Are you tired of high bounce rates or poor deliverability?
If your email list is more than a few months old, chances are you need to clean it up and put checks in place to filter out invalid emails. This reduces bounces and improves your deliverability.
I went ahead and sought out the best email validation tools and APIs so you can choose which one is right for you.
How Does Email Validation Work?
Email verification tools generally check for the following so you can remove bad emails from your list, reduce bounce rates, protect your email reputation, and maximize your deliverability:
- Invalid email addresses
- Syntax errors
- Duplicates
- Domains known for spam and abuse
- Missing MX records
- SMTP mailboxes (Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, etc.)
- Abuse emails or spam traps
- Temporary or disposable emails
Email Validation API vs. Bulk Email Verification Tool?
Before diving into the tools, consider whether you need an email validation API or a bulk verification tool:
- Email Validation APIs validate emails in real-time as they are collected through forms on your website or app, preventing invalid emails from entering your list in the first place.
- Email Verification Tools are ideal for routinely cleaning your existing list before you hit send to maximize deliverability.
Which Option Is Best for You?
- Choose an API: If you collect thousands of emails weekly through sign-up forms (e.g., e-commerce sites) and need to keep your list clean continuously.
- Choose a List Verification Tool: If your email list needs occasional cleaning for cold emails or irregular marketing campaigns.
How We Compared the Best Email Validation Tools
To evaluate the best email validation APIs and tools, I focused on these six key areas:
- Accuracy: How reliable is the validation process?
- Speed: How quickly are email addresses verified? (Based on this developer’s testing)
- Ease of Integration: Does the tool integrate seamlessly with CRMs and email platforms?
- Pricing: Is the cost competitive (based on 10,000 email verifications for easy comparison)?
- Data Security: Does the tool comply with GDPR and other security standards?
- Support: Is help available when needed, via live chat, email, or dedicated account managers?
Top 5 Email Validation Tools and APIs Compared
1. BounceShield by Mailmeteor — Best Free Way to Validate Emails
Mailmeteor is a leading tool for sending mass emails from Gmail and Outlook, trusted by over 6 million users and recommended by Google.
Mailmeteor lets you validate emails in two ways:
- Upload your contact list here for free bulk validation.
- Validate emails automatically during email campaigns with BounceShield, which only sends emails to valid addresses.
Unlike the other solutions on this list that charge you per verification, BounceShield imposes no limits on the number of email addresses it validates. For instance, sending 10,000 emails monthly saves you up to $50 compared to other credit-based services.
Key Features:
- Accuracy: Comparable to top tools on this list.
- Speed: Validates emails in under 1 second (typically 400ms).
- Ease of Integration: Fully integrated into Mailmeteor’s email marketing platform.
Other Features:
- Unlimited email validation is included in Pro plans from $24.99/month.
- GDPR compliant and Google Workspace verified.
- Detects typos, disposable domains, and malformed addresses.
Support: Responsive email support for all users.
Why Use It:
The best option for those who want affordable email validation and don’t want to buy into credit-based options.
Validate emails for free with BounceShield →
2. ZeroBounce — Fastest and Best Overall Email Validation API
ZeroBounce is a robust email validation platform offering reputation monitoring and data enhancement. Known for its speed and enterprise-grade security, it’s perfect for companies needing bulk and real-time email validation.
Key Features:
- Accuracy: 99% guarantee, backed by an accuracy assurance program.
- Speed: 3-second average API response time.
- Ease of Integration: Integrates with over 50 tools, including CRMs and email platforms.
- Data Security: SOC 2, GDPR, and ISO-certified.
Support: 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support.
Cons:
- 2nd most expensive on this list.
Pricing:
- 100 free verifications/month; $0.008 per verification for 10,000 emails (minimum spend $20).
- Monthly plans from $18 for 2,000 verifications.
3. NeverBounce — Best for Continuous Cleaning
Owned by ZoomInfo, NeverBounce provides real-time email verification and the ability to sync your CRM or email provider for continuous, automated cleaning. It’s ideal for businesses managing both existing and incoming emails.
Key Features:
- Accuracy: 99.9%, with a money-back guarantee for over 3% bounces.
- Ease of Integration: Supports over 80 tools, including Salesforce and Mailchimp.
- Automated CRM syncing ensures your lists stay clean.
Support: Live chat and email support.
Cons:
- Credits expire within 1 year.
- No SOC 2 compliance.
Pricing:
- $0.008 per verification for 10,000 emails.
- Bulk and subscription plans are available.
4. Clearout — Best for API Customization
Clearout offers a customizable API that lets you adjust deep checks vs. speed with solid documentation. It also has a robust Google Sheets email validation extension. However, it doesn’t support as many native integrations as other tools on this list.
Key Features:
- Accuracy: 99%, with a bounce-rate guarantee.
- Speed: Processes emails in 0.027 seconds.
- Ease of Integration: Supports multiple programming languages but limited native CRM integrations.
- GDPR, SOC 2, and ISO certified.
Support: Dedicated account managers for Pro users and 24/7 live chat.
Cons:
- Requires Zapier for most integrations.
Pricing:
- 100 free credits/month; $0.0058 per verification for 10,000 emails.
- Monthly plans start at $18 for 3,000 credits.
5. Email List Verify — Best Budget-Friendly Email Validation API
Looking for the cheapest way to validate emails on entry to your database?
Email List Verify is a great affordable email validation API, but its integrations and accuracy lag behind competitors.
Key Features:
- Accuracy: 97%.
- Ease of Integration: Limited to 8 native integrations (e.g., Mailchimp, HubSpot).
- Notifies users of invalid emails during sign-ups.
Support: Live chat support on their website.
Cons:
- Lower accuracy compared to competitors.
- Limited security certifications (GDPR compliant but lacks SOC 2 or ISO standards).
Pricing:
- $0.004 per email for 10,000 verifications ($40).
Notable Mentions
- MillionVerifier: Cost-effective but unreliable for Yahoo email validation as discovered in this developer’s testing.
- Emailable: Another good API that offers 250 free credits and an impressive 1% bounce-rate money-back guarantee.
FAQs
How can I validate emails for free?
Mailmeteor’s BounceShield lets you upload lists for free or validates emails automatically during campaigns.
What is the best email validation API?
ZeroBounce offers the best combination of accuracy, speed, and enterprise-level security.
What is the cheapest email validation API?
Email List Verify provides budget-friendly plans starting at $0.004 per email.
