If you’ve ever used Mailchimp for your email marketing, you probably know it’s a popular tool — but it’s not the perfect fit for everyone. Whether you’re feeling limited by its pricing, craving more advanced automation, or simply looking for a fresh approach, plenty of other options are worth exploring.
I’ve put together this guide to help you navigate some of the best alternatives to Mailchimp so you can find the right tool for your unique needs and goals. We’ll walk through each alternative, pointing out its strengths and ideal use cases. By the end, you should have a clearer picture of which platform feels right for your business or project.
- Brevo: Best Overall
- Constant Contact: Best for event-based campaigns
- Hostinger: Best budget bundle
- Proton: Best for privacy and security
- ScalaHosting: Best for web hosting with premium email
- ClickFunnels: Best for sales synergy
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Mailchimp Alternatives comparison chart
Starting price
Key features
$9/month
- Free plan available
- Flexible payment options
- GDPR compliance tools
$12/month
- Event management tools
- Social media integration
- Robust contact management
$2.99/month
- Integrated website builder
- Scalable hosting options
- Bundled email hosting
$7.99/month
- End-to-end encryption
- Strict privacy protections
- Secure workspace suite
$4.95/month
- Flexible email tiers
- Scalable infrastructure
- Advanced email tools
$97/month
- Advanced sales funnel tools
- Built-in CRM
- AI-powered tools
Read more: MailerLite vs Mailchimp: Which One Should You Use?
Brevo: Best overall
Pros
- Powerful automation workflows for personalized customer engagement
- Multi-channel messaging including email, SMS, and WhatsApp
- Flexible pay-as-you-go pricing option for varying send volumes
- High deliverability rates and GDPR compliance
- Built-in CRM and landing page tools
Cons
- Some advanced features require higher-tier plans
- Pay-as-you-go pricing can be confusing for beginners
- Enterprise pricing is custom and may be costly for small businesses
Why I chose Brevo
Brevo stands out as the best overall alternative to Mailchimp because it combines advanced automation capabilities with multi-channel communication options in one platform. Unlike providers like Constant Contact that focus solely on email, Brevo lets marketers integrate SMS and WhatsApp campaigns seamlessly. Its flexible pricing — including a pay-as-you-go option — caters well to businesses of all sizes, from startups to enterprises. While Mailchimp offers solid basics, Brevo’s broader feature set and AI-powered tools provide more value for those ready to scale their email marketing efforts.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key feature inclusions |
| Free | $0 | 300 emails/day |
| Starter | $9/month | From 5,000 emails/monthNo daily sending limit |
| Business | $18/month | From 5,000 emails/monthMarketing automationAI predictive sending |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing | Unlimited contactsSub-account management |
Key features
- Email & SMS Marketing: Create campaigns with a drag-and-drop editor, personalize content, and send via email, SMS, or WhatsApp.
- Automation Workflows: Build automated customer journeys triggered by behavior like sign-ups and purchases.
- CRM & Contact Management: Segment and manage contacts with real-time updates inside a built-in CRM.
- Landing Pages & Forms: Design landing pages and signup forms that integrate directly with campaigns.
- Advanced Reporting: Track campaign performance with detailed analytics, including open rates, click maps, and A/B test results.
- Multichannel Integration: Connect campaigns with platforms like Google Ads and Facebook for a cohesive marketing approach.
- Transactional Emails: Send order confirmations and receipts with high deliverability.
- GDPR Compliance: Ensure privacy and data security with built-in GDPR support.
- AI-Powered Tools: Leverage AI to generate content, optimize send times, and enhance customer support.
Constant Contact: Best for event-based campaigns
Pros
- Robust event management tools for seamless planning and promotion
- Extensive library of customizable templates catering to various industries
- Strong customer support with live chat, phone, and email options
- AI-powered content generation and automation workflows
- Social media ad integration for cross-platform marketing
Cons
- Pricing may be higher compared to some competitors
- Limited advanced segmentation features on lower-tier plans
- Some features, like SMS marketing, are add-ons and not included in all plans
Why I chose Constant Contact
Constant Contact excels in providing a comprehensive suite of tools tailored for businesses that prioritize events and community engagement. While lacking broader functionality similar to what’s offered by Brevo or Mailchimp, Constant Contact offers integrated solutions for event promotion, social media advertising, and customer relationship management. Its user-friendly interface and strong customer support also make it an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses looking to enhance their marketing efforts without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Key feature inclusions |
| Lite | From $12/month | Drag-and-drop email editorAI copy generatorEmail templates |
| Standard | From $35/month | Email scheduling and subject line testingAdvanced reporting |
| Premium | From $80/month | Host events, sell products, and take paymentsData import through wide range of integrations |
Note: Pricing varies based on the number of contacts and email sends. Overages may apply. See pricing tiers for details.
