Company |
Starting price |
Key features |
Free Version Available |
Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Campaign Monitor
|
$12 per month
|
Drag-and-drop editor, create branded and segmented emails, SMS marketing, automation, reports and analytics
|
No (free trial available)
|
View Now
|
|
MailerLite
|
$10 per month
|
Templates and builders for email, website and landing pages; e-commerce integrations
|
Yes
|
Learn More
|
|
Drip
|
$39 per month
|
Create, customize and segment emails; drag-and-drop workflow builder and automation
|
No (free trial available)
|
Learn More
Read Forbes’ Review |
|
Brevo
|
$9 per month
|
Create and customize email campaigns, SMS and Whatsapp marketing, landing page builder, automation and advanced segmentation
|
Yes
|
Learn More
|
|
Zoho Campaigns
|
$4 per month
|
Segmentation, unlimited emails, drag-and-drop workflows
|
Yes
|
View More
|
|
Mailchimp
|
$13 per month
|
Pre-built email templates, audience segmentation, analytics and reporting, social media posting, automation builder
|
Yes
|
Learn More
|
|
Constant Contact
|
$12 per month
|
Create and schedule emails and landing pages, A/B testing, automation, marketing CRM, SMS marketing, and e-commerce capabilities
|
No (free trial available)
|
Learn More
|
|
GetResponse
|
$19 per month
|
Autoresponders, email and landing page templates, segmentation, e-commerce capabilities
|
Yes
|
Learn More
|
|
ActiveCampaign
|
$15 per month
|
Multi-step automation, email and landing page templates, segmentation, AI automation, CRM, integrations, reporting and analytics
|
No (free trial available)
|
Learn More
|
|
Keap
|
$299 per month
|
Email and text marketing, automation, customer pipeline, CRM, reporting, accept and manage payments
|
No
|
Learn More
|
The 10 Best Email Marketing Tools to Skyrocket Your Sales
Email marketing remains a powerful tool for customer engagement and revenue growth. While personal or company email accounts provide basic functionality, they lack the advanced features needed for effective online marketing and result tracking.
Professional email marketing software offers the solution. This article explores the top 10 email marketing tools, providing insights into their strengths, weaknesses, cost-effectiveness, and feature sets. By understanding these factors, you can make a fast and better decision and select the best tool to elevate your marketing efforts.
Table of Contents
Our Top Picks
$16/month/month
- 250+ beautiful email templates
- Popups, signup forms
- Pre-built workflows and segments
- A/B testing & automation
- Sales & performance reports
- 24/7 customer support
- 250+ beautiful email templates
- Popups, signup forms
- Pre-built workflows and segments
- A/B testing & automation
- Sales & performance reports
- 24/7 customer support
The Best Email Marketing Software of 2024
- Campaign Monitor: Best for Simplicity
- MailerLite: Best for Selling Paid Subscriptions
- Drip: Best for E-Commerce
- Brevo: Best for Marketing Through Other Channels
- Zoho Campaigns: Best Affordable Email Marketing Software
- Mailchimp: Best for All-in-One Marketing
- Constant Contact: Best for Customer Support Options
- GetResponse: Best for Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
- ActiveCampaign: Best for Automated Email Marketing
- Keap: Best for CRM Tools
Omnisend
Original price was: $25.00.$16.00Current price is: $16.00./month
4.3 out of 5 stars (based on 7 reviews)
- A/B testing & automation splits
- re-built workflows and segments
- Sales & performance reports
- 250+ beautiful email templates
- Popups, signup forms & landing pages
- 24/7 live chat & email customer support
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- High-quality newsletter templates and email builder
- User-friendly tools for small and midsize marketers
- Excellent customer support
- Affordable plans
Cons:
- SMS costs can quickly add up
- Comparatively weak analytics and automation
Why We Love It
Omnisend is an affordable, full-featured email marketing system that even inexperienced marketers will find simple to use. It has a clean, uncomplicated UI and offers a robust collection of prebuilt templates for email messages and step-by-step automation to get you started. It also integrates with SMS messaging to let you run multi-channel campaigns.
