14 Cheap Email Marketing Platforms (With Top Free Plans)

When it comes to email marketing, there’s no denying its impact—an extraordinary ROI of $36 for every dollar spent! But let’s be honest: choosing a platform that doesn’t dent the pocket can be tricky. 

We’ve all been there—searching for affordable platforms that don’t just fit the budget but also pack a punch. The good news? Such options exist, and many of the cheapest email automation tools are as robust as their pricier counterparts.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through 14 cheap email marketing platforms that are light on your wallet but heavy on results.

What Makes Email Marketing Services “Cheap” vs. “Affordable”

When it comes to email marketing, there’s a big difference between simply cutting costs and making a smart, cost-effective investment. ‘Affordable’ email marketing tool means getting solid features, usability, and real value—without stretching your budget. It’s not about bare-bones solutions, but about maximizing what you get for what you spend. 

The good news? Budget-friendly platforms still offer essentials like automation, templates, and list segmentation. While premium tools may offer more advanced capabilities, even entry-level plans can drive great return-on-investment (ROI). Remember: it’s not the tools that make magic, it’s how you use them.

Cheap Email Marketing Services at Glance

• Sender —  Best Value Cheap Email Marketing Service
• Omnisend — Perfect for Ecommerce Omnichannel Marketing
• Brevo — Great for Affordable All-in-One Marketing 
• Zoho Campaigns — Suited for Zoho Users and CRM Integration 
• Mailjet — Best Cheap Email Marketing Service for Developers
• Mailchimp — Tailored for Email Marketing Beginners
• Benchmark Email — Built for Nonprofits and Small Budgets
• EmailOctopus — Optimized for High-Volume On a Budget
• GetResponse — Great All-in-One Cheap Email Marketing Solution
• SendPulse — Made for Multi-Channel Marketing
• Moosend — Hidden Gem Among Cheap Email Marketing Services
• Kit — Best Cheap Email Marketing for Creators and Bloggers
• MailerLite — Best Cheap Email Marketing for Content Creators
• AWeber — Best Email Deliverability on a Budget

Top 14 Best Cheapest Email Marketing Services Comparison 2025

From powerful automation to impressive deliverability, we’ve considered everything that matters in creating this list. Read this email marketing software comparison roundup to pick the cheapest mass mailing service in the market.

Sender — Best Value Cheap Email Marketing Service

⭐️ Trusted by 180,000+ businesses worldwide

Looking for the best value email marketing provider? Sender is one of the industry’s best free email marketing services with scalable plans, offering all the features you need to grow your audience and drive conversions.

Overall rating:

4.7

/5

G2:

4.5

Trustpilot:

4.9

Capterra:

4.7

See full Sender overview

Being the cheapest newsletter service doesn’t mean Sender skimps on features. In fact, Sender provides everything you need to supercharge your email marketing—without breaking the bank. 

Start crafting stunning, results-driven campaigns with their intuitive drag-and-drop editor and extensive email template library. Target the right subscribers at the right time using powerful behavioral segmentation features and take your marketing to the next level with a visual automation builder.

Even on the free plan, you can leverage pre-made automation templates to effortlessly set up welcome emails, abandoned cart reminders, and more. And with top-rated 24/7 live chat support to provide quick answers and guidance day or night, there’s no wonder why Sender is the king of cheap email marketing software.

Standout Features

• No-code email builder;
• Advanced automation features;
• Behavioral segmentation features;
• Amazing deliverability;
• Real-time analytics.

Free Plan Benefits

• A/B testing;
• Up to 2,500 subscribers & 15,000 emails/month;
• Basic automation features;
• Drag-and-drop editor;
• Signup forms & popups.

Pros and Cons

Pricing Structure and Limits

Here’s a quick breakdown of Sender’s pricing:

Discounts

Besides already being one of the most wallet-friendly email marketing solutions on the market, Sender goes above and beyond by offering a very generous 30% discount on its annual plans. If you run a non-profit, Sender offers a 25% discount on all paid plans.

With Sender, you can launch the cheapest email campaign—even on a free plan—complete with automation, segmentation, and analytics.

