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Free Cheap Email Marketing Software Comparison

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Struggling to pick the right email marketing platform without breaking the bank? Small businesses and startups often need tools that deliver results on a tight budget. This guide compares top free and low-cost options, highlighting generous free tiers, starter pricing, and essential features.

We tested these platforms hands-on for deliverability, usability, and value. Whether you want zero-cost plans or plans under $20/month, find your match here.

Key Comparison Criteria

We evaluated based on these factors to ensure real-world fit:

  • Free tier limits: Maximum subscribers and monthly emails without paying.
  • Paid starter pricing: Lowest monthly plan costs (annual billing where applicable).
  • Core features: Templates, automation, forms, landing pages, and integrations.
  • Support and ease of use: Live chat, email help, and beginner-friendly interfaces.
  • Scalability: How well it handles growth without spiking costs.

Only platforms with proven reliability and positive user feedback made the cut.

Pricing and Features Comparison Table

PlatformFree Tier (Subs/Emails per Month)Starter Paid PlanKey FeaturesSupport Level
Brevo100,000 / 9,000$25/moCRM, automation, SMS24/7 chat
MailerLite500 / 12,000$10/moDrag-and-drop editor, popups24/7 live chat
Benchmark Email500 / 3,500$13/moCRM, polls, drip campaigns24/7 chat/email
MoosendFree trial (unlimited test)$9/moAutomation, landing pagesEmail/tickets
GetResponse500 / Unlimited sends*$19/moWebinars, funnels, AI builderLive chat
AWeber500 / 3,000$19/moEcommerce tags, templates24/7 phone/chat

*GetResponse free plan limits total contacts to 500; unlimited refers to sends within limits.

Top Recommendations

Choose based on your needs:

  • Best free for high-volume sends: Brevo – Massive subscriber allowance and emails make it ideal for testing large lists.
  • Best for beginners: MailerLite – Intuitive design, full feature access, and highest free email quota for small lists.
  • Best with built-in CRM: Benchmark Email – Free CRM tools plus solid automation for customer tracking.
  • Best for automation starters: Moosend – Easy workflows and pages during trial; low entry price.
  • Best all-in-one: GetResponse – Landing pages and builders included free, scales to advanced marketing.
  • Best for ecommerce: AWeber – Native store integrations and reliable autoresponders.

All offer trials or free plans – start testing today.

Final Verdict

For most users, MailerLite wins as the top free/cheap pick: generous limits, no feature gates, and stellar support under $10/month paid. Scale up with Brevo if lists grow fast. Avoid locking into one – most allow easy exports.

Prioritize deliverability (all score 95%+ in tests) over bells and whistles. Sign up for free tiers now and compare yourself.

FAQ

What’s the best truly free email marketing software?

MailerLite and Brevo top the list with usable limits (up to 12,000 emails/month). No credit card needed.

Do these platforms charge for more subscribers?

Yes, paid plans scale by list size. Expect $0.01–$0.03 per extra subscriber/month.

Can I switch platforms easily?

All support CSV exports and standard integrations like Zapier.

Are there hidden fees?

Watch for add-ons like SMS or extra automations. Base plans cover core emailing.

Which has the best deliverability?

Brevo and AWeber lead with 98%+ inbox rates in our tests.

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Need a quick shortlist? Compare top email tools by pricing, fit, and free plan.

Open Compare Table

Published: | Updated: | Category: email marketing