Free Plan
Includes up to 500 emails, 60 SMS, and 500 web pushes per month. It also provides access to email templates, pre-built automation, unlimited segmentation, A/B testing, pop-up and sign-up forms.Standard Plan
Starts at $16 per month and includes 12 times the number of contacts in your list. It also provides access to all Omnisend features, unlimited push notifications, up to 1,000 published product reviews, and chat with live support.Pro Plan
Starts at $59 per month and includes unlimited emails, advanced reporting capabilities, and more SMS options. It also provides priority support from a dedicated customer success manager for all Pro plan users with plans over $400 per month. Omnisend’s features include:- Email, SMS, push notifications,
- WhatsApp, pop-ups, segmentation
- dynamic Facebook and Google ad integrations
- Drag-and-drop builder
- Automation workflows
- A/B testing
- Popups, forms,
- landing pages, teasers,
- Wheel of Fortune
What To Consider
Email marketing novices will appreciate Omnisend’s emphasis on templates for rapid campaign development. It’s also a good choice if you plan to make heavy use of SMS. However, more experienced marketers may notice some limitations. For example, Omnisend’s reporting and analytics capabilities are not as rich as some competing products. Be aware, also, that SMS messaging incurs additional monthly fees that can prove costly depending on the volume you send.
Specifications
Core Features |
Free |
Standard |
Pro |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly send volume | 500 | 12x contacts | Unlimited | |
| Web push notifications | 500 | Unlimited | Unlimited | |
| Email Automation | yes | yes | yes | |
| Pop-up forms | yes | yes | yes | |
| Real-time reporting | no | no | yes | |
| Pre-built E-commerce Workflows | yes | yes | yes | |
| SMS Campaigns | yes | yes | yes | |
| Landing Pages | yes | yes | yes | |
| Sales & Performance Reports | yes | yes | yes | |
| A/B testing | yes | yes | yes |
GetResponse
Original price was: $29.00.$19.00Current price is: $19.00./month
4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 4 reviews)
- E-commerce tracking
- Unlimited newsletters
- Abandoned cart recovery
- AI recommendations
- Email marketing automation
- 30 days free trial
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- 24/7 live chat support for all tiers
- Onboarding session for all tiers
- Tools available to convert customers and increase sales
Cons:
- Limited e-commerce tools for lower tiers
- SMS marketing only available with Enterprise plan
- No automations with free tier
Why We Love It
A standout feature of GetResponse is its complimentary onboarding or migration support for all paid subscribers. This perk is especially helpful for standard businesses and smaller organizations eager to swiftly establish their online presence.
Additional valuable features include website and landing page creation, integration and API capabilities, and automation tools. Higher-tier plans unlock e-commerce functionalities such as cart abandonment emails and product recommendations. Event-based workflows cater to businesses aiming to deliver highly personalized content.
Pricing
GetResponse offers strong value for the cost. Unlimited emails, sales funnels, and user-friendly email templates make it a suitable choice for various businesses. The clear-cut pricing tiers, named after the ideal business types, simplify the selection process. While the basic Email Marketing plan at $19 per month is affordable for simple email campaigns, the pricing escalates with the addition of automation. The Marketing Automation plan costs $59 per month, and the E-commerce Marketing plan is priced at $119 per month.
What To Consider
If you’re looking for an email marketing platform with an attractive interface and decent marketing automation features, GetResponse deserves your attention. It also provides prompt 24/7 support via email and chat. Just know that, like most such software, the exact feature set you get will depend on your pricing tier. For GetResponse, many of the best features are reserved for its startlingly expensive top pricing level. If your email marketing needs are more modest, and you have no plans to launch high-volume marketing automation campaigns, you might look elsewhere.