Key features
- Email Templates: Access a vast library of professionally designed templates suitable for various occasions and industries.
- Automation Workflows: Set up automated email sequences for welcome messages, follow-ups, and more.
- AI Content Generator: Utilize AI to assist in crafting compelling email content with minimal effort.
- Social Media Advertising: Integrate with Facebook and Instagram to run targeted ad campaigns directly from the platform.
- Contact Segmentation: Organize contacts into lists based on behavior, demographics, and engagement levels.
- SMS Marketing: Reach customers via text messages, with 500 free messages included in the Premium plan.
- Google Ads Integration: Manage and track Google Ads campaigns alongside email marketing efforts.
- Revenue Reporting: Analyze the financial impact of campaigns with detailed revenue tracking and reporting tools.
Hostinger: Best budget bundle
Pros
- Affordable web hosting plus email functionality under one roof
- Generous features, even on entry-level plans
- AI-powered tools for design, writing, and SEO included in Business plan
- Excellent uptime and security features, including free SSL and malware scanning
- Scales easily with options for shared, cloud, and VPS hosting
Cons
- Renewal prices are significantly higher than introductory rates
- Email functionality is basic unless you pay for a dedicated email plan
- E-commerce features limited to 500 products, even on higher-tier plans
Why I chose Hostinger
While Hostinger isn’t a traditional email marketing platform, it earns a spot on this list for small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to bundle their website and email needs into a single, low-cost solution. Compared to dedicated platforms like Brevo or Constant Contact, it’s not as advanced in automation or analytics — but for budget-conscious users focused on getting a site and branded email up and running quickly, it’s hard to beat. The inclusion of AI tools and a drag-and-drop builder makes it even more appealing for DIY marketers.
Pricing
| Plan | Price |
| Premium Website Builder | $2.99/mo (renews $10.99) |
| Business Website Builder | $3.99/mo (renews $13.99) |
| Business Email (add‑on) | From $0.59/month |
Key features
- Integrated Website Builder: Drag-and-drop builder with 150+ templates and AI tools for writing, image generation, SEO, and heatmaps.
- E-Commerce Support: Sell up to 500 products, with support for multiple payment options and zero platform transaction fees.
- Email Hosting Options: Includes 100 basic email mailboxes (1 GB each), with paid business email plans for larger storage and advanced features.
- SSL & Security: Comes with free SSL certificates, malware scanning, Cloudflare-protected nameservers, and a 99.9% uptime guarantee.
- Scalable Hosting Options: Offers shared, WordPress, cloud, and VPS hosting to meet growing business needs.
- Support & Refund Policy: 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Proton: Best for privacy and security
Pros
- End-to-end encryption for email, calendar, and storage
- Based in Switzerland with strict privacy laws and zero-access architecture
- Supports custom domains and multiple addresses per user
- Business suite includes secure VPN, cloud storage, and password manager
- Great fit for nonprofits, activists, and privacy-conscious organizations
Cons
- No traditional email marketing or automation tools
- Pricing is per user, which can get expensive for larger teams
- Limited third-party integrations compared to mainstream ESPs
Why I chose Proton
Proton isn’t your typical email marketing tool — but for organizations where privacy, security, and data sovereignty are top priorities, it’s unmatched. Based in Switzerland and protected by some of the world’s strongest privacy laws, Proton offers fully encrypted email and productivity tools that keep your data away from surveillance and advertisers. It’s especially appealing for nonprofits, advocacy groups, and anyone handling sensitive communications. While it lacks automation and design tools offered by platforms like Brevo or Constant Contact, it delivers unmatched peace of mind for teams who value confidentiality above all else.
