Curious which email tool will actually grow your conversions? You’re not alone. Many teams start with an all-in-one marketing platform like GetResponse for automation, landing pages, and reporting, then hit limits as lists and needs expand.
This guide maps real-world trade-offs. We compare deliverability, automation depth, editor usability, pricing curves, and ecommerce workflows across top alternatives such as ActiveCampaign, MailerLite, Brevo, Omnisend, Drip, HubSpot, AWeber, Mailchimp, and others.
You’ll get clear picks by use case—advanced automation, ecommerce-first email marketing, creator monetization, or simple SMB needs. We highlight where GetResponse shines (webinars, funnels) and where rivals pull ahead in automation, affordability, or free plans.
Key Takeaways
- We compare platforms by deliverability, automation, and landing page usability so you can choose with confidence.
- Look for free plans and trial limits to control early costs as your contact list grows.
- ActiveCampaign leads in automation and deliverability; MailerLite and Brevo stand out for ease and free tiers.
- Ecommerce teams should prioritize Omnisend or Drip for revenue-focused workflows.
- Migration and deliverability setup matter—plan onboarding and DNS records to protect inbox placement.
Search intent and who this product roundup is for
If you’re weighing a switch, this guide filters providers by budget, features, and growth stage so you can pick an actionable shortlist. The focus is commercial: buyers who plan to trial alternatives before committing to migration.
Commercial intent: evaluating alternatives before switching
Marketers often shop because costs climb with list size, or advanced automation and funnels sit behind higher tiers. You’ll see which platforms offer usable automation, landing page ease, and a clear free plan versus those that gate features.
Use cases: small businesses, ecommerce, creators, and growing teams in the United States
Small businesses tend to favor MailerLite or Brevo for simple email marketing and lower total cost of ownership. Ecommerce brands lean to Omnisend or Drip for omnichannel revenue flows.
Creators prefer Kit for subscriber tagging and product sales, while advanced teams choose ActiveCampaign or Encharge for behavior-based automation and CRM depth.
- This roundup targets buyers with commercial intent who need a short list tied to business goals.
- We map features to lifecycle stages: capture, onboarding, activation, and retention.
- Expect notes on support quality, SMS availability in the US, and migration help.
| Use case | Priority features | Recommended platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Small businesses | Simple editor, free plan, deliverability | MailerLite, Brevo |
| Ecommerce | Omnichannel flows, revenue tracking | Omnisend, Drip |
| Creators / Growth teams | Subscriber tagging, automation depth | Kit, ActiveCampaign |
Ready to dig into traction and complaints? See a focused review of migration pain points and support in our GetResponse complaints analysis to inform your trials.
Why consider GetResponse alternatives right now
When contacts multiply and workflows deepen, platform limits quickly show up in cost and speed. Many teams find that core email and marketing capabilities live behind higher tiers, which pushes total spend up as lists grow.
Pricing ramps and feature gating on advanced automation and funnels
Advanced automation, funnels, and monetization tools often sit on top plans. That means your bill climbs when you need behavior-driven journeys or commerce triggers.
Consider a getresponse alternative if price jumps force you to sacrifice automation depth or slow personalization efforts. Explore options that offer similar capabilities with more competitive pricing structures, allowing you to maintain robust automation and effective personalization. Before making a decision, make sure to check the getresponse pricing details explained, as understanding the costs associated with each feature can help you find a solution that aligns better with your budget and needs. By choosing a more affordable alternative, you can focus on enhancing your marketing strategies without compromising on quality. Additionally, it’s essential to assess user reviews and testimonials for these alternatives to gauge their effectiveness and ease of use. Many platforms have tailored options specifically for newcomers, making it easier to manage and implement strategies without overwhelming costs. Exploring resources that highlight getresponse pricing for beginners can also provide valuable insights into how to maximize your investment while starting your marketing journey.