Specifications
Core Features |
Standard |
Essential |
Pro |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly send volume | Start from 1000 | Start from 1000 | Start from 1000 | |
| Dedicated IP address | no | no | yes | |
| Transactional emails | no | yes | yes | |
| E-commerce tracking | no | yes | yes | |
| Email automation | yes | yes | yes | |
| Dedicated IP | no | no | yes | |
| SMS marketing | no | no | yes | |
| Import contacts | yes | yes | yes | |
| Custom-Coded Templates | yes | yes | yes | |
| Dynamic segmentation | yes | yes | yes |
Constant Contact
Original price was: $19.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00./month
4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 4 reviews)
- AI tools for all tiers
- Free email templates
- 30-day refund guarantee
- E-commerce automation templates
- Marketing campaign calendar and builder tool
- Some CRM tools are included for all tiers
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Intuitive and elegant UI
- Wide range of third-party integrations
- Superior email deliverability rate
Cons:
- Templates don’t offer much flexibility
- Relatively expensive if you have thousands of contacts
- Lacks multi-channel automation
Why We Love It
A standout feature of Constant Contact is its comprehensive CRM toolkit, a rarity among competitors. This toolkit empowers businesses to not only market products and services but also foster deeper connections with email subscribers through targeted segmentation based on customer behavior and website interactions.
Depending on the chosen plan, users can access advanced email tools like AI-powered content suggestions and subject line testing. Additionally, robust reporting features, such as heat map engagement analysis, and automation capabilities, including automated email resends to non-openers, are available. Businesses prioritizing granular control over email marketing and sales-driven campaigns will find these features particularly valuable.
Pricing Structure
Constant Contact’s pricing tiers are determined by the number of email contacts and the desired feature set. Overage fees apply for exceeding monthly email limits, making it potentially cost-effective to pay for additional emails rather than waiting until the next billing cycle. The Lite plan starts at $12 per month, the Standard plan at $35 per month, and the Premium plan at $80 per month.
It’s important to note that pricing increases significantly after the initial 500 contacts, which can impact growing businesses. However, the inclusion of powerful CRM tools, a less common feature in email marketing software, may justify the premium pricing.
What To Consider
Companies that are just getting started as e-commerce retailers should find Constant Contact offers the basics of what they need. Its UI is intuitive and elegant, and its integrations make it easy to start working with existing contact lists and plug into e-commerce systems. Be aware, however, that it can be expensive if your contact lists are very long, and competitors do a better job with complex campaigns.
Specifications
Core Features |
Lite |
Standard |
Premium |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly send volume | 10x contacts | 12x contacts | 24x contacts | |
| User seats | 1 | 3 | unlimited | |
| Free templates | yes | yes | yes | |
| AI content generator | yes | yes | yes | |
| Revenue reporting | no | no | yes | |
| Custom segmentation | no | yes | yes | |
| Dynamic content | no | no | yes | |
| Custom Automation | no | no | yes | |
| Custom-Coded Templates | yes | yes | yes | |
| A/B testing | yes | yes | yes |
Mailchimp
Original price was: $19.00.$13.00Current price is: $13.00./month
3.5 out of 5 stars (based on 4 reviews)
- Limited Free Trial
- Unlimited Email
- Image Library
- Survey Tool
- Marketing Automation
- Social Media Integration
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Full marketing hub
- Extremely easy to use
- Convenient email templates and helpful reports
- Improved AI recommendations and automation
- Optional web hosting plans
- Respectable free tier
Cons:
- Lower pricing tiers offer fewer features than before
- Relatively expensive
Why We Love It
As a well-known email marketing platform, Mailchimp offers a range of useful features. All paid plans include A/B testing, pre-designed templates, and the ability to segment your audience. Depending on the plan you choose, you can also access advanced features like AI-powered content generation, automated marketing workflows, and custom reports.
Free Plan: A Good Starting Point
Mailchimp offers a free plan that’s perfect for small businesses or individuals just starting out. While it limits you to 500 contacts and 1,000 emails per month, it’s a great way to explore the platform’s basic features. If you don’t need advanced analytics or A/B testing, the free plan might be all you need.
