Best Email Marketing Platforms 2025: Complete Comparison
Choosing the wrong email marketing platform costs you more than money—it costs you subscribers, conversions, and growth opportunities. With over 4.3 billion email users worldwide in 2025, the stakes have never been higher for getting your email strategy right from day one.
This detailed comparison breaks down MailerLite, Brevo, and ActiveCampaign across every metric that matters: free tiers, automation capabilities, pricing transparency, and real-world performance. You’ll walk away knowing exactly which platform fits your business size, technical skills, and budget constraints.
Why These Three Platforms Matter in 2025
Email marketing has evolved beyond simple newsletters. Modern businesses need platforms that handle complex automations, integrate seamlessly with existing tools, and scale without breaking the bank. These three platforms represent different philosophies:
- MailerLite: Simplicity meets affordability with generous free offerings
- Brevo: Pay-per-email flexibility with advanced CRM features
- ActiveCampaign: Enterprise-level automation at premium pricing
The choice between them often determines whether you’ll spend your time creating great content or wrestling with complicated software.
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Real-world example: Sarah, who runs an online fitness coaching business, started with MailerLite’s free plan for her first 1,000 subscribers. She built automated welcome sequences and product promotion funnels without spending a penny. As her business grew to 5,000 subscribers, she upgraded to the $10/month paid plan and continues using MailerLite’s automation features to generate $15,000 monthly revenue through email campaigns.
Free Tier Showdown: What You Actually Get for $0
MailerLite Free Plan
MailerLite offers a free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers, but the value goes deeper than subscriber limits:
What’s included:
- 1,000 subscribers and 12,000 emails/month
- Drag-and-drop editor with 40+ templates
- Basic automation (welcome emails, date-based campaigns)
- Landing page builder (unlimited pages)
- Pop-ups and embedded forms
- iOS and Android mobile apps
- 24/7 email & chat support is only for the first 14 days (trial)
Limitations:
- MailerLite branding on emails
- No advanced segmentation
- Limited integrations
- No A/B testing
Brevo Free Plan
Brevo offers a generous free plan with 300 emails/day, which translates to roughly 9,000 emails per month:
What’s included:
- Unlimited contacts (no subscriber limit)
- 300 emails daily (9,000 monthly)
- Basic email templates
- Contact management and list segmentation
- Signup forms
- Basic automation workflows
- Brevo branding removal option
Limitations:
- Daily sending limit restricts campaign flexibility
- Limited template customization
- Basic automation only
- No landing pages for Free Starter
ActiveCampaign Free Plan
ActiveCampaign discontinued its free plan in 2024. Unlike most other MailerLite alternatives, it does not offer a free plan. The entry point starts at $15-19/month for up to 1,000 contacts, depending on the geos.
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Winner for Free Tiers: MailerLite takes the crown with more monthly email allowance and better features, while Brevo wins if you have a large contact list but send infrequent campaigns.
Detailed Feature Comparison
Email Design and Templates
MailerLite
- 40+ mobile-responsive templates
- Intuitive drag-and-drop editor
- Custom HTML editor available
- Photo editor built-in
- Template library continuously updated
Brevo
- 60+ professional templates
- User-friendly drag-and-drop builder
- Advanced template customization
- A/B test subject lines, content, and send times
- Template gallery with industry-specific designs
ActiveCampaign
- 100+ designer templates
- Advanced conditional content blocks
- Dynamic content personalization
- Advanced HTML/CSS customization
- Template performance analytics
Automation Capabilities
MailerLite
- Visual workflow builder
- 12 pre-built automation templates
- Behavioral triggers (link clicks, email opens)
- E-commerce automation (abandoned cart, product recommendations)
- Basic lead scoring
Example workflow: New subscriber → Welcome email (immediate) → Product showcase (3 days later) → Special offer (7 days later) → Move to VIP list if purchased
Brevo
- Advanced visual workflow editor
- Website activity tracking
- Lead scoring and contact rating
- Multi-channel automation (email + SMS)
- CRM integration with deal tracking
Advanced capability: Brevo can trigger emails based on specific page visits, form submissions, or even time spent on your website.
ActiveCampaign
- Most sophisticated automation platform
- Machine learning-powered send time optimization
- Advanced behavioral triggers
- Goals and split testing within workflows
- Predictive sending and content recommendations
Enterprise feature: ActiveCampaign’s automation can predict the best time to send emails to each individual subscriber based on their past engagement patterns.
Integration Ecosystem
MailerLite: 100+ integrations including:
- Shopify, WooCommerce, Stripe
- WordPress, Zapier, Typeform
- Facebook, Google Analytics
- Limited CRM options
Brevo: 150+ integrations featuring:
- Advanced e-commerce platforms
- Built-in CRM (no third-party needed)
- Salesforce, HubSpot connectivity
- Social media management tools
- SMS marketing built-in
ActiveCampaign: 900+ integrations including:
- Every major CRM and sales tool
- Advanced e-commerce platforms
- Social media and advertising platforms
- Custom API for unique integrations
- Deep two-way sync capabilities
Pricing Breakdown: Real Costs for Growing Businesses
MailerLite Pricing Structure
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Subscribers | Monthly Emails | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Up to 1,000 | 12,000 | Basic automation, landing pages |
| Growing | $10 | Up to 1,000 | Unlimited | Advanced automation, A/B testing |
| Advanced | $20 | Up to 1,000 | Unlimited | Dynamic emails, Facebook integration |
| Enterprise | Custom | Unlimited | Unlimited | Dedicated support, custom features |
Scaling example: For 10,000 subscribers, MailerLite’s Advanced plan costs $110/month.
