Best Tools for Cold Email DNS Setup
Want your cold emails to land in inboxes instead of spam? Proper DNS setup is the key. Misconfigured records like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC can hurt deliverability, with up to 20% of legitimate marketing emails failing to reach inboxes. Starting May 2025, major providers like Google and Microsoft now require DMARC for bulk senders, making this setup non-negotiable.
Here’s the good news: automated DNS tools make configuration simple, fast, and error-free. Below are the top tools to help you optimize your cold email campaigns:
- Infraforge: Automates DNS setup, offers dedicated IPs, and supports large-scale outreach with unlimited domains and mailboxes. Pricing starts at $33/month (billed annually).
- Mailforge: Simplifies DNS setup with shared IPs and is great for scaling campaigns quickly.
- Mailscale: Focuses on reputation control with dedicated IPs and tools for high-volume campaigns.
- Maildoso: Automates basic DNS tasks and provides client-level dashboards for monitoring multiple campaigns.
- Mailreef: Tailored for agencies managing large campaigns, with sender rotation and advanced deliverability tools.
- Primeforge: Streamlines bulk mailbox provisioning for Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, with pre-warmed dedicated IPs.
Quick Comparison:
| Tool | DNS Setup Automation | Dedicated IPs | Scalability | Starting Price (USD) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infraforge | Yes | Yes | Unlimited domains | $33/month (annual) | Bulk DNS updates, API |
| Mailforge | Yes | No (Shared) | High | Usage-based | Easy setup, analytics |
| Mailscale | Yes | Yes | High-volume focus | Not disclosed | Reputation control |
| Maildoso | Yes | Not specified | Medium | Not disclosed | Client dashboards |
| Mailreef | Yes | Not specified | Agency-focused | Not disclosed | Advanced deliverability |
| Primeforge | Yes | Yes (Pre-warmed) | High (bulk ops) | $3.50/mailbox/month | Google/MS365 integration |
If you’re running small campaigns, tools like Mailforge or Maildoso work well. For large-scale outreach or agencies, Infraforge, Mailscale, and Primeforge offer more control and scalability. Automated DNS tools are no longer optional - they’re essential for maintaining high deliverability under stricter email provider rules.
1. Infraforge
Infraforge is a specialized email infrastructure platform designed specifically for cold email outreach. Unlike general-purpose email providers like Gmail or Outlook, Infraforge focuses on helping businesses achieve high email deliverability, even as they scale their outreach efforts.
By addressing the challenges unique to cold email marketing - like maintaining sender reputation and avoiding deliverability issues - Infraforge provides dedicated tools and infrastructure that shared email systems simply can't match.
Automated DNS Setup
Manually setting up DNS records can be a time-consuming and error-prone process, often leading to issues that hurt email deliverability. Infraforge eliminates this headache with automated DNS configuration. It handles DMARC, SPF, DKIM, and custom tracking setups based on industry standards, ensuring your emails meet the authentication requirements of major providers like Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft.
One standout feature is the speed of deployment. With Infraforge, your first domain and mailbox can be up and running in just 5 minutes - significantly faster than the hours typically required for manual setup. For businesses managing multiple domains, Infraforge also offers bulk DNS updates, making it easy to update authentication policies or records across an entire infrastructure. This automation lays the groundwork for maintaining a strong sender reputation.
Dedicated IP Availability
Infraforge takes email deliverability a step further by providing dedicated IPs for each mailbox. This ensures that your email reputation is entirely under your control, protecting it from being affected by the actions of other senders on shared IPs. The platform also includes built-in tools to optimize deliverability, making it easier to manage large-scale outreach campaigns.
For businesses with high-volume email needs, Infraforge offers Multi IP Provisioning. This feature allows you to purchase additional IP addresses, which can help enhance domain security and distribute sending volume across multiple IPs - a valuable option for those managing extensive campaigns.
Scalability for Large Campaigns
Infraforge is built to support large-scale outreach efforts, making it an excellent choice for agencies and enterprises. Its ability to handle unlimited domains and mailboxes ensures flexibility, while features like pre-warmed domains and mailboxes enable immediate sending. To maintain deliverability, Infraforge includes sender rotation and smart sending limits.