Pricing: A Closer Look
While Mailchimp’s paid plans might seem a bit more expensive compared to other options, they offer additional features like social media marketing tools. The Essentials plan, starting at $13 per month, is a good choice for small businesses. The Standard plan, priced at $20 per month, provides more advanced features. However, the pricing can increase significantly as your contact list grows, especially compared to other platforms. The Premium plan, priced at $350 per month, is designed for larger businesses with more complex needs.
Customer Support: Reliable Assistance
Mailchimp provides various customer support options. The free plan offers email support for the first 30 days, while paid plans get email and live chat support. Standard and Premium plans also include personalized onboarding to help you get started.
You can reach out to customer support 24/7 via email, and Premium customers have the option of phone support as well. Mailchimp’s online knowledge base is user-friendly, offering a wide range of topics and video tutorials to help you learn and troubleshoot.
What To Consider
If you’re looking for a market-leading email marketing solution, there’s no denying that Mailchimp has long occupied that position. but Mailchimp has a monthly email sending limit. Despite being the priciest option, it offers the most comprehensive feature set.
Specifications
Core Features |
Free |
Essentials |
Standard |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly send volume | 1000 | 50000 | 100000 | |
| User seats | 1 | 3 | 5 | |
| Client Behavioral Targeting | yes | yes | yes | |
| Pop-up forms | yes | yes | yes | |
| Real-time reporting | no | no | yes | |
| Dedicated IP | no | yes | yes | |
| SMS marketing | no | no | yes | |
| Landing Pages | yes | yes | yes | |
| Custom-Coded Templates | yes | yes | yes | |
| A/B testing | yes | yes | yes |
Zoho Campaigns
Original price was: $9.00.$3.00Current price is: $3.00./month
4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 4 reviews)
- Unlimited Emails
- Dynamic Content
- Drag-and-drop workflows
- 14-days Free Trial
- Send-time optimization
- Domain authentication
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Competitive pricing
- Unlimited emails for all paid tiers
- Pay-as-you-go pricing available
Cons:
- Advanced email delivery features only available on higher tiers
- Advanced e-commerce features for higher tiers only
- No 24/7 support
Why We Love It
Zoho Campaigns is one of many business tools offered by Zoho, a company that provides a wide range of software solutions, including CRM and accounting. This email marketing software is designed to be user-friendly, making it an ideal choice for small businesses just starting with their marketing initiatives.
With Zoho Campaigns, you can easily create professional-looking emails using drag-and-drop templates. You can also segment your audience to send targeted messages and automate your workflows to save time. The Professional plan unlocks more advanced features, such as pop-up forms and more precise email scheduling.
Affordable Pricing
Zoho Campaigns offers competitive pricing, especially for small businesses. The pricing structure is straightforward, with two paid tiers and a generous free plan. The Standard plan starts at just $4 per month, while the Professional plan is $6 per month. Even the free plan allows you to send up to 6,000 emails per month to 2,000 contacts and access basic email templates.
What To Consider
While you won’t get 24/7 customer service, you do get more ways to access support compared to competitors. For one, you get live chat and phone support for all paid tiers—other companies only offer these options for their highest-paid tiers. Of course, you can contact the company via email.
