What are the best tools for email inbox testing B2B and B2C?

Summary

A multitude of tools and practices are available for optimizing email inbox testing and deliverability for both B2B and B2C communications. Key tools include dedicated platforms like Inbox Monster, Validity, Email Oversight, Email Consul, GlockApps, Litmus, Mail-Tester, and Everest. ESPs such as Sendinblue, Mailjet, and Mailchimp also offer relevant features. Additional strategies include seed list testing, email warm-up (e.g., using GMass), monitoring sender reputation using Sender Score and Return Path, manual testing with free email accounts, A/B testing, setting up feedback loops, checking IP health with senderscore.org, and implementing email authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC). Resources such as Microsoft Sender Support and ReturnPath certification are also recommended.

Key findings

  • Diverse Toolset: A wide range of tools and services are available for email deliverability testing and improvement.
  • Strategic Approaches: Effective strategies include seed list testing, sender reputation monitoring, and email authentication.
  • Manual & Automated Testing: Combining manual testing with free email accounts and automated testing tools provides comprehensive insights.
  • Authentication Importance: Implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is critical for sender reputation and inbox placement.
  • Feedback Loop Setup: Setting up feedback loops helps for monitoring deliverability.

Key considerations

  • Tool Selection: Choose tools that align with specific B2B and B2C needs, considering factors like budget and integration.
  • List Hygiene: Maintain a clean and engaged email list to improve sender reputation.
  • Authentication Validation: Regularly validate SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to ensure proper configuration.
  • Holistic Approach: Employ a combination of tools and strategies for a holistic approach to email deliverability.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: Monitor results and authentication status regularly.
  • IP Health Checks: Check IP health using tools like senderscore.org

What email marketers say
16Marketer opinions

Multiple tools and strategies are recommended for email inbox testing across B2B and B2C scenarios. These encompass dedicated platforms like Inbox Monster, Validity, Email Oversight, Email Consul, GlockApps, Litmus, and Mail-Tester, as well as email service providers (ESPs) such as Sendinblue, Mailjet, and Mailchimp. Furthermore, techniques like seed list testing, email warm-up using tools such as GMass, monitoring sender reputation with Sender Score and Return Path, A/B testing, and manual testing with freemail accounts (Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo) are advised. Validating email health with senderscore.org and implementing authentication protocols such as SPF, DKIM and DMARC were also suggestions. The Everest platform from Validity is another potential product. Feedback loops should also be setup.

Key opinions

  • Tool Variety: A wide array of tools exists for inbox testing, ranging from dedicated platforms to ESP features.
  • B2B vs. B2C: Some tools are more focused on B2B (e.g., Inbox Monster, Validity), while others are versatile for both B2B and B2C (e.g., GlockApps, Litmus).
  • Seed Testing: Seed list testing remains a crucial method for identifying inbox placement issues.
  • Sender Reputation: Monitoring sender reputation is essential for maintaining high deliverability.
  • Authentication: Setting up authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) improves inbox placement.
  • Email Warmup: Gradually increasing sending volume and establishing a positive sender reputation can be done through email warm-up tools.
  • Everest Platform: Everest platform allows monitoring inbox placement, sender reputation, and engagement metrics.

Key considerations

  • Testing Scope: Determine the appropriate tools and strategies based on the specific needs of B2B and B2C email campaigns.
  • Budget: Consider the cost of different tools and platforms, as some may be more expensive than others.
  • Integration: Ensure chosen tools integrate well with existing email marketing infrastructure.
  • Manual Testing: Supplement automated testing with manual checks using freemail accounts to gain a comprehensive view of deliverability.
  • Feedback Loops: Setting up feedback loops allow monitoring of your deliverability.
  • IP Health: Check your IP health using senderscore.org to confirm if your IPs are on any blocklists.
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks recommends Email Oversight as a tool for inbox testing.

December 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailToolTester suggests utilizing tools like Mail-Tester, GlockApps, and Litmus to test email deliverability and rendering across different email clients and devices for both B2B and B2C campaigns.

October 2021 - EmailToolTester
Marketer view

Email marketer from Neil Patel's Blog recommends using tools like Sendinblue, Mailjet, and GlockApps to improve email deliverability and inbox placement for both B2B and B2C.

March 2024 - Neil Patel's Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from email deliverability forum suggests using senderscore.org to check the email health of your IP address and to see if your IPs are listed on any DNS block lists.

August 2022 - email deliverability forum
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackOverflow suggests testing through multiple free email services like Gmail, Hotmail and Yahoo. Then analysing the headers and checking if any landed in spam.

May 2021 - StackOverflow
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that for B2B inbox testing, Inbox Monster and Validity are viable options.

May 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks explains that while Inbox Monster and Validity work for B2C, Email Consul is another option, noting that she likes access to the headers when using it.

