Email Marketing Tools: Top Platforms Compared
Choosing the right email marketing platform is crucial for your email marketing success. With dozens of platforms available, each offering different features, pricing, and capabilities, finding the best fit for your business can be challenging. This comprehensive guide compares the top email marketing platforms to help you make an informed decision.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to switch platforms, this guide covers everything you need to know about email marketing tools and how to choose the right platform for your business.
How to Choose an Email Marketing Platform
Key Factors to Consider
Pricing
- Free tier: Does the platform offer a free tier?
- Monthly cost: What's the monthly cost for your list size?
- Pricing model: Is pricing based on contacts or emails sent?
- Hidden costs: Are there any hidden costs or fees?
Features
- Email campaigns: Can you create and send email campaigns?
- Automation: Does the platform offer email automation?
- Analytics: What analytics and reporting features are available?
- Templates: Are email templates included?
- Integrations: What integrations are available?
Ease of Use
- User interface: Is the interface intuitive and easy to use?
- Learning curve: How long does it take to learn the platform?
- Support: What support options are available?
- Documentation: Is documentation comprehensive?
Scalability
- List size: Can the platform handle your list size?
- Email volume: Can the platform handle your email volume?
- Growth: Can the platform grow with your business?
- Limits: Are there any limits on contacts or emails?
Top Email Marketing Platforms Compared
1. Mailchimp
Overview
Mailchimp is one of the most popular email marketing platforms, known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features.
Pricing
- Free tier: Up to 500 contacts, 1,000 emails/month
- Essentials: From $13/month (500-5,000 contacts)
- Standard: From $20/month (5,000-10,000 contacts)
- Premium: From $350/month (10,000+ contacts)
Features
- Email campaigns: Create and send email campaigns
- Automation: Email automation workflows
- Analytics: Comprehensive analytics and reporting
- Templates: 100+ email templates
- Integrations: 300+ integrations
- Landing pages: Landing page builder
- CRM: Basic CRM features
Pros
- User-friendly: Intuitive interface
- Comprehensive features: Wide range of features
- Free tier: Generous free tier
- Integrations: Extensive integrations
- Support: Good support options
Cons
- Pricing: Can be expensive as you grow
- Limited automation: Limited automation on free tier
- Templates: Templates can be generic
- Support: Support can be slow
Best For
- Small to medium businesses
- Businesses just starting out
- Businesses needing comprehensive features
- Businesses with multiple integrations
2. Constant Contact
Overview
Constant Contact is a popular email marketing platform known for its ease of use and customer support.
Pricing
- Core: From $12/month (up to 500 contacts)
- Plus: From $35/month (up to 1,000 contacts)
- Custom: Custom pricing for larger lists
Features
- Email campaigns: Create and send email campaigns
- Automation: Email automation workflows
- Analytics: Analytics and reporting
- Templates: 100+ email templates
- Integrations: 100+ integrations
- Landing pages: Landing page builder
- Social media: Social media posting
Pros
- Ease of use: Very easy to use
- Support: Excellent customer support
- Templates: High-quality templates
- Training: Comprehensive training resources
- Reliability: Reliable platform
Cons
- Pricing: Can be expensive
- Limited free tier: No free tier
- Features: Fewer features than competitors
- Automation: Limited automation features
Best For
- Small businesses
- Businesses needing support
- Businesses new to email marketing
- Businesses with simple needs
3. HubSpot
Overview
HubSpot is a comprehensive marketing platform that includes email marketing, CRM, and automation.
Pricing
- Free tier: Unlimited contacts
- Starter: From $20/month (1,000 contacts)
- Professional: From $800/month (2,000 contacts)
- Enterprise: From $3,200/month (10,000 contacts)
Features
- Email campaigns: Create and send email campaigns
- Automation: Advanced automation workflows
- Analytics: Comprehensive analytics and reporting
- Templates: Email templates
- Integrations: 1,000+ integrations
- CRM: Full CRM included
- Landing pages: Landing page builder
Pros
- CRM integration: Full CRM integration
- Automation: Advanced automation features
- Analytics: Comprehensive analytics
- Free tier: Generous free tier
- Support: Good support options
Cons
- Pricing: Can be expensive
- Complexity: Can be complex for beginners
- Learning curve: Steep learning curve
- Overkill: May be overkill for simple needs
Best For
- Businesses using HubSpot CRM
- Businesses needing advanced automation
- Businesses with complex marketing needs
- Businesses with larger budgets
4. Sendinblue (Brevo)
Overview
Sendinblue (now Brevo) is a popular email marketing platform known for its free tier and SMS capabilities.
