Use custom SMTP for any serious email volume. LC Email (built-in) is convenient but puts you on shared Mailgun infrastructure with thousands of other GHL users — you can't control your reputation. Custom SMTP gives you your own domain, your own reputation, better deliverability visibility, and the option for dedicated IPs. LC Email is fine for testing or very low volume (<1,000 emails/month). Custom SMTP is essential for agencies and any revenue-dependent email.
GoHighLevel LC Email vs Custom SMTP: Which Should You Use?
The Honest Comparison
| Factor | LC Email | Custom SMTP |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Instant | 30-60 min + DNS propagation |
| Sending reputation | Shared (thousands of GHL users) | Yours alone |
| IP addresses | Shared pool | Shared or dedicated (your choice) |
| Authentication | Managed by GHL/Mailgun | You configure SPF, DKIM, DMARC |
| Deliverability control | None | Full |
| Delivery stats in GHL | Delivered, bounced, opened, clicked | Opens and clicks only |
| Provider-level stats | None (you can't access Mailgun dashboard) | Full access |
| Cost | Per-email credits through GHL | Direct provider pricing |
| Dedicated IP option | No | Yes |
| Custom tracking domain | No | Yes |
Why LC Email Deliverability Is Unpredictable
LC Email works through Mailgun's shared infrastructure. The problem:
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Thousands of GHL users share the same IPs. When one user sends to a dirty list, the shared IP reputation drops for everyone.
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You can't see or fix the problem. You don't have access to the Mailgun dashboard. You can't check IP reputation, bounce rates at the provider level, or investigate why deliverability changed.
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GHL can't fix it either. GHL manages the campaign tool, not the sending infrastructure. Their support can help with platform configuration but cannot manage Mailgun's shared IP reputation.
When LC Email Is Acceptable
- Testing workflows before going live
- Very low volume (<1,000 emails/month)
- Non-critical automations where inbox placement isn't revenue-impacting
- Temporary use while setting up custom SMTP
When Custom SMTP Is Essential
- Any agency managing client email
- Monthly volume above 1,000 emails
- Email that directly impacts revenue (campaigns, sequences)
- When deliverability problems have already appeared on LC Email
- When you need a dedicated IP
Practitioner note: Every serious GHL agency I work with has migrated to custom SMTP. The conversation usually starts after they notice campaigns that used to work are suddenly underperforming. The cause is almost always shared IP degradation on LC Email.
Practitioner note: The monitoring gap is the real problem. With LC Email, you literally cannot diagnose deliverability issues. With custom SMTP, you have Mailgun/SendGrid dashboards showing exactly what's happening. You can't fix what you can't see.
Ready to migrate from LC Email to custom SMTP? See our GoHighLevel SMTP setup guide for the complete walkthrough. If you want it done for you, schedule a consultation — most setups take under 2 hours.
Sources
- GoHighLevel: Email Services
- Mailgun: Shared vs Dedicated IPs
v1.0 · March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LC Email in GoHighLevel?
LC Email (Lead Connector Email) is GoHighLevel's built-in email service powered by Mailgun. It uses shared infrastructure — your email shares IP addresses with thousands of other GHL accounts. Setup is instant (no DNS configuration needed), but you have no control over sending reputation.
Is LC Email free?
LC Email uses a credit system. You pay per email sent through GoHighLevel's billing. Custom SMTP routes through your own provider where you pay them directly. At moderate volume (5K+/month), custom SMTP is typically cheaper.
Can I use both LC Email and custom SMTP?
Yes. Some agencies use LC Email for low-priority automations and custom SMTP for campaigns and important sequences. However, mixing can complicate deliverability management. Pick one and commit.
What do I lose by switching from LC Email to custom SMTP?
You lose delivery/bounce stats inside GoHighLevel — with custom SMTP, GHL only shows opens and clicks. You gain: your own reputation, better deliverability, custom authentication, and monitoring at the provider level.
How hard is it to switch from LC Email to custom SMTP?
30-60 minutes. Set up a Mailgun/SendGrid account, verify your domain with DNS records, get SMTP credentials, enter them in GHL Settings → Email Services. The DNS verification takes 1-4 hours for propagation.
Want this handled for you?
Free 30-minute strategy call. Walk away with a plan either way.