InfraOptimal vs Mailforge
Mailforge runs on a shared IP pool, which keeps it cheap and forgiving. InfraOptimal gives every workspace its own IP and still costs less per mailbox. Here is how they compare, and when the shared pool is the better call.
| Line by line | InfraOptimal | Mailforge |
|---|---|---|
| Sending IP | Dedicated to your workspace, included | Shared pool across customers |
| Price per mailbox / month | $2.00 monthly, down to $1.00 on annual | $3.00 monthly, down to $2.00 on annual |
| Dedicated IP | First IP included, extra IPs $50 / mo | Not offered, upgrade to Infraforge |
| Reputation | Built only by your own sending | Shared with other senders on the pool |
| Billing | Monthly, quarterly or annual. Monthly cancels any time | Monthly or annual |
| Swapping mailboxes | Free: delete and recreate inside your slots | Per-mailbox billing |
| Domains | In-app from $8 / yr, or bring your own | Buy in-app or bring your own |
| DNS setup | SPF, DKIM, DMARC, MX, SSL and tracking, re-checked | Automated |
| Works with | Any sequencer, via SMTP and IMAP | Any sequencer, via SMTP and IMAP |
| Best for | Owning your reputation for less than a shared mailbox | Senders who expect spikes in spam reports |
What you pay at your volume
Monthly billing unless noted. InfraOptimal tiers drop to $1.00 per mailbox on annual billing.
| Scenario | InfraOptimal | Mailforge |
|---|---|---|
| 30 mailboxes | $57 | $90 |
| 100 mailboxes | $180 | $300 |
| 300 mailboxes | $510 | $900 |
| 100 mailboxes, annual | $130 | $200 |
Mailforge figures from its public pricing, checked September 2026. Domains excluded on both sides. Check Mailforge's site for current rates.
Which one should you buy?
Mailforge itself suggests its shared pool for senders who expect complaints and private infrastructure for those who follow best practice. If you are in the second group, InfraOptimal gives you that private IP for less than Mailforge charges for a shared one.
Pick InfraOptimal
- You want a dedicated IP and a smaller bill
- You follow sending best practice and want the credit for it
- Our monthly rate beats their annual rate from 11 mailboxes up
- You want mailboxes, warmup and replies in one workspace
Pick Mailforge
- You expect a high rate of spam reports and want a pool to absorb it
- You send light volume and do not want to warm an IP
- You want the whole Forge suite under one login
InfraOptimal vs Mailforge, answered
What is the difference between a shared pool and a dedicated IP?
How can a dedicated IP cost less than a shared mailbox?
Is a shared pool ever the better choice?
How long before a new dedicated IP is ready?
A dedicated IP, priced like a shared one
Dedicated IPs included, DNS handled, warmup running, from $1.00 per mailbox a month.