When you have a blog or online store, you start to see more revenue can be out there, and you know or may have heard that an email campaign can help you boost it more.
But, how do you maintain a strong consistency in your email campaign as it plays out over weeks and months?
This is why email autoresponders can save you a huge amount of time and deliver massive profits on your campaign investment. However, the automation features on an email autoresponder can have some mixed results.
The hard truth is that many passionate email campaigns become just customers' inbox wallpaper. They will start feeling uninterested when you have mistimed or off-target emails sent to them.
A good email autoresponder has the ability for you to connect with your customers, at scale, without making them feel overwhelmed.
Your business team (if you have one) can get the same benefit from this autoresponder ability also. It can eliminate much of the tiring and repetitive work that is so important to build a great relationship with your email subscribers at scale.
Make them feel excited about the content that they're interested in. Then, see your conversions climb when you get full visibility into your open and click-through rates.
Let's see the best email autoresponders out there, what they can do for you, and pick the right one for your website and your business.
*If you’re a new blogger, website, or online store owner, and you want to know what is an email autoresponder and what it does to make money for you, here are some of the details.
What Is an Email Autoresponder?
An email autoresponder is an important tool for your blog and business's marketing. It will allow you to follow up on your potential email customers automatically at a predefined time.
You can acquire the system by installing a script on your web hosting or third-party service providers for the autoresponder.
The Best Email Autoresponders (Free and Paid)
Let's start our comparison of emailing software available on the US market! Some offer free packages...
1. SendInBlue - For your transactional emails, SMS, and newsletters
Description of the emailing software: created in 2012, SendInBlue is a company that focused its activities on transactional emails (registration confirmations, invoices, etc.).
Today, SendInBlue also offers its own newsletter editor, which it also wants to be attractive to other categories of users. An ambitious goal seems to have been achieved, given the 30 million e-mails and text messages sent daily in 14 countries.
SendInBlue pricing plans:
The price list is based on the number of emails sent each month.
- Up to 9,000 emails: free (limited functionality, maximum 300 emails per day)
- Up to 10,000 emails: $25 per month
- Up to 20,000 emails: $39 per month
We like the simplicity and reliability of the solution, the automation functions, and the attractive prices with a free plan. We also like creating reports and managing lists.
Needs improvement: The number of emails sent is limited to 300 per day in the free version.
Recommended for: Budget-conscious users who find it interesting to send 10,000 emails for less than $25 per month while benefiting from features that can describe as good overall.
2. GetResponse - The best email funnels out there
Description of the emailing software: The figures given by GetResponse speak for themselves - 350,000 customers in 182 countries, who communicate with more than a billion contacts each month.
In particular, this service offers two functions that are not available from any of its competitors: a landing page editor and a webinar creation function. In addition, GetResponse offers excellent functionality for automating email, with the addition of labels, for example. Handy bonus: free access to over 1,000 iStock images.
GetResponse pricing rates:
- Up to 1,000 recipients: $15 per month
- Up to 5,000 recipients: $45 per month
- Up to 10,000 recipients: $65 per month
(Prices corresponding to the "email" formula - different price lists are available).
We like the ease with which you can create landing pages, the automation mechanisms, the responsive design, and the webinar function of the Pro formula (up to 5,000 emails).
Needs improvement: assistance is unfortunately not available other than in English countries. If you don't want to write tickets in English, you should choose another service instead.
Recommended for: Users who are looking for a versatile newsletter tool with the latest features.
Try GetResponse for free (this link gives you 10% off for life!)
3. MailerLite - The design of this software is unanimous
Description of the emailing software: a service based in Vilnius, Lithuania, brand new in email marketing, an average age of 25 years for its employees - MailerLite stands out from its competitors with a modern approach and sober that works.
MailerLite is internationally oriented: the interface and support are both available in many languages. Despite this appearance of simplicity, this newsletter software offers many options to choose from, including a simple and fast editor and a "Free for life" plan. Too good to be true? And no.
MailerLite rates:
- Up to 1,000 recipients, unlimited emails: free
- Up to 5,000 recipients, unlimited emails: $30 per month
- Up to 10,000 recipients, unlimited emails: $50 per month
30% reduction in the case of the annual payment.
We like the ease of use, the logic, the cleanliness of the interface, and the editor's speed—the elegant and flexible models, with the most important functions.
