If you’re still thinking email is just a relic of the early internet, think again. I’ve been geeking out over tools like this for years, and I can tell you that email is still the quiet engine driving real connections for businesses. With over 333 billion emails sent daily, it’s a crowded space. However, it still generates a return of up to $36 for every dollar you spend.
So, why does choosing the best email marketing service matter? Because the wrong pick can leave you wrestling with clunky interfaces, hemorrhaging cash, or—worst of all—watching your emails vanish into spam folders. The right one?
It’s like handing your business a megaphone that works. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur juggling a dozen tasks or a marketer scaling up fast, this guide’s here to help you sift through the noise and land on a service that fits.
Let’s dive in and figure out how to choose the best email marketing service for your business—no fluff, just the good stuff.
What to Consider When Picking an Email Marketing Service?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s establish a baseline. The best email marketing service is about what clicks for you. Here’s the rundown of what to keep in mind.
Features
At its core, any decent platform should handle the essentials: building your subscriber list, designing emails that don’t look like a 1990s throwback, and tracking who’s opening what.
But in 2025, that’s table stakes. You want an intuitive drag-and-drop editor. Signup forms that plug right into your site (pop-ups, landing pages, etc.) are a must, too. And automation? That’s your secret weapon. Think of welcome emails that fire off automatically or reminders for those who abandon their carts.
Segmentation is another biggie. Being able to split your audience, such as targeting people who clicked your last sale link, turns a generic blast into something more personal. ActiveCampaign’s a standout here; it lets you dig into the details without making you feel like you need a PhD to figure it out.
Pricing
Here’s something I’ve learned from trial and error: a tool that’s perfect for 100 subscribers can choke when you hit 10,000. Pricing is all over the map in 2025. Some services, like Mailchimp, charge based on how many contacts you’ve got.
Others, like Brevo, base it on email sends. If you’re bootstrapping, a free plan with wiggle room can be a lifesaver. But as your list grows, watch for platforms that don’t punish you with steep jumps or sneaky fees for stuff like A/B testing.
Deliverability
If your emails don’t land in inboxes, what’s the point? Deliverability is the game’s name—think 95% or better, like what Moosend or GetResponse promises.
They’ve got built-in spam checks and tools to keep you compliant with GDPR, CAN-SPAM, and whatever new privacy curveball 2025 throws. Trust me, with regulations getting stricter, a service that has your back here’s non-negotiable.
Integrations
Your email tool shouldn’t be an island. Does it hook up with your CRM—HubSpot, Salesforce, whatever you’re using? What about your online store, like Shopify or WooCommerce? I’ve watched clients waste entire afternoons exporting CSV files because their service didn’t sync. Look for robust APIs or plug-and-play integrations.
Support
Not everyone’s a tech ninja, and that’s fine. If you’re starting a service with solid support, such as Constant Contact’s phone line or MailerLite’s chat, it can help keep you sane. And don’t sleep on the learning curve. Are there decent tutorials? A knowledge base? Pick something that doesn’t make you want to pull your hair out.
Matching the Service to Your Business
Choosing the best email marketing service for your business starts with knowing your own setup. Let’s break it down by who you are in 2025.
Small Businesses and Startups
Running a small business or just kicking things off? You need affordability and simplicity. Bigly Sales is a gem here. It’s affordable. Allows sending large volumes of bulk emails, along with other features such as AI for call centers.
E-commerce Players
If you’re selling online, your email service needs to integrate with your store and track sales. Klaviyo is built for this, with tight Shopify integration and automation for cart recovery or upsells. It’s $20 per month for 500 contacts. Drip is another solid pick, with workflows that feel tailor-made for B2C.
Bloggers and Content Creators
For newsletters or paid subs, ConvertKit is your wingman. It’s creator-focused, with subscriber management and monetization tools that don’t complicate you.
Big Teams and Enterprises
Got a hefty operation? HubSpot’s all-in-one platform scales with you. It’s pricey, but the depth’s unmatched. ActiveCampaign is a lighter enterprise option that combines automation and CRM.
Top Email Marketing Services to Check Out in 2025
Let’s get real—here’s a quick tour of some platforms killing it in 2025, based on what I’ve seen work and what the data is saying.
Bigly Sales
It’s quietly brilliant. You can send bulk marketing emails in one go at an affordable price. The best thing is that Bigly AI comes with SMS services, allowing you to send bulk marketing messages, make as many calls as you need in a day with AI, and generate landing pages to attract more leads. In short, it is one tool that helps small to medium-sized businesses grow fast..
Mailchimp
Mailchimp still has clout—it’s free for 500 contacts and offers a fixed monthly upgrade fee. Its AI content tools and 300+ integrations keep it flexible, but costs spike as your list grows. It’s ideal for newbies less so for those pinching pennies.
Klaviyo
Klaviyo is all about online sales, with segmentation and automation that deliver a powerful impact. The company starts charging for 500 contacts and above, and its Shopify sync is included. It takes some getting used to, though.
ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign’s automation game is strong. With CRM included, it offers drip campaigns, lead scoring, and more. It’s not the prettiest, but it delivers.
Sender
Sender’s free plan (2,500 contacts, 15,000 emails) is a great option, but the paid version unlocks even more features. It’s simple, reliable, and has built-in forms—startups swear by it.
AI in Email Marketing
Not many have dreamt of this day when you don’t have to do everything on your own. Today, email marketing is easier than ever. You can utilize AI in email marketing to streamline processes. Bigly Sales is one of the AI tools that help boost email marketing campaigns.
With this tool, you can choose templates, use our AI to generate catchy email content, and send the email to any number of clients with just one click.
Your Move in 2025
Picking the best email marketing service in 2025 is about knowing what you need, testing what’s out there, and locking in something that keeps your emails humming. Bigly Sales has got the budget edge, Klaviyo’s e-commerce magic, and ActiveCampaign’s automation muscle—there’s a fit for everyone. I’ve watched businesses light up with the right choice: more opens, more clicks, less hassle.
FAQ
Still scratching your head? Here’s what I’ve heard most—and what I’d tell a friend.
Can I Use Gmail?
You could, but you shouldn’t. Gmail isn’t made for bulk sends—you’ll get flagged or shut down quickly. WPBeginner’s Syed Balkhi calls it a newbie trap, and I’ve seen it play out.
What’s the Top Free Choice?
Sender or Bigly Sales for small starts. Mailchimp’s free tier is decent, but automation is paywalled now. Zapier’s roundup agrees—free can still pack a punch.
How Much Should I Spend?
$10–$50 per month for small lists, $ 100 or more for large ones. EmailToolTester’s data shows it’s all about subscriber count or send volume—match it to your pace.
How Do I Dodge Spam Filters?
Keep your list clean, use double opt-ins, and skip spammy buzzwords. Tools like Moosend’s spam checker can steer you clear.
