Email marketing continues to deliver outstanding results, with average ROI reaching $36 for every $1 spent. Free email marketing services allow businesses of all sizes to start building relationships, testing campaigns, and learning automation without financial risk. In this guide, we break down the 18 best free email marketing services for 2025, covering their free plan features, strengths, and limitations. Each section includes a “Learn more” note pointing to in-depth analyses for those who want deeper comparisons.
Quick comparison of the 18 free email marketing services
ProviderFree ContactsFree Sends (Monthly)Notable StrengthBest ForMailsoftlyStarter tierFlexibleAI templates, onboarding supportSmall businesses testing AIMailchimp5001,000Easy editor, popular brandBeginnersConstant ContactTrial onlyTrial onlyEvent marketing toolsShort-term testingBrevo (Sendinblue)Unlimited300 per dayTransactional sendingE-commerce storesMoosendTrial onlyTrial onlyAdvanced automationSMBs testing automationOmnisend250500E-commerce with SMSShopify/WooCommerce usersMailerLite1,00012,000Clean design, simple automationBloggers and creatorsBenchmark Email5003,500Multilingual platformGlobal businessesZoho Campaigns2,0006,000CRM integrationZoho ecosystem usersHubSpotCRM-linked2,000All-in-one CRM + marketingBusinesses needing CRM tie-inGetResponse Free500UnlimitedLanding page builderLead generationSendPulse50015,000Omnichannel featuresMulti-channel small businessesConvertKit Free1,000UnlimitedCreator-focused automationBloggers and creatorsMailjetUnlimited6,000 (200/day cap)Team collaborationTeams managing campaignsAWeber Free5003,000Landing pages + automationFreelancers and SMBsStripo FreeN/A4 exports/monthAdvanced email designTemplate creationCleverReach2501,000GDPR-compliantEuropean businessesEmailOctopus2,50010,000Amazon SES backboneAffordable scalability
Mailsoftly
Mailsoftly is designed for businesses that want to combine email and marketing automation from the very start. Its free plan gives small teams the chance to experiment with AI-driven template creation and multi-channel campaigns. Unlike many competitors, Mailsoftly provides free onboarding assistance, which can make a big difference for teams who are new to email automation.
The platform includes features like contact segmentation, SMS and WhatsApp messaging, and deliverability-focused tools. These are not always present in free tiers elsewhere, making Mailsoftly appealing for businesses that expect to grow into multi-channel marketing.
The limitation of the free plan is the contact and email cap, which is flexible but smaller compared to some competitors. However, the strength lies in the scalability and AI personalization available even in entry tiers.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp is often the first name people think of when it comes to email marketing. Its free plan provides 500 contacts and 1,000 monthly sends. For new marketers, the drag-and-drop editor and wide range of templates make campaign creation straightforward. Mailchimp also offers integrations with countless apps, including e-commerce platforms, CRMs, and analytics tools.
The platform has become less generous over time, shifting more features into paid tiers. For example, advanced automation and A/B testing are not included in the free plan. Businesses may quickly feel the need to upgrade, especially if they want segmentation or analytics beyond the basics.
Still, Mailchimp’s brand recognition, tutorials, and beginner-friendly interface make it a top choice for businesses starting from scratch. The free plan works best for businesses that need simple campaigns with low volume.
Learn more: Mailchimp Alternatives
Constant Contact
Constant Contact is best known for its strong customer support and focus on small business needs. Instead of a permanent free plan, it offers a 30-day free trial. This model is useful for businesses that want to test email marketing software before committing, especially nonprofits and event-driven organizations.
Its features include event registration tools, integrations with donation platforms, and a library of templates. Many small businesses find its onboarding process straightforward, with guided steps for campaign creation.
The drawback is clear: there is no free forever plan. After 30 days, users must upgrade to continue. For those who need a long-term free solution, Constant Contact will not fit. But for businesses who want to test advanced features in a real environment before paying, the trial can be valuable.
Learn more: Constant Contact Alternatives
Brevo (Sendinblue)
Brevo, formerly known as Sendinblue, offers one of the most flexible free plans. It allows unlimited contacts, which means businesses can import large lists without restriction. The main limit is daily sending: 300 emails per day. For businesses that prefer steady, daily outreach rather than one-off blasts, this works well.
The platform is strong in transactional email and e-commerce integrations. Shopify and WooCommerce stores often use Brevo for order confirmations, shipping updates, and promotional campaigns. Its CRM-like features also make it useful for managing customer data.
On the downside, businesses that need to send campaigns in bulk may find the daily cap restrictive. Upgrading removes this bottleneck, but until then, Brevo is best for small online stores and startups that want flexible list management.
Learn more: Brevo Alternatives
Moosend
Moosend provides a 30-day free trial rather than a free forever plan, but its trial demonstrates powerful automation features. The platform is known for its intuitive automation workflows, which let users build journeys based on subscriber behavior.
During the trial, users can test segmentation, personalization, and advanced reporting. It also provides access to templates and landing page tools. Moosend positions itself as a lower-cost competitor to some of the bigger platforms while still offering enterprise-level features.
