React Email vs MJML vs Maizzle (2026)
HTML emails are notoriously difficult — every email client renders differently. These three tools solve the problem in different ways.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | React Email | MJML | Maizzle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | React components | XML markup | Tailwind CSS |
| Language | JSX/TSX | MJML XML | HTML + Tailwind |
| Type Safety | ✅ TypeScript | ❌ | ❌ |
| Preview | ✅ Local dev server | ✅ Online editor | ✅ Local dev |
| Client Compat | Excellent | ✅ Best | Good |
| Learning Curve | Low (if React dev) | Low | Low (if Tailwind dev) |
| Resend Integration | ✅ Native | ❌ | ❌ |
React Email — Components for Email
import { Html, Head, Body, Container, Text, Button } from '@react-email/components'
export function WelcomeEmail({ name }: { name: string }) {
return (
<Html>
<Head />
<Body style={{ backgroundColor: '#f6f9fc', fontFamily: 'sans-serif' }}>
<Container style={{ maxWidth: '600px', margin: '0 auto', padding: '20px' }}>
<Text style={{ fontSize: '24px', fontWeight: 'bold' }}>
Welcome, {name}!
</Text>
<Text>We're excited to have you on board.</Text>
<Button
href="https://yourapp.com/dashboard"
style={{ backgroundColor: '#3b82f6', color: '#fff', padding: '12px 24px' }}
>
Get Started
</Button>
</Container>
</Body>
</Html>
)
}
Pros: TypeScript, component reuse, familiar React patterns, Resend integration, local preview. Cons: Inline styles only, newer project, some email clients may have edge cases.
MJML — The XML Email Framework
<mjml>
<mj-body>
<mj-section background-color="#f6f9fc">
<mj-column>
<mj-text font-size="24px" font-weight="bold">
Welcome, {{name}}!
</mj-text>
<mj-text>We're excited to have you on board.</mj-text>
<mj-button background-color="#3b82f6" href="https://yourapp.com/dashboard">
Get Started
</mj-button>
</mj-column>
</mj-section>
</mj-body>
</mjml>
Compiles to email-safe HTML with all the table layouts and inline styles.
Pros: Best email client compatibility, battle-tested, online playground, large community. Cons: Custom XML syntax, no type safety, harder to integrate with React projects.
Maizzle — Tailwind for Email
<x-main>
<div class="max-w-[600px] mx-auto p-5 bg-gray-50">
<h1 class="text-2xl font-bold">Welcome, {{ name }}!</h1>
<p>We're excited to have you on board.</p>
<a href="https://yourapp.com/dashboard"
class="inline-block bg-blue-500 text-white px-6 py-3 rounded">
Get Started
</a>
</div>
</x-main>
Maizzle compiles Tailwind CSS to inline styles for email.
Pros: Tailwind CSS (familiar for most devs), powerful transformations, template inheritance. Cons: Build step required, not React, smaller community.
Decision Guide
| You are... | Choose |
|---|---|
| React developer | React Email |
| Non-React team | MJML |
| Tailwind enthusiast | Maizzle |
| Using Resend | React Email (native) |
| Maximum compatibility | MJML |
| Type-safe templates | React Email |
FAQ
Do these work with any email provider?
Yes. All three output standard HTML. Use with Resend, Postmark, SES, SendGrid, or any provider.
Which has the best email client support?
MJML. It was designed specifically for email compatibility and has been battle-tested for years.
Can I use React Email without Resend?
Yes. Render to HTML string and send via any provider.
Bottom Line
React Email for React/TypeScript teams (especially with Resend). MJML for the most reliable email client compatibility. Maizzle for Tailwind users. All three solve the painful problem of HTML email development.