The verdict
On the data we hold, it's close: neither pulls ahead on features, a free plan or AI access. The choice comes down to how you work.
What the data says
- Both have a free plan, so you can try each before you pay.
- Microsoft Outlook starts lower, at $1.67/mo against $20/mo.
- Both have an API and an MCP server, so either works with AI employees.
- In our Tech stack ranking, Microsoft Outlook places 29 and Resend 34 of 72.
Side by side
| At a glance | ||
|---|---|---|
| Starts at | $1.67/mo | $20/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| MCP server | Yes | Yes |
| Links |
Plans and pricing
Microsoft Outlook
- Outlook (free)Free account for one person with 15 GB mailbox storage.Free
- Microsoft 365 BasicAd-free Outlook for one person with 100 GB mailbox storage.$19.99/yr
- Microsoft 365 PersonalFor one person, with desktop apps and Copilot features.$99.99/yr
- Microsoft 365 FamilyFor one to six people, with desktop apps and Copilot features.$129.99/yr
- Microsoft 365 Business BasicWeb and mobile Outlook with custom business email, paid yearly.$84/yr/seat
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard with CopilotDesktop apps with Copilot built in, paid yearly.$282/yr/seat
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium with CopilotAdds advanced security and device management, with Copilot built in, paid yearly.$384/yr/seat
Resend
- FreeFree forever: 3,000 emails per month (100 per day), 3 domains, 1 webhook endpoint.Free
- Pro50,000 emails per month, then $0.90 per 1,000 extra; 10 domains and no daily limit.$20/mo
- Scale100,000 emails per month, then $0.90 per 1,000 extra; 1,000 domains and a dedicated Slack channel.$90/mo
Prices as the vendors list them. They change often; the final price is on their sites.
Who each is for
Choose Microsoft Outlook if…
Businesses and teams that work in Microsoft 365 and want email, calendar and contacts in the same place as Teams, Word and Excel.
Choose Resend if…
Software teams that want to send transactional email, such as sign-ups, receipts and password resets, and some marketing email from their own code, with a clean API and good developer tooling.
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