Omnisend — Perfect for Ecommerce Omnichannel Marketing

Designed for ecommerce, Omnisend is the perfect email marketing tool for online brand owners looking to launch and scale their campaigns. Plus, it integrates smoothly with Shopify and other popular ecommerce platforms for a streamlined workflow.

Overall rating:

4.6

/5

G2:

4.6

Trustpilot:

4.4

Capterra:

4.7

See full Omnisend review

Omnisend goes beyond the basics to deliver a truly comprehensive email marketing platform designed specifically for ecommerce businesses.

While you’ll find all the standard email marketing features you’d expect—a user-friendly landing page builder, a visual automation builder, and a library of stunning email templates—Omnisend takes it a step further with digital marketing tools crafted to maximize your success.

Leverage the power of their AI writing assistant to craft compelling email copy in minutes and gain valuable insights with the brand health checker, benchmarking your campaign performance against industry competitors. 

Setting up automated campaigns is easy. With advanced segmentation features, you can target specific customer behaviors to deliver the right message at the right time, boosting engagement and driving conversions.

Standout Features

• SMS, email, and push notification marketing;
• Shopify review automation;
• Superb A/B testing;
• Popup form builder;
• Generous free plan.

Free Plan Benefits

• Basic automation workflows;
• Pre-built ecommerce templates;
• Basic reporting & analytics;
• Up to 250 contacts & 500 emails/month;
• Abandoned cart emails.

Pros and Cons

Pricing Structure and Limits

Let’s walk through Omnisend’s pricing:

Brevo — Great for Affordable All-in-One Marketing  

Brevo is the go-to cheap email marketing software for marketers who demand powerful features without the hefty price tag. Enjoy all the features you need to craft highly targeted campaigns, including advanced segmentation, personalization options, and pre-built automation workflows. 

Plus, Brevo goes beyond email with SMS and WhatsApp marketing capabilities built right in, allowing you to connect with your audience on their preferred channels.

Overall rating:

4.5

/5

G2:

4.5

Trustpilot:

4.4

Capterra:

4.6

See full Brevo review

Brevo empowers you to reach your audience across multiple channels with its intuitive platform and budget-friendly pricing. You can build email marketing campaigns quickly using a drag-and-drop editor, which doesn’t require any coding experience.

The platform also allows for customization of subject lines and email content through dynamic fields, enabling more personalized communication.

But Brevo doesn’t stop at email. Expand your reach and boost engagement by connecting with customers through SMS and WhatsApp campaigns, all managed seamlessly within the same platform.

Standout Features

• Drag-and-drop email builder;
• Segmentation & personalization features;
• Prebuilt automation workflows;
• Inbuilt CRM, SMS & Whatsapp marketing features;
• Top-notch transactional email capabilities.

Free Plan Benefits

• Basic automation functionality;
• Transactional emails;
• Landing pages & signup forms;
• Unlimited contacts & up to 300 emails/day;
• Drag-and-drop editor.

Pros and Cons

Pricing Structure and Limits

Here’s a summary of Brevo’s pricing:

Find more similar tools here: 11 Brevo Alternatives: Identifying Best Options

Zoho Campaigns — Suited for Zoho users and CRM integration

This is a budget-friendly bulk email marketing solution designed to empower small businesses and startups.

Zoho Campaigns offers all the features you need to succeed with email marketing on a budget —from a drag-and-drop email editor and pre-designed templates to automation workflows and insightful analytics.

Overall rating:

4.2

/5

G2:

4.3

Trustpilot:

4.1

Capterra:

4.2

See full Zoho Campaigns review

Zoho Campaigns offers robust yet cheap bulk email sender tools that seamlessly integrate with the broader Zoho ecosystem, making it an ideal choice for businesses already leveraging Zoho products. 

Effortlessly create visually appealing emails with the intuitive drag-and-drop editor, and automate your campaigns with sophisticated workflows to nurture leads and drive conversions. Gain deep insights into your performance with detailed reporting tools, allowing you to optimize your strategy for maximum impact. 

Zoho Campaigns prioritizes data privacy, ensuring GDPR compliance for peace of mind. Plus, you can effortlessly personalize your messages with dynamic content, delivering tailored experiences that resonate with your audience.

