Starting an email list can feel intimidating, but the right tool makes it simple to build forms, send your first newsletter, and grow without getting lost in advanced settings. Below are five beginner-friendly platforms that balance ease of use with features you’ll want as your list grows, plus the pros and cons of each.
MailerLite
Summary: MailerLite is known for its clean interface and straightforward workflow. It includes a drag-and-drop editor, landing pages, pop-ups, and simple automations, making it a great place for beginners to get started without bloat.
Pros:
– Intuitive editor and onboarding
– Landing pages and pop-ups built in
– Solid deliverability and list management
– Good free tier for small lists
Cons:
– Some features (advanced automations, templates) require paid plans
– Fewer third-party integrations than larger competitors
– Account approvals can be strict for brand-new domains
Mailchimp
Summary: A widely recognized all-in-one platform with a large template library and lots of integrations. It’s beginner-friendly and well-documented, which lowers the learning curve.
Pros:
– Huge template and integration ecosystem
– Polished UI and helpful guidance
– Prebuilt customer journeys and clear analytics
Cons:
– Free plan is limited; costs can rise quickly as you grow
– Many automations and advanced features are paywalled
– Can feel cluttered once you want to do more than basics
ConvertKit
Summary: Built with creators in mind (newsletters, courses, digital products), ConvertKit uses a tag-based system that keeps subscriber management simple and flexible as you learn.
Pros:
– Clean, minimal interface and visual automations
– Strong for creators: forms, landing pages, and simple commerce
– Excellent deliverability and tagging for segmentation
Cons:
– Templates are minimalistic compared to others
– Free plan is limited; paid tiers can be pricey as you scale
– Not the best fit for complex e-commerce catalogs
Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)
Summary: Brevo prices by emails sent rather than contact count, which is friendly if you’re collecting lots of contacts but sending infrequently. It also offers SMS and transactional email out of the box.
Pros:
– Pay for sends, not contacts; generous free option
– Includes SMS and transactional emails
– Light CRM features and basic automations
Cons:
– Daily sending limits on the free plan
– Interface feels less polished than some rivals
– Fewer templates and integrations than Mailchimp or GetResponse
GetResponse
Summary: A well-rounded platform with strong landing pages, a visual automation builder, and funnel tools. It’s appealing if you want to capture leads and nurture them with prebuilt workflows.
Pros:
– Excellent landing page and funnel features
– Powerful automation and segmentation
– Free plan for very small lists; scalable as you grow
Cons:
– More features mean a steeper learning curve
– Key features (webinars, advanced funnels) require higher tiers
– Pricing increases with list size and add-ons
Closing thoughts
For absolute simplicity with room to grow, MailerLite and ConvertKit are hard to beat. If you want lots of integrations and a familiar interface, Mailchimp is a safe start. Brevo is a budget-friendly pick if you prefer paying by sends and want SMS or transactional email. GetResponse shines if you care about funnels and landing pages from day one. Start with a free plan, set up a clear lead magnet and a simple welcome series, and focus on consistent sending and list hygiene. Pricing and features change often, so confirm current limits before committing.