Ever feel like your emails are shouting into the void? Or maybe your inbox is a chaotic mess, and you dream of a simpler way to connect.
We’ve sifted through the digital haystack to bring you the 11 best email newsletter platforms and software that’ll turn your email game from ‘meh’ to ‘magnificent.’
Whether you’re a solopreneur, a growing startup, or an established enterprise, there’s always the perfect email newsletter software waiting to transform your email marketing efforts.
- What Is an Email Newsletter?
- What Makes a “Best” Email Newsletter Software?
- The 11 Best Email Newsletter Platforms & Software
- Choosing the Right Platform for You
- Growing Your Email Subscribers
- HostPapa’s Role in Your Email Marketing Success (Subtle & Value-Driven)
What Is an Email Newsletter?
Before plunging into the best newsletter mailing software choices, let’s first establish what exactly an email newsletter is and why it matters in today’s digital marketing landscape.
Definition & Importance of Email Newsletters
An email newsletter is a regularly scheduled digital publication distributed via email to a list of subscribers who have opted in to receive updates from your business or organization. Unlike one-off promotional emails, newsletters establish consistent communication channels with your audience, building trust and nurturing relationships over time.
Does it really help? Massively, and here are a few great things it accomplishes:
- Builds relationships: Regular communication keeps your brand top-of-mind and establishes you as a trusted resource.
- Generates more traffic: Strategic links drive subscribers to your website, blog, or product pages.
- Establishes authority: Sharing industry insights and expertise positions your brand as a thought leader.
- Retains customers: Keeping existing customers engaged often costs less than acquiring new ones.
- Helps increase conversions: Thoughtfully placed calls to action can guide users to your website, enabling a new customer journey and encouraging sales directly from your newsletter.
The statistics speak for themselves: email marketing generates an average ROI (return on investment of $36-$40 for every $1 spent, making it one of the most cost-effective marketing channels available. And at the heart of successful email marketing? A well-crafted newsletter delivered through reliable email newsletter software.
What Makes a “Best” Email Newsletter Software?
The “best” solution varies depending on your specific needs, budget, and technical expertise. What’s for sure is that not all email marketing software is created equal!
However, certain features distinguish top-tier options from the also-rans.
Essential Features to Look for in Email Marketing Tools
When evaluating email newsletter software, consider these must-have features:
User-Friendly Design Tools
- Drag-and-drop editor: Create professional-looking emails without coding knowledge. The best editors offer intuitive interfaces that make design accessible to everyone, regardless of technical skill level.
- Email templates: Why reinvent the wheel? Quality newsletter mailing software offers a variety of pre-designed, responsive templates that look great on any device. The best platforms offer templates specifically designed for different industries and purposes.
- Customization options: While templates provide a solid foundation, you’ll want the flexibility to incorporate your brand elements, colours, and styling. Look for software that allows deep customization while maintaining user-friendliness.
Growth-Focused Features
- Landing pages: Capture new subscribers through dedicated, optimized landing pages that integrate seamlessly with your email list.
- Signup forms: Attractive, customizable forms are essential for growing your subscriber base. Look for software offering popup, embedded, and floating forms with customization options.
- List management tools: As your subscriber base grows, you’ll need robust tools to organize, segment, and manage your audience effectively.
Advanced Marketing Capabilities
- Automation workflows: Set up triggered email sequences based on subscriber actions, enabling personalized journeys without manual intervention.
- A/B testing: Test different subject lines, content, and designs to optimize performance and continuously improve results.
- Segmentation capabilities: Divide your audience based on demographics, behaviours, or preferences to deliver more relevant content.
- Analytics and reporting: Comprehensive data helps you understand what’s working and what needs improvement.
Integration & Expansion
- SMS options: Some platforms offer text message capabilities alongside email, creating multi-channel communication options.
- eCommerce integration: Connect with your online store to enable product recommendations, abandoned cart recovery, and purchase-triggered emails.
- CRM connectivity: Sync customer data between your email platform and customer relationship management system.
- API access: For more technical users, API access allows custom integrations and advanced functionality.
Practical Considerations
- Deliverability rates: Even the most beautiful email is worthless if it lands in spam folders.
- Pricing structure: Look for transparent pricing that scales reasonably with your growth.
- Customer support: When issues arise, responsive support can save your campaign from disaster.
- Free plan or trial: Test-drive the platform before committing your marketing budget.
Now that we know what makes email newsletter software shine, let’s explore the top 11 options available today.
