Email marketing remains one of the most powerful tools for small businesses. Why? Because it’s personal, direct, measurable, and delivers one of the highest returns on investment (ROI) of any marketing channel — some studies show up to $36 for every $1 spent.
But with so many email marketing tools available, how do you know which one is right for your small business? Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, choosing the right platform can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.
In this blog, we will break down the top 10 email marketing platforms for small businesses, what to look for, and how to choose the best fit for your goals.
Small businesses often have tight budgets and small teams. Email marketing gives you a cost-effective way to:
And unlike social media, your email list is yours — you’re not at the mercy of changing algorithms.
Before you choose a platform, consider these key features:
Let’s dive into the best tools that deliver big results without breaking the bank.
Mailchimp is one of the most popular email marketing platforms for small businesses — and for good reason. It offers an intuitive drag-and-drop builder, pre-designed templates, and basic automation features even on the free plan.
Key Features:
Pros: Easy to use, lots of templates, and great for beginners.
Cons: Prices can increase quickly as your list grows.
Best for: Small businesses, startups, and freelancers.
Constant Contact is another favourite among small business owners, especially for those who want excellent customer support. It’s simple to use, with hundreds of templates and a library of resources to help you succeed.
Key Features:
Pros: Easy learning curve, great phone and chat support.
Cons: No free plan, but they offer a generous 60-day free trial.
Best for: Local businesses, non-profits, and event organisers.
Sendinblue is ideal if you want an affordable tool that goes beyond email. You get email, SMS marketing, and marketing automation in one.
Key Features:
Pros: No subscriber limits — you pay per number of emails sent.
Cons: The free plan caps daily emails at 300.
Best for: Small businesses in the EU, e-commerce shops, and businesses wanting SMS marketing.
Moosend is known for its affordability and straightforward approach. It’s user-friendly and includes advanced features like AI product recommendations, even on lower tiers.
Key Features:
Pros: Generous free trial, simple pricing, and unlimited emails.
Cons: Limited integrations compared to bigger players.
Best for: E-commerce shops and budget-conscious small businesses.
ConvertKit is built with creators in mind. If you’re a blogger, coach, or YouTuber, this platform helps you grow your audience and sell digital products with ease.
Key Features:
Pros: Great for growing a loyal audience and automating funnels.
Cons: More expensive than some beginner options.
Best for: Content creators, coaches, bloggers, and influencers.
GetResponse is more than an email tool — it’s a full-fledged marketing suite. It’s perfect for businesses wanting landing pages, webinars, and funnels under one roof.
Key Features:
Pros: All-in-one solution, affordable plans for what you get.
Cons: Steeper learning curve for beginners.
Best for: Small businesses ready to scale with multiple marketing tools.
AWeber is one of the original email marketing services and still a solid choice for small businesses. It’s easy to set up and includes useful features like AMP emails for interactive content.
Key Features:
Pros: Excellent support and simple for beginners.
Cons: Templates can feel a bit dated.
Best for: Beginners who want great support.
MailerLite combines affordability with powerful features. It has a clean, user-friendly interface that makes creating beautiful emails simple.
Key Features:
Pros: Generous free plan and transparent pricing.
Cons: The Approval process can be strict for new accounts.
Best for: Startups, bloggers, and small businesses on a budget.
Benchmark Email is an underrated gem for small businesses that need simplicity and multi-language support. Its visual email editor is fast and easy to use.
Key Features:
Pros: Clean design, easy-to-use builder, supports multiple languages.
Cons: Fewer advanced features than competitors.
Best for: Small businesses serving international customers.
Drip is designed specifically for e-commerce businesses that want to take customer journeys to the next level. It focuses heavily on personalisation and automation to boost conversions.
Key Features:
Pros: Perfect for online shops and advanced workflows.
Cons: No free plan and more advanced than beginners might need.
Best for: Growing online stores wanting to boost sales.
| Platform | Best For | Free Plan | Notable Feature |
| Mailchimp | All-rounder | ✅ | CRM & landing pages |
| Constant Contact | Beginners | ❌ (60-day trial) | Event marketing |
| Sendinblue | Email + SMS | ✅ | SMS campaigns |
| Moosend | Budget e-commerce | ✅ | AI product recommendations |
| ConvertKit | Creators | ✅ | Visual automations |
| GetResponse | Scaling businesses | ❌ | Webinars & funnels |
| AWeber | Newbies | ✅ | 24/7 live support |
| MailerLite | Budget-focused | ✅ | Landing pages & pop-ups |
| Benchmark Email | Global reach | ✅ | Multi-language support |
| Drip | E-commerce | ❌ | Advanced segmentation |
Still not sure which one to pick? Here’s how to narrow it down:
Email marketing is one of the best investments a small business can make — but only if you have the right tools. Whether you want something simple and affordable like MailerLite or a feature-rich powerhouse like GetResponse, there’s a perfect match for every stage of your business journey.
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