Independently compared
Find the newsletter tool that fits.
Independent comparisons of the best newsletter and email marketing tools. Straight answers on free plans, pricing, and what you actually need.
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beehiiv
4.6Built by newsletter people, with growth tools nobody else has.
No sponsored rankings. We may earn a commission via our links, at no extra cost to you.
The best newsletter tools, ranked
Ranked on quality, ease of use and price.
- 4.6
From $39/mo
Free version available
- 4.6
From $10/mo
Free version available
- 4.5
From $9/mo
Free version available
- 4.5
From $33/mo
Free version available
- 4.5
From $20/mo
Free version available
- 4.3
From $16/mo
Independently compared
Honest comparisons based on features, ease of use, and price. No sponsored rankings, ever.
Free plans taken seriously
We tell you which free plans are genuinely generous and which ones are mostly bait.
Judged on real work
We look at what you actually do: growing a list, sending great emails, and seeing results.
Kept up to date
Prices and plans change fast in this market. We check ours regularly and date our reviews.
Compare the real price of every newsletter tool
Our live index ranks all 11 newsletter tools by what they actually cost.
Compare pricesLowest prices
liveReviews
Our independent verdicts, dated and sourced.
beehiiv Inc.
“The platform that treats your newsletter as a business from day one. Free up to 2,500 subscribers, a referral program and ad network built in, and no cut taken from paid subscriptions. The strongest growth story in this lineup.”Editorial team, via MailShortlist
MailerLite
“The most pleasant editor of this line-up and a free plan you can genuinely start a business on. For beginners, this is our first recommendation.”Editorial team, via MailShortlist
Brevo SAS
“Paying per email sent instead of per contact makes Brevo unique: we stored tens of thousands of contacts for free. For a big list you do not email daily, it is by far the cheapest serious option.”Editorial team, via MailShortlist
Kit Inc.
“Built around the creator: a wonderfully clean writing experience, free up to 10,000 subscribers, and direct monetization through paid newsletters. The standard for creators.”Editorial team, via MailShortlist
Knowledge base
Practical guides and explainers to help you pick the right newsletter tool.
The best free newsletter tool
2,500 free subscribers, 10,000, or unlimited contacts: how the free plans really differ.
The best newsletter platform for creators
Grow an audience and earn from it directly: these platforms are built for makers.
The best email tool for online stores
Abandoned carts, purchase-behavior segments, and revenue per email: the store top picks.
The best Substack alternative
Outgrowing the 10% fee? How to pick a successor and move your list.
The best newsletter tool for beginners
The friendliest editor, free to start, and room to grow without switching.
Starting a newsletter for free: the real options
Which free plans are genuinely generous and which are mostly bait. Compared honestly.
How to choose a newsletter tool
Run through these steps and you will know which tool fits you within five minutes.
Frequently asked questions
The questions people ask most, answered short and straight.
What is the best free newsletter tool?
Brevo has the most generous free plan for sending: 300 emails a day with unlimited stored contacts. MailerLite is the friendliest place to start with up to 250 subscribers. For newsletter-first creators, beehiiv is free up to 2,500 subscribers. Mailchimp cut its free plan back hard in early 2026, so we no longer recommend it as a starting point.
Should I pay per contact or per email sent?
If you have a big list but only email occasionally, paying per email sent (like Brevo) is far cheaper. If you email a small list frequently, paying per contact works fine. Most tools charge per contact, so check this before your list grows.
Do I need marketing automation?
Not for a simple newsletter. If you want welcome series, abandoned cart emails, or behavior-based campaigns, look at ActiveCampaign or GetResponse. Start simple; you can always switch later.
Should I use Substack or a dedicated newsletter tool?
Substack is the fastest way to start a paid newsletter, but it takes 10% of your paid subscription revenue and owns the reader relationship. beehiiv and Kit give you more growth tools, your own audience data, and no revenue cut on paid plans. If writing is a hobby, Substack is fine; if it is a business, move to beehiiv or Kit.
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