The 11 Best Email Newsletter Platforms & Software
1. Omnisend
Omnisend has established itself as a powerhouse for eCommerce businesses seeking a complete email marketing solution. Built specifically with online sellers in mind, Omnisend seamlessly integrates with major eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Ecwid.
Ideal for: eCommerce businesses serious about leveraging email marketing to drive sales. Particularly valuable for online stores with multiple products that want to automate personalized recommendations and recovery campaigns.
Key features we noticed:
- Automated workflows triggered by shopping behaviour
- Product picker that pulls directly from your store inventory
- Pre-built automation templates for abandoned carts, welcome series, and order confirmations
- SMS marketing capabilities for online stores
- Interactive email elements like scratch cards and gift boxes (scratch and win)
- Segmentation based on purchase history and browsing behaviour
Pros & cons
Pros:
- eCommerce integrations are unmatched in depth and functionality
- Automation workflows are intuitive yet powerful
- The segmentation options allow for highly targeted campaigns
- Reports provide actionable eCommerce-specific metrics
Cons:
- Non-eCommerce businesses might find some features irrelevant
- The learning curve can be steeper than more basic platforms
- Higher tiers get expensive quickly as your subscriber count grows
- Limited template options compared to design-focused competitors
Pricing overview: There’s a free plan available, while the Pro and Standard solutions are generally affordable for small businesses.
2. Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)
Brevo offers an all-in-one marketing platform that extends beyond email newsletters into SMS, chat, and CRM functionality. This European-based service has gained popularity for its clean interface and competitive pricing structure based on email volume rather than subscriber count.
Ideal for: Small to medium-sized businesses looking for an affordable all-in-one email newsletter solution. Particularly valuable for companies with large contact lists who don’t send frequent campaigns.
Key features include:
- Intuitive email editor with drag-and-drop support
- Advanced automation workflows
- Transactional email capabilities
- SMS integration
- Built-in CRM functionality
- Landing page creation tools
- Facebook ads integration
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Pricing based on email volume, not contacts (great for large lists with infrequent sending)
- Powerful automation capabilities for sophisticated campaigns
- Integrated SMS marketing at competitive rates
- Strong deliverability rates and compliance tools
- AI subject line generator for emails
Cons:
- Template designs aren’t as polished as some competitors
- The interface occasionally feels cluttered with so many features
- Some advanced features require significant technical knowledge
- Customer support response times can be slow on lower-tier plans
Pricing overview: The newsletter software starts for free, while the pricing structure is very affordable for small businesses.
3. Kit.com
Kit.com represents the new wave of creator-focused newsletter platforms. Built specifically for content creators, coaches, and digital product sellers, Kit emphasizes monetization options and clean, distraction-free newsletter delivery.
Ideal for: Content creators, writers, coaches, and digital product sellers looking to monetize their audience directly. Perfect for those prioritizing clean content delivery over complex email marketing features.
Key features include:
- Monetization tools for paid newsletters
- Digital product sales integration
- Minimalist, content-focused templates
- Member-only content options
- Custom domains for branding
- Analytics focused on engagement and revenue
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Purpose-built for creators looking to monetize their expertise
- Clean, reader-friendly email delivery
- Straightforward pricing with no surprise fees
- Excellent deliverability rates
Cons:
- Limited design customization compared to marketing-focused platforms
- Fewer automation capabilities than enterprise solutions
- Not ideal for complex eCommerce needs
- Lacks some advanced segmentation features
Pricing overview: For up to 10,000 subscribers, the platform is free to use. Paid plans can cost more as your subscribers grow, however, it’s at reasonable levels.
4. Mailchimp
The “granddaddy” of email marketing software, Mailchimp, has evolved from a simple email tool to a comprehensive marketing platform. With one of the most recognizable brands in the space, Mailchimp offers a robust feature set that’s continually expanding.
Ideal for: Small businesses and entrepreneurs who prioritize ease of use and want room to grow into more advanced features. Particularly good for those new to email marketing who appreciate extensive learning resources.
Key features include:
- User-friendly email builder with flexible templates and AI-generated content
- Client journey builder with automation and segmentation features
- Content studio for creative asset management
- Behavioural targeting and predictions
- Social media ad integration
- Website and landing page builder
- Postcards and direct mail options
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Intuitive interface that’s beginner-friendly
- Extensive template library covering virtually every industry
- Robust free plan for those just starting out
- Constant feature additions and improvements
Cons:
- Pricing jumps significantly between tiers
- Now counts unsubscribed contacts against your limit
- Advanced features often hide behind higher-priced plans
- It can become expensive quickly as your list grows
Pricing overview: The standard plan is offered for free, while the paid plans come at midrange prices that are more suited for medium-sized businesses.
