The 15 best email newsletter software platforms that will skyrocket your engagement in 2025

Picture this: You've just crafted the perfect newsletter, hit send, and watched your open rates soar to heights that would make most marketers green with envy. But here's the plot twist – the secret isn't just great content; it's choosing the right email newsletter software that acts like a turbo engine for your email marketing campaigns.

With email marketing generating an average ROI of $42 for every $1 spent, choosing the wrong platform is like trying to race a Ferrari with bicycle wheels. The number of sent and received emails per day worldwide increased by 1.5 times from 2017 to 2024 and will continue rising for the next two years, making it crystal clear that email isn't going anywhere – it's getting stronger.

Whether you're a solopreneur launching your first newsletter or a seasoned marketer looking to upgrade your email game, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate through the maze of email newsletter platforms and find your perfect match.

An email newsletter software helps you collect email subscribers, design visually appealing emails, and send them out to your audience. Essentially, it's the engine behind your email marketing efforts. Think of it as your digital marketing Swiss Army knife – it's got all the tools you need in one convenient package.

But here's what makes email newsletters so powerful: they say the best way to make yourself algorithm-proof is to start a newsletter, and it's true! A subscriber list is valuable because you own that direct line of communication with your audience. You're not at the mercy of a social media algorithm deciding who sees your content.

Inside your email marketing software, you can expect to see these key sections: Audiences (a.k.a. Contacts): different segments of your contacts who will receive content personalized to their marketing persona. Campaigns (a.k.a. Newsletters or Broadcasts): you can set up personalized campaigns for each audience.

The best software for newsletter sending always includes the following key features, which are what I focused on in my testing: Segmentation options. If you have a large mailing list, it's useful to be able to divide up how you email people according to their demographic details and their behaviors.

Here's what separates the champions from the wannabes:

Essential Features Table:

Since launching my newsletter in January 2024, I've found beehiiv to be the most intuitive and growth-focused platform available. One of my favorite things about beehiiv is the ease of monetization, whether through ads, paid subscriptions, or partnerships.

What Makes Beehiiv Special:

• Founded by the former Morning Brew team, it absorbed their valuable knowledge and experience

• AI-powered content suggestions for keeping newsletters engaging

• Built-in monetization with subscription models and ad networks

• Unlimited emails, a website builder with custom domain support (a rarely-seen feature in free plans), and the ability to manage multiple newsletters. Its recommendation network is a standout feature, allowing creators to exchange audience recommendations with other newsletters

Pricing:

• Free: Up to 2,500 subscribers with unlimited sends

• Launch: $42/month for up to 10,000 subscribers

• Scale: Starting at $84/month for advanced features

Best For: Content creators and entrepreneurs serious about newsletter monetization

MailerLite is one of the most affordable email software, while still giving you all the email marketing features a small business needs for creating and sending newsletters. One of MailerLite's strengths is how easy it is to use.

Standout Features:

• The email editor also has an AI writing assistant that can write headlines, product descriptions, and even full newsletters

• Pre-formatted content blocks for quick email assembly

• RSS feed integration for automated content

• Advanced segmentation even on free plans

Pricing:

• Free: 12,000 emails/month to 1,000 contacts

• Growing Business: $10/month for 500 contacts

• Advanced: $20/month with additional features

Best For: Small businesses and startups looking for maximum value

Kit was the second email newsletter service I tried after Mailchimp, and I used it from 2021 to 2024. Honestly, it's a solid platform. One thing I love about Kit is how easy it is to use. You don't waste time figuring things out—you just get things done.

Creator-Focused Features:

• Visual automation builder for complex workflows

• Landing pages and signup forms included

• Commerce integrations with Stripe and Shopify

• Audience tagging and segmentation for precise targeting

Pricing:

• Free: Up to 10,000 subscribers with basic features

• Creator: $9/month for up to 300 subscribers

• Creator Pro: $25/month with advanced reporting

Best For: Content creators, bloggers, and online educators

From automation and segmentation to AI tools and unbeatable support, GetResponse offers everything you can expect from a modern newsletter software at a competitive price.

