Selecting the right email marketing software is crucial for businesses of all sizes to nurture leads, promote products, and build lasting relationships. With so many options available, navigating the choices can feel overwhelming. Fear not! We’ve ranked ten of the top email marketing software options for pricing and value for money, features and functionality, and our overall impression, to help you to make an informed decision.

1. HubSpot Marketing Hub

Pricing and Value: 3/5 – Premium pricing, excellent value for enterprise users needing deep integration and advanced automation.

Features and Functionality: 5/5 – Extensive features: advanced automation, lead scoring, CRM integration, personalised content, SEO, social media.

Overall Impression: 5/5 – Powerful and high-quality, best for larger organisations with integrated marketing and sales needs.

2. Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)

Pricing and Value: 4.5/5 – Competitive pricing, especially for growing businesses, excellent value with integrated SMS.

Features and Functionality: 4/5 – Robust suite including email builder, automation, segmentation, SMS, landing pages, and CRM.

Overall Impression: 4.5/5 – Comprehensive and scalable, high-quality omnichannel solution.

3. Klaviyo

Pricing and Value: 3/5 – Higher end pricing, but powerful e-commerce features and automation often justify the cost.

Features and Functionality: 4.5/5 – Advanced segmentation based on purchase behavior, personalised automation, SMS, strong e-commerce integrations.

Overall Impression: 4.5/5 – High-quality, purpose-built for e-commerce businesses seeking sophisticated automation and personalisation.

4. ActiveCampaign

Pricing and Value: 3.5/5 – Pricing varies, excellent value for businesses needing sophisticated automation and CRM-like features.

Features and Functionality: 5/5 – Powerful automation, CRM features, lead scoring, deep segmentation, numerous integrations.

Overall Impression: 4.5/5 – High-quality and robust, best for users needing advanced automation and comfortable with a feature-rich interface.

5. MailerLite

Pricing and Value: 5/5 – Affordable pricing, generous free plan, excellent value for money, especially for smaller users.

Features and Functionality: 3.5/5 – Solid features: drag-and-drop editor, automation, segmentation, landing pages, excellent support.

Overall Impression: 4/5 – High-quality experience with simplicity and excellent support at a very competitive price.

6. GetResponse

Pricing and Value: 4/5 – Range of plans, good value for users leveraging its diverse tools beyond email.

Features and Functionality: 4/5 – Comprehensive suite: email marketing, automation, landing pages, webinars, website builder, conversion funnels.

Overall Impression: 4/5 – Solid and high-quality platform offering a broad range of marketing tools.

7. Mailchimp

Pricing and Value: 3.5/5 – Free plan for beginners, paid plans can be pricier for larger lists, good value for ease of use and creative tools.

Features and Functionality: 4/5 – Intuitive interface, strong design tools, robust segmentation, automation, e-commerce integrations.

Overall Impression: 4/5 – Popular and reliable, high-quality for user-friendliness and design, pricing for large lists a consideration.

8. Omnisend

Pricing and Value: 3.5/5 – Tiered pricing, good value for e-commerce businesses needing integrated email, SMS, and other channels.

Features and Functionality: 4/5 – Robust e-commerce features, advanced automation, personalised product recommendations, SMS, push notifications.

Overall Impression: 4/5 – High-quality and increasingly popular for e-commerce businesses seeking omnichannel marketing.

9. Campaign Monitor

Pricing and Value: 4/5 – Cost-effective for smaller lists and lower sending volumes, good value for design focus.

Features and Functionality: 3.5/5 – Excellent email templates, visual journey builder, focus on design, segmentation, personalisation.

Overall Impression: 4/5 – High-quality platform prioritising design and ease of use for potentially lower volume senders.

10. Constant Contact

Pricing and Value: 3.5/5 – Straightforward pricing, good value for event and non-profit specific features and ease of use.

Features and Functionality: 3.5/5 – User-friendly, reliable delivery, good templates, event management tools, social media integration.

Overall Impression: 4/5 – Dependable and high-quality, known for user-friendliness and features tailored to events and non-profits.