Specifications
Core Features |
Free |
Standard |
Professional |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly send volume | 2000 | Unlimited | Unlimited | |
| User seats | 5 | 10 | 20 | |
| Drag-and-drop workflows | no | yes | yes | |
| Pop-up forms | no | no | yes | |
| Dynamic content | no | no | yes | |
| Dedicated IP | no | yes | yes | |
| SMS marketing | no | yes | yes | |
| Segmentation | no | yes | yes | |
| Email Templates | no | yes | yes | |
| Contact scoring and tags | no | no | yes |
Brevo
Original price was: $12.50.$8.00Current price is: $8.00./month
4.4 out of 5 stars (based on 5 reviews)
- All-in-one Marketing Tool
- Email Campaign Automation
- Free Up To 300 Emails A Day
- Drag and Drop Editor
- 50+ Free Email Templates
- Dedicated IP
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Free tier available
- Real-time statistics and advanced segmentation for all tiers
- SMS and WhatsApp marketing are available
Cons:
- Unlimited contacts only for higher tiers
- Brevo’s branding on free and lower tiers
- Landing pages only available on the Business tier and higher
Why We Love It
Brevo offers a standard suite of email marketing features, including a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor, A/B testing capabilities, a landing page builder, and automated marketing workflows. What sets Brevo apart is its unlimited email sending on paid plans, eliminating daily caps. Additionally, it supports SMS and WhatsApp campaigns alongside email, providing a comprehensive marketing solution.
Even small businesses on the free plan can benefit from Brevo’s essential tools. While limited to 300 daily emails, they can still leverage the intuitive drag-and-drop editor to create professional-looking campaigns.
Pricing and Value
Brevo’s pricing starts competitively at $9 per month. However, its tiered pricing structure can become complex, with additional fees for premium features like logo removal, extra landing pages, push notifications, and SMS/WhatsApp marketing. The Business plan, priced at $18 per month, unlocks advanced capabilities such as marketing automation, AI-powered sending, and in-depth analytics.
It’s important to note that the cost can escalate quickly, especially when considering add-ons and fees based on your subscriber count.
Customer Support
Brevo provides standard customer support options, including 24/7 email assistance accessible through your account. Phone support is limited to the highest-tier plan. For self-service options, Brevo offers a comprehensive knowledge base and a community forum where users can seek help from peers.
What To Consider
Brevo starts at $9 per month and while that’s low compared to other competitors, their pricing structure can get confusing. For example, the Free and Starter tier comes with the Brevo logo in all communications and users need to pay an additional monthly fee to take it out. Users must also pay for more landing pages, push notifications, and SMS/WhatsApp marketing capabilities. If you move up to the Business plan for $18 per month, you unlock marketing automation, AI predictive sending, landing pages, A/B testing and advanced statistics.
Specifications
Core Features |
Free |
Starter |
Business |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly send volume | 9000 | customized | customized | |
| Marketing users | 1 | 1 | customized | |
| Landing pages | no | no | yes | |
| SMS & WhatsApp campaigns | yes | yes | yes | |
| Dedicated IP | yes | yes | yes | |
| Automation | no | yes | yes | |
| Dynamic lists | no | yes | yes | |
|
24/7 customer support |
yes | yes | yes | |
| Email tracking | no | yes | yes | |
| Real-time reporting analytics | no | yes | yes |
Drip
Original price was: $59.00.$39.00Current price is: $39.00./month
3.8 out of 5 stars (based on 5 reviews)
- Free Migration
- Automation Email Campaign
- Multiple Platforms Integration
- Customer Data Insight
- 14-days Free Trial
- Unlimited Monthly Email Sends
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Send unlimited monthly emails
- Integrates with e-commerce platforms like Shopify
- Transparent pricing model
Cons:
- No free tier
- Pricing higher than some competitors
- No live chat support for under 6,000 subscribers
Why We Love It
Drip is a powerful marketing automation platform specifically designed to meet the unique needs of e-commerce businesses. With its advanced features like customer segmentation and personalization, you can create highly targeted campaigns that drive sales and boost customer engagement. Seamlessly integrate Drip with your online store and marketing apps like BigCommerce, Shopify, and WooCommerce to streamline your workflow and maximize efficiency.
Streamlined Marketing with Pre-Built Tools
Save time and effort with Drip’s pre-built automated campaigns, email templates, and other tools. Implement strategies like product discounts, abandoned cart reminders, and post-purchase follow-ups to nurture customer relationships and increase revenue.
Comprehensive Insights and Analytics
Gain valuable insights into your marketing performance with Drip’s intuitive analytics dashboard. Track key metrics, analyze campaign results, and make data-driven decisions to optimize your strategies.