Standout Features

• Intuitive drag-and-drop editor;
• Automation workflows for recurring emails;
• Pre-designed templates for different campaigns;
• Advanced analytics and reporting;
• User-friendly interface.

Free Plan Benefits

• Basic automation workflows;
• Reporting & analytics;
• Up to 2,000 subscribers & 12,000 emails/month;
• Basic pre-made templates;
• Seamlessly Zoho CRM integration.

Pros and Cons

Pricing Structure and Limits

Let’s take a look at Zoho Campaigns’ pricing:

Mailjet — Best Cheap Email Marketing Service for Developers 

Just starting out with email marketing? Mailjet is the perfect platform to launch and grow your campaigns with ease. 

This beginner-friendly solution offers all the features you need to succeed, from a drag-and-drop email builder and pre-designed templates to intuitive automation workflows and A/B testing capabilities.

Mailjet’s collaborative tools make it simple to work with your team, while built-in email verification helps ensure high deliverability rates.

Overall rating:

4.0

/5

G2:

4.0

Trustpilot:

3.8

Capterra:

4.2

See full Mailjet review

Mailjet empowers teams to collaborate seamlessly on high-impact email marketing campaigns that reach the inbox every time. Their platform prioritizes deliverability, with built-in email verification to ensure your message lands in front of the right eyes.

But Mailjet doesn’t stop at just getting your emails delivered. Unleash the power of personalization and segmentation to tailor your messaging for maximum engagement.

Streamline your workflow with intuitive automation tools, optimize your campaigns with A/B testing, and efficiently manage your contacts – all within a single, collaborative platform. With Mailjet, you can elevate your email marketing through teamwork and data-driven insights.

Standout Features

• Dynamic content sections;
• Deep segmentation;
• Intuitive automation builder;
• Superb A/B testing;
• Extensive template library.

Free Plan Benefits

• Pre-designed templates; 
• Basic segmentation tools; 
• Automation workflows;
• Unlimited contacts & up to 6,000 emails/month; 
• Drag-and-drop editor.

Pros and Cons

Pricing Structure and Limits

Here’s a look at Mailjet’s pricing:

Mailchimp — Tailored for Email Marketing Beginners 

Mailchimp is a leading email marketing platform designed to help businesses of all sizes achieve their marketing goals. 

This comprehensive solution offers all the features you need to succeed, from a vast library of templates and easy-to-use automation tools to powerful segmentation capabilities and insightful analytics.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your email marketing, Mailchimp provides a user-friendly platform with everything you need to grow your business.

Overall rating:

3.9

/5

G2:

4.3

Trustpilot:

2.8

Capterra:

4.5

See full Mailchimp review

Mailchimp welcomes newcomers with its intuitive interface and user-friendly tools, making it easy for even beginners to launch and manage cost-effective email campaigns. Their visual builder simplifies the creation of landing pages, popups, and emails, while clear reporting dashboards provide key metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and subscriber activity at a glance.

Standout Features

• Automated workflows;
• Great A/B testing;
• Rich template library;
• Simple list management features;
• Extensive integrations.

Free Plan Benefits

• Pre-designed templates;
• Core segmentation tools;
• Up to 500 contacts & 1,000 sends per month;
• Basic email editor;
• Simple automation tools.

Pros and Cons

Pricing Structure and Limits

Here’s a rundown of Mailchimp’s pricing:

Interested in Mailchimp? Read this before making any decisions: 14 Mailchimp Alternatives Compared (2025 Update)

Benchmark Email — Built for Nonprofits and Small Budgets 

Benchmark Email makes sophisticated email marketing accessible to everyone, also serving as a reliable cheap email blast solution, with its affordable pricing and AI-driven features. 

This powerful platform offers all the tools you need to create high-impact campaigns, including a drag-and-drop email builder, AI content generation, and a built-in marketing CRM. Benchmark Email simplifies your workflow and helps you achieve impressive results without breaking the bank.

Overall rating:

3.8

/5

G2:

4.3

Trustpilot:

2.8

Capterra:

4.3

See full Benchmark Email review

Benchmark Email delivers impressive value, packing its platform with powerful features like a robust template library, a drag-and-drop builder for popups and landing pages, a built-in marketing CRM, and deep integrations – all at a budget-friendly price point. 