For technical teams, the platform's API allows for programmatic scaling. Tasks like domain creation, mailbox provisioning, and DNS setup can be automated, streamlining operations. Tools like Multiple Workspaces and Masterbox provide centralized management, making it easier to oversee hundreds of domains and mailboxes at once.
Pricing Flexibility
Infraforge uses a slot-based pricing model that grows with your needs. Plans start at $40 per month for 10 mailbox slots when billed quarterly, or $33 per month when billed annually.
| Feature | Infraforge | Google Workspace | MS365 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per 200 Mailboxes | $651 per month | $1,680 per month | $1,200 per month |
| Dedicated IP | Yes | No | No |
| Made for Cold Outreach | Yes | No | No |
| Unlimited Mailboxes | Yes | No | No |
Infraforge also offers optional add-ons, such as SSL & Domain Masking for $2 per domain per month, extra IP addresses for $99 per IP per month, and Masterbox for $7 per workspace per month (when billed annually). The platform’s pricing is resource-based, making it suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises. Automated DNS setup and technical maintenance are included in the base subscription, eliminating extra fees or hidden costs.
"The ease of use and simplicity make managing email infrastructure a breeze, and the pricing is spot on - far more reasonable than some of the other options." - Anton L, Founder
2. Mailforge
Mailforge is a cold email platform designed to simplify and speed up DNS configuration. Unlike traditional email services that often demand manual setup, Mailforge allows users to deploy hundreds of domains and mailboxes within minutes - no DNS expertise needed.
The platform operates on a shared IP infrastructure, similar to popular providers like Gmail and Outlook, but is specifically tailored for cold email outreach. This makes it a great fit for agencies and businesses looking to scale quickly without the technical complexity of managing dedicated infrastructure. Much like Infraforge, Mailforge removes the headaches of DNS setup to improve deliverability with minimal effort.
Automated DNS Setup
Mailforge takes the hassle out of DNS configuration by automating the setup of SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and tracking domains. What used to take hours can now be done in minutes. This rapid setup is especially useful for agencies juggling multiple campaigns, as it ensures a quicker time-to-launch.
Automation doesn’t just save time - it also enhances performance. According to internal testing by Salesforge, combining proper technical setup with engaging elements like profile pictures and GIFs can boost reply rates by 3–15% when scaled across multiple mailboxes.
While Infraforge offers dedicated IPs for greater control, Mailforge’s shared IP infrastructure is optimized for quick, large-scale deployment, making it a practical choice for businesses aiming to expand their outreach rapidly.
Scaling Made Simple
Mailforge’s ability to scale is another standout feature. The platform is built to handle large campaigns, making it easy to manage hundreds of domains and mailboxes efficiently. This is particularly useful for agencies onboarding new clients or businesses ramping up their outreach efforts.
For teams without technical expertise, this scalability is a game-changer. Mailforge enables users to build and operate a sophisticated cold email setup without needing in-depth DNS knowledge or a dedicated IT team.
Flexible Pricing Options
Mailforge’s pricing adapts to the number of accounts, domains, and master inboxes you need. Every plan includes automated DNS setup and ongoing maintenance, with higher-tier plans offering increased capacity for larger teams or agencies.
This flexible approach ensures that businesses of all sizes - whether just starting out or managing extensive campaigns - can find a plan that fits their needs while leaving room for future growth.
3. Mailscale
Mailscale is a distributed infrastructure tool designed for managing high-volume cold email campaigns. A 2025 study evaluated 21 tools and found that only 3, including Mailscale, delivered on essential features like inbox placement, warm-up processes, DNS control, and blacklist alerts across 30 tested inboxes.
Automated DNS Setup
One standout feature of Mailscale is its ability to automate DNS setup. It handles the configuration of SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and custom tracking domains for every domain you add. This ensures your authentication records always align with current standards. The result? A seamless transition from purchasing a domain to launching your campaign - no manual DNS updates required.
This automation is particularly useful for agencies juggling multiple client campaigns. By eliminating time-consuming manual tasks, it allows teams to focus on crafting effective outreach strategies. Mailscale also boosts email deliverability by offering dedicated IP options for users who need them.