5. Beehiiv
A relative newcomer to the newsletter scene, Beehiiv has quickly gained popularity among writers and newsletter publishers. Created by former Morning Brew team members, Beehiiv focuses on making newsletter creation and monetization accessible to independent publishers.
Ideal for: Newsletter creators, writers, journalists, and content creators focused on building an audience through newsletter publishing. Especially valuable for those looking to monetize through subscriptions or sponsorships.
Key features include:
- Clean, publication-style templates
- Native referral program tools
- Sponsored content management
- Subscription and monetization options
- Advanced analytics for publishers
- Custom domains and branding
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Purpose-built for newsletter publishers and writers
- Excellent referral program functionality built-in
- Growing community of writers and publishers
- Strong deliverability focus
Cons:
- Less robust marketing automation than enterprise platforms
- Limited eCommerce functionality
- Fewer integration options than established players
- Still building out certain advanced features
Pricing overview: While there is a free tier for up to 2,500 subscribers, pricing can feel heavy for smaller creators. To counter that, the platform comes with easy monetization options and three seats, even on its first paid plan.
6. Drip
Drip positions itself as an “eCommerce Revenue Engine,” focusing specifically on eCommerce email marketing needs. Its features are designed to help online stores (generally B2C businesses) turn casual browsers into loyal, repeat customers through personalized communication.
Ideal for: eCommerce businesses focused on maximizing customer lifetime value through personalized communication and plenty of automations. Particularly valuable for stores with complex product catalogs or subscription models.
Key features include:
- Deep eCommerce integrations with major platforms
- Visual automation builder for customer journeys
- Pre-built playbooks for common eCommerce scenarios
- Revenue attribution reporting
- Product recommendation blocks
- SMS support options
- Behavioural segmentation based on shopping patterns
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Unmatched focus on eCommerce functionality
- Powerful segmentation based on shopping behaviour
- Clean, intuitive visual workflow builder
- Excellent revenue tracking and attribution
Cons:
- Higher starting price point than some competitors
- Can be overkill for simple newsletter needs
- Steeper learning curve for marketing beginners
- Non-eCommerce features lag behind some all-in-one platforms
Pricing overview: Pricing is expensive for small businesses, and the product is more tailored to medium-sized companies that favour it.
7. Curated
Curated takes a different approach to newsletters by focusing on content curation rather than traditional marketing. It’s designed for thought leaders and experts who want to share valuable industry content with their audience in a digestible format.
Ideal for: Industry experts, thought leaders, and organizations looking to establish authority through curated content. Perfect for those who regularly share industry news, resources, and insights with their audience.
Key features include:
- Link collection and organization tools
- Collaborative curation capabilities
- Templated newsletter formats optimized for curated content
- Monetization options for sponsored links and ads
- Analytics focused on content performance
- Subscriber management tools
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Streamlines the process of content curation
- Creates professional-looking digest newsletters with minimal effort
- Excellent for establishing thought leadership
- Built-in monetization options for curators
Cons:
- Limited functionality beyond curation newsletters
- Fewer design customization options than general platforms
- Not suitable for complex marketing automation needs
- Less robust list management than marketing-focused tools
Pricing overview: The free plan is available for up to 1,500 subscribers, while the first paid plan can up the cost quite extensively compared to other options.
8. Flodesk
Flodesk has carved out a niche as the design-forward option in email newsletter software. With an emphasis on beautiful templates and intuitive design tools, Flodesk appeals to creative entrepreneurs and businesses that prioritize aesthetic quality.
Ideal for: Creative entrepreneurs, photographers, interior designers, and brands where visual presentation is paramount. Particularly valuable for those intimidated by technical marketing tools but who still want professional results.
Key features include:
- Gorgeous, customizable email templates
- Intuitive, design-focused interface
- Unlimited subscribers on all plans
- Workflow automation capabilities on paid plans
- Form and landing page creation
- Segment-based sending
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Most aesthetically pleasing templates in the industry
- Flat-rate pricing, regardless of subscriber count
- Extremely intuitive for design-minded users
- No complex features to navigate around
Cons:
- Limited advanced marketing automation capabilities
- Fewer integration options than larger platforms
- Reporting features are less robust than data-focused alternatives
- Lacks some advanced segmentation capabilities
Pricing overview: It starts as a free option with limited capabilities but without a subscriber limit, while paid plans can get expensive for small businesses.
