Digital Marketing
Best Email Marketing Platforms for Small Businesses
Orbit & Metric Editorial Team · Published Nov 14, 2026 · Last updated Nov 15, 2026
Email is a channel you own. The right platform depends on your list size, how much automation you need, and whether you want email tied to a CRM.
Research note: Based on desk research of official websites (checked 2026-11-15). Not hands-on tested. Prices and terms change — confirm on the official site before deciding.
Pricing models (official pages)
| Platform | Free option | Paid plans |
|---|---|---|
| Mailchimp | 250 contacts, 500 sends/month | Essentials from $13, Standard from $20, Premium from $350/month (scale with contacts) |
| Brevo | 300 emails/day | From $9/month, scaling with email volume |
| HubSpot | Free CRM tools incl. basic marketing email | Paid Marketing Hub tiers |
Mailchimp prices by contacts; Brevo prices mainly by email volume — the cheaper option depends on your list size and send frequency.
Automation
Start with a welcome sequence and one nurture flow; measure before adding more.
Compliance
Capture consent, honour unsubscribes promptly and authenticate your sending domain.
All-in-one option
HubSpot combines email with CRM if you want shared customer data.
Conclusion
Large lists that send occasionally often suit volume-based pricing such as Brevo; smaller lists wanting a familiar builder may prefer Mailchimp. See Mailchimp vs Brevo.
Related on Orbit & Metric
Mailchimp · Brevo · HubSpot · Comparison
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my own domain?
Sending from an authenticated custom domain is strongly recommended.
When should I pay?
When you need automation, more volume or removal of platform branding.
Sources
- https://mailchimp.com/pricing/marketing/ (accessed 2026-11-15)
- https://www.brevo.com/pricing/ (accessed 2026-11-15)
- https://www.hubspot.com/pricing/sales (accessed 2026-11-15)
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