Comparison
Best Email Marketing Software for UK Businesses (2026)
We compared the leading email platforms on free plans, starting price, multichannel reach, and who each one fits.
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Comparing the best options for businesses in the UK? Email is still the highest-ROI channel most businesses have, but the right platform depends on what you actually need: a free plan to start, all-in-one marketing tools, polished design, or multichannel reach beyond email. This comparison looks at four leading email marketing platforms on the things that matter and points you to the best fit. Prices are shown in GBP and were checked in August 2026; they vary by region and list size, and the links show your local pricing. We earn a commission on some tools at no extra cost to you, which never changes our assessment.
Our top picks
The broadest all-in-one: email, automation, landing pages, webinars, and even course selling in one platform.
Try GetResponsePolished, design-led templates and a drag-and-drop builder, with solid automation and AI features.
Try Campaign MonitorA free-forever plan and low £6/mo entry, plus email, SMS, and WhatsApp in one tool.
Visit BrevoA familiar all-rounder with a free plan and a gentle learning curve for first-time senders.
Visit MailchimpHow they compare
Prices in GBP (UK). They vary by region and list/contact size; use each tool's link to see your local pricing.
| Tool | Free plan / trial | Starts from | Channels | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRGetResponse | 14-day trial (no free plan) | £13/mo (1,000 contacts) | Email, web push | All-in-one: email + webinars + funnels + courses | Try |
| CMCampaign Monitor | 30-day trial (no free plan) | £9.90/mo (up to 500 contacts) | Email, SMS | Brands and agencies wanting design-led email | Try |
| Mailchimp | Free plan + 14-day trial | from ~£14.76/mo (Standard, contact-based) | Email, SMS | Beginners who want a familiar all-rounder | Visit |
| Brevo | Free forever, no card | from £6/mo (Starter) | Email, SMS, WhatsApp | Budget multichannel for small businesses | Visit |
The tools in detail
GetResponse
4.3Best for: All-in-one: email + webinars + funnels + courses. Starts from £13/mo (1,000 contacts); 14-day trial (no free plan); channels: email, web push.
Read our full GetResponse reviewCampaign Monitor
4.1Best for: Brands and agencies wanting design-led email. Starts from £9.90/mo (up to 500 contacts); 30-day trial (no free plan); channels: email, sms.
Read our full Campaign Monitor reviewMailchimp
Researched for this comparison
Best for: Beginners who want a familiar all-rounder. Starts from from ~£14.76/mo (Standard, contact-based); free plan + 14-day trial; channels: email, sms.
Brevo
Researched for this comparison
Best for: Budget multichannel for small businesses. Starts from from £6/mo (Starter); free forever, no card; channels: email, sms, whatsapp.
Also worth considering
Beyond the tools above, others worth researching include Kit (formerly ConvertKit), ActiveCampaign, MailerLite. We will cover verified reviews of these separately.
Frequently asked questions
Which email marketing tool has the best free plan?
Of the four here, Brevo offers a free-forever plan (no credit card) and Mailchimp has a free plan too. GetResponse and Campaign Monitor offer free trials rather than a permanent free tier.
What is the cheapest way to start?
Brevo is the lowest paid entry point at around £6/mo, and its free plan lets you start at no cost. Campaign Monitor's Lite plan starts at £9.90/mo for up to 500 contacts.
Do these prices change with my list size?
Yes. Most of these tools price by contact or subscriber count (and some by emails sent), so your cost rises as your list grows. Use each tool's pricing link to see the price for your list size and region.
Which is best for more than just email?
Brevo covers email, SMS, and WhatsApp in one platform, while GetResponse adds webinars, landing pages, and course selling. Pick based on which extra channels you actually need.