Choosing the right email marketing tools can define how quickly you grow your audience and convert subscribers into customers. You need software that manages your contact list while providing the automation and design features necessary for professional campaigns. This guide helps you navigate the top platforms available so you can pick the best email marketing tools for your specific business goals.
Which email marketing tools offer the best balance of features and price?
Selecting the right software requires balancing ease of use with powerful automation. The best email marketing tools provide drag-and-drop editors, detailed analytics, and segmenting options that help you send personalized messages. Whether you are a creator, a SaaS founder, or an ecommerce owner, these platforms offer scalable solutions for every stage of your journey.
1. Mailchimp: Is it the best choice for beginners?
Mailchimp remains one of the most recognizable email marketing tools because of its user-friendly interface and extensive template library. You get access to a suite of marketing options, including social media posting and basic CRM features. It is ideal if you are just starting and want a platform that grows alongside your list.
Mailchimp provides a “Creative Assistant” that uses your brand assets to suggest designs. You can set up “Customer Journeys” to automate welcome sequences or abandoned cart reminders. While the free plan has become more limited over time, the platform still integrates with almost every third-party app you might use. You will find it easy to sync with Shopify, WordPress, or Salesforce to keep your data connected.
- Key Features: Drag-and-drop builder, predictive demographics, and content studio.
- Best Use Case: Small businesses and marketing teams needing a general-purpose tool.
- Pricing: Free plan available; paid tiers start around $13 per month.
2. Klaviyo: Why is it the top pick for ecommerce?
Klaviyo stands out among email marketing tools by focusing entirely on data-driven retail growth. You can pull deep insights from your online store to trigger emails based on specific purchase behaviors. It is the gold standard for brands using Shopify or Magento who want to maximize their revenue through precise targeting.
The platform allows you to create highly specific segments, such as “customers who spent over $500 but haven’t bought in 30 days.” You can also send SMS messages alongside your emails to create a multi-channel experience. Klaviyo’s reporting focuses on “Revenue per Recipient,” making it easy to see exactly how much money each campaign generates for your store.
- Key Features: Deep ecommerce integrations, advanced segmentation, and revenue-based reporting.
- Best Use Case: Direct-to-consumer brands and online retailers.
- Pricing: Free for up to 250 contacts; paid plans start at $20 per month.
3. Brevo: Can you get enterprise features on a budget?
Brevo, formerly known as Sendinblue, is one of the most cost-effective email marketing tools for growing teams. Unlike many competitors that charge based on your contact count, Brevo bills you based on the number of emails you send. This makes it perfect if you have a large list but do not send messages every day.
You get more than just email software; Brevo includes SMS marketing, WhatsApp campaigns, and a built-in CRM. Their automation builder is intuitive, allowing you to create workflows for lead scoring and transactional emails. If you need a reliable platform that handles both marketing and technical transactional messages, this is a strong contender.
- Key Features: Transactional email API, SMS/WhatsApp marketing, and unlimited contact storage.
- Best Use Case: Startups and SMBs looking for an all-in-one communication hub.
- Pricing: Free plan allows 300 emails per day; paid plans start at $9 per month.
4. HubSpot: How does it integrate with your CRM?
HubSpot is much more than a simple email marketing tool; it is a full-scale growth platform. You benefit from having your email software directly connected to your CRM, giving you a 360-degree view of every subscriber. This integration ensures that your sales and marketing teams always have the same data.
You can personalize emails using any property stored in your CRM, such as a lead’s industry or their last interaction with your sales team. HubSpot’s “Smart Content” feature lets you show different versions of an email to different audience segments within the same campaign. This level of personalization helps you build stronger relationships with your leads.
- Key Features: CRM integration, A/B testing, and smart content personalization.
- Best Use Case: Mid-sized to large companies focused on inbound marketing and sales alignment.
- Pricing: Free tools available; Marketing Hub plans start at $15 per month.
5. ActiveCampaign: Is it the king of automation?
ActiveCampaign is widely considered one of the most powerful email marketing tools for complex automation. You can build intricate workflows that react to nearly any action a subscriber takes on your website. It is designed for those who want to “set and forget” their marketing while maintaining a highly personal touch.
The platform offers over 800 automation templates to help you get started quickly. You can track site visits, link clicks, and even custom events to trigger specific follow-up sequences. ActiveCampaign also includes a sales CRM with lead scoring, helping you identify which subscribers are most likely to buy so you can focus your efforts where they matter.
- Key Features: Advanced automation builder, site tracking, and lead scoring.
- Best Use Case: Businesses with complex sales funnels and multi-step customer journeys.
- Pricing: Plans start at $15 per month (paid annually).
6. MailerLite: Is simple software better for your business?
MailerLite proves that email marketing tools do not need to be complicated to be effective. You get a clean, modern interface that makes creating beautiful newsletters a fast process. It is highly rated for its deliverability and ease of use, making it a favorite for creators and small businesses.
Despite its simplicity, MailerLite includes advanced features like landing page builders, website creation, and paid newsletter subscriptions. You can use their visual automation builder to create simple drip campaigns or check-out sequences. If you want a tool that stays out of your way and lets you focus on writing content, this is the one to choose.
- Key Features: Drag-and-drop editor, landing page builder, and clean UI.
- Best Use Case: Freelancers, small businesses, and content creators.
- Pricing: Free for up to 1,000 subscribers; paid plans start at $9 per month.
7. GetResponse: Can you build a complete sales funnel?
GetResponse is unique among email marketing tools because it includes a built-in “Conversion Funnel” feature. You can manage your lead magnets, landing pages, and email sequences all in one place. It is a great choice if you sell digital products or run webinars and need a platform that handles the entire sales process.
