Email marketing continues to be one of the highest ROI channels for businesses, but only if you find the right email marketing platform! There are a ton of email marketing platforms and tools out there, a lot of which are free and others that are paid, but which should you be focusing on?
In this guide, we’ll cover the 10 best email marketing platforms (both free and paid), including a breakdown of what makes each one stand out. We’ve got everything from simple email marketing free tools for beginners to full, feature-packed solutions for the power user.
For each platform, we break down core features, pricing info, ideal users, and the major pros and cons so you can make an informed choice about what’s right for you.
Let’s jump in and find the perfect email marketing tool for you!
1. Mailchimp
Best for: Beginners and small businesses who want an all-in-one email tool
Free Plan: Up to 500 contacts and 1,000 emails/month
MailChimp is one of the more mainstream email marketing platforms, particularly for beginners in digital marketing. It is known for its intuitive nature as well as its ability to provide all the essentials and scale with the growth of your business.
Core Features:
- Drag-and-drop email builder
- Pre-designed templates
- Basic automation (e.g., welcome emails)
- Audience segmentation
- Landing pages, signup forms, and social media scheduling
Pros:
- Easy for first-time users
- Generous template and design options
- Integrates with WordPress, Shopify, and more
- Good support resources and knowledge base
- Offers both email and non-email tools like ads and surveys
Cons:
- The free plan includes Mailchimp branding
- Limited automation and analytics unless you upgrade
- Paid plans increase quickly with contact list size
- More advanced features are locked in higher tiers
MailChimp offers one of the most flexible email tools that can essentially do everything together. Its pricing can vary quite a bit based on your list size, but the platform’s ease of use, wide selection of templates, and add-on tools for things like landing pages make it a great place for solo entrepreneurs and small teams starting out in email marketing.
2. Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)
Best for: Budget-conscious businesses and developers needing high send limits
Free Plan: Unlimited contacts, 300 emails/day
Brevo is a customizable and low-cost email marketing tool that works for new users and experts alike. It’s also very popular with startups, bloggers, and small businesses that want volume-based pricing rather than subscriber-based costs.
Core Features:
- Drag-and-drop editor
- Email automation workflows
- SMS marketing
- Transactional emails via SMTP or API
- Signup forms and landing pages
- Built-in CRM and live chat options
Pros:
- One of the most generous free plans
- SMS, chat, and email marketing in one tool
- Strong API access for developers
- Clean UI and good automation features
- Affordable upgrades with Starter plans from ~$25/month
Cons:
- Free plan’s daily send cap (300 emails/day) may be restrictive
- Limited templates and fewer design features than some competitors
- Analytics and advanced segmentation require paid plans
- Fewer native integrations compared to MailChimp
Brevo allows unlimited contacts, even on its free plan, and charges based on how many emails you send per day. That’s a victory for users who are storing a long list but not emailing all at once. You can also set up campaigns to run according to a schedule, monitor opens and clicks, and trigger emails based on user behavior. It’s a smart choice for anyone who wants to integrate email with SMS and chat all under one roof, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
3. MailerLite
Best for: Creators, freelancers, and small businesses seeking simplicity
Free Plan: 1,000 subscribers and 12,000 monthly emails
MailerLite offers impressive functionality with a very simple interface. For those who want results without all the technical overhead, it’s one of the best free email marketing platforms out there. It covers all the essentials: automation, landing pages, and design tools without overwhelming its user.
Core Features:
- Drag-and-drop editor
- Prebuilt email and landing page templates
- Automation workflows (welcome emails, drip campaigns)
- List segmentation
- A/B testing and surveys
- MailerCheck integration to clean up lists
Pros:
- Extremely easy to use
- Mobile-friendly design templates
- Low-cost upgrades (starting at $9/month)
- Excellent support and onboarding guides
- No branding on paid plans
Cons:
- Limited template variety
- Slight delay in analytics reporting
- Not ideal for high-volume or complex CRM needs
- Automation features can feel basic for larger teams
MailerLite is an on-brand solution for individuals and small teams looking for an affordable, no-frills email marketing tool. Perfect for sending out campaigns, as well as nurturing leads and building up a list, all without spending hours learning a new system.
4. ConvertKit
Best for: Content creators, bloggers, and solo entrepreneurs
Free Plan: Up to 1,000 subscribers, unlimited landing pages, and forms
ConvertKit is the best email marketing platform for Creators who want to easily grow and manage their audience. It focuses on connection, helping you connect subscribers using automated emails and tags vs messy lists.