Pricing
| Plan | Price (Per User/Month, Annually) | Key feature inclusions |
| Mail Essentials | $7.99 | 15 GB storage per user3 custom email domains |
| Mail Professional | $10.99 | 50 GB storage per user10 custom email domains |
| Business Suite | $14.99 | 1 TB storage per user15 custom email domains |
| Enterprise | Custom | Customizable; designed for large companies, in the public sector, or nonprofits. |
Key features
- End-to-End Encryption: Ensures that only you and your recipients can access message contents — Proton never can.
- Swiss Privacy Protections: Operates under Swiss law, outside U.S. and EU jurisdiction, with a strong legal commitment to privacy.
- Proton Scribe (AI Writing Assistant): Compose and revise emails securely with built-in AI tools across all business plans.
- Secure Workspace Suite: Business Suite includes encrypted cloud storage (Drive), calendar, VPN, and password manager — all seamlessly integrated.
- Custom Domains & User Management: Use your own domain and manage multiple addresses per user with centralized admin tools.
- Easy Migration Tools: The Easy Switch feature simplifies the process of moving email and contacts from other providers.
- Priority Support & Uptime Guarantees: Fast, responsive support included in all paid plans, with the highest SLA on Business Suite and Enterprise.
ScalaHosting: Best for web hosting with premium email
Pros
- All-in-one email hosting with generous storage and mailbox limits
- Four scalable plans — from small teams to enterprise-level — offering competitive prices
- Advanced spam filtering, daily backups, and malware protection
- Choice of user-friendly SPanel or traditional cPanel control panels
- 24/7 live chat support and anytime money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not a dedicated email marketing solution, 3rd party integrations needed
- No native CRM or list segmentation features
- Not beginner-focused for email marketing, setup and management may require more technical knowledge
Why I chose ScalaHosting
Like Hostinger, ScalaHosting isn’t a conventional email marketing platform, but it’s ideal for marketers and small businesses who prefer a premium bundled solution. It offers robust VPS hosting plus powerful email capabilities under one roof, and at prices that aren’t too far outside the bell curve. Mail functionality includes multiple mailboxes, generous storage, advanced security tools, and flexibility in scaling. It’s more capable than Hostinger if you need a web host/email combo, and only slightly pricier.
Pricing
| Plan | Intro Price (36-mo) |
| StartUp | $4.95/mo (renews at $12.95/mo) |
| SmallBiz | $6.95/mo (renews at $15.95/mo) |
| Medium | $9.95/mo (renews at $20.95/mo) |
| Cloud | $14.95/mo (renews at $29.95/mo) |
Key features
- Flexible Email Tiers: Four plans supporting from 10 to unlimited mailboxes and 1 to unlimited domains.
- Robust Security: Advanced spam filtering (SpamAssassin), daily offsite backups, SShield firewall, malware protection, and optional dedicated IP.
- Protocols & Access: Full support for IMAP, POP3, SMTP, and both webmail and desktop clients via SPanel or cPanel.
- Control Panels: SPanel offers a clean, intuitive experience; traditional cPanel is also available for familiarity.
- Deliverability & Management: Includes anti-blacklist protection, branded webmail, SMTP relay, and strong inbox deliverability measures.
- Scalable Infrastructure: Backed by VPS/cloud architecture, easily upgradeable storage, and powerful hosting performance.
- Support & Guarantee: 24/7 live chat support plus an anytime money-back guarantee.
ClickFunnels: Best for sales synergy
Pros
- All-in-one funnel builder: landing pages, sales, membership, and course funnels
- Built-in email marketing, CRM, payment integrations, and AI tools
- Scales team workflows with multiple workspaces and team member support
- Includes training materials (FunnelFlix) and group onboarding calls
- Annual plans offer significant savings compared to monthly pricing
Cons
- High starting price ($81–97/month), with limited team members on entry plan
- Pricing and discount structure (e.g., annual vs monthly) can be confusing
- Best suited for advanced users — steep learning curve for beginners
Why I chose ClickFunnels
ClickFunnels shines for marketers prioritizing building complete sales funnels over standalone email campaigns. Unlike tools such as Brevo or Constant Contact, it unifies funnel creation, email outreach, CRM, payment handling, and course hosting under a single platform. This makes it unique for advanced users ready to move beyond basic email sequences into full conversion-focused customer journeys. Though pricier, it’s perfect for marketers who want to coordinate effectively with their partners on the sales team.
