emails or newsletters:

MailPoet is easier to use if you’re just sending updates to your list or blog subscribers.

For email deliverability:

WP Mail SMTP is a must-have. It doesn’t send emails itself, but it helps all your plugins send better.

Why does this matter?

Because when your email plugin can’t handle cold email sequences or proper SMTP delivery, your outreach dies before it begins.

So don’t just ask, “What’s the best email plugin for WordPress?” Ask, “What do I want it to do?”

If it’s cold email – go with plugins that were made for it.

👉 Need help choosing? Check out our comparison section below or read the full FluentCRM vs MailPoet vs Groundhogg breakdown.

🔹 Cold Email Plugins for WordPress Free: What Can You Actually Do?

You might be wondering if free plugins are good enough. And yes—many cold email plugins for WordPress free versions are solid, especially when you’re just getting started.

But here’s the truth: free versions often come with limits.

Let’s break down what you actually get from some of the top free options:

✅ FluentCRM Free Plan

  • Create contact lists and segment with tags.
  • Send basic email campaigns.
  • Add opt-in forms and manage subscribers.
  • Track opens and clicks.

Limitations of FluentCRM:

  • No advanced funnels or conditional email logic
  • No deep WooCommerce or EDD integration.
  • No scheduling based on user behavior.

Still, it’s one of the most feature-rich cold email plugins for WordPress free on the market today.

✅ WP Mail SMTP (Free)

  • Connects your WordPress emails to SMTP providers like Gmail, Brevo (Sendinblue), or Mailgun.
  • Helps your cold emails avoid spam folders.
  • Supports email authentication (SPF, DKIM).

This isn’t a cold email plugin by itself—but it’s essential if you want your emails to reach inboxes. It’s also one of the best free email plugins for WordPress in terms of utility.

✅ Icegram Express (Free)

  • Send broadcasts to your list.
  • Schedule cold outreach.
  • Create basic sequences.
  • Collect leads with built-in forms.

It’s a good starting point if you’re new and want to do manual cold email campaigns inside WordPress.

👉 Want a simple free setup? Try FluentCRM + WP Mail SMTP. It’s a great combo for sending cold emails without paying upfront.

🔹 Best Free Email Plugin for WordPress: Our Top Picks

If you’re on a budget or just testing cold email strategies, you’ll want to start with a free tool. So what’s the best free email plugin for WordPress in 2025?

Let’s compare the top three options:

1. FluentCRM Free

 ✅ Cold email sequences.
✅ Tag-based automation.
✅ Built-in contact management.
❌ Limited automation features in free version.
❌ No WooCommerce triggers.

Great for: Freelancers, marketers, and bloggers testing outreach

2. MailPoet Free

 ✅ Drag-and-drop email builder.
✅ Works with built-in SMTP.
❌ Limited segmentation.
❌ No cold email automation.

Great for: Bloggers and creators sending newsletters

3. Icegram Express Free

 ✅ Broadcast emails.
✅ Manual cold email support.
✅ Simple interface.
❌ Basic automation only
❌ Fewer integrations

Great for: Beginners who want a lightweight plugin

Who should use free email sending plugins?

  • Solo creators building their first email list.
    Startups testing cold outreach before scaling.
  • Small teams experimenting with client follow-ups.

⚠️ But if you’re doing high-volume cold outreach or need automation, upgrading to Pro versions is usually worth it.

🔗 Also read: How to Send Cold Emails from WordPress Without Spam Issues

🔹 Is There a CRM Plugin for WordPress That Works for Cold Emailing?

Absolutely, and it’s a game-changer.

From our perspective most trusted CRM plugins that support cold outreach are FluentCRM and Groundhogg. These plugins turn your WordPress dashboard into a cold email command center.

What does a CRM plugin actually do?

  • Stores and organizes contacts.
  • Lets you tag and segment leads.
  • Tracks open rates, click-throughs, and replies.
  • Builds automation funnels based on behavior.