June 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from email deliverability forum suggests testing using multiple freemail accounts like gmail and then checking headers for any problems, and also setting up feedback loops.

February 2025 - email deliverability forum
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares a positive experience with Email Consul's seed testing, highlighting the ability to customize seed list size based on the list and desired number of seeds per provider.

August 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from GMass recommends using email warm-up tools like GMass to gradually increase sending volume and establish a positive sender reputation, crucial for improving inbox placement in both B2B and B2C scenarios.

November 2023 - GMass
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailchimp suggests using their built-in A/B testing features and integrations with tools like Litmus to optimize email content and design for improved deliverability and engagement across both B2B and B2C audiences.

March 2022 - Mailchimp
Marketer view

Marketers from Email Geeks confirm that Email Oversight has coverage with spam filters like Proofpoint, Sophos, Vade Secure, Mimecast, and Cisco.

October 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks confirms that Email Oversight does seed testing.

January 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit suggests using a combination of Sender Score, Return Path, and seed list testing to monitor and improve email deliverability for both B2B and B2C.

February 2023 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Litmus recommends using Litmus' email testing platform to preview emails across different email clients, check for broken links and images, and ensure consistent rendering for both B2B and B2C audiences.

September 2022 - Litmus
Marketer view

Email marketer from Validity recommends using their Everest platform to monitor inbox placement, sender reputation, and engagement metrics, enabling marketers to identify and address deliverability issues affecting both B2B and B2C campaigns.

August 2021 - Validity

What the experts say
2Expert opinions

To determine the effectiveness of email campaigns and address potential issues, seed list testing can identify inbox placement rates across different providers. Further protection can be obtained by setting up email authentication protocols such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC which help protect the sender's reputation and increase inbox placement rates for both B2B and B2C communications.

Key opinions

  • Seed List Testing: Seed list testing is a reliable method for understanding inbox placement rates and identifying deliverability problems.
  • Email Authentication: Proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is crucial for protecting sender reputation and ensuring emails reach the inbox.

Key considerations

  • Target Audience: When using seed lists, ensure they accurately reflect the target audience to receive accurate placement data.
  • Authentication Setup: Properly configure and validate SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to ensure they are functioning correctly.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: Regularly monitor seed list results and authentication status to identify and address any deliverability issues promptly.
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise responds that setting up proper authentication, like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, helps to protect your reputation and improve inbox placement.

February 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Spamresource explains that seed list testing helps in identifying inbox placement rates and potential deliverability issues across different mailbox providers for both B2B and B2C.

March 2023 - Spamresource

What the documentation says
5Technical articles

Key strategies to enhance email deliverability for B2B and B2C communications include continuous monitoring of inbox placement, analyzing sender reputation, implementing best practices for email authentication (SPF, DKIM) and list management, and utilizing tools like GlockApps for placement testing across ISPs and spam filters. Microsoft's Sender Support services and ReturnPath certification are also beneficial resources.

Key findings

  • Inbox Placement Monitoring: Monitoring inbox placement is crucial for understanding and improving deliverability rates.
  • Sender Reputation: Analyzing and maintaining a positive sender reputation is essential for ensuring emails reach the inbox.
  • Email Authentication: Implementing SPF and DKIM helps verify the sending server and improve deliverability.
  • GlockApps: GlockApps is a tool that helps test email placement across various ISPs and spam filters.
  • Microsoft Sender Support: Microsoft provides sender support services to assist in improving deliverability.
  • ReturnPath Certification: ReturnPath certification provides deliverability benefits and can boost inbox placement.

Key considerations

  • Tool Selection: Choose inbox placement monitoring tools that align with the specific needs of B2B and B2C campaigns.
  • List Management: Maintain a clean and engaged email list to improve sender reputation.
  • Authentication Validation: Regularly validate SPF and DKIM records to ensure they are properly configured and functioning.
  • Service Utilization: Leverage resources like Microsoft Sender Support to address deliverability issues.
  • Certification Benefits: Explore the benefits of ReturnPath certification to enhance inbox placement.
Technical article

Documentation from GlockApps details how their platform allows users to test email placement across various ISPs and spam filters, providing insights into deliverability issues affecting both B2B and B2C communications.

January 2023 - GlockApps
Technical article

Documentation from RFC explains setting up authentication via SPF and DKIM to help improve deliverability by verifying the sending server.

June 2023 - RFC
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft advises using their Sender Support services and following best practices for email authentication and list management to ensure high deliverability rates for B2B and B2C email campaigns.

December 2022 - Microsoft
Technical article

Documentation from Mailjet explains that monitoring inbox placement using tools and analyzing sender reputation are crucial for ensuring emails reach the intended recipients in both B2B and B2C scenarios.

December 2023 - Mailjet
Technical article

Documentation from ReturnPath explains the deliverability benefits of getting certified through ReturnPath to help boost deliverability into the inbox.

November 2024 - ReturnPath