Top 10 Email Marketing Software Options: Ranked

Based on our scores above for pricing and value for money, features and functionality, and our overall impression, here’s a ranking of our top 10 email marketing software options for 2025.

1. HubSpot Marketing Hub: While pricier, its unparalleled feature set and seamless integration make it a top contender for businesses needing a comprehensive marketing and sales solution.
2. Brevo: Its strong all-around performance, competitive pricing, and integrated SMS capabilities make it an excellent choice for growing businesses.
3. Klaviyo: Specifically designed for e-commerce, its powerful automation and personalisation features deliver significant value for online stores.
4. ActiveCampaign: A robust platform for users who require advanced automation and CRM-like functionalities.
5. MailerLite: Praised for its affordability, user-friendliness, and excellent support, making it a great value option.
6. GetResponse: A comprehensive platform offering a wide array of marketing tools beyond just email.
7. Mailchimp: A popular and user-friendly choice with strong design capabilities, though pricing for larger lists can be a factor.
8. Omnisend: A strong contender for e-commerce businesses seeking an integrated omnichannel marketing approach.
9. Campaign Monitor: A design-centric platform that’s particularly suitable for lower-volume senders who prioritise aesthetics.
10. Constant Contact: A reliable and user-friendly option, especially well-suited for events and non-profit organisations. 

Keep in mind that the “best” option ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities. Take a look at our in depth analysis of features and functionality for each of these options. We would also recommend exploring free trials of the platforms that seem like a good fit to experience their features firsthand before making a final decision.

Important Considerations

• Your Specific Needs: This ranking provides a general overview. The ideal software for you will depend on factors like your budget, list size, required features, and technical expertise.
• Feature Prioritisation: If advanced automation is your top priority, ActiveCampaign or HubSpot might rank higher for you. If budget is the primary concern, MailerLite would be a strong contender.
• E-commerce Focus: If you run an online store, Klaviyo and Omnisend are specifically tailored to your needs.
• Ease of Use: For beginners, Mailchimp or Constant Contact might be more appealing due to their user-friendly interfaces.

Making Your Choice

These scores provide a comparative overview to help narrow down your options. Remember to consider your specific requirements and priorities when making your final decision. Factors like your budget, team size, technical skills, and the complexity of your marketing needs will all play a role in determining the best email marketing software for your success. Don’t hesitate to explore free trials to get hands-on experience before committing to a platform.

Email marketing has evolved significantly, from simple newsletters to sophisticated, data-driven campaigns. The tools marketers use have also advanced, with a wide array of software options designed to streamline and enhance email strategies. This article aims to cut through the noise by providing a detailed comparison of ten popular email marketing platforms. We’ll explore the features, functionality, and overall value, empowering you to select the best fit for your business needs.

1. HubSpot Marketing Hub

HubSpot is a proper powerhouse, offering a full suite of marketing, sales, and service tools. Its email marketing functionality is deeply integrated with its CRM, which is a massive plus for businesses already in the HubSpot ecosystem.  

Features and Functionality: HubSpot offers a robust drag-and-drop email builder, personalisation options using CRM data, A/B testing, automation workflows, detailed analytics, and integration with the wider HubSpot platform for lead scoring and management. It’s got all the bells and whistles for sophisticated marketing.  

Rating: 9/10

2. Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)

Brevo is a versatile platform that started with SMS marketing but has grown into a comprehensive marketing communication tool, including email. It’s often seen as a more budget-friendly alternative without skimping too much on features.  

Features and Functionality: Brevo provides a user-friendly email builder, segmentation capabilities, automation features, transactional emails, SMS marketing, and a CRM. Its strength lies in its multi-channel approach and competitive pricing.  

Rating: 8/10

3. Klaviyo

Klaviyo is heavily focused on e-commerce businesses. It offers deep integrations with platforms like Shopify and Magento, allowing for highly personalised email campaigns based on customer behaviour and purchase history.  