Advanced Features:

• Conversion funnel builder with landing pages

• Webinar hosting capabilities

• Advanced segmentation and personalization

• CRM integration for sales alignment

Pricing:

• Email Marketing: $19/month for 1,000 contacts

• Marketing Automation: $59/month

• Ecommerce Marketing: $119/month

Best For: Businesses wanting an all-in-one marketing solution

Despite recent price increases, Everyone's heard of Mailchimp—it's often the first email marketing tool people try. And there's a reason for that. It's easy to set up, simple to use, and doesn't overwhelm you with complex features. If you're just starting out and need a no-fuss newsletter platform, Mailchimp is still one of the most beginner-friendly options.

Proven Features:

• Multichannel campaigns (email, social media, SMS)

• AI-powered optimization recommendations

• Advanced analytics with detailed reporting

• Extensive integration library

Pricing:

• Free: 500 contacts, 1,000 sends/month

• Essentials: $13/month for basic features

• Standard: $20/month with automation

Best For: Beginners and small businesses wanting brand recognition

Brevo, formerly Sendinblue, is both an email marketing service and SMS software created with simplicity and ease of use in mind. It offers everything you need to develop actionable email newsletters without getting weighed down by complicated settings.

Multichannel Strengths:

• SMS and WhatsApp campaigns alongside email

• Advanced CRM for sales and marketing alignment

• Transactional email capabilities

• Unlimited contacts on all plans

Pricing:

• Free: 300 emails/day

• Starter: $9/month for 500 contacts

• Business: $18/month with advanced features

Best For: Businesses wanting integrated email and SMS marketing

ActiveCampaign stands out for its rich automation features. Advanced segmentation, dynamic content, on-site behavior tracking, lead scoring... it has everything you need to orchestrate personalized and effective marketing campaigns. The platform also includes a comprehensive CRM, allowing you to unify marketing and sales data and create automated workflows for sales tracking. It's the ideal solution for teams looking to combine performance and personalization at scale.

Enterprise-Level Features:

• Predictive sending optimization

• Advanced behavioral triggers

• Lead scoring and qualification

• Deep ecommerce integrations

Pricing:

• Lite: $15/month for 500 contacts

• Plus: $70/month with CRM

• Professional: $187/month for advanced features

Best For: Growing businesses needing sophisticated automation

Constant Contact is excellent for businesses that frequently host events, with tools for error checking and event promotions, despite having an outdated email builder.

Event-Focused Features:

• Event management and promotion tools

• Social media integration

• List management and segmentation

• Extensive template library

Pricing:

• Core: $12/month for 500 contacts

• Plus: $45/month with automation

Best For: Event organizers and local businesses

For me, the stand-out feature of AWeber is newsletter design. There are more than 600 templates to choose from. One of the best selections in any email marketing tool.

Design Advantages:

• 600+ professional templates

• Smart Designer creates branded templates automatically

• Canva integration for custom graphics

• 24/7 live chat support

Pricing:

• Free: 500 subscribers, limited features

• Pro: $12.50/month for 500 contacts

Best For: Small businesses prioritizing design aesthetics

Omnisend is email marketing built for eCommerce, allowing you to build and manage everything from transactional emails to newsletters and automated email flows. The app integrates with popular eCommerce platforms, including Shopify, BigCommerce, Magento, WooCommerce, and Wix. Once you connect your store, Omnisend pulls in key data on your customers and their behavior to help power robust customer segmentation, email automation, and detailed reporting.

Ecommerce Features:

• Pre-built ecommerce segments like "high potential buyers"

• Product recommendation engines

• Cart abandonment automation

• SMS marketing integration

Pricing:

• Free: 250 contacts, 500 emails/month

• Standard: $16/month with automation

• Pro: $59/month for advanced features

Best For: Online stores and ecommerce businesses

HubSpot's Newsletter Builder is best for small businesses and content creators who want to take control of their audience. With this Free Newsletter Builder, they can create delightful email newsletters to keep contacts engaged.

CRM Integration Benefits:

• Free CRM with unlimited contacts

• Lead tracking and scoring

• Landing page builder

• Detailed analytics and reporting

Pricing:

• Free: 2,000 emails/month with basic features

• Starter: $20/month for marketing tools

• Professional: $800/month for advanced features

Best For: Businesses wanting integrated CRM and email marketing

Moosend is great value for money and very user-friendly. Moosend pricing is only $9 a month for 500 contacts and unlimited emails. Which makes it one of the cheapest email marketing tools around.

