Top Email Marketing Tools for 2025: Expert-Approved Picks
▼ Summary
– Mailchimp is a beginner-friendly email marketing platform with a free plan that allows users to quickly create campaigns using step-by-step dashboard tools.
– The platform offers drag-and-drop editing and automation features, though free templates are basic and Classic Automations were discontinued in mid-2025, requiring users to rebuild previously free setups.
– Mailchimp’s dashboard suggests prebuilt automation flows for common tasks, but users must upgrade from the Free plan to activate them, despite the visual setup being user-friendly.
– Pricing ranges from a Free plan (500 contacts) to paid tiers like Essentials ($13/month), Standard ($20/month), and Premium ($350/month for 10,000+ contacts), with options for Pay As You Go credits and nonprofit discounts.
– Key features include email/SMS campaign building, automation flows, list segmentation, signup forms, landing pages, and 250+ integrations, with 14-day free trials on paid plans.
Email marketing remains one of the most effective digital marketing strategies, and choosing the right platform can make all the difference for businesses of any size. For beginners looking for an intuitive yet powerful solution, Mailchimp stands out as a top contender. Its free tier allows users to quickly set up their first campaign without upfront costs, making it ideal for testing the waters.
Getting started is straightforward thanks to the platform’s user-friendly dashboard. Importing contacts, connecting third-party tools, and setting up brand elements can be done in minutes. Whether crafting emails from scratch or using templates, the drag-and-drop editor simplifies the process, though free templates are fairly basic unless you upgrade. Automation is another strong suit, allowing emails to be triggered by sign-ups, tags, or custom events. While the system requires a short learning curve, it offers impressive flexibility once mastered.
One notable change is the discontinuation of Classic Automations in 2025, meaning returning users may need to rebuild workflows from scratch, now available only on paid plans. Still, Mailchimp’s dashboard suggests prebuilt automation flows for common goals like welcoming subscribers or recovering abandoned carts. These templates save time, though launching them requires a subscription. The visual workflow builder keeps things simple, making automation accessible even for novices.
Pricing scales with business needs, starting with a free plan for up to 500 contacts. Paid options include Essentials ($13/month), Standard ($20/month), and Premium ($350/month for larger lists). Occasional senders can opt for a Pay As You Go credit system. Nonprofits enjoy a 15% discount, and paid plans come with a 14-day trial.
Key features include:
- Email and SMS campaign creation
- Prebuilt automation workflows
- Advanced segmentation and tagging
- Customizable signup forms and popups
- Landing page builder
- Integration with 250+ apps
For small businesses or marketers just starting out, Mailchimp’s blend of simplicity and functionality makes it a smart choice. While some features now sit behind paywalls, the platform’s ease of use and scalability keep it competitive in 2025.
(Source: ZDNET)