Brevo Pricing Structure
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Emails/Month | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 9,000 | Basic features, unlimited contacts |
| Starter | $25 | 20,000 | Remove branding, email support |
| Business | $65 | 20,000 | Advanced automation, landing pages, A/B testing |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom | Advanced features, dedicated support |
Unique advantage: Brevo offers more flexibility with its pay-per-email pricing, making it a great option for businesses with larger lists but fewer emails to send.
ActiveCampaign Pricing Structure
| Plan | Monthly Cost (1,000 contacts) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $15-$19 | Basic email marketing, basic automation |
| Plus | $70 | Advanced automation, CRM, lead scoring |
| Professional | $187 | Advanced features, attribution, predictive sending |
| Enterprise | $324 | Custom reporting, unlimited everything |
Reality check: For 10,000 subscribers, ActiveCampaign’s comparable Pro plan costs $419/month, making it nearly 4x more expensive than MailerLite’s equivalent plan.
Geographic Availability and Payment Options
For African Markets: All three platforms accept international payments, but some limitations apply:
- MailerLite: Accepts major credit cards, PayPal available globally
- Brevo: Credit cards accepted, some payment restrictions in certain African countries
- ActiveCampaign: Full international support, but premium features may have regional limitations
Payment flexibility: Brevo offers the most flexible payment terms with pay-per-email options, while MailerLite provides the most transparent annual discounts (up to 30% off yearly plans).
Side-by-Side Comparison Table: MailerLite vs Brevo vs ActiveCampaign
| Feature | MailerLite | Brevo | ActiveCampaign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ✅ 1,000 subs, 12K emails | ✅ Unlimited subs, 300/day | ❌ No free plan (14 days trial) |
| Starting Price | $10/month | $25/month | $15 – 19/month |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Automation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Templates | 40+ | 60+ | 100+ |
| Integrations | 100+ | 150+ | 900+ |
| CRM Included | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| SMS Marketing | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Landing Pages | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| A/B Testing | Paid plans | Business+ | A/B for emails & automations |
| 24/7 Support | 24/7 email/chat on paid; trial-only for Free. | Email/Chat/phone support. | chat & tickets; phone via sales/enterprise |
| Best For | Beginners, budget-conscious | Mid-size businesses | Large businesses, advanced users |
| Limitations | Limited CRM features | Daily sending limits on free | High pricing, complex interface |
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Mistake #1: Choosing Based on Features You’ll Never Use
Many businesses pick ActiveCampaign for its advanced features, but only use 20% of its capabilities. MailerLite is the more affordable service, while ActiveCampaign’s premium features carry a higher price tag.
Solution: Start with your current needs. If you’re sending basic newsletters, MailerLite suffices. Upgrade when you actually need predictive sending or advanced segmentation.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Deliverability Rates
All three platforms boast high deliverability, but real-world performance varies:
- MailerLite: 95-97% inbox delivery rate
- Brevo: 94-96% inbox delivery rate
- ActiveCampaign: 96-98% inbox delivery rate
Solution: Test with a small segment first. Monitor spam complaints and engagement rates during your first month.
Mistake #3: Underestimating Migration Complexity
Switching platforms later becomes expensive and time-consuming. Contact export/import, template recreation, and automation rebuilding can take weeks.
Solution: Choose conservatively. It’s easier to upgrade features than to migrate to a new platform completely.
Mistake #4: Overlooking Support Quality
MailerLite offers award-winning customer support that’s available 24/7. ActiveCampaign only offers premium support to its highest-paying customers, whereas MailerLite customers can benefit from 24/7 email support for just $9/month.
Solution: Factor support quality into your decision, especially if you’re not technically inclined.
Advanced Tips and Metrics That Matter
For Beginners: Start Smart
- Choose MailerLite if you’re under 1,000 subscribers and need automation
- Pick Brevo if you have a large list but send infrequent campaigns
- Skip ActiveCampaign until you’re doing $10K+ monthly revenue
For Professionals: Optimization Strategies
Key Metrics to Track:
- Open rates (industry average: 21.33%)
- Click-through rates (industry average: 2.62%)
- Conversion rates (varies by industry)
- List growth rate (healthy: 2.5% monthly)
- Email deliverability scores
Advanced Segmentation Strategies:
- Behavioral Segmentation: Group subscribers by email engagement levels
- Purchase History: Create segments based on buying patterns
- Geographic Segmentation: Tailor content for different time zones and regions
- Engagement Recency: Separate active from dormant subscribers
Tools for Enhanced Performance
- Google Analytics: Track email-driven website conversions
- UTM Parameters: Measure campaign effectiveness
- Heat mapping tools: Understand email click patterns
- Survey tools: Collect subscriber feedback for better targeting
Case Study: A SaaS company using Brevo increased trial signups by 47% by implementing behavioral triggers based on free trial usage patterns. They segmented users who completed setup (high-intent) versus those who didn’t (need nurturing) and created separate automation sequences for each group.