Features and Functionality: Klaviyo excels in segmentation based on e-commerce data, automated flows for abandoned carts and post-purchase follow-ups, dynamic content, and detailed analytics specific to online sales.  

Rating: 9/10 (specifically for e-commerce) / 7/10 (for general use)

4. ActiveCampaign

ActiveCampaign is known for its powerful automation capabilities and its focus on providing a personalised customer experience. It’s a favourite among marketers who want intricate and behaviour-driven email sequences.  

Features and Functionality: ActiveCampaign boasts advanced automation builders with branching logic, dynamic content, CRM and sales automation features, segmentation based on various data points, and integrations with numerous other tools.  

Rating: 9/10

5. MailerLite

MailerLite is praised for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a great option for smaller businesses or those new to email marketing. Despite its user-friendly interface, it still packs a decent punch in terms of features.

Features and Functionality: MailerLite offers a drag-and-drop editor, automation workflows, segmentation, landing page builder, pop-up forms, and decent analytics. It balances simplicity with essential functionality.  

Rating: 7/10

6. GetResponse

GetResponse is an all-in-one marketing platform that includes email marketing alongside landing pages, webinars, and conversion funnels. It aims to provide a comprehensive toolkit for online marketing.  

Features and Functionality: GetResponse features an email creator, automation tools, segmentation, landing page builder, webinar hosting, paid ads management, and conversion funnel features. It’s quite a broad offering.  

Rating: 8/10

7. Mailchimp

Mailchimp is one of the most well-known email marketing platforms, particularly popular with small to medium-sized businesses. It offers a good balance of user-friendliness and features.  

Features and Functionality: Mailchimp provides an easy-to-use email builder, segmentation, automation (though more advanced features can be pricier), A/B testing, and integrations with many other platforms. It’s a solid all-rounder.  

Rating: 8/10

8. Omnisend

Omnisend, similar to Klaviyo, focuses on e-commerce and offers multi-channel marketing capabilities, including email, SMS, and push notifications. It aims to provide a unified platform for engaging online shoppers.  

Features and Functionality: Omnisend includes email marketing with a focus on product recommendations, automated workflows for e-commerce scenarios, SMS marketing, push notifications, and integrations with e-commerce platforms.  

Rating: 8/10 (specifically for e-commerce) / 6/10 (for general use)

9. Campaign Monitor

Campaign Monitor is known for its clean interface and focus on providing a professional-looking email marketing experience. It caters to businesses that value design and ease of use.  

Features and Functionality: Campaign Monitor offers a drag-and-drop builder, segmentation, automation, transactional emails, and detailed reporting. It’s particularly strong on design flexibility.  

Rating: 7/10

10. Constant Contact

Constant Contact is another long-standing player in the email marketing space, often recommended for small businesses and non-profits due to its user-friendly interface and helpful support.  

Features and Functionality: Constant Contact provides an easy-to-use email editor, list management tools, basic automation, event management features, and social media integration. It focuses on simplicity and deliverability.  

Rating: 6/10

Email Marketing Software Functionality: Compared

Email marketing software options are vast and varied, but this comparison of ten of the top platforms offers a clear overview of their features.

