Starting email marketing as a beginner can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to stay within budget. The good news? You don’t need to spend a dime to get started.
Today’s top email marketing platforms offer robust free plans perfect for new creators, side hustlers, and small businesses. In this post, we’ll cover the best free email marketing tools that deliver real value — without locking everything behind a paywall.
What Makes a Good Free Email Marketing Tool?
If you’re just starting out, here are the key features to look for:
- Generous subscriber limits
- Drag-and-drop email builder
- Automation workflows
- Professional templates
- Deliverability you can trust
- Easy-to-read analytics
Let’s explore the best options that check these boxes—no credit card required.
Top Free Email Marketing Platforms for Beginners
1. MailerLite
Why it’s great: Clean, modern interface with powerful automation—even on the free plan.
Free Plan Includes:
- Up to 1,000 subscribers
- 12,000 monthly emails
- Drag-and-drop builder
- Landing pages
- Email automation
- Analytics dashboard
Best For: Beginners who want automation + ease of use
2. Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)
Why it’s great: Daily sending limit instead of a contact limit—great for larger lists.
Free Plan Includes:
- Unlimited contacts
- 300 emails/day
- Email templates
- Transactional emails
- SMS marketing option
Best For: Beginners focused on deliverability and multi-channel
3. Mailchimp
Why it’s great: One of the most recognized tools with a beginner-friendly experience.
Free Plan Includes:
- Up to 500 contacts
- 1,000 monthly emails
- Basic templates
- One-step automation
- Signup forms
Best For: Beginners testing email marketing basics
4. Moosend
Why it’s great: Simple interface + automation + no branding on emails (rare in free tools).
Free Plan Includes:
- Unlimited emails
- Up to 1,000 subscribers
- Email automation
- Signup forms
- Reporting tools
Best For: Users who want automation without paying early
5. Benchmark Email
Why it’s great: Beautiful templates and intuitive builder for quick campaigns.
Free Plan Includes:
- Up to 500 subscribers
- 3,500 emails/month
- Basic automation
- Drag-and-drop editor
- Signup forms
Best For: Beginners who value design and simplicity
Comparison Table
| Tool | Free Subscribers | Monthly Emails | Automation | Landing Pages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MailerLite | 1,000 | 12,000 | ✅ | ✅ | All-in-one starter campaigns |
| Brevo | Unlimited | 300/day | ✅ | ✅ | Daily sending and SMS options |
| Mailchimp | 500 | 1,000 | Limited | ✅ | Brand recognition & templates |
| Moosend | 1,000 | Unlimited | ✅ | ✅ | Branding-free automation |
| Benchmark Email | 500 | 3,500 | ✅ | ❌ | Visual-focused email builders |
How to Pick the Right One as a Beginner
Ask yourself:
- Do I plan to grow fast, or stay small for now?
- Do I need automation from day one?
- Is design or deliverability more important?
- Do I need landing pages too?
If you’re just experimenting with newsletters or launching a lead magnet, MailerLite or Moosend are great starting points. Want flexibility in contact management? Brevo wins there.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a big budget to start email marketing. These free plans give you all the tools to build your list, connect with your audience, and drive early results.
Once you hit your first 500–1,000 subscribers, you’ll be ready to upgrade with confidence—knowing exactly what features matter for your growth.
Ready to Start?
Choose one of the above tools, set up your first list, and send your welcome email today.