Pricing
- Free tier: Up to 300 emails/day
- Lite: From $25/month (20,000 emails/month)
- Premium: From $65/month (unlimited emails)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Features
- Email campaigns: Create and send email campaigns
- Automation: Email automation workflows
- Analytics: Analytics and reporting
- Templates: Email templates
- Integrations: 100+ integrations
- SMS: SMS marketing included
- Landing pages: Landing page builder
Pros
- Free tier: Generous free tier
- SMS: SMS marketing included
- Pricing: Affordable pricing
- Features: Good feature set
- Support: Good support options
Cons
- Interface: Interface can be clunky
- Templates: Limited templates
- Automation: Limited automation features
- Support: Support can be slow
Best For
- Small to medium businesses
- Businesses on a budget
- Businesses needing SMS marketing
- Businesses with low email volume
5. ConvertKit
Overview
ConvertKit is an email marketing platform designed for creators, bloggers, and online businesses.
Pricing
- Free tier: Up to 1,000 subscribers
- Creator: From $29/month (1,000-3,000 subscribers)
- Creator Pro: From $59/month (3,000-5,000 subscribers)
- Custom: Custom pricing for larger lists
Features
- Email campaigns: Create and send email campaigns
- Automation: Visual automation builder
- Analytics: Analytics and reporting
- Templates: Email templates
- Integrations: 100+ integrations
- Landing pages: Landing page builder
- Forms: Customizable forms
Pros
- Creator-focused: Designed for creators
- Automation: Visual automation builder
- Free tier: Generous free tier
- Forms: Customizable forms
- Support: Good support options
Cons
- Pricing: Can be expensive
- Features: Fewer features than competitors
- Templates: Limited templates
- Design: Design can be basic
Best For
- Creators and bloggers
- Online businesses
- Businesses focused on content
- Businesses needing visual automation
6. ActiveCampaign
Overview
ActiveCampaign is an advanced email marketing platform with powerful automation and CRM features.
Pricing
- Lite: From $29/month (1,000 contacts)
- Plus: From $49/month (1,000 contacts)
- Professional: From $149/month (1,000 contacts)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Features
- Email campaigns: Create and send email campaigns
- Automation: Advanced automation workflows
- Analytics: Comprehensive analytics and reporting
- Templates: Email templates
- Integrations: 900+ integrations
- CRM: Full CRM included
- Landing pages: Landing page builder
Pros
- Automation: Advanced automation features
- CRM: Full CRM included
- Analytics: Comprehensive analytics
- Integrations: Extensive integrations
- Support: Good support options
Cons
- Pricing: Can be expensive
- Complexity: Can be complex for beginners
- Learning curve: Steep learning curve
- No free tier: No free tier
Best For
- Businesses needing advanced automation
- Businesses with complex marketing needs
- Businesses with larger budgets
- Businesses needing CRM integration
7. MailerLite
Overview
MailerLite is a budget-friendly email marketing platform known for its simplicity and affordability.
Pricing
- Free tier: Up to 1,000 subscribers, 12,000 emails/month
- Growing Business: From $10/month (1,000-2,500 subscribers)
- Advanced: From $20/month (2,500-5,000 subscribers)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Features
- Email campaigns: Create and send email campaigns
- Automation: Email automation workflows
- Analytics: Analytics and reporting
- Templates: 100+ email templates
- Integrations: 100+ integrations
- Landing pages: Landing page builder
- Pop-ups: Pop-up builder
Pros
- Affordable: Very affordable pricing
- Free tier: Generous free tier
- Ease of use: Easy to use
- Templates: Good templates
- Support: Good support options
Cons
- Features: Fewer features than competitors
- Automation: Limited automation features
- Integrations: Limited integrations
- Design: Design can be basic
Best For
- Small businesses on a budget
- Businesses just starting out
- Businesses with simple needs
- Businesses needing affordable options
8. Klaviyo
Overview
Klaviyo is an advanced email marketing platform designed for e-commerce businesses.