Dedicated IP Availability
For those sending high volumes of emails, maintaining a strong sender reputation is critical. Mailscale addresses this with dedicated IP options, which isolate your reputation from the risks associated with shared infrastructures. This feature is especially valuable for businesses aiming to protect their deliverability while scaling operations.
Scalability for Large Campaigns
Mailscale is built to handle rapid growth. Its distributed infrastructure can deploy hundreds of domains and mailboxes in mere minutes, bypassing the limitations of single-server setups. Real-time monitoring tools centralize oversight, making it easier to manage large-scale campaigns without being bogged down by manual processes. These capabilities are perfect for agencies needing to maintain high deliverability as their campaigns expand.
Pricing Flexibility
Mailscale uses a tiered pricing model based on the number of domains, mailboxes, and sending volume. This makes it a practical choice for both startups and larger agencies. By saving time and reducing infrastructure costs, Mailscale offers a cost-effective solution for managing cold email campaigns.
4. Maildoso
Maildoso is a cold email infrastructure tool designed to make automation and deliverability as seamless as possible. With a focus on simplifying DNS management and maintaining sender reputation, it’s tailored for businesses, agencies, and high-volume senders.
Automated DNS Setup
Maildoso takes the hassle out of DNS configuration by automating the setup of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records. This ensures all authentication protocols are aligned with industry standards. Even if you lack technical expertise, you can quickly add new domains and get them ready for your email campaigns without breaking a sweat.
Dedicated IP Addresses
A standout feature of Maildoso is its option for dedicated IP addresses. These give users full control over their sender reputation, ensuring that your email performance isn’t affected by other users’ practices. This is particularly valuable for agencies managing campaigns for multiple clients, as it ensures one client’s issues won’t impact another’s results. Alongside the dedicated IPs, the platform includes advanced deliverability controls to help maintain a reliable sender reputation. Plus, its infrastructure is built to support seamless scaling for users with high-volume outreach needs.
Built for Large Campaigns
If you’re managing multiple clients or running large-scale outreach campaigns, Maildoso has you covered. It offers client-level dashboards and global analytics, giving you the tools to monitor multiple campaigns without losing track of individual performance. The platform’s architecture also makes scaling easy, allowing users to manage multiple domains and accounts with minimal effort.
Flexible Pricing Options
Maildoso’s pricing is designed to adapt to your needs, with plans based on the number of accounts, domains, and master inboxes. This makes it a practical choice for startups and established agencies alike. However, some users have noted limited payment options. If your business has specific billing needs, it’s a good idea to reach out to Maildoso directly to explore tailored solutions.
5. Mailreef
Mailreef is designed with agencies in mind, offering tools to handle large-scale campaigns efficiently. The platform focuses on automating DNS management and ensuring high inbox placement rates, making it a reliable choice for managing multiple client campaigns. Like Infraforge and other tools mentioned earlier, Mailreef prioritizes automation but tailors its features specifically for agency needs.
Automated DNS Setup
Mailreef simplifies DNS authentication by automatically setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records. This process ensures domains are properly authenticated from the start, reducing the time needed for domain preparation. For agencies, this means quicker client onboarding and less manual work.
Built for Large Campaigns
Mailreef is structured to handle growth, supporting unlimited workspaces and domains. Features like sender rotation and dynamic throttling help avoid spam flags during high-volume campaigns. It also includes robust deliverability tools, such as bounce thresholds, automatic cool-downs, ramp schedules, and suppression lists. To provide better oversight, the platform offers client-specific dashboards with global analytics, giving agencies a clear view of campaign performance.
Advanced Deliverability Tools
Beyond its automated setup, Mailreef uses dynamic throttling and rotation to adjust sending patterns based on recipient engagement and deliverability data. With built-in safeguards like bounce and complaint monitoring, agencies can confidently scale their outreach efforts while protecting domain reputation. These tools make it easier to manage large campaigns without compromising deliverability.