My Recommendation: Who Should Choose What
Choose MailerLite If:
- You’re starting out or have under 10,000 subscribers
- Budget is your primary concern
- You want simple automation without complexity
- You don’t need built-in CRM functionality
- You prioritize ease of use over advanced features
Perfect for: Small businesses, bloggers, e-commerce stores with straightforward email needs, nonprofits with limited budgets.
Choose Brevo If:
- You have a large contact list but send emails infrequently
- You need built-in CRM and SMS marketing
- You want advanced automation without ActiveCampaign’s price tag
- You prefer pay-per-email pricing flexibility
- You need advanced contact management features
Perfect for: Mid-sized businesses, B2B companies needing CRM integration, businesses with seasonal email patterns.
Choose ActiveCampaign If:
- You have the budget for premium features ($200+ monthly)
- You need enterprise-level automation and personalization
- You require extensive third-party integrations
- You have dedicated marketing staff to manage complexity
- Email marketing drives significant revenue for your business
Perfect for: Large businesses, agencies managing multiple clients, e-commerce stores with complex customer journeys.
When NOT to Choose Each Platform
Avoid MailerLite if: You need advanced CRM features, require SMS marketing, or need complex multi-channel automation sequences.
Avoid Brevo if: You send high-volume daily emails, need the simplest possible interface, or require extensive template customization options.
Avoid ActiveCampaign if: You’re just starting out, have a tight budget, or don’t have technical staff to manage complex features.
Conclusion
MailerLite wins for beginners and budget-conscious businesses with its generous free plan and straightforward pricing. Brevo excels for companies needing CRM integration and flexible pricing models. ActiveCampaign dominates for enterprises requiring advanced automation and extensive integrations.
I spent 30 days testing all three platforms with real email campaigns, managing lists ranging from 500 to 8,000 subscribers across different industries. What surprised me most was how much MailerLite’s free plan actually offers—it’s genuinely usable for serious businesses, not just a trial teaser. Brevo’s pay-per-email model proved more cost-effective than expected for businesses with large lists but infrequent sends. My final recommendation: Start with MailerLite, upgrade to Brevo if you need CRM integration, and consider ActiveCampaign only when email drives significant revenue.
For most businesses starting their email marketing journey in 2025, MailerLite offers the best balance of features, affordability, and ease of use. You can always upgrade later as your needs grow.
Take action: Start with MailerLite’s free plan today to test your email marketing strategies without financial risk. Upgrade when you hit 1,000 subscribers or need advanced features.
Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links; I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Key Takeaways On MailerLite vs Brevo vs ActiveCampaigns
MailerLite wins for beginners with its generous free plan (1,000 subscribers, automation included) and affordable scaling. Brevo suits mid-size businesses needing built-in CRM and flexible pricing. ActiveCampaign excels for large enterprises but costs 4x more. Most businesses should start with MailerLite’s free plan to test email marketing strategies without financial risk, then upgrade based on actual growth and feature requirements.
- MailerLite offers the best free plan with 1,000 subscribers and 12,000 monthly emails plus automation features
- Brevo provides flexible pay-per-email pricing and built-in CRM, ideal for businesses with large lists but infrequent sending
- ActiveCampaign delivers enterprise-level features but costs 4x more than competitors for similar subscriber counts
- Free tiers are crucial for testing—MailerLite and Brevo offer substantial free plans while ActiveCampaign requires $39/month minimum
- Choose based on current needs, not future possibilities—it’s easier to upgrade than to migrate platforms later
FAQ
Q: Can I switch between these platforms without losing my email list? A: Yes, all three platforms support CSV export/import for contact lists. However, you’ll need to recreate templates, automation workflows, and custom segments. Plan 2-4 weeks for complete migration of complex setups.
Q: Which platform has the best deliverability rates? A: All three maintain 94-98% deliverability rates. ActiveCampaign edges slightly higher (96-98%) due to advanced reputation management, followed by MailerLite (95-97%) and Brevo (94-96%). Real-world performance depends more on your email practices than platform choice.
Q: Do these platforms work well for e-commerce businesses? A: Yes, but with varying strengths. MailerLite offers solid e-commerce automation and integrates with Shopify/WooCommerce. Brevo provides advanced product recommendation features. ActiveCampaign delivers the most sophisticated purchase behavior tracking and predictive analytics.
Q: What’s the real cost difference for a 5,000-subscriber business? A: MailerLite: $50/month, Brevo: $25-65/month (depending on email volume), ActiveCampaign: $145/month. Brevo can be cheapest if you send fewer than 20,000 emails monthly, otherwise MailerLite offers better value.
Q: Can I use these platforms for marketing outside the US/UK? A: All three work globally, but some limitations apply in certain African countries regarding payment processing. GDPR compliance is built into all platforms. Check local regulations for email marketing laws in your specific region.