When I first started building my online businesses, I realized that email marketing was the backbone of consistent growth.
Social media platforms and search engines can change their algorithms overnight, but an email list is something you own and control.
Over the years, I’ve tested multiple platforms, and today I want to share my honest assessment of the five best email marketing tools for beginners.
What are the 5 Best Email Marketing Tools for Beginners?
These tools are not just names I’ve read about; they are platforms I’ve personally explored and sometimes used in my businesses.
I’ll break down why I recommend them, who they’re best for, their pricing, and a few things to consider before making a choice.
AWeber
Why I Recommend AWeber
AWeber is one of the pioneers in email marketing. I recommend it because of its simplicity and reliability.
The drag-and-drop email builder, pre-made templates, and automation options make it very beginner-friendly.
I’ve always liked that AWeber places heavy emphasis on deliverability—your emails actually land in the inbox.
Who Should Pick AWeber
If you’re just getting started and want something easy to learn without a steep learning curve, AWeber is a solid choice.
It’s especially good for small businesses, solo entrepreneurs, or bloggers who just want to send newsletters without too many advanced complications.
7 Reasons Why AWeber is The Best Autoresponder for Beginners
Pricing
- Free Plan: Up to 500 subscribers.
- Pro Plan: Starts around $19.99/month, depending on your list size.
Things to Consider
While AWeber is simple and reliable, it may feel a bit basic compared to advanced platforms. If you plan to do complex automation later, you might outgrow it.
ConvertKit
Why I Recommend ConvertKit
ConvertKit is one of my personal favorites because it was designed with creators in mind.
The visual automation builder is incredibly intuitive, and the ability to tag subscribers based on behavior makes segmenting your audience much easier.
I’ve used ConvertKit for blogs, lead magnets, and affiliate promotions, and it never disappoints.
Who Should Pick ConvertKit
If you’re a blogger, YouTuber, or content creator who wants to sell digital products, ConvertKit is a fantastic option. It integrates easily with e-commerce tools and landing pages.
Pricing
- Free Plan: Up to 1,000 subscribers.
- Creator Plan: Starts at $29/month.
- Creator Pro: Starts at $59/month.
Things to Consider
ConvertKit is not the best tool if your focus is e-commerce with physical products. Its strength is creators and digital entrepreneurs, not large product catalogs.
ActiveCampaign
Why I Recommend ActiveCampaign
When I first tried ActiveCampaign, I was blown away by its automation power. This tool goes beyond email marketing.
It’s a full customer experience automation platform. You can build advanced workflows, integrate with CRMs, and nurture leads with precision.
Who Should Pick ActiveCampaign
If you want to scale beyond simple email campaigns and really get into advanced segmentation, lead scoring, and automation, ActiveCampaign is perfect.
It’s great for coaches, consultants, and small businesses that want a professional setup.
Pricing
- Lite Plan: Starts at $39/month for 1,000 contacts.
- Plus Plan: Starts at $70/month.
- Professional & Enterprise Plans: For bigger businesses.
Things to Consider
For complete beginners, ActiveCampaign might feel overwhelming. If you’re still learning, I’d recommend starting with AWeber or ConvertKit first, then upgrading when you’re ready.
GetResponse
Why I Recommend GetResponse
GetResponse stands out because it’s not just an email tool; it’s also a marketing suite.
You get email campaigns, landing pages, webinars, and even automation features in one place.
I once used GetResponse to run a webinar campaign, and I loved how everything was integrated.
Who Should Pick GetResponse
If you want an all-in-one platform that combines email marketing with landing pages, sales funnels, and webinars, GetResponse is a strong choice.
It works well for entrepreneurs who don’t want to juggle too many tools.
Pricing
- Free Plan: Up to 500 contacts.
- Email Marketing Plan: Starts at $19/month.
- Marketing Automation & E-commerce Plans: Higher pricing based on features.
Things to Consider
GetResponse is feature-rich, but if all you want is simple email campaigns, you might find it more than you need.
Beehiiv
Why I Recommend Beehiiv
Beehiiv is the new kid on the block, but it has been making waves in the email marketing world.
Built by former Morning Brew employees, Beehiiv is specifically designed for newsletter creators.
I recommend it because it combines writing, monetization, and analytics in a way that feels fresh and modern.
Who Should Pick Beehiiv
If your goal is to start and grow a newsletter business, Beehiiv is perfect. It’s excellent for writers, journalists, and anyone looking to monetize through paid subscriptions or ads.
Pricing
- Free Plan: Up to 2,500 subscribers.
- Grow Plan: Starts at $42/month.
- Scale Plan: $84/month.
Things to Consider
Beehiiv is still growing, so it may not have as many integrations as ConvertKit or ActiveCampaign. However, for newsletter creators, it’s one of the best tools available right now.
FAQ: 5 Best Email Marketing Tools for Beginners
Which email marketing tool is best for absolute beginners?
If you want pure simplicity, start with AWeber. If you’re a content creator, I’d recommend ConvertKit or Beehiiv.
Do I need to pay right away?
No. Most of these platforms (AWeber, ConvertKit, GetResponse, Beehiiv) have free plans you can start with.
Can I switch platforms later?
Yes. You can always migrate your email list to another platform if you outgrow your current tool.
Which platform is best for automation?
ActiveCampaign is hands-down the most powerful for automation and advanced workflows.
Which one should I pick if I want webinars and landing pages included?
GetResponse is your best choice if you want everything in one platform.
Key Takeaways: Best Email Marketing Tools for Beginners
- AWeber → Best for complete beginners who want something simple and reliable.
- ConvertKit → Best for content creators selling digital products.
- ActiveCampaign → Best for businesses that need advanced automation.
- GetResponse → Best for all-in-one marketing features, including webinars and funnels.
- Beehiiv → Best for newsletter creators who want to monetize their audience.
At the end of the day, the best email marketing tool for beginners depends on your specific goals.
Start with a free plan, test the features, and grow into the platform that aligns with your business.