6. Primeforge
Primeforge is designed to simplify the process of provisioning Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 mailboxes specifically for cold email campaigns. As a key part of The Forge Stack ecosystem, it focuses on quickly deploying mailboxes while automating DNS setup. This makes it an ideal solution for teams needing to scale their outreach efforts across multiple domains and accounts. Its integration with Infraforge and Mailforge ensures a smooth, unified infrastructure for cold email operations, where DNS configuration and mailbox setup become seamless.
Automated DNS Setup
One of Primeforge's standout features is its automated configuration of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records. By handling these authentication protocols, it removes the usual technical challenges associated with DNS setup. This automation ensures compliance with email provider standards, allowing users to deploy hundreds of mailboxes without worrying about authentication issues.
Built for Large-Scale Campaigns
Primeforge is built to handle the demands of large-scale outreach. It can deploy hundreds of Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 mailboxes in just minutes, which is a game-changer for agencies, enterprises, or businesses managing multi-client campaigns. By distributing email-sending volumes across numerous accounts, it helps optimize deliverability rates. Its integration with other Forge Stack tools - like Infraforge for dedicated IP infrastructure and Mailforge for campaign management - creates a flexible, modular system that grows with your outreach needs. This efficiency not only speeds up campaign launches but also ensures the entire process remains streamlined.
Flexible Pricing Options
Primeforge offers a modular pricing structure, charging between $3.50 and $4.50 per mailbox per month. This allows businesses to scale their operations as needed. Each tool within The Forge Stack requires its own subscription, giving companies the freedom to start with mailbox provisioning and add other infrastructure tools later. This pay-as-you-grow model ensures that businesses only invest in what they need, while still benefiting from a comprehensive cold email outreach system when combined with other Forge Stack tools.
Tool Comparison Chart
Here's a quick look at how various tools stack up for US-based cold email campaigns.
| Tool | Automated DNS Setup | Dedicated IPs | Scalability | Pricing (USD) | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infraforge | Yes (SPF, DKIM, DMARC, custom tracking) | Yes (each mailbox gets a dedicated IP) | Unlimited mailboxes/domains, bulk DNS updates | $3.30–$4.00 per mailbox/month | Private infrastructure, 5-minute setup, API integration |
| Mailforge | Yes (includes custom tracking) | Shared IPs | High (hundreds of domains) | Scales by usage | Easy setup, analytics integration |
| Mailscale | Yes | Yes | High-volume campaigns | Pricing not disclosed | Focus on reputation control |
| Maildoso | Limited information | Not specified | Medium | Pricing not disclosed | Basic DNS management |
| Mailreef | Limited information | Not specified | Not specified | Pricing not disclosed | Limited public data |
| Primeforge | Yes (bulk DNS management) | Yes (US-based, pre-warmed) | High (bulk operations) | $3.50–$4.50 per mailbox/month | Google Workspace/MS365 integration, bulk DNS |
This chart highlights the key features of these tools, making it easier to compare their strengths and weaknesses.
Pricing and Scalability
Infraforge stands out as a cost-effective option, offering pricing between $3.30 and $4.00 per mailbox per month. It provides unlimited scalability, supporting countless mailboxes and domains with bulk DNS updates. Primeforge, priced between $3.50 and $4.50 per mailbox, also supports large-scale operations, including rapid deployment of hundreds of Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 mailboxes.
DNS Automation and Setup
Ease of setup varies widely. Infraforge automates SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and custom tracking in just 5 minutes, requiring no technical expertise. Primeforge also simplifies DNS management with bulk updates, a useful feature for agencies handling multiple domains. Mailforge includes custom tracking but relies on shared IPs, which can be sufficient for smaller campaigns but limits control over sender reputation.
Dedicated IPs and Reputation Control
Dedicated IPs are crucial for managing sender reputation. Infraforge assigns a dedicated IP to each mailbox, ensuring full control. Primeforge offers pre-warmed, US-based dedicated IPs for optimal performance. Meanwhile, Mailforge uses shared IPs, which may not meet the needs of larger campaigns requiring stricter reputation control.
Integration and Ecosystem
Infraforge supports API integration, allowing seamless scalability and compatibility with tools like Salesforge. Additionally, the Forge Stack ecosystem connects Infraforge, Mailforge, and Primeforge, though each tool requires a separate subscription.