Needs improvement: maybe offer some more advanced features for statistics and email automation.
Try the MailerLite solution for free.
4. Mailchimp - The American leader in emailing
Description of the emailing software: The monkey brand is one of the world leaders in email marketing. You can send 10,000 emails per month to 2,000 subscribers for free.
Small downside: In the Forever Free formula, a small advertising banner is inserted at the bottom of the email. If this bothers you, opt for a paid subscription or a prepaid offer, including advanced features such as campaigns with an autoresponder.
Mailchimp rates:
- Up to 2,000 recipients: Free (10,000 emails maximum and banner ads)
- Up to 5,000 recipients: $52.99 per month
- Up to 10,000 recipients: $78.99 per month
Prepaid subscriptions are also available.
We like the regular addition of new functionalities, the functions for social networks, the possibilities to personalize the models, and even the forms.
Needs improvement: The interface is in English only. If you are unfamiliar with the technical terms, you may have difficulty. If you go over the limits of the free plan, the costs go up quickly.
Payment is made in US dollars, so you are dependent on exchange rates. Another flaw: as with all American services, your subscribers' data is stored in the United States, which is not optimal for protecting personal data.
Recommended for: Users looking for a serious and easy-to-use free email solution and English is not a problem.
5. AWeber - The best email autoresponder for its popularity
AWeber offers you full access to all of its features on its free trial plan period. In addition, it is a popular email marketing service with powerful autoresponder tools.
Benefits
AWeber has actually been around for a long time. It was founded in 1998 and today is one of the best-known autoresponder tools.
The free trial includes all the features you'll get with a paid plan
AWeber has powerful automation and segmentation tools. You can use it to create a very detailed autoresponder series.
AWeber can be integrated with several other services, including OptinMonster, Unbounce, PayPal, and more.
All media, including master class sessions and live webinars, are available even when you are on the free plan.
AWeber regularly offers new features, and all customers have access to them. This includes people on the free plan.
The inconveniences
The free trial is only 30 days. So it doesn't give you all that time to start making money from your email list.
AWeber is definitely not the cheapest option. They got more features than some other email autoresponders, but these come at a price.
AWeber rates:
The cheapest plan for AWeber is $19.99/month, which only gets you up to 500 subscribers.
- Up to 500 recipients: $19.99 per month
- Up to 5,000 recipients: $49.99 per month
- Up to 10,000 recipients: $69.99 per month
6. Mailify - Emailing campaigns that look great!
Description of the emailing software: The publisher has carried out several advertising campaigns on television. It is the Number 1 emailing software in most European countries (at least according to its site Internet results).
The big difference between Mailify and other services: you do not have to store your data in the cloud since you can install the emailing tool on your computer. This may seem a bit old-fashioned, but at least you can save your mailing lists locally. Useful if your company has a policy of prohibiting data storage in the cloud, for example.
Mailify offers a nice selection of models, and the editor is pleasantly fast. Unfortunately, despite automatic responders and rudimentary automation functions, Mailify is not the most sophisticated emailing software available.
Mailify rates:
The price list is based on the number of emails sent each month.
- Essential: Starting at $59 per month (up to 60,000 emails / year)
- Premium: Starting at $149 per month (up to 120,000 emails / year)
- Premium: From $189 per month (up to 300,000 emails / year)
- Exclusive: From $359 per month (up to 600,000 emails / year)
We like the wide choice of responsive templates, the simplicity, and fluidity of the editor, and the ability to save data locally. Technical support responds very quickly.
Needs Improvement: Some features are missing, such as advanced automation. The prices are higher than those of the competitors. The segmentations would benefit from being more intuitive.
7. Mailpro - A Swiss quality newsletter?
Description of the emailing software: at first glance, this Swiss company based in Nyon gives a very strong impression. This is because the service has many functions and options to personalize its newsletter.
But, unfortunately, the interface is a bit simple, and overall, this emailing software looks really out of date. As for professional functions, such as an automatic responder or emailing automation, we looked for them in vain.
And on top of that, the one-year subscription has to be paid in advance, which is rather unusual. There are also prepaid offers, which are extremely expensive compared to the competition.
