Cut through the noise. These are the email tools we’d pick today—matched to your needs, with quick verdicts and transparent criteria.
If you’re a creator—writer, YouTuber, coach, or indie app maker—you don’t need another bloated “Top 25” list. You need the right tool for your situation: a fast way to ship newsletters, nurture fans, and sell without wrangling clunky software.
We tested leading email platforms across pricing, deliverability, ease of use, automation power, growth tools, and integrations. Below are our top picks by use case. We explain why, what to watch out for, and who should pick each.
Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you purchase through them. We only recommend tools we’d use ourselves. Prices and features can change—always check the latest on the provider’s site.
Quick verdicts (pick your use case)
Best overall for most creators: ConvertKit — balance of ease, automations, and creator-first features. kit.com (formerly ConvertKit)
Best free plan to start fast: MailerLite — generous free tier, simple editor, decent automations. MailerLite.com
Best for newsletter-first growth (referrals, boosts): Beehiiv — built-in referrals and monetization. beehiiv.com
Best for ecommerce-heavy creators: Klaviyo — deep Shopify integration and advanced segmentation. Klaviyo.com
Best for advanced automations on a budget: Sendinblue (Brevo) — transactional + marketing in one. Brevo.com
Best simple “just send” option: Buttondown — minimal, fast, privacy-friendly. Buttondown.com
Comparison table (key specs at a glance)
| Tool | Pricing (entry) | Standout Features | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ConvertKit | From $0 up to 1k subs | Visual automations; landing pages; Creator Network; commerce | Creator-focused; commerce fees 0–3% |
| MailerLite | Free to 1k (limited features) | Clean editor; sites/landing pages; basic automations | Great starter free tier |
| Beehiiv | Free to 2.5k subs | Referrals; Boosts; ad network; advanced segmentation (paid) | Newsletter-first growth |
| Klaviyo | Free to 250 contacts | Best-in-class Shopify flows; predictive analytics | Powerful but pricier at scale |
| Brevo (Sendinblue) | Free to 300 emails/day | SMS + transactional; automation builder | Strong value pricing |
| Buttondown | From free | Markdown editor; Substack imports; simple automations | Minimal, writer-friendly |
How we picked (our rubric)
- Deliverability and reliability: Consistent inbox placement, domain auth (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).
- Ease of use: Editor speed, template quality, learning curve.
- Automations and segmentation: Visual builders, event triggers, branching logic, dynamic content.
- Growth tools: Landing pages, referrals, forms, API/webhooks, integrations with Gumroad/Shopify/Stripe.
- Monetization: Paid subscriptions, checkouts, sponsor tools, digital product sales.
- Value and scalability: Pricing per 1k subscribers, limits, migration friction.
Mini-reviews of marketing software and who should pick each
- ConvertKit — Best overall for most creators
Why we like it
- Visual automations that are powerful without feeling enterprise.
- Creator-first features: tip jars, product sales, paid newsletters, Creator Network.
- Clean forms/landing pages; fast to set up.
Watch-outs
- Advanced reporting is basic compared to ecommerce tools.
- Costs rise as your list grows; prune inactive subscribers.
Who it’s for
- Creators who want one tool to send, automate, and sell without heavy configuration.
Try ConvertKit
- MailerLite — Best free plan to start fast
- One of the most generous free tiers.
- Intuitive editor and templates; good landing page builder.
- Enough automation to set up welcome sequences.
Watch-outs
- Free plan feature caps; some advanced features gated.
- Fewer creator-specific monetization features baked in.
Who it’s for
- New creators validating a newsletter before paying.
Try MailerLite
- Beehiiv — Best for newsletter-first growth
Why we like it
- Built-in referrals, Boosts, and an ad network to monetize earlier.
- Modern editor and fast site hosting for your publication.
- Clean onboarding/migration from Substack or others.
Watch-outs
- Automations improving but not as deep as ConvertKit/Klaviyo.
- Pricing steps up with advanced features.
Who it’s for
- Newsletter-first creators focused on growth loops and sponsorships.
Try Beehiiv
- Klaviyo — Best for ecommerce-heavy creators
Why we like it
- Deep store data and segmentation; best-in-class flows (abandoned cart, post-purchase).
- Predictive analytics, product feeds, multi-channel (SMS).
Watch-outs
- Overkill if you’re not selling a lot; pricier as lists scale.
- Learning curve steeper than creator-focused tools.
Who it’s for
- Merch-heavy creators and small brands on Shopify/WooCommerce.
Try Klaviyo
- Brevo (Sendinblue) — Best advanced automations on a budget
Why we like it
- Combines marketing + transactional email and SMS.
- Competitive pricing with solid automation builder.
Watch-outs
- UI can feel utilitarian; template library is fine, not fancy.
- Some features require add-ons.
Who it’s for
- Budget-conscious creators who still want serious automation.
Try Brevo
- Buttondown — Best simple “just send” option
Why we like it
- Minimal, fast, markdown-friendly; great for writers.
- Easy imports; privacy-forward.
Watch-outs
- Limited native growth/monetization features.
- Automations are basic.
Who it’s for
- Writers who want a Substack alternative without bloat.
Try Buttondown
30‑second decision guide
- Want the most balanced, creator-focused pick? Choose ConvertKit.
- Zero budget and want to start today? MailerLite or Beehiiv Free.
- Selling lots of products? Klaviyo (Shopify) or Brevo (mixed stack).
- Writer who loves minimal tools? Buttondown.
Buyer’s guide: what actually matters
- Deliverability: Authenticate your domain (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and warm up gradually; tool choice helps, but your sending habits matter more.
- Automations: At minimum, set up welcome, lead magnet delivery, and simple nurture sequences. Visual builders save time.
- Growth loops: Referrals and cross-promotions compound; look for native tools or easy integrations.
- Monetization: If you plan to sell digital products or memberships, check fees and checkout options upfront.
- Migration: Ask about white-glove import, tagging, and redirect support to avoid list churn.
Quick setup checklist (do this this week)
- Pick a tool above and verify your domain.
- Create one high-converting lead magnet and a simple landing page.
- Set up a 3–5 email welcome sequence with a clear CTA.
- Add forms/links to your homepage, nav, and top posts.
- Send your first newsletter; evaluate open/click rates and prune hard bounces.
FAQs
Q: What’s the best free email marketing tool?
A: MailerLite and Beehiiv both offer strong free tiers. Choose MailerLite if you want simple automations; Beehiiv if you want built-in referrals and an ad network.
Q: Which tool has the best deliverability?
A: It’s close among reputable providers—your setup and list hygiene matter more. ConvertKit, MailerLite, and Klaviyo all perform well when authenticated correctly.
Q: Can I switch later without losing subscribers?
A: Yes. Export/import your list with tags, keep your sending domain, and set up URL redirects for hosted forms/archives.
Q: I sell on Shopify. Do I still need Klaviyo?
A: If email is a major revenue channel, Klaviyo is worth it. For lighter stores, ConvertKit or Brevo can be sufficient.
Final verdict
You can’t go wrong starting with ConvertKit for most creator workflows, Beehiiv if you’re newsletter-first, or MailerLite if you need free and simple. Pick one, ship your welcome sequence, and iterate—your growth will come from consistent publishing and smart list hygiene more than from chasing features.