Flexible Pricing for E-commerce Growth
Drip offers a single, flexible pricing plan that adapts to your business’s evolving needs. While it may be a bit pricier than some competitors, its exclusive focus on e-commerce ensures you have access to a comprehensive suite of tools to help you grow your online store.
Reliable Customer Support
Drip provides efficient email support during business hours. For larger businesses with 6,000 or more subscribers, live chat support is available for immediate assistance. Additionally, a detailed user manual and API documentation are available to help you troubleshoot any issues independently.
What To Consider
Despite its premium price, Drip does not offer premium-quality support. Instead, it offers email support for all users with 5,000 or less contacts. This is not particularly helpful in instances where users need immediate assistance. In order to get live support, users must have over 5,000 contacts, in which case, they then get live chat support. In our experience, contacting Drip proved a bit tiresome. Its contact form requires users to supply a lot of information, and its response time was not particularly quick to reply.
Specifications
Core Features |
basic |
advanced |
custom |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly send volume | 2500 | 2500 to 150000 | custom | |
| Dynamic segments | yes | yes | yes | |
| sub-accounts | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited | |
| Free Migration | no | yes | yes | |
| workflows | 50 | 50 | 50 | |
| Open API access | yes | yes | yes | |
| Chat and email support | no | yes | yes | |
| Personalized onboarding | no | yes | yes | |
| Onsite campaigns | yes | yes | yes | |
| Drap and drop editor | no | no | no |
MailerLite
Original price was: $19.90.$9.00Current price is: $9.00./month
4.2 out of 5 stars (based on 6 reviews)
- Automate workflows
- Manage campaigns and subscribers
- Free Plan Available
- Drag & drop editor
- Newsletter templates
- AI email generator
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- E-commerce functionalities for all paid plans
- Free version available
- Unlimited websites and landing pages for paid plans
Cons:
- Full access to email automation templates for Advanced and Enterprise tiers
- Indefinite 24/7 live chat support only for Advanced tier
- Custom HTML editor only available on higher tiers
Why We Love It
We selected MailerLite for its versatility. It not only offers standard email marketing features but also empowers digital creators and knowledge-based businesses to set up paid newsletter subscriptions.
Key Features
MailerLite provides the usual suite of email marketing tools, including customizable templates, website builders, and automated workflows. Its unique selling point lies in its ability to facilitate paid newsletter subscriptions without incurring additional service or transaction fees, beyond standard credit card processing charges.
Even if you’re not focused on monetizing your newsletter, MailerLite’s user-friendly interface and robust e-commerce automation capabilities make it a compelling choice.
Pricing
MailerLite offers a free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers, though it has limitations on features and monthly email sends.
For businesses looking to scale their operations, the Growing Business plan at $10/month provides excellent value. It unlocks advanced features like premium templates, landing pages, and increased email send limits, making it ideal for those who want to leverage paid newsletters and e-commerce.
What To Consider
Although you do get 24/7 customer service, the avenue of support you get will differ depending on the tier you’re on. Free users only get support for the first 30 days. If you want more than personalized, you’ll have to upgrade to the Advanced or Enterprise tiers. You can also go the DIY route by looking at MailerLite’s video tutorials and knowledge base.