Mailpro pricing rates (subscription)
- 2,000 emails / month: $99 per year ($8.25 per month)
- Up to 5,000 emails / month: $129 per year ($10.75 per month)
- Up to 10,000 emails / month: $199 per year ($16.58 per month)
We like the abundance of customization options and responsive templates.
To improve: the editor needs a good facelift, and unfortunately, it lacks real professional functions.
8. Rapidmail - Easy-to-use emailing software
Email Marketing Software Description: A reasonably priced, easy-to-use tool for users who send small volumes and don't want to be distracted by too many options. Select, edit, send: this is the promise of Rapidmail - a promise kept by its newsletter creation tool. A few mainly seasonal models are offered. They are responsive. In some areas, such as segmentation, the service is, unfortunately, a bit complicated. A defect compensated by low prices.
Rapidmail rates:
- Up to 1,000 emails: Around $25 per month
- Up to 5,000 emails: Around $65 per month
- Up to 10,000 emails: Around $120 per month
Billing by monthly subscription, but they do have a “Pay as you go” option. You can check it by clicking here.
We like the clear interface, the elegant editor, and the ease of use. A / B tests are available. Email support is fast and competent—a tool of assumed simplicity at attractive prices. The servers are hosted in the European Union. In our tests, the deliverability was good.
Needs improvement: unfortunately, an automatic responder is missing. In addition, the minimum rate of $15 applies for small volumes even if the 2000 e-mails are not reached.
Try the Rapidmail tool for free.
9. ActiveCampaign - Automation pros
Description of the emailing software: ActiveCampaign describes itself as “the all-in-one marketing platform,” with the main objective of sending fewer emails to achieve much better results.
This American service clearly emphasizes automation; in this area, none of the other tools we have tested come close to it. You can even integrate the browsing habits of your visitors into the automation of mailings.
In addition, the CRM system allows you to manage your commercial activity from ActiveCampaign.
ActiveCampaign rates:
- Up to 1,000 emails / month: $29 per month
- Up to 5,000 emails / month: $99 per month
- Up to 10,000 emails / month: $155 per month
We like the user-friendly design combined with modern responsive templates, the absolutely fantastic marketing automation functions, and the reasonable prices. Support is provided via email and live chat. We found their deliverability to be quite solid.
For improvement: this emailing solution is available in English only. Other languages would be appreciated. Also, the data is stored in the United States.
Recommended for: Users who need professional functions, who use email marketing as an essential sales channel, and English is not a barrier.
10. Benchmark Email - A really powerful emailing tool?
Description of the emailing software: present in 15 countries worldwide, Benchmark Email is proud to offer an international service. We spoke with many support team members (in different languages), and the service was pleasant, quick, and efficient.
We were also pleasantly surprised by the platform, which offers powerful tools while remaining very easy to use and intuitive. This is particularly impressive considering that many of the features are accessible without spending a dime.
We like the intuitive editor, the wide choice of varied and flexible models, and the excellent assistance.
Needs improvement: the tool lacks automation. In addition, storage space is limited, and you have to pay extra if you want more.
What is Benchmark Email really for? For anyone looking for an affordable and intuitive tool with a generous free plan.
11. Zoho Campaigns - A complete emailing tool
Description of the emailing software: In commerce and marketing, Zoho plays in the big leagues. With its impressive suite of services, marketers and small businesses alike can benefit from an all-in-one solution.
His secret weapon for emailing? Zoho Campaigns. Its huge selection of neat templates and easy-to-use editor is worth dwelling on this solution if you are on a budget.
We like its well-designed and easy-to-use interface. The editor is fast and has all the main elements, including columns, videos, and polls. Cool feature: you can download images from Unsplash directly into the editor. Segmentation is also possible. We especially liked the wide selection of email templates and forms.
Needs Improvement: It's a little disappointing that no type of automation is included in the free plan. However, if you want to take advantage of this feature, you can get it for just $5/month. In addition, the form builder could be made easier to use by adding a drag-and-drop mode to it.
Who is the free plan for? Zoho Campaigns' free plan will be suitable for anyone looking for an easy-to-use email solution that offers a decent number of contacts and emails. However, if you want to have basic automated emailing features without paying, go for MailerLite instead.
Try Zoho autoresponder for free.
12. SendPulse - The best email autoresponder for multi-channel messaging
Description of emailing software: SendPulse offers a multi-channel platform for marketers who want to go beyond simple emailing software. Very complete, this solution includes web push notifications, SMS, Viber, and even transactional emails via SMTP.