	HubSpot Marketing Hub	Brevo	Klaviyo	ActiveCampaign	MailerLite	GetResponse	Mailchimp	Omnisend	Campaign Monitor	Constant Contact
Email Builder	Drag-and-drop, customisable templates, visual editor	Drag-and-drop editor, responsive templates, HTML editor	Drag-and-drop, customisable templates, content blocks	Drag-and-drop, conditional content, design testing	Drag-and-drop, rich text editor, custom HTML	Drag-and-drop, ready-made templates, AI email creator	Easy-to-use, flexible layouts, creative tools	Drag-and-drop, product blocks, responsive templates	Drag-and-drop, template management, custom coding	Easy-to-use, mobile-optimised templates, branding tools
Automation	Advanced workflows, branching logic, triggers, lead nurturing	Automation workflows, transactional emails, autoresponders	Flows (abandoned cart, welcome series), behavioural triggers, predictive analytics	Advanced automation, branching logic, goal tracking, CRM automation	Automation workflows, email sequences, triggers	Automation tools, marketing automation, workflow builder	Basic automation, customer journeys, scheduling	E-commerce automation, pre-built workflows, segmentation-based	Automation, triggered emails, autoresponders	Basic automation, automated series, triggered emails
Segmentation	CRM-based, list segmentation, dynamic lists	Segmentation capabilities, contact lists, segmentation rules	E-commerce data, behavioural segmentation, predictive segmentation	Advanced segmentation, tags, custom fields, lead scoring	Segmentation, groups, tags	Segmentation, contact tagging, advanced segmentation	Segmentation, list segmentation, behavioural targeting	E-commerce segmentation, customer lifecycle, RFM analysis	Segmentation, list management, custom fields	List management, contact tagging, list segmentation
Personalisation	CRM data, dynamic content, personalisation tokens	Personalisation, dynamic content, contact attributes	Dynamic content, personalised recommendations, customer-specific data	Dynamic content, conditional content, personalised experiences	Personalisation, dynamic content	Personalisation, dynamic content, AI personalisation	Personalisation, merge tags, dynamic content	Product recommendations, personalised content, dynamic content	Personalisation, dynamic content, custom fields	Personalisation, contact details, dynamic content
A/B Testing	Yes, multivariate testing	Yes, A/B testing	Yes, A/B testing for emails and forms	Yes, A/B testing for emails, subject lines, and content	Yes, A/B testing	Yes, A/B testing	Yes, A/B testing	Yes, A/B testing	Yes, A/B testing	Yes, A/B testing
CRM Integration	Yes, HubSpot CRM	Yes, built-in CRM	Yes	Yes, built-in CRM	No	No	Yes	No	No	No
E-commerce	Yes, e-commerce workflows	Yes, e-commerce tools	Deep integrations with Shopify, Magento, etc.	Yes, e-commerce automation	Yes, e-commerce integrations	Yes, e-commerce tools	Yes, e-commerce integrations	Multi-channel e-commerce features	Yes, e-commerce features	Yes, e-commerce tools
Multi-Channel Marketing	Yes, social media, ads	SMS, Chat, Facebook Ads	SMS	Yes, SMS, site tracking	No	Webinars, Ads, SMS	No	SMS, Push notifications	No	Social media integration
Reporting/Analytics	Detailed reporting, custom reports, revenue tracking	Detailed analytics, campaign reports, delivery statistics	E-commerce specific reporting, revenue attribution, customer insights	Detailed reporting, funnel tracking, goal measurement	Decent reporting, campaign statistics	Detailed reporting, conversion tracking, ROI analysis	Standard reporting, campaign performance, basic analytics	Sales-focused reporting, product performance, customer behaviour	Detailed reporting, campaign performance, client reporting	Basic reporting, tracking, and deliverability
Landing Page Builder	Yes, landing page creation	Yes, landing page creation	No	No	Yes, landing page builder	Yes, landing page builder	Yes, landing page builder	No	No	No
Pricing	High, scalable pricing	Competitive, flexible plans	Mid-high, tiered pricing	Mid-high, feature-based pricing	Low-mid, affordable plans	Mid, tiered plans	Mid, varied plans	Mid-high, e-commerce based	Mid, tiered pricing	Low-mid, simple pricing

Our Top Ten Email Marketing Software Options

Based on the features and functionality discussed, here’s our ranking of the top ten options for email marketing software:

1. HubSpot Marketing Hub (9/10): Top marks for its deep integration, comprehensive features, and powerful automation, especially for businesses already using the HubSpot ecosystem.
2. ActiveCampaign (9/10): Highly rated for its advanced automation capabilities and focus on personalised customer journeys.  
3. Klaviyo (9/10 for e-commerce): Excels in providing e-commerce specific features and deep integrations for online stores.  
4. Brevo (8/10): A strong contender offering a good balance of features and affordability, with a multi-channel approach.
5. GetResponse (8/10): A comprehensive platform with a wide range of marketing tools beyond just email.  
6. Mailchimp (8/10): A popular and user-friendly option with a good set of features and extensive integrations.
7. Omnisend (8/10 for e-commerce): Another excellent choice for e-commerce businesses looking for multi-channel marketing.
8. MailerLite (7/10): A great option for those seeking simplicity and ease of use without sacrificing essential features.
9. Campaign Monitor (7/10): Strong on design and user experience, providing a professional email marketing platform.
10. Constant Contact (6/10): A user-friendly option particularly suited for small businesses and non-profits needing straightforward email marketing. 

Choosing the right platform ultimately depends on your specific business needs, budget, and technical expertise. Whether you prioritise advanced automation, ease of use, e-commerce integration, or budget-friendliness, there is a solution tailored to your needs. We encourage you to leverage the information provided in this article to make an informed decision and unlock the full potential of your email marketing strategy. It’s also a good idea to have a play around with the free trials or demos to see which one feels like the best fit for you.

Choosing the right email marketing software is crucial for any business looking to connect with its audience effectively. However, the sheer number of options and their varying pricing models can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to delve into the nitty-gritty of ten popular email marketing platforms – HubSpot Marketing Hub, Brevo, Klaviyo, ActiveCampaign, MailerLite, GetResponse, Mailchimp, Omnisend, Campaign Monitor, and Constant Contact – to give you our honest opinion on whether they’re worth the money. We’ll be looking at their starting prices, offering our take on their value for money, and rating each out of ten to help you make a sensible choice.

1. HubSpot Marketing Hub

From Price: Free plan available with limited features; paid plans start from around £17 per month (Starter tier, billed annually).

Value for Money: HubSpot’s strength lies in its comprehensive suite of marketing tools, of which email marketing is just one component. The free plan is excellent for basic needs. However, the paid tiers can become quite expensive as you scale and require more advanced features and a larger contact list. For businesses already heavily invested in the HubSpot ecosystem, the integration is seamless. For those solely focused on email, the cost might feel a bit steep compared to more specialised platforms.

Value for Money Rating: 6/10

2. Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)

From Price: Free plan with transactional email limits and Brevo branding; paid plans start from around £19 per month (Starter tier, billed monthly).

Value for Money: Brevo offers a good balance of features at a competitive price point, especially for businesses that also require SMS marketing and transactional emails. Their pricing is often based on the number of emails sent rather than the number of contacts, which can be advantageous for certain businesses. The free plan is quite generous for those just starting out.

Value for Money Rating: 8/10

3. Klaviyo

From Price: Free plan for up to 250 contacts and 500 email sends; paid plans start from around £17 per month (Email Starter tier, billed monthly, for up to 500 contacts).

Value for Money: Klaviyo is particularly powerful for e-commerce businesses due to its deep integrations with platforms like Shopify. Its segmentation and automation capabilities are highly advanced, allowing for very personalised campaigns. However, it can be one of the more expensive options, especially as your contact list grows. If you run an online shop and need sophisticated customer journey automation, it’s likely worth the investment.

Value for Money Rating: 7/10 (specifically for e-commerce) / 5/10 (for general use)

4. ActiveCampaign

From Price: Lite plan starts from around £24 per month (billed monthly, for up to 1,000 contacts).

Value for Money: ActiveCampaign is known for its robust automation features and CRM capabilities. It offers a wide range of tools for segmentation, personalisation, and complex workflows. While the starting price is a bit higher than some competitors, the depth of features can provide significant value for businesses looking to automate their marketing efforts extensively.

Value for Money Rating: 8/10 (for businesses needing advanced automation) / 6/10 (for basic email needs)

5. MailerLite

From Price: Free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers and 12,000 monthly emails; paid plans start from around £9 per month (billed monthly, for up to 1,000 subscribers).

Value for Money: MailerLite is often praised for its user-friendly interface and affordable pricing, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers a good set of features without the complexity of some of the more expensive platforms. The free plan is quite generous, making it an attractive option for those on a tight budget.