Editor and landing page constraints, plus mixed deliverability feedback
Users report the email editor and landing pages can feel restrictive for complex layouts and fast iteration. That hurts test velocity and conversion optimization.
Public reviews also note mixed email deliverability results. For high-volume senders, email deliverability can directly affect ROI.
When GetResponse fits vs when you’ve outgrown it
GetResponse fits if you need webinars, funnels, and a website builder bundled into one plan for straightforward email marketing workflows.
You’ve likely outgrown it when you require behavior-first journeys, deep data objects, or intricate ecommerce triggers without upgrading to top tiers. In that case, explore ActiveCampaign, Encharge, Omnisend, or MailerLite for differing blends of automation, cost, and landing pages.
- Tip: Run a structured trial to see whether your bottleneck is tooling (editor, landing pages) or strategy (content, cadence, segmentation).
How we compared the top GetResponse alternatives
Our evaluation focused on practical performance: automation power, inbox placement, and the true cost as lists grow. We ran hands-on tests and cross-checked pricing and public reviews to surface differences that matter to you.
Evaluation criteria
- Automation depth — behavior triggers, flow builder flexibility, and segmentation support for advanced marketing automation.
- Email deliverability — third-party test results and user-reported inbox placement.
- Pricing and free plan scope — trial lengths, entry tiers, and how costs scale with contacts.
- Support for CRM, sms marketing, and landing pages compared to standalone tools like Unbounce.
- Ease of use — editor quality, templates, and speed to launch campaigns.
Data sources and scoring
We combined hands-on testing with pricing page audits and aggregated sentiment from G2 and Capterra. Each vendor earned scores across the criteria and a short rationale.
| Platform | Strength | Trial / Free plan | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ActiveCampaign | Advanced automation, deliverability | 14‑day trial / no free plan | Top for behavior flows and omnichannel features |
| MailerLite | Intuitive editor, free automation | Free plan / paid from ~$15/mo | Great for simple email marketing and landing pages |
| Brevo | CRM + SMS, generous free plan | Free (300 emails/day) / paid from ~$29/mo | Strong free plan for early growth |
| Omnisend | Ecommerce omnichannel | Free plan / Standard from ~$16/mo | Email, SMS, and web push for stores |
What is better than GetResponse? The quick answer by use case
Start with the outcome you want—behavioral journeys, simple campaigns, or shop-first flows—and pick accordingly. Below are concise recommendations that map to common marketing goals and team sizes.
Deeper automation and CRM
ActiveCampaign offers advanced workflows, a solid CRM, and top deliverability for behavior-first campaigns.
Encharge focuses on dynamic segments and behavior-driven marketing automation that scales for product-led teams.
Keap and HubSpot blend CRM and pipeline features when sales alignment matters and you need clear reporting.
Budget-friendly and easy to use
MailerLite earns praise for an intuitive editor, reliable deliverability, and a usable free plan for small teams.
Brevo pairs email with SMS marketing and a generous free plan that helps control early spend.
Moosend provides low-cost advanced features with a 30-day trial for testing automations fast.
Ecommerce-first omnichannel
Omnisend unifies email, SMS, and web push with prebuilt cart and post-purchase flows.
Drip centers on revenue-focused automation and deep Shopify integration for store growth.
Creator-centric digital products
Kit supports creators with subscriber tagging, landing pages, and simple monetization for digital products and memberships.
- Tip: Use a free plan or trial to validate deliverability, template speed, and landing page fit.
- Anchor your shortlist to a primary and a backup provider to reduce migration risk.
Best for advanced automation and omnichannel marketing
If your growth plan depends on layered automation and cross-channel reach, pick a platform that scales with complexity. These vendors suit teams that treat automation as a core revenue engine rather than a bolt-on add‑on.
ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign packs robust automation with tagging, A/B testing, a built‑in CRM, SMS, and social integrations. It also offers site messages and sales automation features that connect marketing and pipelines.
Plans start around $19/month with a 14‑day trial and no forever‑free tier. Expect industry‑strong email deliverability for high‑volume B2C and B2B senders.