After the trial, businesses must upgrade, but the pricing is affordable compared to many. This makes Moosend a smart test option for SMBs who are serious about automation and plan to invest once they see results.
Learn more: Moosend Alternatives
Omnisend
Omnisend is designed for e-commerce businesses, and its free plan reflects that focus. It provides 250 contacts and 500 monthly emails. Additionally, users get 60 free SMS credits, which is rare among competitors.
The platform includes pre-built workflows for cart abandonment, welcome series, and product recommendations. Shopify and WooCommerce integrations are especially strong, making Omnisend a top choice for online retailers.
The limitations are in scale: the free tier is very restrictive on contacts and sends. However, the inclusion of SMS credits makes it attractive for businesses that want to test multi-channel marketing early.
Learn more: Omnisend Alternatives
MailerLite
MailerLite consistently ranks as one of the most generous free platforms. Its plan includes 1,000 subscribers and 12,000 monthly emails, which is significantly higher than many competitors.
The platform is praised for its clean design and easy-to-use editor. It also includes basic automation and landing page creation in the free tier, making it suitable for bloggers, creators, and small businesses.
The main drawback is that some advanced features, like A/B testing and premium templates, are locked to paid plans. Still, the value of MailerLite’s free plan makes it a top recommendation for those who want room to grow without immediate costs.
Learn more: MailerLite Alternatives
Benchmark Email
Benchmark Email offers a free plan with 500 contacts and 3,500 monthly emails. Its standout feature is multilingual support, making it popular with businesses that operate across different regions and languages.
The platform is easy to use, with drag-and-drop campaign creation and basic automation tools. It’s a solid choice for businesses that want to send simple newsletters without a steep learning curve.
On the downside, more advanced automation and reporting are reserved for paid plans. The free version is best suited to small businesses and nonprofits that want simple outreach tools.
Learn more: Benchmark Alternatives
Zoho Campaigns
Zoho Campaigns integrates seamlessly with Zoho CRM, making it a natural fit for businesses already invested in the Zoho ecosystem. Its free plan covers 2,000 contacts and 6,000 monthly emails.
The integration with CRM data is its strongest advantage, as it enables more targeted campaigns than many free competitors. For businesses already using Zoho apps, this creates efficiency and consistency.
However, for businesses outside the Zoho environment, the platform may feel less intuitive. It’s best for companies that want marketing and customer data in one place.
Learn more: Zoho Campaigns Alternatives
HubSpot Email Marketing
HubSpot is best known as an all-in-one CRM and marketing automation platform, and its free plan reflects that positioning. Users get 2,000 monthly emails connected directly to HubSpot’s free CRM. This integration is powerful, as it allows you to manage leads, track interactions, and send targeted campaigns from one system.
The free email marketing tool includes templates, a drag-and-drop editor, and simple automation. It’s especially attractive for businesses that want to centralize their marketing and sales data without juggling multiple platforms.
The downside is that HubSpot’s free plan is a stepping stone — advanced features like workflow automation, A/B testing, and analytics are reserved for paid tiers. For businesses committed to HubSpot’s ecosystem, though, the free plan is a great way to start.
Learn more: HubSpot Alternatives
GetResponse Free
GetResponse Free stands out by offering unlimited monthly sends, even in the free plan. However, it caps users at 500 contacts. For businesses that work with small but highly engaged lists, this is a significant advantage.
The platform includes a strong landing page builder, which is valuable for lead generation. It also provides basic templates and signup forms, allowing new users to quickly create campaigns and capture leads.
The limitation is the low contact cap, which may require an upgrade sooner than expected. Still, for businesses focused on quality over quantity, GetResponse Free is a compelling entry point.
Learn more: GetResponse Alternatives
SendPulse
SendPulse offers a unique free plan by combining email with SMS and web push notifications. It supports 500 contacts with up to 15,000 monthly emails, which is generous compared to many competitors.
The platform’s strength lies in its multi-channel approach. Even at the free level, businesses can test out how email, SMS, and push notifications work together to engage customers. The user interface is straightforward, making it accessible for small businesses.
The drawback is that advanced automation features are limited in the free plan. However, for businesses wanting to test omnichannel communication, SendPulse is an excellent option.
Learn more: SendPulse Alternatives
ConvertKit Free
ConvertKit is tailored for creators such as bloggers, YouTubers, and online educators. Its free plan includes up to 1,000 subscribers and unlimited emails. Unlike many free tiers, it also supports automation workflows and tagging.
The focus on creators means features like landing pages, signup forms, and content upgrades are central. This makes ConvertKit especially appealing for those building personal brands or monetizing content.
The trade-off is that advanced integrations and premium support require upgrading. However, for individual creators and freelancers, ConvertKit’s free plan provides more flexibility than most competitors.
Learn more: ConvertKit Alternatives
Mailjet
Mailjet is known for its team collaboration features. Its free plan allows unlimited contacts but caps usage at 200 emails per day (about 6,000 per month). This structure is well-suited for steady, consistent sending rather than bulk campaigns.
