Looking for a SendGrid alternative that accepts Bitcoin or crypto? KingSMTP is one of the few transactional SMTP services where you can pay with Bitcoin, USDT or Monero — no KYC, no credit card required.
Why switch from SendGrid?
- SendGrid was acquired by Twilio — prices have increased significantly
- Requires full identity verification (KYC) and credit card
- US-based — subject to US data laws and potential government requests
- Free tier limited to 100 emails/day and removed for new accounts
- No cryptocurrency payment option
- Complex pricing that scales quickly at higher volumes
KingSMTP vs SendGrid
| Feature | KingSMTP | SendGrid |
|---|---|---|
| Free trial | 7 days, no credit card | 100 emails/day (limited) |
| Payment methods | Bitcoin, USDT, Monero | Credit card only |
| KYC required | No | Yes |
| Privacy-focused | Yes — hosted outside EU/US | No — US-based |
| Starting price | $49/year | $20/month (Essentials) |
| Transactional email | Yes | Yes |
| SMTP & API access | Yes | Yes |
| Email routing (MX) | Yes | No |
| WordPress plugin | Yes | Third-party only |
| Open-source infrastructure | Yes (Postal) | No |
Why developers choose KingSMTP as a SendGrid alternative
- Pay with Bitcoin or crypto — no bank, no KYC, no restrictions
- Privacy-first — hosted outside EU and US jurisdiction, no data profiling
- Much cheaper — $49/year vs $20+/month for SendGrid
- Free 7-day trial — no credit card needed
- 99% inbox rate — clean IPs, DKIM/SPF support included
- Built on open-source — powered by Postal, fully transparent
Pricing
| Monthly volume | Price per year | Price per month |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 5,000 emails | $49 / year | Annual only |
| Up to 10,000 emails Popular | $79 / year | Annual only |
| Up to 20,000 emails | $159 / year | Annual only |
| Up to 50,000 emails | $489 / year | $49 / month |
| Up to 100,000 emails | $989 / year | $99 / month |
| 100,000+ emails | Custom pricing | Custom pricing |
FAQ
Is KingSMTP a good SendGrid alternative?
Yes. KingSMTP offers transactional SMTP with higher privacy, lower pricing, and cryptocurrency payment options that SendGrid does not support.
Can I pay with Bitcoin?
Yes. We accept Bitcoin, USDT, Monero and other cryptocurrencies. No credit card or PayPal accepted.
Is there a free trial?
Yes — 7 days, no credit card, no KYC. Full access with up to 5 test recipients.
Does KingSMTP require KYC?
No. We only need your domain to get you started.
What email types are supported?
Transactional emails only — password resets, order confirmations, 2FA, account alerts. No marketing or bulk email.