Specifications
Core Features |
Free |
Growing |
Advanced |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly send volume | 12000 | Unlimited | Unlimited | |
| User seats | 1 | 3 | Unlimited | |
| Customize HTML editor | no | yes | yes | |
| AI writing assistant | no | no | yes | |
| Segmentation tools | yes | yes | yes | |
| Free image gallery | yes | yes | yes | |
| Promotion Pop-up | no | no | yes | |
| Mobile optimization tools | no | yes | yes | |
| Newsletter Template | no | yes | yes | |
| Real-time reporting analytics | yes | yes | yes |
Campaign Monitor
Original price was: $19.00.$12.00Current price is: $12.00./month
4.6 out of 5 stars (based on 7 reviews)
- Complete Customization
- Automation Email Campaign
- Free Email Template
- Dynamic Content
- Countdown Timer
- Design & spam testing
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Simple-to-use interface and templates
- Pay-per-campaign plan available
- Accessible tracking tools
Cons:
- No 24/7 customer support
- SMS marketing only available as an add-on
- No live chat
Why We Love It
Campaign Monitor is a user-friendly platform that’s perfect for businesses looking to quickly and easily create professional marketing emails. Its drag-and-drop editor and wide range of customizable templates make it simple to design stunning emails without any coding knowledge. You can also segment your audience to send targeted campaigns, such as personalized event reminders or promotional offers.
Pricing Structure
Campaign Monitor offers a clear and straightforward pricing model. You can easily calculate your monthly cost based on your chosen plan and the number of subscribers you have. While the pricing is competitive, it may be a bit higher than some other options, especially for small businesses just starting. The three main plans are:
- Lite: $12/month (basic plan price could be changed from time to time)
- Essentials: $29/month
- Premier: $159/month
Customer Support
Campaign Monitor’s customer support options are more limited than some of its competitors. You can submit support tickets through your account, but there’s no 24/7 live chat or phone support. Premier plan users do have access to phone support during business hours.
What To Consider
For those wanting more advanced features like e-commerce and customer relationship management (CRM) capabilities, the cost might be worth it. Campaign Monitor does offer a free trial so that you can see whether the value will offset the costs. With the free trial, you can send emails to up to five recipients.
Specifications
Core Features |
Lite |
Essentials |
Premier |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly send volume | 2500 | Unlimited | Unlimited | |
| Drag-and-drop builder | yes | yes | yes | |
| Customizable template library | yes | yes | yes | |
| Branded templates | yes | yes | yes | |
| Segmentation tools | yes | yes | yes | |
| Free image gallery | yes | yes | yes | |
| Signup forms | yes | yes | yes | |
| Mobile optimization tools | yes | yes | yes | |
| A/B testing | yes | yes | yes | |
| Real-time reporting analytics | yes | yes | yes |
Comparison Chart
Scroll left to see more
How Do We Test
We assessed several leading email marketing platforms based on their pricing and features for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). We rated these options across four feature categories using 26 different criteria, giving more weight to features that small business owners consider essential in a provider.
| Decision Factor | Scoring Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Expert analysis
|
20%
|
Our team of experts ranked the products based on several criteria, including standout features, value, popularity, and ease of use.
|
|
Value
|
35%
|
We considered the monthly subscription plan and the seat or user limit for each tier.
|
|
General Features
|
30%
|
Some features we compared included email send volume, image libraries, social media integrations, marketing automation and A/B testing.
|
|
Additional Features
|
15%
|
Additional features considered include onboarding processes for new users, email tracking, analytics/reporting, SMS marketing, and integration with social media platforms.
|
Others We Liked
What To Consider
Most Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Email Marketing Software?
Email marketing software platforms are built to simplify the process of creating and sending marketing emails to prospects and customers. These platforms offer tools for managing contacts, segmenting audiences, and tracking how recipients engage with your emails. They also support compliance by ensuring that marketing emails are only sent to subscribers who have opted in to receive your communications.
Many email marketing solutions include features like drag-and-drop email editors, landing page builders, and custom form creation for lead generation and workflow automation. These tools enable you to build digital marketing campaigns and generate detailed reports, allowing you to analyze and improve engagement metrics such as open rates and click-through rates.
How To Choose the Best Email Marketing Software
Selecting the ideal email marketing software depends on the needs of your team. Basic email marketing tools enable you to create, send, and track emails, while more advanced platforms offer additional functionality. For greater versatility, look for all-in-one platforms that include tools for building landing pages, setting up web forms, and automating tasks.
Key factors to consider when choosing a platform:
- Send Volume: Do the email limits and pricing align with your anticipated email volume and budget?
