vsMailforge vs Infraforge: Shared vs Dedicated
We compared Mailforge and Infraforge, both from Salesforge. Shared vs dedicated IP SMTP for cold email infrastructure and when to upgrade.
The Verdict
Mailforge and Infraforge are the shared vs dedicated IP tiers of the same Salesforge ecosystem. Mailforge is cheaper ($2-$3/mailbox, shared IPs). Infraforge costs more ($3-$4/mailbox + $99/mo dedicated IP) but gives you sender isolation.
Start with Mailforge, upgrade to Infraforge when volume demands it. For better overall value, InboxKit offers GWS at $2.50 with dedicated IPs included.
Mailforge vs Infraforge
| Feature | Mailforge | Infraforge |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Price per Mailbox | $2-$3/mo Shared IP SMTP | $3-$4/mo Dedicated IP SMTP |
| Cost for 100 Mailboxes | $200-$300/mo 100 x $2-$3, no extra fees | $350-$499/mo 100 x $3.50 avg + $99 dedicated IP |
| Infrastructure | ||
| IP Infrastructure | Shared IPs Shared IP pools | Dedicated IPs Your own dedicated IPs ($99/mo extra) |
| Multi IP Provisioning | No Not available on shared IPs | Yes Provision multiple dedicated IPs |
| DNS Automation | Auto + bulk Automated DNS and bulk DNS updates | Auto Automated DNS setup |
| Deliverability | ||
| Pre-warmed Domains | No Standard domain setup | Yes Domains come pre-warmed |
| Features | ||
| Masterbox | No Standard management | Yes Centralized masterbox for management |
| Domain Masking | SSL + masking Included in platform | $2/domain/mo SSL and domain masking at $2/domain/mo |
| Automation | ||
| API Access | Not specified Not published | Yes API access available |
Protect your mailbox investment with dedicated IPs, AI warmup, and auto mailbox protection. Increase mailbox longevity.
Same Ecosystem, Different Tiers
Mailforge and Infraforge are both products from Salesforge. Think of them as the shared and dedicated IP tiers of the same infrastructure platform. Mailforge is the budget option for teams that prioritize cost.
Infraforge is the premium option for teams that need sender isolation. The upgrade path is straightforward: start with Mailforge on shared IPs, and if deliverability issues arise from shared infrastructure or your volume grows past the point where shared IPs are comfortable, move mailboxes to Infraforge for dedicated IPs.
Key takeaways
- Both from Salesforge: Mailforge (shared) and Infraforge (dedicated)
- Clear upgrade path from shared to dedicated IPs
- Same ecosystem, so migration between them is smooth
When to Upgrade from Mailforge to Infraforge
Stay on Mailforge if: you send under 50,000 emails per month, your inbox placement is above 80%, and you have not experienced shared IP reputation issues. Shared IPs with proper warmup through SendKit are sufficient for most teams at this level. Upgrade to Infraforge if: your volume exceeds 50,000 emails per month, you notice deliverability drops not caused by your own sending behavior, or you manage sensitive client campaigns where reputation isolation is non-negotiable.
The $99/mo dedicated IP cost is worth it when shared IP risk starts affecting revenue. Alternatively, consider InboxKit at $2.50/mailbox with Google Workspace and built-in deliverability tools. At 100 mailboxes, InboxKit costs $250/mo versus Infraforge at $450/mo, and includes more features.
Key takeaways
- Stay on Mailforge: under 50K emails/mo, good inbox placement
- Upgrade to Infraforge: over 50K emails/mo, shared IP issues, client isolation needed
- InboxKit alternative: $250/mo for 100 GWS mailboxes with deliverability tools
Pros & Cons
Mailforge
Strengths
- Lower per-mailbox cost at $2-$3/mo
- SSL and domain masking included
- Bulk DNS updates and domain transferring
- Good starting point for the Salesforge ecosystem
- 10,000+ businesses using the platform
Limitations
- Shared IP infrastructure only
- Deliverability depends on shared IP pool quality
- No pre-warmed domains
- No API access mentioned
Infraforge
Strengths
- Dedicated IP infrastructure for sender isolation
- Pre-warmed domains for faster ramp-up
- Multi IP provisioning and masterbox
- API access for automation
- Natural upgrade from Mailforge
Limitations
- Per-mailbox cost 50-100% higher than Mailforge
- Dedicated IP adds $99/mo on top of mailbox costs
- Domain masking adds $2/domain/mo
- SMTP only, no Google Workspace or Microsoft 365
Protect your mailbox investment with dedicated IPs, AI warmup, and auto mailbox protection. Increase mailbox longevity.
Got questions? We've got answers.
Both are from Salesforge. Mailforge offers SMTP mailboxes on shared IPs at $2-$3/mailbox. Infraforge offers SMTP mailboxes on dedicated IPs at $3-$4/mailbox plus $99/mo for the dedicated IP. Infraforge adds pre-warmed domains, multi IP provisioning, and a masterbox.
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