9. MailerLite
MailerLite lives up to its name by offering a streamlined, lightweight approach to email marketing without sacrificing essential functionality. Known for its clean interface and affordable pricing, MailerLite has built a loyal following among small businesses and solopreneurs.
Ideal for: Small businesses, bloggers, and startups looking for an affordable yet capable email marketing solution. Particularly good for those who value simplicity and ease of use.
Key features include:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop editor
- Newsletter and campaign automation
- Landing pages, popups and signup forms
- A/B testing capabilities
- Survey creation tools
- Website builder integration
- Detailed subscriber management
Pros & cons
Pros:
- One of the most user-friendly interfaces available
- Excellent value for feature set provided
- Generous free plan for small lists
- Clean, modern email templates
Cons:
- Advanced users may find some limitations in customization
- Approval process for new accounts can delay getting started
- Some advanced features are reserved for higher tiers
- Customer support is limited on free plans
Pricing overview: Really affordable for small businesses with a free plan available that provides up to 12,000 monthly emails from one user seat.
10. GetResponse
GetResponse has evolved from a simple email marketing tool into a comprehensive marketing platform. With a focus on conversion, GetResponse offers tools that span the entire customer journey, from lead generation to sales and beyond.
Ideal for: Growth-focused small to medium businesses looking for an integrated marketing platform for their workflow. Particularly valuable for businesses that incorporate webinars into their marketing strategy.
Key features include:
- Email marketing with responsive design
- Conversion funnels for complete customer journeys
- Webinar hosting capabilities
- Paid ads creator for social media
- Website builder functionality
- Automated sales funnels
- Advanced segmentation and personalization
Pros & cons
Pros:
- All-in-one platform reduces the need for multiple tools
- Strong focus on conversion optimization
- Built-in webinar functionality sets it apart
- Robust automation capabilities
Cons:
- Interface can feel busy with so many features
- Some users report deliverability challenges
- Higher learning curve than simpler platforms
- Template designs are not as contemporary as some competitors
Pricing overview: Flexible and typically midrange pricing, suited for small to medium-sized companies experiencing growth.
11. Moosend
Moosend offers a balance of powerful features and affordability that makes it attractive to businesses on a budget. Acquired by Sitecore in 2021, the Greek startup continues to develop its capabilities while maintaining competitive pricing.
Ideal for: Budget-conscious small businesses and startups looking for capable email marketing without premium pricing. A good option for those who need automation features without enterprise-level complexity.
Key features include:
- Drag-and-drop email editor
- Automation workflows with a visual builder
- eCommerce AI for product recommendations
- Landing page and form builders
- List management and segmentation
- Real-time analytics
- A/B testing functionality
Pros & cons
Pros:
- Very competitive pricing for feature set
- Clean, modern user interface
- Strong automation capabilities for the price point
- Solid deliverability rates
Cons:
- Fewer template options than some competitors
- Limited integration ecosystem compared to larger platforms
- Customer support can be slow during peak hours
- Some advanced features are less robust than dedicated solutions
Pricing overview: A free trial is available for those looking for it, while Pro and higher pricing tiers come at a lower cost than the competition, making Moosend an affordable option for small businesses.
Choosing the Right Platform for You
With so many excellent email newsletter software options available, making the right choice is like choosing which movie to watch. It can take days! Let’s break down the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect platform for your specific needs.
Factors to Consider When Selecting an Email Marketing Tool
- Ease of use: Time is valuable. A complex interface can lead to frustration and wasted effort. So look for an email marketing platform that has an intuitive drag-and-drop editor for creating emails and offers clean and organized dashboards for easy navigation.
- Features: The right features, such as customizable templates, automated workflows for welcome emails, abandoned cart reminders, and other triggered emails, are favoured among marketers.
- Pricing: Costs can vary significantly, and it’s essential to find a platform that fits your budget. You need to find a solution that offers transparent pricing structures and scalable plans for when you need to expand as your business needs change.
- Integration: Functioning seamlessly without altering your existing tools can seriously augment your workflow and boost efficiency among your marketing team. Notable integrations include WooCommerce, Shopify, and CRM platforms like Salesforce and HubSpot.
- Customer support: Consider the level of customer support offered by the email marketing platform. Look for multiple support channels, such as email, chat, and phone, and check if the service is handled professionally by reading online reviews.