- Data Migration: Can you easily transfer customer data from an existing platform to a new one?
- Integrations: Does the software integrate with your CRM, online store, and advertising channels, allowing you to use your email list for retargeting and other purposes?
- Design: Are the templates and customization options suitable for your brand? Do the included themes meet your requirements?
- Ease of Use: Is the platform user-friendly, allowing you to create, send emails, and set up automation without needing additional expertise?
- Customization and Branding: How much control do you have over email appearance? Does the platform provide flexibility without displaying its logo on your emails?
- Contact Limits: Consider your subscriber count, as pricing often depends on the number of contacts. Does the plan offer good value for the features you need?
- Marketing Features: Will you make full use of the platform’s features, and will they enhance your marketing efforts?
Essential Features for Email Marketing Software
Not all email marketing tools provide the same capabilities. Look for these core features:
- Email Creation and Contact Management: Ensure the software enables you to create targeted emails and segment your audience to personalize messaging.
- Design Tools and Templates: Choose between drag-and-drop editors and HTML editors, with templates available to streamline design and boost engagement.
- Reporting and Analytics: Access basic metrics, such as open rates and call-to-action effectiveness, to refine your strategy.
- Customization Options: Depending on your subscription level, you may have access to options for branding, layouts, and email and landing page personalization.
- Automation and AI: Many platforms offer automation, like email series for specific audiences, while some have AI tools to optimize sending times and content quality.
Ease of Use
Select software that’s easy for your team to navigate. Advanced features won’t be beneficial if you can’t fully utilize them. A free trial can help you gauge the platform’s usability for tasks like email scheduling before committing.
Customer Support
Consider the level of support offered. Many companies provide online resources and tutorials, but if you need direct assistance, some platforms offer support through email, live chat, or phone.
Send Limits
Some platforms allow unlimited emails, while others have restrictions with potential fees for exceeding limits. Think about your current and future subscriber count, as well as your desired communication frequency.
How Much Does Email Marketing Software Cost?
| Company | Starting Monthly Price |
|---|---|
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Campaign Monitor
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MailerLite
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Drip
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Brevo
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Zoho Campaigns
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Mailchimp
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Constant Contact
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GetResponse
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ActiveCampaign
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Keap
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Email marketing software varies wildly in price, depending on the level of plan you choose. There are free plans that limit your sends per day or month and low-cost plans that could run you around $5 to $10 per month with similar limitations on sends or the size of your contact list. The average cost of email marketing platforms for up to 500 contacts is around $20 per month (based on the Mvstlove review list).
How To Improve Email Marketing Efficiency
Enhancing your email marketing strategy begins with selecting the right tools and using them effectively to meet your business goals. Here are some recommended practices:
- Leverage email marketing tools: Tools like those on our top recommendations list can streamline much of your marketing process by automating email capture and targeted messaging. Many platforms also offer features and integrations, such as landing page creators and CRM compatibility.
- Actively grow your email list: Expand your email list beyond customer interactions. Encourage people to sign up by offering incentives, such as discounts, free trials, or downloadable content.
- Segment your email list by audience intent: Grouping subscribers based on factors like purchase behavior or website activity allows you to deliver more personalized and relevant email content.
- Engage readers consistently: Increase email open and click-through rates by using compelling subject lines, clear calls to action, and optimizing send times.
- Track your email marketing performance: Review campaign metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and bounce rates. This data will highlight what works and guide improvements to your strategy.
- Clean up bounced emails: Expect some emails to bounce. Regularly removing invalid addresses from your list will improve your email deliverability and engagement.
How Can You Make Money with email marketing?
One straightforward approach to generating revenue with email marketing is by sending transactional emails that promote specific products for purchase. Additionally, using past purchase data, you can send reminder emails prompting customers to restock items they’ve previously bought. Promotional emails offering discount codes can further incentivize purchases. You might also use your email newsletters to feature other businesses’ products or services, include upsell opportunities or incorporate sponsored content to drive extra income.
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