Side by side
Canary vs MJML
Both stand on email design software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIExtension+5
Canary Mail combines multi-account inbox tools with AI features and optional encryption on Pro+. Its plans distinguish basic inbox features from Copilot and security tools, so check which tier includes the capabilities you need.
Visit Canary Free plan Open source APIExtensionLinux+4
MJML provides a free code-first path from markup to responsive email HTML, with editor, CLI and API options. It handles rendering rather than delivery, and email-client support limits the mj-button component.
Visit MJMLThe facts
| Canary | MJML | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | Android, API, Extension, iPhone, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | API, Extension, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Growth: $36 a year | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | canarymail.dev | mjml.io |
| On email design software | #1 of 63 | #2 of 63 |
Canary: what it does well
- Connects Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Exchange, and IMAP accounts.
- AI Copilot can summarize threads and draft replies.
- Triage and indexing run on the device.
- Includes Asana and Todoist integrations.
- Seven-day trial requires no card and does not auto-bill.
What to know first
- Does not provide or host email accounts.
- Growth costs $36 a year.
- Pro+ costs $100 a year.
- Not a full helpdesk platform.
MJML: what it does well
- Open source under the MIT license.
- Online editor and REST API are free to use.
- CLI compiles files and watches for changes.
- Reusable components can be extended or customized.
- Installable on macOS, Linux and Windows.
What to know first
- Rendered HTML must be sent through another service or shell.
- The mj-button component is not fully clickable.
- API accounts receive only one Application ID and two keys.