Value for Money Rating: 9/10

6. GetResponse

From Price: Email Marketing plan starts from around £14 per month (billed monthly, for up to 1,000 contacts).

Value for Money: GetResponse offers a solid all-in-one marketing platform with email marketing, landing pages, webinars, and automation tools. Its pricing is competitive, and it provides a good range of features for the cost. It’s a versatile option for businesses looking for more than just email marketing.

Value for Money Rating: 7/10

7. Mailchimp

From Price: Free plan with limited features for up to 500 contacts and 1,000 monthly email sends; Essentials plan starts from around £11 per month (billed monthly, for up to 500 contacts).

Value for Money: Mailchimp is a well-established player in the email marketing space, known for its user-friendly interface and creative tools. While the free plan is a good starting point, the paid plans can become relatively expensive as your contact list grows, especially with the increase in per-contact pricing. Other platforms now offer more competitive pricing structures for larger lists.

Value for Money Rating: 6/10

8. Omnisend

From Price: Free plan with limited features; Standard plan starts from around £13 per month (billed monthly, based on contacts and email volume).

Value for Money: Omnisend is tailored for e-commerce, offering strong automation and segmentation capabilities, particularly for multi-channel marketing (email, SMS, push notifications). Its pricing scales based on both contacts and the number of emails sent, which can be beneficial for some. If you’re focused on e-commerce and want robust multi-channel features, it offers good value.

Value for Money Rating: 8/10 (specifically for e-commerce with multi-channel needs) / 6/10 (for basic email needs)

9. Campaign Monitor

From Price: Basic plan starts from around £7 per month (billed monthly, for up to 500 contacts and 2,500 email sends).

Value for Money: Campaign Monitor is known for its focus on design and ease of use, making it a good option for those who prioritise visually appealing emails. While the starting price seems low, the cost can increase relatively quickly as you add more subscribers and require more advanced features. It offers a solid platform but might not be the most budget-friendly for large lists with complex automation needs.

Value for Money Rating: 7/10

10. Constant Contact

From Price: Standard plan starts from around £17 per month (billed monthly, for up to 500 contacts).

Value for Money: Constant Contact is a user-friendly platform with a strong emphasis on customer support. It offers a good range of features for small businesses. However, its pricing can be on the higher side compared to some competitors, especially as your contact list grows. While it’s easy to use, you might find more feature-rich or cost-effective options elsewhere.

Value for Money Rating: 6/10

Email Marketing Pricing: A Comparison of the Top 10 Platforms

The below pricing comparison table includes a clear side-by-side view of the starting costs and our value-for-money ratings for each of the email marketing platforms we’ve discussed.

	From Price (Approx)	Value for Money	Value for Money Rating
HubSpot Marketing Hub	£17/month (Starter)	Excellent free plan, but paid tiers can become expensive, especially for email-only focus. Best for those already in the HubSpot ecosystem.	6/10
Brevo	£19/month (Starter)	Good balance of features at a competitive price, especially for SMS and transactional emails. Pricing based on emails sent can be advantageous.	8/10
Klaviyo	£17/month (Email Starter)	Powerful for e-commerce with advanced segmentation and automation. Can be pricey as list grows. High value for online shops.	7/10 (e-commerce) / 5/10 (general)
ActiveCampaign	£24/month (Lite)	Robust automation and CRM capabilities. Higher starting price, but valuable for extensive automation needs.	8/10 (advanced automation) / 6/10 (basic)
MailerLite	£9/month	User-friendly and affordable, especially for small to medium businesses. Generous free plan.	9/10
GetResponse	£14/month (Email Marketing)	Solid all-in-one platform with email, landing pages, webinars, and automation at a competitive price.	7/10
Mailchimp	£11/month (Essentials)	User-friendly interface and creative tools. Paid plans can become expensive as contact list grows.	6/10
Omnisend	£13/month (Standard)	Tailored for e-commerce with strong multi-channel capabilities. Pricing scales on contacts and email volume. Good value for relevant users.	8/10 (e-commerce multi-channel) / 6/10 (basic)
Campaign Monitor	£7/month (Basic)	Focus on design and ease of use. Cost can increase quickly with more subscribers and advanced features.	7/10
Constant Contact	£17/month (Standard)	User-friendly with strong customer support. Can be pricier than competitors, especially for larger lists.	6/10

