Major Email Blacklists You Need to Know to Protect Your Sender Reputation

Master email deliverability by understanding blacklists like Spamhaus and SpamCop to maintain a solid sender reputation and inbox reach.

Othman Katim
Email Marketing Expert
Sep 2025
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1. Spamhaus

Spamhaus remains among the most influential and highly regarded global email blacklists. Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) rely on Spamhaus’s data to filter incoming mail and shield users from spam or malicious campaigns.

  • Comprehensive coverage of spam sources, validated by an extensive and active volunteer network.
  • Features multiple lists (such as SBL, XBL, and PBL) targeting various threat types and suspicious behaviors.
  • Highly trusted by leading mailbox providers, which greatly amplifies its impact on deliverability.
  • Offers clear delisting procedures, requiring documented resolution of all issues before removal.

2. SpamCop

SpamCop’s blacklist is renowned for using real-time data generated from user reports and spam traps. The rapid response to spam complaints means any sender listed can face prompt deliverability problems, often before they’re even aware.

  • Real-time blacklisting, powered by an active user community and spam honeypots.
  • Automatic delisting once issues are remediated, providing a fair and transparent process.
  • Adopted by email providers worldwide due to its reliability and promptness.
  • Invites users to report suspected spam, which keeps its data continually relevant and current.

3. Barracuda

The Barracuda blacklist is integral to Barracuda’s robust suite of both hardware and cloud-based email security solutions. Its enterprise-level adoption makes it a common fixture in business threat prevention.

  • Widely adopted in corporate environments, filtering millions of emails every day.
  • Combines proprietary algorithms with third-party intelligence for superior threat detection.
  • Provides active remediation support for businesses seeking delisting and continuous improvement.
  • Quickly flags compromised servers and poorly managed mail streams to minimize exposure.

4. SURBL

SURBL sets itself apart by focusing on the domains and URLs found within the content of emails, rather than just looking at sender IP addresses. This makes it particularly valuable for identifying phishing attempts and malicious links.

  • Inspects hyperlinks within messages, helping to catch suspicious or harmful URLs before they cause damage.
  • Protects against not only traditional spam, but also spear-phishing and scam attempts by flagging deceptive domains.
  • Can be seamlessly integrated into a range of security solutions and mail servers.
  • Favored by administrators mindful of content-based risks, in addition to source-based filtering.

5. SORBS (Spam and Open Relay Blocking System)

SORBS was once a significant anti-spam service maintaining numerous lists to block open relays, compromised hosts, and known spam sources. It offered detailed sublists and was widely integrated into anti-spam systems.

However, as of 2024, SORBS is no longer actively maintained. Its services have become unreliable, and many email administrators have removed it from their filtering systems. Organizations looking to protect deliverability should rely on more current blacklists and threat intelligence sources.

6. Invaluement

Invaluement focuses on filtering both traditional spam and low-quality bulk email, applying refined standards that emphasize precision over breadth. Its targeted approach makes it a trusted resource for sophisticated email marketers.

  • Expertly distinguishes between graymail, low-quality commercial emails, and genuine threats.
  • Employs curated datasets and active research to maintain minimal false positives.
  • Offers flexible integration for both custom environments and commercial spam filters.
  • Supports a respectful and straightforward appeal process, promoting open dialogue with listed senders.

7. PSBL (Passive Spam Block List)

PSBL stands by a philosophy of simplicity, relying on passive data collection to keep its blacklist accurate and timely. Its process is valued by system administrators for its transparency and reliability.

  • Uses information only from confirmed spam traps, greatly reducing accidental entries.
  • Frequently refreshes its data, providing consistent and up-to-date protection.
  • Features clear criteria and accessible procedures for legitimate senders to request removal.

To learn more about how to stay off major email blacklists, explore our in-depth guide for actionable steps and the latest advice on sender reputation.

Conclusion

Understanding which major email blacklists your domain or IP may appear on is essential for anyone managing email outreach, transactional messages, or bulk communications. Each blacklist comes with its own set of criteria, removal procedures, and unique impact. Regular monitoring, defensive best practices, and adopting proven tools are your first lines of defense in maintaining a strong sender reputation.

If you are committed to safeguarding your sender profile, consider leveraging trustworthy, automated warm up tools, they help simulate positive inbox activity and reduce your risk of unintentional listings. Staying informed, vigilant, and proactive puts you in the best position to ensure your emails reach their destination and your communications remain effective.

For additional insights and hands-on management tips, make sure to revisit our pillar page for the full resource dedicated to email blacklists and sender reputation management.

FAQ

What is an email blacklist?

An email blacklist is a list that identifies IP addresses or domains that are known to send spam or harmful content. These lists are used by email providers to filter out potentially suspicious emails and protect users from spam.

How does Spamhaus impact email deliverability?

Spamhaus is heavily relied upon by many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to identify and block spam. If your IP or domain is listed there, your emails are likely to be filtered as spam by major email providers, affecting deliverability.

How can I be removed from a blacklist like SpamCop?

To be removed from a blacklist like SpamCop, you need to address the issues that led to your listing. Once these issues are resolved, the system often automatically delists you, or you may need to request removal through their processes.

Why is SURBL important for email security?

SURBL plays a crucial role by checking the domains and URLs within emails, which helps identify malicious links. This makes it effective in catching phishing and scam attempts that might not be detected through IP-based blacklists alone.

What role does Barracuda play in email security?

Barracuda provides a comprehensive email security solution that uses its blacklist to filter out spam and other threats in enterprise environments. It combines its own algorithms with external threat intelligence to offer robust protection.

Can blacklists affect my business emails?

Yes, if your IP or domain gets blacklisted, your business emails may end up in spam folders or get blocked altogether, impacting your communication with clients. Maintaining a clean sender reputation is crucial to avoid such issues.

How often should I check if I'm on an email blacklist?

Regularly monitoring your IP and domain status on major blacklists is recommended, especially if you send bulk emails. This can help you quickly address any issues that might affect your email deliverability.

What steps can I take to prevent being blacklisted?

Adopt practices like proper email authentication, maintaining clean email lists, and monitoring your email campaigns. Using tools that simulate positive mailbox interactions can also help maintain a good sender reputation.