✅ FluentCRM

  • Tag-based CRM built for WordPress.
  • Works with WooCommerce, LearnDash, and more.
  • Native WordPress UI for faster workflow.

FluentCRM is perfect if you want a light, fast tool that just works.

✅ Groundhogg

  • Offers deeper CRM tools.
  • Sales pipelines, task tracking, and custom fields.
  • More customization and flexibility for agencies.

Groundhogg is a better choice if you’re building a more detailed CRM or client database.

What about Jetpack CRM?

Jetpack CRM is another CRM plugin. While it’s good for managing contacts, it lacks native cold email automation. You’ll need to connect it with other tools to send emails at scale.

Who are CRM plugins best for?

  • Freelancers who need to track outreach.
  • Course creators who want to follow up with leads.
  • Agencies managing multiple client funnels.

👉 Expert Tip: If you’re serious about cold outreach, check our full review of CRM plugins that support cold email.

🔹 Hands-On Plugin Comparison Table (Feature vs Feature)

Let’s make this simple.

If you’re trying to choose the right cold email plugin for WordPress, it helps to compare them side-by-side. So here’s a clear, feature-by-feature comparison to help you make the best choice based on what you actually need.

PluginFree PlanAutomationCRMSMTP SupportCold Email SequencesBest For
FluentCRMFreelancers, Creators
GroundhoggAgencies
MailPoet✅ (basic)Bloggers
Icegram Express✅ (Basic)Beginners
WP Mail SMTPEveryone (support plugin)
weMailStartups
Sendinblue (Brevo)Ecommerce businesses

Need cold email sequences and CRM in one tool?

Stick with FluentCRM or Groundhogg. They handle automation, lead tracking, and follow-ups inside WordPress.

Just need to fix email deliverability?
Install WP Mail SMTP first. It doesn’t send emails, but it’s one of the most important tools in your cold email stack.

👉 Also read: Is Cold Email Right for You in 2025?

🔹 What Makes a Cold Email Plugin “Worth It” in 2025?

Not every plugin is built for cold email. Some are just good at sending newsletters. So if you’re picking from the many cold email plugins for WordPress, here are the things that matter most:

✅ 1. Real Automation (not just bulk send)

You should be able to create sequences, add conditions, and send follow-ups without manual work. Tools like FluentCRM and Groundhogg do this well. MailPoet does not have automation in the free version.

✅ 2. Email Warming and Throttling

You need to warm up your email address before sending cold emails from a new domain. Plugins that support throttling (like FluentCRM + WP Mail SMTP) help you do this safely by sending smaller batches over time.

✅ 3. SMTP Reliability

SMTP is how WordPress sends emails. If you don’t set this up properly, your emails go straight to spam. Tools like WP Mail SMTP connect your WordPress site to providers like Amazon SES, SendGrid, or Brevo.

✅ 4. Contact Management + CRM

Cold email works better when you can tag, segment, and track your leads. This is why CRM features are so important. Plugins like Groundhogg and FluentCRM do a great job here.

✅ 5. Pricing vs ROI

A plugin is only worth paying for if it saves time or brings results. For example, if FluentCRM Pro saves you hours of manual follow-up and helps you close one new deal, it’s already paid for itself.

✅ 6. Integration Support

Make sure the plugin works with your tools:

  • Zapier for automation
  • Elementor for forms
  • WooCommerce for customer follow-ups
  • LMS plugins like LearnDash

If you’re planning to grow, these integrations matter more than you think.

📌 Tip: Start free. Then upgrade once you hit limits or need better automation.

🔗 Related: How to Use Zapier with FluentCRM for Cold Email Automation

🔹 Cold Email Tips for WordPress Users (Optional Bonus Section)

Cold email works. But only if you follow best practices. Here are some simple tips that help you get more replies and fewer spam flags using cold email plugins for WordPress.

🔥 1. Warm Your Domain First

If your domain is new or hasn’t sent emails before, don’t blast out 500 emails on Day 1. Use a tool like Warmup Inbox or Mailreach to send small batches and build a good sender reputation first.

