The best replacement for php mail is smtp.

The best alternatives to php mail are rated as following:
★★★★★  smtp
★★  phpmailer
★★  sendmail
★  pear mail
★  swiftmailer

Your alternative for php mail is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about php mail, one probably shouldn't forget about bcc.

Other search terms related to php mail and their ratings are:
★★★★★ bcc
★★★★★ pdf attachment
★★★ attachments
★★ multiple recipients
You have in mind a companion for php mail and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

Scale is based on the average worldwide traffic of php mail in all years. Click on graph for more.
php mail
smtp
phpmailer