Value Features:

• Drag-and-drop editor for all content types

• 75+ email templates

• Ecommerce integration with product imports

• Live chat support for all users

Pricing:

• Free: 30-day trial

• Pro: $9/month for 500 contacts

Best For: Budget-conscious businesses wanting full features

Sender is built for businesses that need a reliable, no-BS newsletter platform without burning through their budget. Unlike some tools that charge extra for automation, Sender includes unlimited autoresponders, drip sequences, and transactional emails—even on a free account. This makes it the perfect solution for businesses of all sizes that want to get the most out of their email marketing without breaking the bank.

Free Plan Generosity:

• Unlimited autoresponders on free plan

• Drag-and-drop editor

• Advanced analytics

• AMP email support

Pricing:

• Free: 1,000 subscribers, 12,000 emails/month

• Standard: $8/month for premium features

Best For: Startups wanting premium features for free

Flodesk shines as a user-friendly email marketing platform known for its beautiful email designs. If visually appealing newsletters are a priority and you're just starting, Flodesk offers a great entry point for building your email list and nurturing subscribers without the immediate pressure of paid subscriptions. It's a good option for creatives and small businesses who want their emails to look as good as their brand.

Design-First Approach:

• Instagram-worthy templates

• Flat-rate pricing regardless of subscriber count

• Simple automation workflows

• Mobile-first design

Pricing:

• Pro: $35/month for unlimited subscribers

Best For: Creative professionals and visual brands

Substack is much more than a newsletter platform. A Substack is an all-encompassing publication that accommodates text, video, audio, and video.

Publishing Features:

• Built-in audience discovery

• Paid subscription management

• Community features

• Multi-format content support

Pricing:

• Free: Basic newsletter features

• Pro: 10% of subscription revenue

Best For: Writers and journalists building paid publications

Selecting the right platform isn't just about features – it's about finding the perfect fit for your specific needs, budget, and growth plans. Here's how to make the right choice:

For Content Creators: Choose platforms like Kit or Beehiiv that offer monetization options and creator-focused features.

For Ecommerce: Omnisend or Klaviyo provide deep ecommerce integrations and behavioral targeting.

For B2B Outreach: Consider platforms like Emelia.io that specialize in cold email campaigns and prospecting, or combine your newsletter efforts with dedicated B2B tools for comprehensive outreach strategies.

For Beginners: Mailchimp or MailerLite offer user-friendly interfaces with generous free plans.

it usually depends on your subscribers' list size, the number of emails you want to send, and their frequency. If you have a short list of subscribers and you're just getting started, you're likely to find a good newsletter software that might do it for you free.

Budget-Friendly Champions:

• Free Forever: Kit (10,000 subscribers), HubSpot (2,000 emails/month)

• Best Value: MailerLite ($10/month), Moosend ($9/month)

• Premium Worth It: ActiveCampaign, GetResponse for advanced automation

Must-Have Features Checklist:

✅ Automation Capabilities: Automation has become the standard over the years, and newsletter software without this feature is not worth investing in if you want to scale up your email marketing efforts

✅ Segmentation Power: you can't address all customers, in the same way, using the same marketing message. That's why it is very important to have a segmentation feature that allows you to segment users based on their language and other attributes

✅ Analytics and Reporting: Whether you're planning to monetize your newsletter or not, it's important a tool can help you understand how your email campaigns perform

✅ Mobile Responsiveness: With 70%+ of emails opened on mobile

✅ Deliverability Rates: Look for platforms with 98%+ delivery rates

Choose a platform that can scale with your business. Start with the email newsletter software that feels most like it fits your needs today. Don't worry: when you need more features, you can always upgrade your plan, switch to another app, or keep your original, email newsletter platform alongside a more advanced marketing automation tool.

Segmented email campaigns have a 50% higher CTR than not targeted campaigns. Here's how to segment like a pro:

Behavioral Segmentation:

• Engagement levels: Active vs. inactive subscribers

• Purchase history: Previous buyers vs. prospects

• Content preferences: Topic-based interests

Demographic Segmentation:

• Geographic location for timezone optimization

• Age groups for generational messaging

• Industry for B2B communications

Your email marketing software likely has tools built in to help with automating both segmentation and delivery. For example, tell your email marketing app to filter recipients into people who have subscribed for longer than a week but shorter than a year, and then schedule your "Thanks for joining us this year" email for New Year's Eve at 10 a.m. (because you'll be off work enjoying the holiday!)—and the software will do the rest.