If you skip this step, most cold emails will hit the spam folder.

🔥 2. Avoid Spammy Words in Subject Lines

Spam filters are sensitive. Avoid words like:

  • “Buy now”
  • “Free offer”
  • “Limited time”
  • “Congratulations”

Stick to natural subject lines like:
✅ “Quick question about [topic]”
✅ “Hey [First Name], saw your website…”

🔥 3. Keep It Short. Personalize the First Line.

People don’t read long cold emails. Keep it under 100 words. Always mention something personal at the start—like their site, blog, or product. This increases reply rates.

🧠 Example:
“Hi Sarah, I saw your recent WordPress theme on GitHub—loved the layout.”

🔥 4. Always Include an Unsubscribe Link

Even cold emails need to follow privacy laws like CAN-SPAM and GDPR. Use your plugin’s unsubscribe feature. FluentCRM, weMail, and Sendinblue all support this.

📌 Also include your business address in the footer.

🔥 5. Test Your Emails Before Sending

Use these tools:

  • Mail-Tester.com – Score your email’s spam risk.
  • GlockApps – Check deliverability to Gmail, Outlook, etc.
  • MxToolbox – This helps you to check if your domain or IP is blacklisted.

These tools help you fix issues before you burn your email domain.

✅ Summary

Cold outreach is still one of the most effective ways to get attention, leads, and sales—if your emails get delivered and your message hits home. The right cold email plugin for WordPress gives you full control without leaving your dashboard.

👉 Up next: Final Verdict – Are These Cold Email Plugins for WordPress Worth It in 2025?

Would you like me to write that final verdict section now?

🔹 Final Verdict – Are These Cold Email Plugins for WordPress Worth It?

So, are these cold email plugins for WordPress really worth your time in 2025?

If you’re serious about doing outreach from your own website without relying on third-party tools, the answer is: yes.

Each plugin offers something different. What matters most is picking one that matches your goals, fits your current workflow, and lets you grow without stress. You don’t need the most powerful plugin. You just need the one that helps you get replies and stay out of spam.

🔧 Recommendations Based on Your Use Case:

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

  • Startups → Go with weMail for an affordable and cloud-powered cold email setup.
  • Freelancers → Choose FluentCRM to manage leads, follow-ups, and automations with ease.
  • Ecommerce → Use Sendinblue (Brevo) for external dashboard control and reliable cold outreach.
  • Agencies → Try Groundhogg if you need advanced CRM features and client segmentation.
  • Bloggers → Stick with MailPoet for simple campaigns and newsletter-style cold emails.

Still unsure? You can always mix and match. For example:
✅ FluentCRM + WP Mail SMTP = Email automation with strong deliverability
✅ MailPoet + Icegram Express = Newsletters + simple cold outreach

💡 Friendly Advice

Start free.
Test small.
Measure results.
Then upgrade.

Most cold email tools make big promises. But the only thing that matters is whether people open, read, and reply. That’s what you’re aiming for.

Pick a plugin that fits your size today but can still grow with you next month.

💬 We’d Love to Hear From You

Have you used any of these cold email plugins for WordPress?

Which one worked best for your outreach goals?

Leave a comment below and share your experience—we’re all figuring this out together.

👉 Also, don’t forget to check this guide on how to write a cold email that gets replies.

FAQ – Quick Answers to Popular Plugin Questions

Is WP SMTP Free?

Yes! Great for solving WordPress email issues. No sending cap.

Is FluentCRM Free?

It has a solid free version with automation and contact tagging.

What is the best email plugin for WordPress?

Depends on use case: newsletters (MailPoet), automation (FluentCRM), CRM (Groundhogg)

Are cold email plugins for WordPress free reliable?

Yes, if you’re okay with limited features. Great way to test things out.

Is there a CRM plugin for WordPress that supports email?

Absolutely—FluentCRM and Groundhogg both do, and beautifully.

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