Things to note:

• All “From Prices” are approximate starting prices for the lowest-tier paid plan and are often based on monthly billing for a specific number of contacts or email sends. These can vary depending on the exact plan, contract length (monthly vs. annual), and the number of contacts you have.
• The “Value for Money Rating” is our subjective opinion based on the features offered at the starting price point and how it compares to competitors. Your individual assessment may differ based on your specific needs and priorities.
• It’s always recommended to check the latest pricing and features directly on each software provider’s website as they can change. Many offer free trials or more detailed pricing pages based on your specific requirements.

Top Ten Email Marketing Platforms: Our Value for Money Ranking

Based on our assessment, here’s a ranking of the email marketing software based on their value for money (highest to lowest rated):

1. MailerLite (9/10): Offers a generous free plan and affordable paid plans with a good balance of features.
2. Brevo (8/10): Competitive pricing, especially for businesses needing SMS and transactional emails.  
3. ActiveCampaign (8/10 for advanced automation): Powerful automation capabilities justify the higher starting price for users who need them.
4. Omnisend (8/10 for e-commerce with multi-channel): Strong e-commerce focus with multi-channel features at a reasonable price for relevant users.
5. GetResponse (7/10): A versatile all-in-one platform with competitive pricing.
6. Klaviyo (7/10 for e-commerce): Excellent for e-commerce with advanced segmentation and automation, but can be pricey.
7. Campaign Monitor (7/10): Focus on design and ease of use, but can become costly with scale.
8. HubSpot Marketing Hub (6/10): Excellent free plan and integrated marketing suite, but paid plans can be expensive for email-focused users.
9. Mailchimp (6/10): User-friendly but can become expensive as your list grows.
10. Constant Contact (6/10): Easy to use with good support, but pricier than some alternatives.

As you can see, the “best” value for money isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair. MailerLite and Brevo really stand out for those keeping a close eye on the budget, offering a decent chunk of features without breaking the bank. For businesses with more specific needs, like advanced automation (ActiveCampaign) or a strong focus on e-commerce (Klaviyo and Omnisend), the slightly higher price tags might well be justified. Established players like Mailchimp and Constant Contact, while user-friendly, might not offer the same level of value for money as some of their more competitively priced counterparts, particularly as your subscriber list grows. 

Ultimately, the platform that offers the best value for your business will depend on your unique requirements, the complexity of your marketing strategy, and, of course, how much you’re willing to spend. We hope this breakdown has given you a clearer picture and helps you make a decision that’s right for your business.

The perfect social media tool empowers you to streamline your social media management, allowing you to focus on what matters most – growing your business and engaging with your audience. With careful consideration and a bit of trial and error, you’ll find the ideal platform 

To help get you started, this guide explores the top social media management platforms for small businesses. We’ll compare some of the most popular tools, highlighting their strengths and potential drawbacks.

The best social media tools for small businesses in 2024

1. Zoho Social: The budget-friendly all-rounder for small businesses
2. Buffer: Simplicity reigns supreme for solopreneurs and teams
3. Hootsuite: The multitasking master for agencies and diverse businesses
4. Sprout Social: The engagement expert for data-driven businesses
5. Loomly: The visual storytelling champion for social media management
6. Sendible: The affordable all-rounder with social listening prowess
7. SocialPilot: A cost-effective choice with AI assistant