But what truly sets Benchmark apart is its commitment to making AI accessible. Their AI content creator helps you transform your ideas into engaging email copy with just a click, a feature rarely found in such an affordable platform. 

And with their smart sending functionality, you can ensure your emails reach your audience when they’re most likely to engage, maximizing your open and click-through rates.

Standout Features

• Top-notch A/B testing;
• Rich template library;
• Robust automated workflows;
• Excellent customer support;
• User-friendly email editor.

Free Plan Benefits

• Drag-and-drop email editor;
• List management tools;
• Unlimited emails & up to 250 contacts;
• Basic automation workflows;
• Signup forms & essential reporting tools.

Pros and Cons

Pricing Structure and Limits

Let’s review Benchmark’s pricing:

EmailOctopus — Optimized for High-Volume on a Budget

EmailOctopus is the go-to platform for businesses looking to send high-impact email campaigns without exceeding their budget. 

This affordable email marketing service offers all the essential features, including an easy-to-use drag-and-drop builder, automated email sequences, detailed analytics, and even landing page creation.

EmailOctopus provides a cost-effective way to reach your audience and achieve your goals, whether you’re sending newsletters, promotional blasts, or nurturing leads.

Overall rating:

4.5

/5

G2:

4.2

Trustpilot:

4.6

Capterra:

4.7

See full EmailOctopus review

EmailOctopus makes it easy to streamline your email marketing efforts and nurture leads with powerful automation features, all at a price that won’t break the bank. Build automated email sequences to welcome new subscribers, recover abandoned carts, and guide customers through their journey–all on autopilot, with one of the cheapest email automation solutions on the market. 

Gain valuable insights into your campaign performance with detailed analytics, tracking everything from open and click-through rates to subscriber engagement. Plus, crafting beautiful, professional emails is a breeze with their intuitive drag-and-drop editor and library of ready-to-use, responsive email templates.

Standout Features

• Automated email sequences;
• Detailed analytics;
• Form and landing page builder;
• Responsive live chat support;
• Great deliverability.

Free Plan Benefits

• Drag-and-drop email builder;
• Up to 2,500 subscribers & 10,000 emails per month;
• Pre-designed templates;
• Basic automation workflows;
• Standard reporting & analytics.

Pros and Cons

Pricing Structure and Limits

Take a look at EmailOctopus’ Pricing:

GetResponse — Great All-in-One Cheap Email Marketing Solution

GetResponse is the ideal solution for businesses seeking powerful yet budget-friendly email marketing automation. This user-friendly platform gives you all the tools you need to create engaging email campaigns, automate your workflows, and grow your subscriber list. 

From their intuitive drag-and-drop builder and AI-powered content generator to pre-designed templates and insightful analytics, GetResponse makes it simple to achieve real email marketing success.

Overall rating:

4.2

/5

G2:

4.2

Trustpilot:

4.1

Capterra:

4.2

See full GetResponse review

GetResponse goes beyond basic email marketing, offering a comprehensive suite of tools designed to elevate your campaigns and simplify your workflow.

Harness the power of AI with their built-in content generator, crafting compelling email copy in minutes, and ensure your messages reach the right eyes at the right time with intelligent sending capabilities.

But GetResponse doesn’t stop there. Build stunning websites with their intuitive drag-and-drop website builder, create automated workflows with ease using the visual automation builder, and choose from a library of professionally designed email templates to jumpstart your campaigns.

Standout Features

• Intuitive website builder;
• AI email generator;
• Webinar hosting;
• Extensive template library;
• Conversion-focused tools.

Free Plan Benefits

• Drag-and-drop email editor;
• Basic automation tools;
• 2,500 emails/month & up to 500 contacts;
• Website & landing page builder;
• Basic analytics & performance tracking.

Pros and Cons

Pricing Structure and Limits

Here’s an outline of GetResponse’s pricing:

SendPulse — Made for Multi-Channel Marketing 

SendPulse is an all-in-one marketing solution that empowers businesses to connect with their audience across multiple channels without the high cost.