SendPulse's free plan is one of the most generous when it comes to sending limits - the monthly threshold is set at 15,000 emails, but you can only have 500 subscribers.
We like access to very useful features even with the free plan, including autoresponders, A / B tests, and advanced reports such as heat maps showing the main click zones and the location of people who open your emails. In addition, web push notifications are included in the free plan, and you also have the option of having a free monthly plan of 12,000 SMTP emails.
Needs improvement: we encountered some difficulties with the email editor, which was sometimes slow and had bugs. Without a workflow-based editor for basic autoresponders, these can also be a bit tedious to manage.
Who is the free plan for? A multi-channel platform isn't for everyone, but if your business uses web push notifications or transactional emails to communicate with customers, SendPulse's free plan could save you a lot of time and money.
13. ActiveTrail - The best email autoresponder to easily make marketing automation!
You will find classic e-mail marketing functions, but also the creation of SMS and landing pages. Regarding prices, they are in the middle of the table compared to the competitors presented here.
14. Mailjet - The best email autoresponder made at an attractive price
Description of the emailing software: Mailjet also presents itself as an all-in-one emailing service provider. Like SendInBlue, the company is based in Paris. And like SendInBlue, Mailjet focused its services on transactional emails. Recently, the company has also offered a newsletter editor with e-mail automation functions.
Mailjet rates:
As a general rule, the price list is based on the number of emails sent per month. For each formula (Bronze and Crystal for the standard offers and Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond for the expert mode), it is possible to add specific premium functions.
- Up to 6,000 emails: free (limited functionality, 200 emails per day maximum)
- Up to 30,000 emails: $9.65 per month
- Up to 60,000 emails: $18.95 per month
Premium features include segmentation, A / X testing (up to 10 combinations), campaign comparison, and email automation.
We like the low prices and the free plan, the editor in drag-and-drop mode with responsive templates—the email automation feature in beta.
Needs improvement: the newsletter editor is currently quite limited.
15. MDirector - The best email autoresponder for cross-channel emailing software
We like the free plan in which it is possible to combine email marketing and SMS and retargeting. In addition, templates are available (responsive, therefore suitable for smartphones and tablets) and a landing page editor (A / B testing included!).
Needs improvement: the "Advanced" package costs 349 EUR per year. The editor is not intuitive enough. Recommended for projects that require email marketing and texting. It is also very good software if you need to create landing pages for your email campaigns.
Learn more about this emailing software
Social Networks Aren't Everything
Most of the time, the term “online marketing” refers to social networks like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. But, of course, these platforms offer a great opportunity to create an online identity for your brand and promote your products or services.
But this is not necessarily the most effective way to lead Internet users to the act of purchasing.
Is Email Marketing Outdated?
Maybe email marketing doesn't have the same aura as social media. However, several arguments plead in its favor:
- Lifespan: social networks can evolve and lose relevance for their target. Do you remember MySpace? And Google+ or Twitter, are they the same as they were a few years ago? Emailing software is still the best way to get in touch and maintain relationships.
- Information Control: On Facebook, you don't have full access to your customer information. And then, Mark Zuckerberg's team is always inventing new ways to make you pay for advertising.
- Flexibility: once you have established your list of e-mail addresses, you can easily change your e-mailing tool.
- Ease of use: the majority of online website editors and CMS (content management systems) allow you to integrate a registration form into your site easily. Some even offer dedicated apps or plugins.
You see: newsletters, and more broadly emailing, deserve some attention. The emailing tools that we will present to you are all intended for users who create content for their businesses themselves. They are all really very easy to use. Moreover, some software is free (at least they offer free trials).
Conclusion
To conclude our comparison, we note that the price differences between newsletter tools are considerable, without always being justified by a qualitative advantage. For example, with SendInBlue and Mailjet, you can send a large number of emails at a low cost. With Mailify, on the other hand, you have to put a little more hand in your pocket to obtain emailing software that allows you to keep your data locally.
Foreign services also offer some very interesting options: GetResponse is a real tool for the pros that offers advanced automation logic and many additional functions such as landing pages or the webinar creation tool.
We hope we have succeeded in making the world of email marketing a little more understandable. If you like this post, feel free to share!