Social media tool functionality: A detailed comparison

Feature	Zoho Social	Buffer	Hootsuite	Sprout Social	Loomly	Sendible	Social Pilot
Free Tier	Yes	Yes (Limited)	No	No	Yes (Limited)	Yes (Limited)	Yes
Scheduling	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Analytics & Reporting	Basic	Basic	Advanced	Advanced	Basic	Comprehensive	Basic
Social Listening	Basic	No	Advanced	Advanced	No	Yes	Basic
Team Collaboration	Yes	Limited	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Content Curation	Limited	Yes	No	No	No	No	Limited
AI-Powered Features	No	No	No	No	No	No	Yes
Pricing	Affordable	Affordable	More expensive	More expensive	Affordable	Competitive	Competitive

Zoho Social

• Budget-Friendly Champion: Offers affordable plans with a free tier, making it ideal for small businesses starting out.
• All-in-One Hero: Provides scheduling, analytics, reporting, and basic social listening, catering to diverse needs.
• Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Facilitates collaboration with team members, assigning roles and monitoring progress.
• Potential Drawback: The interface might not be as intuitive for complete beginners compared to some competitors.

Buffer

• Simplicity Reigns Supreme: User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop scheduling makes managing multiple accounts a breeze.
• Content Curation Champion: Suggests relevant content to share, saving time and effort.
• Free Forever Friend: Offers a forever-free plan for managing up to three social media profiles, perfect for solopreneurs.
• Potential Drawback: Lacks advanced features like in-depth analytics and social listening offered by some competitors.

Hootsuite

• Multitasking Master: Manages a vast array of social media platforms, ideal for agencies or businesses with diverse online presences.
• Analytics Ace: Provides detailed reporting and analytics, helping you understand content performance and audience engagement.
• Collaboration Cornerstone: Offers robust features for team collaboration, including assigning tasks and monitoring progress.
• Potential Drawback: Pricing plans can be steeper compared to simpler platforms, making it less budget-friendly for smaller businesses.

Sprout Social

• Engagement Expert: Offers advanced social listening features, allowing you to track brand mentions and respond to customer inquiries effectively.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Provides comprehensive analytics and reporting, empowering you to make data-driven decisions about your social media strategy.
• Teamwork Triumphs: Facilitates seamless collaboration with team members, including assigning tasks, managing workflows, and approving content.
• Potential Drawback: Lacks a free tier and can be expensive for smaller businesses with limited budgets.

Loomly

• Visual Storytelling Superstar: Excel at managing visual content on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, with drag-and-drop calendar and post previews.
• Collaboration Companion: Offers features for team collaboration, including assigning posts and managing content queues.
• Free Plan Starter: Provides a free plan with limited features, allowing you to test the platform before committing.
• Potential Drawback: Lacks advanced social listening and engagement features available in higher-tier plans.

Sendible

• Affordable All-Rounder: Offers a comprehensive suite of features, including scheduling, analytics, social listening, and reporting, at a competitive price point.
• Team Player: Facilitates team collaboration with features like role-based permissions and content approval workflows.
• Social Inbox: Provides a unified platform to manage messages and conversations across various social media channels.
• Potential Drawback: Free plan has limited features, and higher tiers might be overkill for very small businesses.

SocialPilot

• Cost-Effective Choice: Offers competitive pricing plans, especially for managing multiple social media accounts.
• AI-Powered Assistant: Uses AI to suggest content, analyze sentiment, and optimize scheduling for better engagement.
• Drag-and-Drop Scheduling: Simplifies scheduling and content calendar management.
• Potential Drawback: Lacks advanced features like in-depth social listening and reporting offered by some competitors.

Choosing the right social media tool for your small business

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to social media for small businesses. Research, explore free trials, and consider your specific requirements to find the social media management platform that empowers your online presence.

Our final tip is to consider these factors before making your choice:

• Number of social media profiles you manage: Choose a platform that supports the platforms you use and scales as your needs grow.
• Features required: Prioritize features essential for your workflow, such as scheduling, analytics, social listening, or team collaboration.
• Budget: Compare pricing plans and features to find the most cost-effective solution for your needs.
• Ease of use: Consider the learning curve and choose a platform that aligns with your comfort level and technical expertise.