This budget-friendly platform offers all the tools you need to create the cheapest email campaigns without sacrificing effectiveness, send targeted SMS messages, build conversational chatbots, and even craft high-converting landing pages—all from a single dashboard.

Overall rating:

4.6

/5

G2:

4.6

Trustpilot:

4.6

Capterra:

4.6

See full SendPulse review

SendPulse proves that you don’t need a massive budget to access powerful marketing tools. This platform offers small business owners a robust suite of features at an affordable price.

Effortlessly craft eye-catching emails with the intuitive drag-and-drop builder, segment your audience for targeted messaging, personalize your content to boost engagement, and streamline your efforts with powerful automation workflows.

With an attractive free plan and budget-friendly paid options, SendPulse ensures that businesses of all sizes can harness the power of email marketing to connect with their audience and drive results.

Standout Features

• Multichannel support;
• Free landing page builder;
• Chatbot support for websites;
• Built-in CRM;
• Detailed analytics.

Free Plan Benefits

• Drag-and-drop email editor;
• Pre-designed templates;
• Basic automation flows;
• Up to 500 subscribers & 15,000 emails/month;
• Web push notifications and SMS marketing tools;
• Basic segmentation & audience targeting.

Pros and Cons

Pricing Structure and Limits

Let’s go over SendPulse’s pricing:

Moosend — Hidden Gem Among Cheap Email Marketing Services

Looking for a free software that helps you dip your toes into the world of email marketing without drowning in complex features or costs? Look no further than Moosend.

This platform might not be as famous as its big brothers, but it packs a punch when it comes to providing essential and budget email marketing tools that won’t make your wallet cry.

Overall rating:

4.2

/5

G2:

4.7

Trustpilot:

3.4

Capterra:

4.6

See full Moosend review

Moosend keeps things simple and straightforward, perfect for beginners. You get a drag-and-drop editor to craft visually appealing emails, pre-made email templates to get you started quickly, and basic automation features to set up welcome series and other simple workflows.

Plus, their reporting dashboard is clear and concise, so you can actually understand what’s working and what’s not.

Standout Features

• Visual automation editor;
• Pre-built automation templates;
• List segmentation & personalization;
• Real-time analytics;
• Simple & snappy interface.

Free Plan Benefits

• Drag-and-drop email editor;
• Pre-designed templates;
• Unlimited emails & up to 1,000 subscribers;
• Basic automation workflows;
• List segmentation & signup forms.

Pros and Cons

Pricing Structure and Limits

Here’s your overview of Moosend’s pricing:

Kit — Best Cheap Email Marketing for Creators and Bloggers 

Kit is the go-to email marketing platform built specifically for creators who want to connect with their audience and grow their brand.

This intuitive solution offers all the features you need to succeed, from a user-friendly landing page builder and behavioral segmentation tools to seamless digital product hosting and a built-in creator network for expanding your reach. 

With Kit, you can focus on what you do best – creating amazing content – while building a thriving online community.

Overall rating:

3.7

/5

G2:

4.4

Trustpilot:

2.0

Capterra:

4.6

See full Kit review

Kit understands the unique needs of creators, offering an intuitive email marketing platform packed with powerful features designed to help you connect with your audience and grow your brand. Their platform seamlessly blends ease of use with effective marketing tools, making it the perfect solution for anyone in the creative industry.

Segment your audience with precision, automate your campaigns for maximum efficiency, and personalize your content to deliver truly resonant messages. Kit empowers you to nurture relationships, drive engagement, and build a thriving community around your creative work.

Standout Features

• Creator network for referral signups;
• Behavioral segmentation;
• Simple landing page builder;
• Digital product hosting & selling;
• Virtual assistant-style UX.

Free Plan Benefits

• Robust visual email builder; 
• Pre-made templates; 
• Basic reporting & analytics;
• Extensive ecommerce integrations.

Pros and Cons

Pricing Structure and Limits

This is the breakdown of Kit’s pricing:

MailerLite — Best Cheap Email Marketing for Content Creators

If you’re after an easy-to-use email marketing solution that packs all the essentials under one hood, MailerLite has you covered. 