Use it when you need advanced workflows that automate segmentation, lead scoring, and sales handoffs without leaving the marketing workspace. Plan for a learning curve and structured onboarding before you scale campaigns.
Encharge
Encharge focuses on behavior‑first flows, dynamic segments, and transactional messages. The Growth plan (about $79/month yearly for 2,000 subscribers) includes custom objects to model purchases or subscriptions inside flows.
Dynamic segments update automatically, cutting list maintenance and improving personalization. Built‑in transactional email support often removes the need for a separate transactional provider.
Use it when email automation must react to real user actions—pricing page views, onboarding drop‑offs, or product events—and you need clean UX and responsive support.
- Both platforms excel when marketing automation is central to growth, not an afterthought.
- Validate data syncs with your analytics, CDP, and CRM to keep a single source of truth across channels.
Best for small businesses that need an affordable email marketing tool
If you need a fast path to live campaigns, these vendors balance affordability with practical marketing features. They focus on easy email setup, reliable deliverability, and tools that scale as you grow.
MailerLite: intuitive builder, strong deliverability, generous free plan
MailerLite is beginner-friendly and ships with a modern email builder and landing pages. The free plan covers up to 1,000 subscribers and includes core automation, so you can validate funnels before spending.
Paid plans start near $15/month. Use MailerLite when you want fast campaigns and predictable costs.
Brevo: email, SMS, CRM, marketing automation with an offers free plan
Brevo combines email and sms marketing with a built-in CRM. Its free tier allows 300 emails per day and unlimited contacts, and automation sits behind the free account.
Paid plans begin around $29/month. The unlimited contacts model helps if you send lightly to large lists.
Moosend: low-cost advanced automation and templates
Moosend provides multi-step automation, reporting, and polished templates at a low entry price. There’s a 30-day trial and paid plans from about $9/month.
Test deliverability and editor speed during trial periods, confirm landing pages meet your brand, and map integrations for Shopify/WooCommerce or WordPress.
- Verify SMS availability and per-message pricing for US teams to avoid surprises.
- Check support channels—live chat versus knowledge base—to match your needs.
Best GetResponse alternatives for ecommerce brands
Stores scale faster when their email stack links to cart, catalog, and purchase events.
Omnisend: email, SMS, web push, prebuilt ecommerce workflows
Omnisend combines email, SMS, and web push in one UI designed for stores. Prebuilt journeys—abandoned cart, browse abandonment, and product recommendations—cut setup time and boost recovery rates.
There’s a free plan, Standard from about $16/month, and Pro near $59/month. Paid tiers include unlimited emails at select contact levels and free SMS credits for testing.
Drip: revenue-focused automation and deep Shopify integration
Drip centers on revenue-led automation, dynamic segmentation, and robust Shopify sync. Plans commonly start around $39/month depending on list size, with strong ecommerce forms and personalization blocks.
- Why choose: Omnisend for omnichannel marketing and quick ecommerce journeys; Drip for data-driven personalization and attribution.
- Both integrate with Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce to sync catalog and customer data.
- Use free plan or trials to test builder speed, analytics, and landing pages capture performance.
| Platform | Core channels | Starting price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omnisend | Email, SMS, Web push | Free / ~$16/month | Omnichannel ecommerce journeys |
| Drip | Email, SMS (via partners) | ~$39/month | Revenue attribution & Shopify personalization |
| Both | Catalog sync, forms, workflows | Free trials / plans | Stores needing rapid ROI tracking |
Creator-friendly platforms for selling digital products and newsletters
Creators need tools that combine audience tagging with simple commerce to turn fans into customers. Kit (formerly ConvertKit) focuses on clean publishing and straightforward monetization for authors, podcasters, and video creators.
Kit: subscriber tagging, landing pages, unlimited sends, monetization
Kit centers on subscriber tagging and visual automation, so you can target newsletters, launches, and product drops by interest or purchase intent.