Core Features:
- Text-based email editor
- Landing page and form builder
- Visual automation funnels
- Subscriber tagging and segmentation
- Email sequences (drip campaigns)
- Digital product sales and email monetization
Pros:
- Clean, distraction-free interface
- Built-in tools to sell digital products
- Strong segmentation and tagging features
- Visual automation builder is easy to use
- Affordable plans with generous creator tools
Cons:
- Limited design customization (plain emails only)
- Free plan lacks automation sequences
- Not ideal for advanced e-commerce integrations
- Templates and analytics are more basic than competitors
If you’re a blogger, YouTuber or a writer, then ConvertKit is the way to go for building trust and monetizing your audience without a hassle. If smart automation and building relationships are much more important to your email strategy than visual design, ConvertKit is an excellent choice.
5. AWeber
Best for: Small businesses wanting solid email basics and strong support
Free Plan: Up to 500 subscribers and 3,000 emails/month
AWeber is a veteran in the email marketing tools space and is known for reliable delivery, great support, and a simple user experience. It provides exactly what most small businesses want: robust email campaigns, autoresponders, and signup forms without the need for a ton of learning curves.
Core Features:
- Drag-and-drop email builder
- Large prebuilt template library
- Autoresponders and welcome emails
- RSS-to-email blog newsletters
- AI-powered email assistant
- List segmentation and analytics
Pros:
- Strong deliverability and inbox placement
- Live phone, email, and chat support
- Easy onboarding for new users
- AI writing assistant for fast content
- Affordable paid plans from ~$12.50/month
Cons:
- Slightly dated interface compared to newer tools
- AWeber branding on emails in free plan
- Limited advanced automation
- Fewer customization options for segments
For an email marketing platform without the bells and whistles, AWeber is a reliable option. AWeber even offers core automation features and easy-to-use tools to help you build and send email campaigns using the free plan. It also has seamless integration with products such as WordPress, PayPal, and Shopify. It’s ideal for small businesses, nonprofits, and freelancers who want dependable tools and responsive tech support from the beginning.
6. GetResponse
Best for: Businesses that want an all-in-one marketing solution
Free Plan: Up to 500 contacts with unlimited newsletters
GetResponse is an advanced platform with more than just basic email marketing features. It has email campaigns, automation, landing pages, and even webinars, all in one place. It’s great for users who want to own complete funnels, not just newsletters.
Core Features:
- Drag-and-drop email editor
- Advanced automation workflows (if/then logic)
- Landing pages and signup forms
- Webinars and sales funnels
- E-commerce features (abandoned cart, product suggestions)
- Built-in CRM and social ad integration
Pros:
- Combines multiple marketing tools in one
- Scalable for businesses of any size
- Visual funnel builder for lead generation
- Integrates with Shopify, WordPress, Facebook Ads
- Paid plans start around $15/month
Cons:
- Interface may feel overwhelming for new users
- Some features are only available on higher-tier plans
- Webinars and funnels are not in the free plan
- The analytics dashboard can be more intuitive
GetResponse allows you to create sophisticated customer journeys and segment users by behavior, purchase activity, or location. It has one of the most powerful automation builders at this price point. It even has additional features, like pop-ups, forms and webinar tools, which are hard to come by in most email tools. GetResponse is a solid choice for anyone seeking an all-in-one email marketing platform that can function in lieu of several standalone tools. It’s a great alternative for growing businesses looking to automate marketing, sell online, and run campaigns all from one app.
7. Klaviyo
Best for: E-commerce brands that want deep personalization and growth
Free Plan: Up to 250 contacts and 500 emails/month
Klaviyo is an excellent email marketing platform for online stores. It hooks directly into platforms like Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce to track what customers do and send them personalized, sales-boosting emails.
Core Features:
- Email and SMS automation
- Customer segmentation and tagging
- Personalized product recommendations
- Predictive analytics (churn risk, lifetime value)
- Visual flow builder for behavior-based campaigns
- Revenue tracking from email campaigns
Pros:
- Revenue-focused platform for DTC brands
- Easy-to-build automation flows
- Deep insights into customer behavior
- Native integrations with major e-commerce tools
- Built-in SMS marketing included
Cons:
- The free plan is very limited in sends
- Pricing rises quickly as the contact list grows
- Not ideal for non-e-commerce businesses
- Learning curve for data-heavy features
Klaviyo enables e-commerce shops to forge connections with customers through data-driven communications. The emails can be triggered based on shopping behaviors like cart abandonment, viewed products, or past purchases. With real-time accuracy, your emails are always on time and up to date. If you’re an e-commerce business that wants real results, Klaviyo is the top email marketing tool out there. It’s used by fast-growth brands to deliver smart, personalized messages that help drive sales. So if you run an online shop and you care about your customer data, this one is for you.
