Key Takeaways
- Email marketing delivers 40x ROI compared to social media channels
- Top platforms in 2026: AWeber, MailerLite, Mailchimp, ConvertKit, and ActiveCampaign
- Pricing ranges from free to $300+ per month depending on list size and features
Email marketing remains the most effective digital marketing channel in 2026. Building an owned email list protects your business from algorithm changes on social platforms.
Top Platforms Compared
1. AWeber — Best Overall for Small Business
AWeber has been a trusted email marketing platform since 1998. With a free plan for up to 500 subscribers, drag-and-drop email builder, and industry-leading deliverability, it’s our top pick for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
2. MailerLite — Best Free Plan
MailerLite offers one of the most generous free plans in the industry — up to 1,000 subscribers and 12,000 emails/month at no cost. The clean interface and powerful automation make it ideal for bloggers and creators.
3. Mailchimp
Best all-around for e-commerce. Free up to 500 contacts. $13-$350/month. Intuitive interface perfect for beginners.
4. ConvertKit (Kit)
Best for creators and course sellers. Free up to 10,000 subscribers. $29/month for pro features. Text-focused email templates.
5. ActiveCampaign
Best for advanced automation. From $15/month. Powerful CRM + email automation workflows. Steeper learning curve.
Comparison Table
| Platform | Free Plan | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWeber | 500 subscribers | $12.50/mo | Small Business |
| MailerLite | 1,000 subscribers | $9/mo | Bloggers/Creators |
| Mailchimp | 500 contacts | $13/mo | E-commerce |
| ConvertKit | 10,000 subscribers | $29/mo | Content Creators |
| ActiveCampaign | No | $15/mo | Advanced Users |
FAQ
Which email marketing tool is easiest to use?
AWeber and MailerLite have the most intuitive interfaces, making them ideal for beginners.
What is the best free email marketing tool?
MailerLite offers the best free plan with 1,000 subscribers and 12,000 emails/month. AWeber also has a competitive free tier.