The platform includes quick landing pages for lead magnets and waitlists. Use the free plan to validate capture flows and welcome sequences before upgrading.
- Pricing: free tier for small lists; paid plans roughly $25–$29/month for 1,000 contacts.
- Sends: paid tiers offer unlimited email sends, which helps creators who publish frequently.
- Commerce: built-in tools let you sell digital products and deliver downloads without extra services.
- Segmentation: tagging and advanced segmentation tailor emails and increases conversion rates.
- Migration: paid accounts gain migration support to move subscribers and automations with less friction.
Keep in mind: Kit favors simple design over complex templates. If your roadmap needs cross-channel automation, benchmark it against ActiveCampaign or Encharge.
All-in-one marketing platforms with CRM and sales tools
When reps and marketers share one system, you get faster lead response and clearer attribution for email campaigns. These platforms bundle CRM, pipeline, and email to remove friction between sales and marketing.
HubSpot
HubSpot offers a free CRM and email with unlimited users and support for up to 1M contacts. Usability and reporting rank high, but advanced marketing automation requires paid upgrades that can raise total cost over 12–24 months.
Keap
Keap targets sales-heavy SMBs with CRM, pipeline tracking, quotes, and automation bundled. Plans often start near $299/month for 2,500 contacts, making it suited for teams that prioritize pipeline and conversion workflows over low entry price.
EngageBay
EngageBay provides a budget-friendly all-in-one option with a free plan and paid tiers from about $12.99/user/month. It includes email, landing pages, and video-centric templates that work well for demos and product announcements.
- Tip: Compare total cost and validate contact/send limits if you run frequent email campaigns.
- Ensure automations pass qualified leads to reps with scoring and context.
- Trial email and page builders to confirm speed, branding, and support channels.
| Platform | Key features | Starting point |
|---|---|---|
| HubSpot | Free CRM, email, scalable automation | Free tier; paid suites vary |
| Keap | CRM + pipeline + automation | ~$299/mo for 2,500 contacts |
| EngageBay | Email, landing pages, video templates | Free plan; paid from $12.99/user/mo |
Popular email marketing tools to consider instead of GetResponse
For teams focused on polished design, bulk sends, or event promotion, consider these popular email platforms. Each vendor below has distinct strengths, so match their features to your priorities before you migrate.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp is known for modern email templates and wide integrations. A free plan covers 500 contacts and 1,000 emails/month. Automation grows on higher tiers, and support is limited on the free plan.
AWeber
AWeber excels at bulk sending, AMP-enabled messages, and in-email ecommerce via PayPal. It offers a large template library but counts unsubscribed contacts toward limits, which can raise costs.
Constant Contact
Constant Contact fits organizations that run events and social campaigns. It integrates with event platforms like Eventbrite, provides social scheduling, and maintains consistent deliverability. Advanced automation is limited and pricing trends higher.
Campaign Monitor
Campaign Monitor focuses on visual polish and prebuilt journeys. It often appeals to teams that prioritize design and loyalty programs. Expect a 30-day free trial and somewhat higher pricing.
- Quick tips: Compare editor ergonomics, template depth, and pricing mechanics during a free trial.
- Test imports, segmentation, and reporting to validate speed-to-campaign and analytics clarity.
- Weigh pros cons across design, deliverability, and total cost for your growth model.
| Platform | Key strength | Free option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mailchimp | Email templates & integrations | Free (500 contacts) | Good starter automation; paid tiers unlock advanced features |
| AWeber | Bulk sends, in-email ecommerce | Free plan available | Large template library; unsubscribed contacts affect billing |
| Constant Contact | Event tools & social scheduling | Free trial | Strong deliverability; limited advanced automation |
| Campaign Monitor | Design & prebuilt journeys | 30-day free trial | Visual-first platform; higher price point |
Feature-by-feature comparison that matters
Focus on the capabilities that move your KPIs—automation, inboxing, and capture tools. Below are the practical contrasts you should test during trials.