It strikes a solid balance between simplicity and capability, making it a great option for anyone looking to run standout campaigns without getting overwhelmed by unnecessary features.

Overall rating:

4.6

/5

G2:

4.6

Trustpilot:

4.6

Capterra:

4.7

See full MailerLite review

The drag-and-drop editor is intuitive and doesn’t take hours to master, which makes creating professional-looking emails almost effortless. Meanwhile, automation tools are robust and cover the key use cases (e.g., welcome sequences, follow-ups, and engagement-based triggers), especially when combined with responsive design templates.

With its current toolkit, MailerLite feels like one of the best, not to mention inexpensive, email marketing solutions for content creators. Features like RSS-to-email let you automatically send new blog posts to subscribers. 

Sure, we expected a more advanced reporting functionality—one of the few areas where this platform leaves room for improvement. But with a fairly structured pricing structure, you can’t go wrong with MailerLite.

Standout Features

• Intuitive drag-and-drop editor;
• Clean automation workflows;
• In-depth analytics;
• Competitive pricing;
• Built-in landing page builder.

Free Plan Benefits

• Drag-and-drop email editor;
• Up to 1,000 subscribers & 12,000 emails/month;
• Pre-designed templates;
• Email automation workflows;
• Signup forms, pop‑ups & landing pages.

Pros and Cons

Pricing Structure and Limits

Let’s walk through MailerLite’s pricing:

AWeber — Best Email Deliverability on a Budget

AWeber has built a strong reputation over the past two decades as one of the most dependable email marketing platforms on the market, especially when it comes to its rock-solid deliverability and top-notch customer support.

Overall rating:

3.7

/5

G2:

4.2

Trustpilot:

2.5

Capterra:

4.4

See full AWeber review

One of AWeber’s biggest strengths is its commitment to helping users succeed. With real-time analytics, live chat, phone support, and a wealth of educational resources, this marketing platform will appeal to those who appreciate hands-on guidance and fast, accessible help when needed. 

Feature-wise, AWeber checks all the right boxes—from campaign templates to basic trigger-based automation that don’t take much time to set up. However, it lacks some of the more advanced segmentation tools and conditional logic that platforms like ActiveCampaign or Klaviyo provide. Its interface is simple and straightforward, which is great for beginners, though it may feel limited for users seeking more customization.

While not the cheapest email sender on the block, AWeber is a solid choice for small businesses and creators who prioritize deliverability and responsive, always-on-the-line support over complex features.

Standout Features

• User-friendly template builder;
• Wide variety of third-party integrations;
• Robust analytics;
• Drip campaign capabilities;
• Top-tier customer support;
• Web push notifications.

Free Plan Benefits

• Drag-and-drop email builder;
• Up to 500 subscribers & 3,000 emails/month;
• Pre-made email templates;
• Basic automation;
• Reporting & basic analytics;
• 24/7 support.

Pros and Cons

Pricing Structure and Limits

Here’s a summary of AWeber’s pricing:

Best Free Email Marketing Plans Side-by-Side

Looking for the best free email marketing tools without getting lost in fine print? Maybe you’re after a cheaper alternative to Mailchimp or Sender?

This email marketing pricing comparison table breaks down the key limits and benefits of each platform’s free version so you can choose the best fit for your budget and needs.

Understanding Email Marketing Pricing Models and Hidden Costs

What’s Really Included in Free Email Marketing Plans

Like everyone else, we enjoy things that come at no cost. But when something is labeled ‘free’, there’s usually a catch or some limitations, and free email marketing platforms are no different. 

Here’s what you can expect from a free email marketing plan:

• Subscriber & send limits. Free plans usually cap subscriber numbers and monthly email sends, often around 500–2,000 contacts and 3,000–10,000 emails;
• Branding & attribution. Most free tiers include the platform’s logo or branding in every email, which you can’t remove without upgrading;
• Feature restrictions. Advanced tools like automation, segmentation, and A/B testing are often limited or locked behind paid plans;
• Support access. Free users typically get limited or no live support—relying mostly on help centers or community forums;
• Cost-free try-out. Free tiers are ideal for startups or testing strategies before committing to paid marketing tools;
• Preparing to upgrade. As your list or needs grow, plan for future costs—free plans rarely scale with serious marketing goals.

