We tested 10 email marketing platforms on deliverability, automation depth, list-based pricing, and day-to-day usability. For fast shortlisting, our top quick picks are Campaign Monitor, Campaigner, Klaviyo, GetResponse, and HubSpot. We still include established options like Mailchimp and ActiveCampaign below so you can compare broader fit before deciding.
Priya Winters
Marketing Tech Reviewer · B2B SaaS marketing specialist
Last reviewed: April 10, 2026 · Fact-checked by: Sarah Kim
How we test →Klaviyo is our top pick for data-driven e-commerce campaigns, while Campaign Monitor is ideal for teams prioritizing clean deliverability and design workflows. HubSpot is strongest for businesses that want email, CRM, and automation in one ecosystem.
Ranked by expert score across 12 criteria. All pricing verified April 10, 2026.
All platforms side by side. Pricing verified April 10, 2026.
| Platform | Score | Starting Price | Free Plan | Automation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campaign Monitor | 4.3/5 | $12/mo | Trial | Strong | Deliverability + design teams |
| Campaigner | 4.2/5 | $59/mo | Trial | Advanced | Larger businesses |
| Klaviyo | 4.5/5 | Free / $20/mo | ✓ (250 contacts) | Advanced | E-commerce |
| GetResponse | 4.1/5 | $15.58/mo | Strong | All-in-one + webinars | |
| HubSpot | 4.4/5 | Free / custom tiers | Strong | CRM + marketing teams | |
| Mailchimp | 4.2/5 | Free / $13/mo | Basic | Beginners, SMBs | |
| ActiveCampaign | 4.3/5 | $15/mo | Best-in-class | Complex automation |
Answered by Priya Winters, Marketing Tech Reviewer.
Based on our hands on testing of 10 platforms, start with Klaviyo for e commerce stores, HubSpot for teams that want email plus CRM in one place, Campaign Monitor for deliverability and clean design, GetResponse for SMBs needing landing pages and webinars, and ActiveCampaign for advanced automation with built in CRM. Pricing was verified April 10, 2026.
Yes, with one caveat. Klaviyo is our top scored platform at 4.5/5 and has a free plan up to 250 contacts, so it is low risk to start. Its Shopify and WooCommerce integrations, revenue attribution, and predictive analytics are very useful for growing stores. The watch out is that pricing rises as your list grows and setup can take longer than beginner tools like Mailchimp. For simple early sends, Mailchimp is easier. For revenue focused segmentation, Klaviyo is usually worth it.
HubSpot is the strongest all in one option in this list, scoring 4.4/5. It combines email marketing, CRM, automation, landing pages, and campaign tracking in one dashboard, with strong personalization and a large integration marketplace. It has a free plan, but paid tiers can become expensive at scale. GetResponse is a more affordable all in one alternative that includes email, landing pages, webinars, and AI powered automation workflows.
Most vendors charge by contact count and sometimes send volume or feature tier. Klaviyo and ActiveCampaign scale as lists grow. Campaign Monitor lists from $12 per month in our table. Mailchimp offers a free tier with paid steps as contacts increase. Always confirm current rates on the vendor site before purchase because promos and tiers change.
Campaign Monitor stood out in our tests for consistent inbox placement and clean campaign design. ActiveCampaign also maintains a strong deliverability reputation. Regardless of provider, list hygiene, consent practices, and authentication setup such as SPF and DKIM remain critical.