If you're starting a business, launching a personal brand, or simply trying to keep in touch with a growing audience, email is still one of the most powerful tools you can use. In fact, despite the rise of social media, messaging apps, and AI-powered communication platforms, email marketing continues to deliver one of the highest returns on investment.
But here’s the best part: you don’t need to spend a dime to get started. In 2025, there are plenty of email service providers (ESPs) offering free plans packed with features that are perfect for beginners, small businesses, and side hustlers.
Whether you want to send newsletters, automate welcome emails, or build a subscriber list, there’s a free tool out there for you. Here are seven of the best email service providers you can use for free this year.
1. Mailchimp
Mailchimp has been a long-time favorite in the world of email marketing, and its free plan in 2025 still holds a strong place for beginners. With an easy-to-use interface, beautiful templates, and a generous free tier, it’s great for individuals and small businesses looking to dip their toes into email marketing.
On the free plan, you get access to email campaigns, basic templates, sign-up forms, and even a limited version of their automation tools. It also includes up to 500 subscribers and 1,000 email sends per month, which is usually enough for new businesses or creators just starting to build an audience.
If you're looking for a user-friendly platform with a lot of educational content to help you get going, Mailchimp is a solid option.
2. MailerLite
MailerLite has become increasingly popular among bloggers, freelancers, and e-commerce store owners. Its clean interface and robust features make it a standout, especially for those who care about design and automation.
The free plan includes up to 1,000 subscribers and 12,000 monthly emails. That’s quite generous compared to other platforms. You can also build landing pages, pop-ups, and automation sequences without paying a cent.
What sets MailerLite apart is how intuitive it feels. You don’t need to be a tech expert to create professional-looking emails or set up an email funnel. If simplicity and creative flexibility are important to you, this one is worth checking out.
3. Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)
Brevo has taken a slightly different approach compared to some other platforms. Instead of limiting the number of subscribers on its free plan, it limits the number of emails you can send per day. As of 2025, the free plan allows unlimited contacts but caps your sending to 300 emails per day.
For many small businesses, that’s more than enough. Plus, Brevo includes features like email templates, SMS marketing, and marketing automation—yes, even on the free plan. You’ll also get access to basic reporting and a drag-and-drop editor to customize your campaigns.
Brevo is ideal for those who are growing a list quickly or prefer a daily sending rhythm rather than blasting out one big newsletter each week.
4. Benchmark Email
Benchmark Email is another excellent option that often flies under the radar. Its free plan includes up to 500 subscribers and 3,500 emails per month. That’s a healthy balance of contact management and sending capacity, making it perfect for consistent communication with a small list.
You get access to drag-and-drop email builders, sign-up forms, basic automation, and simple list segmentation tools. Benchmark’s clean interface and modern templates help you look polished even if you’re just starting out.
It’s especially good for small teams or solo marketers who want a reliable and professional-looking email tool without overcomplicating things.
5. Moosend
Moosend offers a feature-rich free trial plan with generous perks, although it comes with a time limit. While you can only use the free version for 30 days, it includes all the premium features: automation workflows, landing pages, segmentation, and detailed analytics.
This makes Moosend an excellent short-term option if you want to test a full suite of tools before committing to a paid plan. It’s great for running a product launch, a campaign for an event, or simply experimenting with features before making a long-term decision.
Though the free plan is time-limited, its flexibility and access to advanced features make Moosend worth exploring—especially for marketers who want to move quickly and learn fast.
6. HubSpot Email Marketing
HubSpot is best known for its all-in-one marketing, sales, and customer service platform, but its email marketing tools are surprisingly beginner-friendly. The free plan includes up to 2,000 email sends per month, and it’s bundled with access to HubSpot’s CRM, forms, landing pages, and reporting dashboard.
The drag-and-drop editor is simple to use, and the platform integrates naturally with other HubSpot tools if you want to expand your marketing efforts later. While the branding is prominent on free emails, the ease of use and access to a built-in CRM make HubSpot appealing for small teams and businesses that are planning to scale.
If your business is growing and you’d like a long-term platform that can grow with you, HubSpot is a smart place to start.
7. ConvertKit
ConvertKit is a favorite among creators, bloggers, and online educators. The free plan includes up to 1,000 subscribers and unlimited emails, along with access to forms, landing pages, and basic automation features.
Where ConvertKit really shines is in its focus on simplicity and audience connection. The platform emphasizes clean, text-based emails, which often outperform flashy templates in terms of engagement. You can tag and segment your subscribers based on their behavior, helping you send more relevant messages without technical headaches.
While some of the more advanced automation tools are only available on paid plans, ConvertKit’s free offering gives creators the essential tools they need to get started, grow a loyal audience, and even start selling products or memberships.
Choosing the Right Free Email Service Provider
Not all email platforms are created equal, and the best one for you depends on your specific needs. Are you just looking to send newsletters? Do you want to automate a welcome sequence or nurture leads? Do you plan to sell digital products or run a membership site?
Here’s a quick way to narrow down your choice:
- Choose Mailchimp or Benchmark if you’re looking for a general-purpose tool that’s easy to use
- Try MailerLite if you value sleek design and visual automation builders
- Use Brevo if you want unlimited contacts but are okay with a daily send cap
- Go with ConvertKit if you’re a creator who wants to grow a personal brand or email-based business
- Test Moosend if you want a short-term trial of a premium experience
- Start with HubSpot if you want integrated CRM and marketing tools from the start
The good news? All of these platforms let you try them out risk-free. You can experiment, get familiar with the features, and choose the one that feels the most intuitive for your workflow.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, email marketing remains one of the most effective and budget-friendly tools available to anyone building a brand or business online. And with so many generous free plans out there, you don’t need to spend money to start building your list, growing your audience, or nurturing leads.
Whether you’re sending your first campaign or just looking to upgrade your current setup, there’s a free email service provider out there that fits your needs. Take your time, explore your options, and pick the one that will support your goals without overwhelming you.
If you’re ready to get started, all it takes is one sign-up and one great idea.
Would you like a comparison chart to go with this blog, or email marketing templates to help you launch your first campaign?
