MJML vs React Email: Developer Email Frameworks Compared

Two code-first approaches to email templates. Compare MJML's markup language with React Email's component-based system for developer-built emails.

Quick Verdict

Choose MJML if you want a standalone markup language, need maximum email client compatibility, or are not working in a React ecosystem.

Choose React Email if you work in React, want component reusability, and prefer JSX syntax with TypeScript support.

Framework Overview

MJML (Mailjet Markup Language) is an open-source markup language that compiles to responsive, email-client-compatible HTML. It has been around since 2015 and has a mature ecosystem with extensive documentation and community support.

React Email is a newer entrant that brings React's component model to email development. Write emails as React components with JSX, use props for dynamic content, and benefit from TypeScript support. It is particularly appealing to teams already working in React.

Syntax Comparison

MJML Example

<mjml>
  <mj-body>
    <mj-section>
      <mj-column>
        <mj-text>Hello World</mj-text>
        <mj-button href="https://example.com">
          Click Me
        </mj-button>
      </mj-column>
    </mj-section>
  </mj-body>
</mjml>

React Email Example

import { Html, Section, Text, Button } from '@react-email/components';

export default function Email() {
  return (
    <Html>
      <Section>
        <Text>Hello World</Text>
        <Button href="https://example.com">
          Click Me
        </Button>
      </Section>
    </Html>
  );
}

Key Differences

Aspect MJML React Email
Language Custom markup JSX/TypeScript
Learning Curve Low (simple syntax) Requires React knowledge
Component Reuse Includes/partials Full React components
Tooling CLI, VS Code, online Full React ecosystem
Maturity Established (2015) Newer (2022)
Client Support Excellent Very Good

Developer Experience

MJML Developer Experience

  • Simple syntax that anyone can learn quickly
  • Online editor available for quick testing
  • VS Code extension with preview and validation
  • CLI tool for build integration
  • Language-agnostic, works with any stack

React Email Developer Experience

  • Full TypeScript support with type checking
  • Component composition like regular React
  • Hot reload preview during development
  • Integrates with existing React tooling
  • Props for dynamic content and theming

Email Client Compatibility

MJML: Battle-tested across email clients over many years. The generated HTML is specifically designed for maximum compatibility, including notoriously difficult clients like Outlook.

React Email: Very good compatibility, though slightly less proven than MJML's years of refinement. The team actively tests across clients, but edge cases may arise.

Ecosystem and Integration

MJML: Works with any backend or frontend stack. Compile MJML to HTML and use anywhere. Integrations exist for major frameworks and build tools.

React Email: Tightly coupled with React ecosystem. Pairs naturally with Resend for sending but works with other providers. Best suited for React-based projects.

When to Consider Alternatives

Both MJML and React Email require coding skills and time investment. For teams without dedicated email developers, or when speed matters more than code control, Sequenzy offers AI-generated templates that produce professional results without writing code.

Sequenzy is particularly valuable when you need templates quickly, want consistent branding without manual work, or lack the technical resources for code-based approaches. The AI handles responsive design and client compatibility automatically.

Recommendation

For developers who prefer clean, simple syntax and want maximum email client reliability, MJML is the established choice. For React developers who want to leverage their existing skills and enjoy component-based architecture, React Email offers a modern alternative.

Non-developers or teams prioritizing speed should consider Sequenzy for AI-powered template generation that produces professional results without coding.

Professional Templates Without Code

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