8. ActiveCampaign
Best for: Businesses focused on automation and CRM integration
Free Plan: None, but a 14-day free trial is available
ActiveCampaign is a market leader in marketing automation. It integrates email, sales automation, CRM, and SMS capabilities to become one of the most powerful email marketing platforms available.
Core Features:
- Visual workflow builder
- Conditional email logic (if/then paths)
- Built-in CRM and pipeline tracking
- Advanced segmentation and scoring
- SMS and dynamic content support
- Deep integrations with 900+ apps
Pros:
- Enterprise-grade automation at small business pricing
- Customizable workflows
- Smart contact scoring and CRM syncing
- Supports multichannel campaigns (email + SMS)
- Starting price around $15–$19/month
Cons:
- No free plan
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
- Requires setup time to unlock full value
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans
ActiveCampaign is for you if you genuinely want to create intelligent, automated journeys from lead generation to customer reactivation. Also, it offers detailed event tracking, abandoned cart emails, product recommendations, and a lot more. ActiveCampaign is oriented towards teams that want automation and growth. It is a compelling option if you’re prepared to step above simple email and put into action savvy, triggered campaigns that convert leads into customers.
9. Omnisend
Best for: Online stores that want email, SMS, and push in one tool
Free Plan: 250 contacts and 500 monthly emails
Omnisend is an e-commerce specific tool. It allows you to run email marketing, SMS, and push notification campaigns from one dashboard, making it the ideal platform to coordinate all customer touchpoints.
Core Features:
- Email, SMS, and push notification automation
- Ready-made templates (cart recovery, product drops)
- Coupon codes and product pickers
- Drag-and-drop editor
- E-commerce platform integrations (Shopify, BigCommerce)
Pros:
- Omnichannel messaging in one tool
- Designed for Shopify and other stores
- Helpful pre-built automation workflows
- Transparent sales reporting
- Affordable standard plan (~$16/month)
Cons:
- Free plan has low contact/email limits
- Focused mostly on e-commerce
- CRM and advanced segmentation are limited
- Some features require higher tiers
Omnisend is the best when you want your emails, texts and pop-ups to function as one if you run an online shop. It’s targeted, cost-effective, and designed for e-commerce teams who want to do more than send out newsletters.
10. Moosend
Best for: Budget-conscious businesses who still want automation power
Free Plan: No free tier, but a 30-day free trial is available
Moosend is an affordable, user-friendly email marketing platform that doesn’t skimp on features. It’s great for those looking for automation, landing pages, and analytics without the hefty price tag.
Core Features:
- Email and landing page builder
- Automation flows with triggers and conditions
- A/B testing and analytics
- Real-time reporting
- AI-based product suggestions and send-time optimization
- Unlimited emails, even on low-tier plans
Pros:
- Affordable pricing (starting around $9/month)
- Unlimited emails, even on the starter plan
- Beginner-friendly dashboard
- Pre-built automation templates
- Strong customer support
Cons:
- No forever-free plan
- Smaller template library
- Fewer direct integrations
- Lighter CRM and segmentation tools
Moosend’s drag-and-drop builder is basic, and its automation tools are phenomenal for the cost. It also has lead capture forms and integrates with major platforms through Zapier or direct APIs. Moosend is invaluable for smaller teams and creators looking for professional-grade tools without paying the price of Mailchimp or ActiveCampaign. Anyone looking to get serious about automation and have their sights on great value should turn to Moosend.
Conclusion
The best email marketing platform for you ultimately comes down to your goals, list size, and budget. From free tools to powerful paid solutions, there is a tested and true option for every business. Evaluate usability, core features, and scalability through free trials.
Choose tools that match your strategy and don’t end up paying for features you won’t use. A good email marketing solution makes campaigns easier while also increasing engagement and facilitating growth.
No matter what your business niche is, if you are a small business with an e-commerce brand, a suitable platform will allow you to reach out to your audience. If you are a small business or an online store, one of these tools will be just right for you.
Happy Emailing!