Setup Time and Usability
For businesses prioritizing speed and simplicity, Infraforge's 5-minute setup is a major advantage over traditional providers that demand manual DNS configuration. This makes it an appealing choice for teams looking to launch campaigns quickly without technical hurdles.
Final Thoughts
Getting your DNS setup right is a cornerstone of cold email success, and the tools mentioned here each bring something unique to the table. Infraforge stands out for its fast setup, strong sender control, and automation capabilities that scale effortlessly - all at a price point that works for many budgets.
The best choice depends on your specific needs. For high-volume senders managing hundreds of domains, Infraforge and Primeforge shine with features like bulk DNS management and dedicated infrastructure. These tools make it easier to manage operations at scale while balancing costs and integration benefits.
For teams watching their budgets, there are still great options. Tools like Infraforge and Primeforge, with pricing between $3.30 and $4.50 per mailbox, often pay off by improving email placement rates and cutting down setup time.
And don’t let a lack of technical skills hold you back. Even non-technical teams can set up enterprise-grade systems without needing a specialist, which is a big win as email providers tighten their authentication requirements.
Another key factor to consider is integration. Infraforge, for example, offers API support and works natively with platforms like Salesforge, making scaling up a breeze. Plus, its compatibility with the Forge Stack ecosystem ensures smooth campaign management from start to finish. This interconnected approach helps maintain deliverability and eliminates unnecessary tool-switching headaches.
Whether you’re a small team just starting out or an enterprise operation looking for maximum control, there’s a solution for you. Small teams might find Mailforge’s shared infrastructure a good starting point, while bigger operations with more advanced needs should explore Infraforge’s private infrastructure model. Getting your DNS setup right from the beginning can save you from the nightmare of fixing deliverability problems after your sender reputation takes a hit.
As highlighted in the comparison chart, streamlined DNS setups and dedicated infrastructures are now essential for high deliverability. With tighter authentication rules and growing inbox competition, automated DNS tools are no longer optional - they’re a must. Features like 5-minute setups and dedicated IPs offered by top platforms are setting the bar for cold email campaigns done right.
FAQs
What’s the difference between shared and dedicated IPs in cold email campaigns, and how do they affect email deliverability?
The main distinction between shared and dedicated IPs comes down to control and reputation. With a dedicated IP, you’re the sole user, meaning its reputation depends entirely on your email-sending behavior. This gives you better control over email deliverability and eliminates the risk of other senders’ actions affecting your campaigns. On the other hand, shared IPs are used by multiple senders, so their reputation is a collective result. If someone else misuses the IP, it can lead to deliverability problems for everyone sharing it.
For high-volume cold email campaigns, dedicated IPs are often the smarter choice because they provide more consistent performance and better chances of landing in the inbox. However, shared IPs can be a budget-friendly option for smaller campaigns or those with lower email volumes.
Why is automated DNS setup important for cold email campaigns, and how does it improve deliverability compared to manual setup?
Automating DNS setup makes configuring essential email authentication protocols - like DKIM, SPF, and DMARC - much easier. These protocols play a key role in proving your emails are legitimate, reducing the risk of them being marked as spam.
Unlike manual setup, automation reduces the likelihood of mistakes and ensures that configurations align with industry standards. This not only saves valuable time but also boosts email deliverability, increasing the chances that your cold emails land in the right inboxes. For large-scale outreach campaigns, automated tools bring consistency and efficiency to the process.
What features are essential in a DNS tool for managing high-volume cold email campaigns?
When choosing a DNS tool for managing large-scale cold email campaigns, agencies should focus on tools that provide automated DNS setup, smooth email authentication processes (including DMARC, SPF, and DKIM), and the capability to handle bulk DNS updates with ease. These features are essential for maintaining efficiency and ensuring emails are properly authenticated.
Additionally, real-time monitoring of email deliverability is a must-have. This ensures your campaigns consistently reach the right audience without getting lost in spam folders. Tools offering pre-warmed domains, dedicated IPs, and infrastructure optimized for cold outreach can greatly improve email performance and make scaling high-volume campaigns much more manageable.