Collaboration tools allow multiple team members to edit campaigns simultaneously, making it unique among free platforms. Businesses that need teamwork capabilities often choose Mailjet for this reason.
The daily cap can be frustrating for users who prefer larger, occasional campaigns. Still, for teams that value collaboration and steady email flows, Mailjet is a strong choice.
Learn more: Mailjet Alternatives
AWeber Free
AWeber’s free plan includes 500 contacts and 3,000 monthly emails. It also provides landing pages, signup forms, and basic automation, making it a well-rounded entry option for small businesses.
AWeber has been in the industry for decades and is known for its reliable deliverability and customer support. The free plan is designed to give users a taste of these strengths without requiring immediate investment.
The limitation is that advanced automation, reporting, and integrations are reserved for paid plans. Nonetheless, freelancers and small businesses can run functional campaigns without paying, making AWeber Free a dependable starter tool.
Learn more: AWeber Alternatives
Stripo Free
Stripo is different from most entries on this list because it is not a full email service provider but an email template design platform. Its free plan allows four exports per month, which can be integrated into other email platforms.
The tool provides advanced design options, including interactive elements, AMP emails, and modular templates. For businesses that value professional design, Stripo can elevate the look of campaigns, even if actual sending is handled elsewhere.
The main limitation is obvious: it does not manage contacts or send emails directly. Instead, it complements ESPs by providing better templates. For businesses with design-heavy campaigns, Stripo Free is a helpful add-on.
Learn more: Stripo Alternatives
CleverReach
CleverReach offers a free plan with 250 contacts and 1,000 monthly emails. It has built a reputation in Europe for GDPR compliance and strong data privacy features, which is particularly valuable for EU-based businesses.
The platform provides templates, list management tools, and simple automation. Its focus on compliance makes it attractive to businesses operating under strict data regulations.
The main drawback is the small scale of the free plan, which limits growth potential. However, for very small businesses or startups in Europe, CleverReach is a trustworthy option.
Learn more: CleverReach Alternatives
EmailOctopus
EmailOctopus runs on top of Amazon SES, which helps it keep costs low. Its free plan includes 2,500 subscribers and 10,000 monthly emails, making it one of the most generous options available.
The platform is simple, clean, and designed for affordability. Many startups choose EmailOctopus as a first step because of its scalability and cost-effectiveness.
Limitations include fewer templates and less advanced automation compared to larger platforms. Still, the free tier gives users plenty of room to experiment and grow. For businesses that prioritize scalability and affordability, EmailOctopus Free is hard to beat.
Learn more: EmailOctopus Alternatives
How to choose the right free service
The best free plan depends on your specific goals. For example:
- Creators and bloggers: ConvertKit or MailerLite
- E-commerce stores: Omnisend or Brevo
- Startups wanting scalability: Mailsoftly or EmailOctopus
- Nonprofits and event organizers: Constant Contact trial
- Design-focused teams: Stripo combined with another ESP
Consider how many contacts you need, how often you plan to send, and whether automation or multi-channel support is important.
TL;DR
- Free email marketing services are perfect for startups, creators, and small businesses testing campaigns.
- MailerLite and ConvertKit offer the most generous free plans.
- Brevo and Omnisend are strong e-commerce choices.
- EmailOctopus and Mailsoftly provide scalability for growing businesses.
- Each provider has limitations — choose based on contacts, sends, and features you need most.
Future trends in free email marketing
Free plans are becoming more competitive as providers fight for early adoption. Expect to see:
- More AI-driven personalization in free tiers
- Expanded CRM and e-commerce integrations
- Multi-channel communication as the default
- Greater focus on compliance and deliverability
Businesses benefit as providers continue to improve their free offerings.
FAQ
1. Which free email marketing service is best for beginners?
Mailsoftly is often considered the most beginner-friendly thanks to its simple editor and integrations, though MailerLite also offers generous limits and clean design for those just starting out.
2. Can I send unlimited emails with a free plan?
Very few providers allow unlimited emails on free plans. GetResponse Free and ConvertKit Free offer unlimited sends, but they restrict the number of contacts you can have.
3. Which free service is best for e-commerce businesses?
Omnisend and Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) are strong choices for e-commerce stores. They include pre-built workflows for cart recovery, product recommendations, and even SMS credits.
4. What are the main limitations of free email marketing services?
Common limitations include caps on subscribers or monthly sends, branded footers, fewer templates, and restricted automation. These are meant to encourage upgrades once your business grows.
5. Is Mailsoftly available with a free plan?
Yes. Mailsoftly offers a starter plan suitable for small businesses testing AI-powered personalization, automation, and multi-channel campaigns. It is designed to be flexible and scalable as businesses grow.
Disclaimer
This article was prepared by Mailsoftly using publicly available information from vendor websites as of 2025. If you notice any outdated details or would like to request a correction, please reach out through our contact page.
Author
Didem Kiran
Didem is a Business Development Specialist at Mailsoftly, based in San Ramon, California. She has focused on building partnerships and helping businesses grow with AI-powered email and marketing automation. She enjoys sharing insights on email automation and customer engagement strategies.