Subscriber-Based vs Email-Based Pricing Models

Most email marketing platforms offer two pricing options: one based on your subscriber count, and another on how many emails you send. Understanding your goals, audience size, and email frequency helps you pick the pricing model that works best for your needs.

Here’s what factors you should take into consideration when making the decision:

• Subscriber-based pricing. You’re charged by contact count, with unlimited sends. Ideal for consistent campaigns and stable lists where regular engagement justifies fixed monthly costs;
• Email-based pricing. You pay based on monthly email volume, not list size. Best for large, inactive lists or seasonal campaigns with sporadic sends;
• Cost over time. Subscriber plans may get expensive as your list grows. Send-based models can spike during busy periods—track patterns to estimate annual costs accurately;
• Best fit by business type. Subscriber pricing suits newsletters or ongoing engagement. Email-based works for event-driven, seasonal, or low-frequency senders with big lists;
• Switching models. Moving between plans might involve data migration, contract changes, or rethinking your strategy—evaluate timing, list activity, and platform flexibility before switching.

Pay-As-You-Go vs Monthly Subscriptions

Just like phone plans, a lot of email marketing platforms let you choose between pay-as-you-go options and standard monthly subscriptions. As expected, each comes with its own pros and trade-offs. 

Here are some bite-sized breakdowns to help you pick the right pricing model:

• Pay-as-you-go flexibility. Great for occasional senders—only pay when you need to, with no ongoing commitment or wasted spend during quiet months;
• Subscription cost predictability. Ideal for consistent senders—know exactly what you’re paying each month, making budgeting easier and cash flow more manageable;
• Break-even by volume. Light senders may save with credits; heavy senders often hit the break-even point where subscriptions become more cost-effective;
• For seasonal businesses. Pay-as-you-go suits businesses with bursts of activity—like holidays or events—where email volume spikes then drops off;
• Mix-and-match tactics. Some platforms, including Brevo and Moosend, let you toggle between plans or combine options. Track usage trends to switch plans without overpaying.

How to Choose the Right Cheap Email Marketing Platform

Finding the best email marketing tool that is affordable or even free is easy if you start by asking the right questions.

Does the platform offer a budget-friendly option for cheap email marketing?

Affordability is important, but even discount email marketing platforms should offer value and make sense for your business. Here’s what you should do:

• Look for pricing that matches your business size; 
• Watch for hidden costs like add-ons or extra charges;
• Compare plans to see which offers the best value for your budget.

Do its features, such as automation or analytics, meet your needs?

Cheap doesn’t mean you should settle for less. Prioritize platforms with features that are a must for your growth goals.  Do your own research on features and find answers for the following questions: 

• Is email automation included in the lower tiers?
• Does it provide analytics to track open and click rates?
• Are there options for segmentation or personalization?

Are there any feature restrictions or limitations on the smaller plans?

Lower-cost plans often come with limits and trade-offs. Be sure about what’s missing before committing to a platform. Here’s what you should keep in mind: 

• Check for limits on the number of subscribers or emails;
• Find out if features like automation builder or segmentation are missing;
• Ensure upgrading is easy when your needs grow.

How does it integrate with other tools and platforms?

Your email marketing tool should play nice with the rest of your stack. Before committing, you should Check for integrations that simplify workflow. Ask yourself: 

• Does it sync with your CRM or ecommerce platform?
• Are integrations easy to set up without technical help?
• Is there an API if you need advanced connections?

Does it provide a free trial or plan so you can test it out?

Trying before buying can save you from costly mistakes. A free plan helps you check a platform’s features without committing to a paid plan.  Here’s what you should do: 

• Look for platforms with free trials or forever-free plans;
• Is the interface easy to navigate?
• Check if customer support is responsive during the trial period.

About author

Emily Austin

Author

Sender

Emily is a content manager who has dipped her toes in almost all fields of marketing, including email marketing, PR, social media, and ecommerce. She’s also no stranger to testing out marketing tools, always keen to find out whether they truly deliver or are just full of big promises. She loves perfecting digital content, ensuring everything is polished and ready to go live.

Writer - Ignas Vieversys