Marketing automation and advanced segmentation
ActiveCampaign and Encharge lead on marketing automation and advanced segmentation with granular triggers, branching, and custom objects. These platforms reduce manual list work and enable behavior-driven journeys.
Email deliverability and sender reputation
Prioritize tools with consistent inboxing. Historical tests favor ActiveCampaign, MailerLite, and Constant Contact for email deliverability. Good DNS setup and reputation management matter more than shiny features.
Landing pages, forms, and website options
GetResponse bundles websites and landing pages but the editor can feel limited. MailerLite and Brevo offer simple, fast page builders that capture leads and validate funnels quickly.
SMS marketing, web push, and live chat support
Omnisend bundles sms marketing and web push for stores. Brevo also includes SMS plus a CRM on its free tier. Check live chat availability and SLA tiers—support matters during migration.
Email builder ease of use and email templates
Mailchimp and MailerLite offer approachable editors. Campaign Monitor and Mailchimp excel at polished email templates, while Moosend provides many low‑cost options for fast launches.
- Action: Choose the vendor whose key features map to your primary KPI—automation depth, email deliverability, or omnichannel reach.
Pricing snapshots, free plans, and free trials
Price gates and trial lengths often determine whether a vendor fits your launch plan.
Who offers a free plan versus a time-limited free trial
Forever free options: MailerLite (up to 1,000 subscribers), Brevo (300 emails/day, unlimited contacts), Mailchimp (500 contacts / 1,000 emails), Omnisend (limited free sends), HubSpot (free CRM/email), AWeber (limited free), and EngageBay (up to 250 contacts).
Short trials: ActiveCampaign (14 days), Encharge (14 days), Drip (14 days), Moosend (30 days), Campaign Monitor (30 days), Constant Contact (30 days).
Entry pricing and what’s included at each tier
Entry plans vary. Examples: MailerLite ~ $15/month, Brevo ~ $29/month, ActiveCampaign ~ $19/month, Omnisend Standard ~ $16/month, Drip ~ $39/month, Moosend ~ $9/month, Keap ~ $299/month, HubSpot Starter ~ $20+ depending on contacts.
| Plan type | Starter price (approx) | Free option | Key limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| MailerLite | $15/mo | Yes (1,000 subs) | Core automation, landing pages |
| Brevo | $29/mo | Yes (300 emails/day) | Unlimited contacts, basic automation |
| ActiveCampaign | $19/mo | No (14-day trial) | Advanced automation gated |
| Omnisend | $16/mo | Yes (limited sends) | Omnichannel features on paid tiers |
- Tip: Match contact limits and automation access to your 30‑day growth forecast.
- Factor add-ons like SMS credits, dedicated IPs, and onboarding into total cost.
Pros and cons compared against GetResponse
Compare platforms by what actually moves conversion and reduces friction. Focus on the areas where alternatives deliver clear value and where trade-offs matter for your team.
Where alternatives outperform on value and features
Value: MailerLite and Brevo often give more for less at early stages, with usable free plans and automation.
Automation: ActiveCampaign and Encharge lead on behavior logic, segmentation, and CRM workflows.
Ecommerce & revenue: Omnisend and Drip deliver deeper, store‑focused flows that lift checkout recovery and LTV.
Trade-offs to watch, from analytics depth to template design
Deliverability: ActiveCampaign, MailerLite, and Constant Contact show strong inbox placement compared to mixed GetResponse feedback.
Design: Campaign Monitor and Mailchimp excel at polished templates; Moosend offers many affordable designs.
Missing pieces: Some vendors lack webinars or site builders that getresponse offers, or they lock analytics and advanced features behind higher tiers.
- Pricing traps: watch unsubscribed contact counts and sudden tier jumps for sends.
- Support & complexity: live chat and SLAs vary; advanced features add a learning curve.