Growing Your Email Subscribers
Even the most sophisticated email newsletter software is only as valuable as the quality and size of your subscriber list. For that, you need to set up a plan to get more subscribers to your email customer base.
Let’s explore proven strategies and quick wins for building an engaged audience.
Strategies for Building Your Email List
1. Optimize Signup Forms
- Clarity & value: Highlight benefits and ask for minimal info (email first).
- Strategic placement: Use the homepage, blog ends, landing pages, and pop-ups wisely.
- Mobile-first: Ensure seamless signup on all devices.
2. Offer Irresistible Incentives
- Lead magnets: Deliver valuable resources (guides, templates, reports).
- Exclusive content: Provide subscriber-only perks (early access, discounts).
- Instant gratification: Offer immediate value (discounts, free shipping).
3. Leverage Content Marketing
- Content upgrades: Offer expanded resources within blog posts.
- SEO-driven signups: Integrate forms into high-ranking content.
- Guest expertise: Drive signups via guest blog contributions.
4. Harness Social Media
- Promote incentives: Share lead magnets across platforms.
- Tease exclusives: Highlight subscriber-only content.
- Targeted campaigns: Use social ads for list-building.
- Platform tools: Utilize features like Instagram’s “Swipe Up.”
5. Optimize for Retention
- Set expectations: Clearly state what subscribers will receive.
- Deliver value: Provide immediate benefits in welcome sequences.
- Maintain consistency: Stick to your sending schedule.
- Clean your list: Remove inactive subscribers regularly.
- Focus on quality: Engaged subscribers are more valuable than a large, inactive list.
HostPapa’s Role in Your Email Marketing Success (Subtle & Value-Driven)
While email newsletter software handles the creation and distribution of your email marketing campaigns, reliable web hosting forms the foundation of your entire online presence. There aren’t many ways of securing that other than opting for a high-quality web hosting solution that supports your business.
Witness how quality hosting supports your email marketing efforts:
How Quality Hosting Supports Your Email Marketing:
- Consistent delivery: Reliable server uptime ensures your website and signup forms are always accessible, capturing leads effectively.
- Secure data management: Robust data storage safeguards your subscriber information, building trust and maintaining compliance.
- Technical peace of mind: Responsive customer support addresses any technical hurdles, allowing you to focus on crafting compelling email campaigns.
- Easy integration: Compatibility with popular email newsletter platforms streamlines your workflow, eliminating unnecessary technical complications.
In essence, a dependable web host like HostPapa provides the stability and support needed for your email marketing to thrive, ensuring your efforts reach their intended audience without interruption.
Conclusion
Navigating the landscape of email marketing platforms requires careful consideration. Prioritize features that align with your goals, understand pricing structures, and ensure seamless integrations. Above all, choose a provider that offers robust support.
By making an informed decision, you’ll empower your business with effective email campaigns that not only drive traffic but also cultivate lasting customer relationships and boost your bottom line.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What’s the most crucial factor when choosing an email marketing platform?
Ease of use is often the most vital. A user-friendly interface allows you to create and manage campaigns efficiently, saving time and reducing frustration. However, your specific needs will dictate which factor holds the most weight.
Are free email marketing platforms worth considering?
Free platforms can be a good starting point, especially for small businesses or individuals with limited budgets. However, they often come with limitations in features, subscriber count, and support. Consider your long-term needs before committing to a free plan.
How important is segmentation in email marketing?
Segmentation is crucial. It allows you to target specific groups of subscribers with relevant content, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates.
What integrations should I look for in an email marketing platform?
Look for integrations with your CRM, eCommerce platform (if applicable), and any other tools you use regularly. Well-thought-out integrations streamlines your workflow and improves data accuracy.
How can I ensure my emails don’t end up in the spam folder?
Maintain a clean email list, use a reputable email marketing service, avoid spammy language, and encourage subscribers to add your email address to their contacts. Regularly authenticate your domain and monitor your sender reputation.
What are lead magnets, and why are they important?
Lead magnets are valuable resources offered in exchange for a subscriber’s email address. They attract potential customers by providing something useful, such as e-books, templates, or guides, and help you build your email list.
How often should I clean my email list?
Regularly cleaning your email list (removing inactive subscribers) is essential. Aim to do this at least every 3-6 months to maintain high deliverability and improve engagement rates.
What’s the best way to test email campaigns?
A/B testing is crucial. Test different subject lines, email content, and call-to-action buttons to determine what resonates best with your audience.