Pricing
- Free tier: Up to 500 contacts
- Email: From $20/month (500-1,000 contacts)
- Email + SMS: From $45/month (500-1,000 contacts)
- Custom: Custom pricing for larger lists
Features
- Email campaigns: Create and send email campaigns
- Automation: Advanced automation workflows
- Analytics: Comprehensive analytics and reporting
- Templates: Email templates
- Integrations: 300+ integrations
- E-commerce: E-commerce focused features
- SMS: SMS marketing included
Pros
- E-commerce: E-commerce focused features
- Automation: Advanced automation features
- Analytics: Comprehensive analytics
- Integrations: Extensive e-commerce integrations
- Support: Good support options
Cons
- Pricing: Can be expensive
- Complexity: Can be complex for beginners
- E-commerce focus: May not be suitable for non-e-commerce businesses
- Learning curve: Steep learning curve
Best For
- E-commerce businesses
- Businesses needing advanced automation
- Businesses with complex marketing needs
- Businesses with larger budgets
Platform Comparison Summary
Pricing Comparison
Free Tier
- Mailchimp: Up to 500 contacts
- Sendinblue (Brevo): Up to 300 emails/day
- ConvertKit: Up to 1,000 subscribers
- HubSpot: Unlimited contacts
- MailerLite: Up to 1,000 subscribers
- Klaviyo: Up to 500 contacts
Paid Plans (Starting)
- MailerLite: From $10/month
- Constant Contact: From $12/month
- Mailchimp: From $13/month
- HubSpot: From $20/month
- Klaviyo: From $20/month
- Sendinblue (Brevo): From $25/month
- ConvertKit: From $29/month
- ActiveCampaign: From $29/month
Features Comparison
Email Campaigns
- All platforms: Create and send email campaigns
Automation
- Basic automation: Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Sendinblue, MailerLite
- Advanced automation: HubSpot, ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign, Klaviyo
Analytics
- Basic analytics: All platforms
- Advanced analytics: HubSpot, ActiveCampaign, Klaviyo
Templates
- 100+ templates: Mailchimp, Constant Contact, MailerLite
- Limited templates: Sendinblue, ConvertKit, HubSpot, ActiveCampaign, Klaviyo
Integrations
- 100+ integrations: Most platforms
- 300+ integrations: Mailchimp, Klaviyo
- 900+ integrations: ActiveCampaign
- 1,000+ integrations: HubSpot
How to Choose the Right Platform
For Small Businesses
Best Options
- MailerLite: Most affordable, generous free tier
- Mailchimp: User-friendly, comprehensive features
- Sendinblue (Brevo): Free tier, SMS included
- Constant Contact: Easy to use, good support
For Medium Businesses
Best Options
- Mailchimp: Comprehensive features, good integrations
- HubSpot: CRM integration, advanced automation
- ConvertKit: Visual automation, creator-focused
- ActiveCampaign: Advanced automation, CRM included
For Large Businesses
Best Options
- HubSpot: Comprehensive platform, CRM integration
- ActiveCampaign: Advanced automation, CRM included
- Klaviyo: E-commerce focused, advanced automation
- Mailchimp: Comprehensive features, enterprise plans
For E-commerce Businesses
Best Options
- Klaviyo: E-commerce focused, advanced automation
- Mailchimp: Good e-commerce integrations
- ActiveCampaign: Advanced automation, CRM included
- HubSpot: Comprehensive platform, CRM integration
For Creators and Bloggers
Best Options
- ConvertKit: Creator-focused, visual automation
- Mailchimp: User-friendly, comprehensive features
- MailerLite: Affordable, easy to use
- Sendinblue (Brevo): Free tier, SMS included
Technology and Tools for Email Marketing
Email Marketing Platforms
Popular Platforms
- Mailchimp: Email marketing ($13/month)
- Constant Contact: Email marketing ($12/month)
- HubSpot: Email marketing and CRM ($20/month)
- Sendinblue (Brevo): Email marketing ($25/month)
- ConvertKit: Email marketing for creators ($29/month)
- ActiveCampaign: Advanced email marketing ($29/month)
- MailerLite: Budget-friendly email marketing ($10/month)
- Klaviyo: E-commerce email marketing ($20/month)
Design Tools
Design and Graphics
- Canva: Email template design ($12.99/month)
- Adobe Creative Cloud: Professional design ($22.99/month)
- Stripo: Email template builder (free tier available)
- Email on Acid: Email testing (from $74/month)
Analytics Tools
Analytics
- Google Analytics: Website analytics (free)
- Email Analytics: Platform analytics (included with platforms)
- Litmus: Email analytics and testing (from $99/month)
- Campaign Monitor Analytics: Email analytics (included with platform)
Automation Tools
Automation
- Email Automation: Included with email platforms
- Zapier: Workflow automation (from $20/month)
- Make (Integromat): Workflow automation (from $9/month)
- HubSpot Automation: Marketing automation (included with HubSpot)
Customer Support
- ChatRef: AI-powered customer support for email engagement
- Intercom: Customer messaging ($74/month)
- Drift: Conversational marketing (free tier available)
- Zendesk: Customer support platform ($55/month)
Conclusion: Email Marketing Tools for 2025
Choosing the right email marketing platform is essential for your email marketing success. By considering your needs, budget, and goals, you can find the best platform for your business.
Remember: The best platform for you depends on your specific needs, budget, and goals. Start with a free tier if possible, test the platform, and upgrade as you grow.
As you build your email marketing strategy, remember that it's part of a broader digital marketing approach. Whether you're focusing on email marketing fundamentals or exploring email marketing automation, effective email marketing requires a strategic, integrated approach.
For small businesses just getting started, check out our guide on email marketing for small business to learn the fundamentals. And if you're looking to improve your email performance, explore our guide on email marketing best practices.
With the right platform, strategy, and execution, you can build a successful email marketing program and drive real business results. Start with clear goals, choose the right platform, create valuable content, and continuously monitor and optimize based on data and results.