Developers at Maltese gaming, fintech and travel companies often face the same question when adding email to a product: connect over SMTP, or integrate an HTTP API? Both deliver email. The difference is in effort, control and what else you get. Mailpro supports both, on the same Swiss-hosted infrastructure.
The short version
| SMTP relay | Email API | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Change server settings in an existing app | Write integration code |
| Works with | Almost any CMS, ERP, accounting tool or legacy system | Custom applications and modern platforms |
| Contact management | No | Yes: create, update, tag, unsubscribe |
| Campaign triggering | No | Yes |
| Feedback | Logs and statistics in the dashboard | Statistics via API and webhooks |
| Best for | Quick adoption, off-the-shelf software | Deep integration, automation, data sync |
When SMTP is the right choice
If your hotel booking engine, WordPress site or accounting package already has an “SMTP settings” screen, the relay is the fastest route. You enter the server, port and credentials, authenticate your domain, and you are live. A small Maltese business without developers can do this. See SMTP server for Malta.
When the API is the right choice
If you are building a platform, the API gives you more. A gaming operator can sync player preferences, consent and suppression flags; a fintech app can pull delivery data into its own monitoring; a travel platform can push bookings straight into an automation. The email API definition gives more background.
Performance and reliability
Both methods use the same delivery infrastructure, so inbox placement depends more on your domain authentication and sending practices than on the protocol. APIs typically make batch sending and error handling easier in code, while SMTP is simpler to debug with standard tools. Our blog on SMTP relay vs email API goes further.
Security
SMTP connections use authentication and TLS; API calls use keys over HTTPS. In both cases, Mailpro protects data in transit with TLS 1.3 and stores it on private infrastructure in Switzerland.
A decision checklist
- Does the software already support SMTP settings? Start with SMTP.
- Do you need to sync contacts or consent? Use the API.
- Do you need real-time events in your own system? Use the API with webhooks.
- Do you have developer time available this quarter? If not, SMTP now, API later.
Compliance is the same either way
GDPR applies to the personal data in every message. Switzerland’s EU adequacy decision means Maltese controllers do not need an extra transfer mechanism for Mailpro’s hosting. If either channel carries marketing, Malta’s S.L. 586.01 requires prior written consent or the soft opt-in, and a working opt-out. Transactional messages such as receipts and password resets are outside the marketing rules.
Can you use both?
Yes. Many Maltese companies use SMTP for their CMS and back-office tools, and the API for their core product. Both appear in the same Mailpro account. Continue with the email API overview or the SMTP and API FAQ.