The platform also offers advanced features like AI-powered email generation and “Perfect Timing,” which sends your messages when subscribers are most likely to open them. Their automation workflows are robust, allowing you to tag and track users based on their interactions with your pages. GetResponse is a solid choice for marketers who want to drive specific sales outcomes.
- Key Features: Conversion funnels, webinar hosting, and AI email generator.
- Best Use Case: Marketers selling products, services, or online courses.
- Pricing: Plans start at $19 per month for 1,000 contacts.
8. Constant Contact: Is it best for local businesses and events?
Constant Contact is one of the oldest and most reliable email marketing tools, particularly for small, local businesses. You get specialized tools for managing events, selling tickets, and collecting RSVPs. It is designed to be approachable for non-marketers who need to send updates to their community quickly.
The platform includes a large library of templates specifically for various industries, from real estate to non-profits. You can also manage your social media posts and run Facebook ads directly from the dashboard. Constant Contact focuses on providing excellent phone support, which is rare in the world of software and can be a life-saver when you are in a rush.
- Key Features: Event management, social media integration, and phone support.
- Best Use Case: Local businesses, non-profits, and event organizers.
- Pricing: Plans start at $12 per month.
9. Kit (Formerly ConvertKit): Why do creators love it?
Kit is built specifically for creators like bloggers, YouTubers, and podcasters. It treats your subscribers as people rather than just list entries, using a tagging system instead of multiple lists. This makes it one of the most flexible email marketing tools for managing a growing audience across different interests.
You can easily set up landing pages to capture leads and use their “Creator Network” to grow your audience through recommendations from other creators. Kit also makes it simple to sell digital products or subscriptions directly through your emails. Their focus on plain-text, high-deliverability emails helps you build a more personal connection with your fans.
- Key Features: Tag-based subscriber management, visual automations, and creator recommendations.
- Best Use Case: Professional bloggers, authors, and digital creators.
- Pricing: Free for up to 10,000 subscribers (limited features); paid plans start at $25 per month.
10. Beehiiv: Is this the best tool for newsletters?
Beehiiv is one of the newest email marketing tools, and it has quickly become a favorite for newsletter-first businesses. It was built by the team behind Morning Brew, so it includes growth features like referral programs and an ad network. It is designed to help you monetize your writing from day one.
The editor is focused on a “writing-first” experience, making it feel more like a blog platform than traditional email software. You get advanced analytics that show you where your subscribers are coming from and how they engage with your content. If your primary goal is to build a massive, profitable newsletter, Beehiiv offers the best tools for the job.
- Key Features: Referral program, ad marketplace, and advanced audience analytics.
- Best Use Case: Newsletter operators and digital publishers.
- Pricing: Free for up to 2,500 subscribers; paid plans start at $39 per month.
11. Omnisend: How does it compete with Klaviyo?
Omnisend is another strong ecommerce-focused option among email marketing tools. It provides a seamless way to combine email, SMS, and push notifications into a single automation workflow. It is particularly popular with Shopify and BigCommerce users who want a slightly more affordable alternative to Klaviyo without losing power.
You can use their “Product Picker” to drag items directly from your store into your emails, which saves you a lot of time. Omnisend also offers pre-built automation templates for every stage of the customer lifecycle, from welcome series to win-back campaigns. Their focus on omnichannel marketing ensures you reach your customers wherever they are most active.
- Key Features: Omnichannel workflows, product picker, and SMS integration.
- Best Use Case: Ecommerce stores looking for high-ROI automation.
- Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $16 per month.
What features should you look for in your email software?
The most important features in email marketing tools are deliverability, ease of use, and automation. You need a platform that ensures your messages land in the inbox, not the spam folder. Look for a drag-and-drop builder that you find intuitive and a pricing model that fits your current list size and sending frequency.
Should you prioritize automation or design?
While beautiful designs help your brand, automation is what actually saves you time and makes you money. Most modern email marketing tools offer a good mix of both. If you are a designer, you might prefer Mailchimp or MailerLite. If you are a data-driven marketer, you will likely value the automation power of ActiveCampaign or Klaviyo more.
How much should you spend on email marketing tools?
Your budget should scale with your business growth. Many email marketing tools offer free tiers that are perfect for your first few hundred subscribers. As your list grows, expect to pay more for advanced segmentation and higher sending limits. Always calculate the potential ROI; a tool that costs $50 a month is a bargain if it helps you generate $500 in sales.
Which tool is best for SaaS companies?
SaaS founders often need email marketing tools that integrate deeply with their product. HubSpot and ActiveCampaign are excellent because they allow you to trigger emails based on how users interact with your software. This helps you reduce churn by sending helpful tips to users who are struggling or trial-ending reminders to those ready to buy.
Which platform works best for small businesses on a budget?
If you are watching every dollar, Brevo and MailerLite are the best email marketing tools to consider. Brevo’s per-email pricing is great for large lists with low frequency, while MailerLite offers one of the most generous free plans. Both provide professional features without the high price tags of enterprise solutions.
What is the best email software for ecommerce stores?
Klaviyo and Omnisend are the clear winners for ecommerce. These email marketing tools are built to handle product data, cart abandonment, and post-purchase follow-ups. They sync directly with your store, making it easy to see exactly how your emails impact your bottom line.
Final Thought
Selecting the right email marketing tools is a foundational step in building your business. You need a platform that fits your current needs but also gives you room to grow. Start by identifying your primary goal—whether it is simple newsletters, complex ecommerce automation, or scaling a creator business—and then use the free trials offered by these platforms to find your perfect match.