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly price (billed annually) | Key feature inclusions |
| Launch | $97/month | 2 team members10,000 contacts50,000 emails/month |
| Scale | $197/mo | 5 team members75,000 contacts300,000 emails/month |
| Optimize | $297/mo | 10 team members150,000 contacts750,000 emails/month |
| Dominate | $5,997/year | 20 team members400,000 contacts1.2M emails/month |
Key features
- Funnel Builder: Drag-and-drop interface for creating sales funnels, landing pages, membership areas, and upsell/downsell paths.
- Email Marketing & CRM: Built-in email broadcasts, simple automation, contact tagging, and a unified Message Hub.
- Team Collaboration: Multiple workspaces and team member support begin with Scale plan (5 workspaces, 5 users).
- AI Tools: Includes AI content generation (text/voice), with increasing word limits per plan (1M–10M words).
- Payment Integrations: Smart Checkout with built-in payment processing and affiliate tracking (Backpack).
- Membership & Course Hosting: Create and manage online courses and membership portals natively within funnels.
- Analytics & A/B Testing: Track funnel performance and run tests to optimize conversion rates.
- Support & Training: Access FunnelFlix video library, group onboarding, and live support (varies by plan).
What Creators, agencies, and small businesses each need from newsletter tools
Creators
For individual creators — such as bloggers, YouTubers, or podcasters — newsletter tools need to offer simple, easy-to-use interfaces with strong content personalization features. Creators often want to build direct relationships with their audience, so tools that support seamless integration with social media, easy automation, and subscriber segmentation are key. Affordability and scalability also matter as their audiences grow.
Agencies
Agencies managing multiple client accounts require robust multi-user management, white-label options, and detailed analytics. They need advanced automation capabilities and collaboration features to streamline workflows across teams. Security, compliance, and deliverability are especially critical for agencies handling diverse client bases.
Small Businesses
Small businesses look for solutions that balance functionality and cost. Essential features include CRM integration, e-commerce capabilities, and reliable automation workflows to nurture leads and boost sales. User-friendly interfaces and solid customer support help small teams maximize their marketing efforts without a steep learning curve.
Read more: 5 Smarter Constant Contact Alternatives & Competitors for 2025
Top features to look for (and to ignore) in an email and newsletter solution
Features to look for
- Automation and Personalization: Look for flexible automation workflows and dynamic content to engage subscribers effectively.
- Segmentation and Targeting: The ability to segment lists based on behavior, demographics, or purchase history is vital.
- Deliverability: High inbox placement rates ensure your messages reach your audience, not spam folders.
- Integrations: Seamless connections with ecommerce platforms, CRMs, and other marketing tools can save time and boost results.
- Analytics and Reporting: Real-time insights help optimize campaigns and measure ROI.
Features to ignore:
- Overly Complex Drag-and-Drop Editors: Sometimes these add unnecessary complexity — simplicity can be better.
- Unused Social Sharing Features: If your audience doesn’t engage via social media, this feature adds little value.
- Excessive Template Libraries: Too many templates can overwhelm and slow down your workflow.
Most Common Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make When Picking an Email Automation Provider
- Choosing Based on Price Alone: The cheapest option may lack essential features or suffer from poor deliverability.
- Ignoring Scalability: A tool that works for 100 subscribers might not serve you well when your list grows to 10,000+.
- Overlooking Deliverability Rates: Without good inbox placement, even the best emails won’t be seen.
- Not Testing Automation Workflows: Skipping thorough testing can lead to broken sequences or unintended subscriber experiences.
- Neglecting Integration Needs: Make sure your email tool fits smoothly with your existing tech stack from day one.
FAQs
Do I actually need newsletter software?
If you want to grow and engage an audience professionally, yes. Newsletter software offers automation, analytics, and list management that manual methods can’t match.
Can’t I just use Gmail to send newsletters?
Gmail isn’t designed for mass email campaigns and risks your account being flagged as spam. Dedicated tools ensure higher deliverability and compliance with email laws.
How much does a newsletter service cost?
Prices vary widely, from free plans with basic features to premium plans costing $50+ per month for advanced tools. Most vendors offer scalable pricing based on list size and features.
What’s the difference between email marketing and email automation?
Email marketing is the broader strategy of sending emails to promote or engage. Email automation uses triggered workflows to send targeted messages without manual effort.
Can I switch newsletter providers easily?
Yes, most services allow you to export your subscriber list and migrate campaigns, but some manual tweaking is usually needed to adapt templates and automations.