- Quick rule: pick the getresponse alternative that over-indexes on your top two priorities.
Recommendations by business size and industry
Prioritize the vendor that reduces manual list work and speeds revenue-driving campaigns. Choose tools that align with your daily tasks and growth goals. The right pick depends on whether you sell digital products, run a store, serve a product-led audience, or manage community events.
Solo creators and small teams
Kit fits creators who sell digital products and need tagging and simple monetization. It keeps launches and newsletters fast.
MailerLite works if you need an intuitive editor and a free automation plan to validate funnels with minimal cost.
Scaling ecommerce stores
Omnisend combines email, SMS, and web push to recover carts and raise lifecycle revenue quickly.
Drip focuses on segmentation and revenue automation with deep Shopify syncing for higher LTV.
B2B SaaS and product-led growth
ActiveCampaign or Encharge provide behavior-driven flows, scoring, and CRM alignment for trial-to-paid conversion.
Prioritize advanced segmentation and custom data objects when user actions drive revenue.
Nonprofits and community organizations
Constant Contact helps with event tools and social integrations that consolidate outreach.
EngageBay and MailerLite offer budget-friendly plans and approachable support for teams with limited resources.
- Deliverability basics: set authentication, keep lists clean, and test content before wide sends.
- Platform choice: decide whether you need a marketing platform with built-in CRM or a best-in-class email vendor tied to your CRM.
- Support: factor onboarding, docs, and live chat into your decision—especially during migration.
- Review cadence: reassess fit annually as lists, channels, and revenue motions change.
Migration, onboarding, and support considerations
Plan migrations as phased projects so your email and marketing systems stay live and measurable. A staged approach reduces risk to inbox placement and keeps campaigns running while you move data and templates.
Free migrations, knowledge bases, and live chat availability
Ask vendors up front whether they offer free migration and what it includes—lists, tags, templates, and automations. Some providers (Kit for qualifying accounts) will move core assets at no charge.
Check self‑help depth during your free trial. A deep knowledge base speeds onboarding; responsive live chat support or phone help matters most in launch week.
- Validate live chat support hours and average response time.
- Confirm whether premium plans include an assigned onboarding manager.
- Use a trial to test chat support, ticketing, and knowledge base search speed.
Deliverability setup: domains, authentication, and IP options
Protect email deliverability by authenticating sending domains with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC and by updating DNS before big sends.
If you plan high volume, budget for IP warming or a dedicated IP on enterprise tiers. HubSpot and ActiveCampaign often include structured onboarding that helps with these steps.
| Task | Why it matters | Who handles it |
|---|---|---|
| SPF / DKIM / DMARC | Improves inbox placement and sender reputation | IT or vendor support during DNS update |
| Dedicated IP & warming | Stabilizes reputation for high-volume sends | Vendor or deliverability consultant |
| Seed testing & QA sends | Detect rendering and inboxing issues early | Marketing team + support channel |
| Data mapping & automation dry run | Prevents gaps in journeys and reporting | Marketing ops and onboarding manager |
Practical checklist: map segments and CRM fields, stage DNS changes, run seed tests, and document rollback plans. Train your team on the new email automation builder before scaling sends. Set clear SLAs with chat support or an assigned manager for launch week.
Conclusion
Close your evaluation by matching core needs to vendor strengths: automation depth, cost control, or ecommerce revenue.
Focus on the outcomes you must move—conversion, retention, or list growth—then pick two priorities and test vendors that map to them.
Quick guide: ActiveCampaign and Encharge lead for automation and CRM. MailerLite and Brevo help tight budgets. Omnisend and Drip serve ecommerce. Kit suits creators. HubSpot, Keap, and EngageBay consolidate sales and marketing.
Run a 14–30 day trial to validate editor speed, deliverability, and support. Plan DNS and migration to protect sender reputation. With a clear use-case lens you’ll find the best getresponse alternatives and a marketing automation platform that improves your email campaigns and marketing results.