Essential Automation Sequences:

1. Welcome Series: 3-5 emails introducing your brand

2. Nurture Sequence: Educational content for prospects

3. Re-engagement Campaign: Win back inactive subscribers

4. Post-purchase Flow: Upsells and customer success

You can speed up the learning process with A/B testing—these experiments go hand in hand with email marketing because it's so easy to split any list into "A" and "B" groups. AI built into your email marketing software can now help streamline A/B tests, predicting what changes might produce the best outcomes based on historical data and user behavior patterns.

Elements to Test:

• Subject lines (biggest impact)

• Send times and days

• Email design and layout

• Call-to-action buttons

• Content length and tone

When building a comprehensive marketing strategy, your email newsletter software shouldn't exist in isolation. For businesses focusing on B2B outreach, platforms like Emelia.io can complement your newsletter efforts by handling cold email campaigns, prospecting, and LinkedIn outreach while you nurture warm leads through your newsletter platform.

This multi-channel approach ensures you're:

• Acquiring new leads through cold outreach

• Nurturing prospects with valuable newsletter content

• Converting subscribers into customers through targeted campaigns

• Retaining customers with ongoing value delivery

AI for email marketing and machine learning is already helping identify and categorize customer segments – accelerating the process with automation and precision. It's also opening the door to more dynamic and responsive strategies, so you're going to want to make the transition to using it now. AI can analyze vast datasets to predict future behaviors.

Emerging AI Features:

• Predictive send times for maximum engagement

• Content optimization based on recipient preferences

• Subject line generation with high open rates

• Dynamic content personalization at scale

The future belongs to interactive newsletters featuring:

• AMP email technology for in-email experiences

• Gamification elements to boost engagement

• Real-time content updates

• Social integration for viral growth

With over 70% of emails opened on mobile devices, a desktop-only approach is marketing suicide.

make sure you're tracking how people interact with your emails. Measure what they open, what they click on, and what kinds of content get them engaged. Regular list cleaning maintains deliverability and engagement rates.

Find your sweet spot through testing. Most successful newsletters send 1-2 times per week.

you can't address all customers, in the same way, using the same marketing message. Personalization isn't optional – it's essential.

Your email platform provides goldmine data. Use it to optimize every campaign.

A: Kit offers the most generous free plan with up to 10,000 subscribers and unlimited sending. HubSpot provides excellent CRM integration for free, while MailerLite offers the best balance of features and usability on their free plan.

A: Most top-tier platforms (Mailchimp, GetResponse, ActiveCampaign) maintain 98%+ deliverability rates. The key is following best practices: authenticated domains, clean lists, and engaging content that recipients actually want.

A: Yes, most platforms offer free migration services or easy import/export tools. Kit, MailerLite, and GetResponse are particularly migration-friendly with dedicated support teams to help with the transition.

A: Costs vary by subscriber count and features needed. Budget $10-50/month for small businesses (up to 5,000 subscribers), $50-200/month for growing businesses (up to 25,000 subscribers), and $200+/month for enterprise needs.

A: Newsletter software focuses specifically on content publication and subscriber engagement, while email marketing platforms offer broader automation, CRM integration, and sales-focused features. Many modern platforms blend both approaches.

A: Not anymore! Modern platforms like MailerLite, Mailchimp, and Beehiiv offer drag-and-drop editors, pre-built templates, and intuitive interfaces that require zero coding knowledge.

A: Focus on compelling subject lines, sender reputation, send timing optimization, list segmentation, and providing consistent value. A/B testing different approaches will reveal what works best for your audience.

A: Not necessarily. While newsletter platforms excel at nurturing warm audiences, dedicated B2B outreach tools like Emelia.io are better suited for cold email campaigns, prospecting, and LinkedIn outreach due to their specialized features for cold outreach compliance and deliverability.

Choosing the right email newsletter software isn't just about features and pricing – it's about finding a platform that grows with your business and helps you build genuine relationships with your audience. Whether you're just starting out with a free plan or ready to invest in advanced automation, the platforms in this guide offer proven solutions for every need and budget.

Remember, the best email newsletter software is the one you'll actually use consistently. Start with your current needs, test thoroughly, and don't be afraid to evolve as your business grows. Your audience is waiting – now you have the tools to reach them effectively.

Ready to take your email marketing to the next level? Pick a platform from this list, sign up for their free trial, and start building those crucial customer relationships today. Your future self (and your revenue) will thank you.