Best email marketing tools for smarter automation and better deliverability

Email remains one of the most effective channels for building lasting customer relationships. However, as inboxes get busier, businesses need smarter tools to stand out. 

Modern email marketing platforms now go beyond simple campaigns, offering AI-driven automation, personalization and deliverability optimization to maximize engagement.

According to Statista, global email users are expected to reach 4.8 billion in 2025, making it essential for brands to deliver the right message at the right time. Choosing a platform that balances creativity, automation and reliability is key to achieving consistent results.

Below are the 10 best email marketing tools in 2026 that help businesses automate smarter, deliver better and grow faster.

1. HighLevel

Best for: Agencies and growing businesses looking for an all-in-one platform with CRM, email, SMS, automation and deliverability control.

Key features:

• Drag-and-drop email builder with dynamic content blocks.

• Multi-channel automation (email, SMS and chat).

• Centralized contact management and funnel tracking.

• Built-in deliverability optimization and reputation management.

AI capabilities: Predictive engagement timing, automated content suggestions and AI-powered subject line analysis.

Pricing: Starts at $97/month with scalable plans for agencies.

2. HubSpot

Best for: Businesses seeking a fully integrated marketing and CRM experience.

Key features:

• Visual email builder with pre-built templates.

• Smart send-time optimization and personalization tokens.

• Seamless integration with HubSpot CRM and Marketing Hub.

AI capabilities: Predictive lead scoring, AI-powered A/B testing and copy suggestions.

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $20/month per seat.

3. ActiveCampaign

Best for: E-commerce stores and small businesses focused on behavioral automation.

Key features:

• Trigger-based workflows for abandoned carts, purchases and sign-ups.

• Segmentation based on engagement and activity.

• Conditional content for personalized campaigns.

AI capabilities: Predictive sending and machine learning-based customer journey mapping.

Pricing: Starts at $19/month, billed annually.

4. Mailchimp

Best for: Small businesses and startups entering email automation.

Key features:

• Pre-built workflows for onboarding, re-engagement and promotions.

• Audience segmentation and performance dashboards.

• Templates for newsletters and transactional messages.

AI capabilities: Predictive demographics, content recommendations and best-time delivery.

Pricing: Free plan available; paid tiers start at $13/month.

5. Brevo

Best for: Businesses looking for affordable automation with strong deliverability tools.

Key features:

• Email, SMS and WhatsApp campaigns in one platform.

• Transactional and marketing email automation.

• IP warm-up and deliverability tracking.

AI capabilities: Predictive send-time optimization and engagement insights.

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $25/month.

6. Klaviyo

Best for: E-commerce brands using Shopify, WooCommerce or Magento.

Key features:

• Pre-built templates for abandoned cart recovery and product recommendations.

• Advanced segmentation based on customer behavior and purchase history.

• Real-time syncing with online store data.

AI capabilities: Predictive analytics for customer lifetime value and purchasing behavior.

Pricing: Free up to 250 contacts; paid plans start at $30/month.

7. GetResponse

Best for: Content creators and solopreneurs running webinars or online courses.

Key features:

• Email and webinar automation in one platform.

• Conversion funnels and landing page builder.

• Real-time analytics and audience tagging.

AI capabilities: AI campaign generator and smart content optimization.

Pricing: Starts at $15/month with a free plan for basic use.

8. Constant Contact

Best for: Nonprofits and small businesses seeking simplicity and reliability.

Key features:

• Drag-and-drop email design tools.

• Built-in reporting and deliverability tracking.

• Event registration and donation campaign templates.

AI capabilities: AI-driven subject line recommendations and performance forecasting.

Pricing: Starts at $12/month; free trial available.

9. Moosend

Best for: Startups needing a lightweight automation tool.

Key features:

• Visual workflow editor for email sequences.

• Advanced segmentation and personalization.

• Real-time reporting and campaign optimization.

AI capabilities: AI-powered recommendations and predictive targeting.

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $9/month.

10. Omnisend

Best for: E-commerce and retail brands aiming for omnichannel automation.

Key features:

• Integrated email, SMS and push notifications.

• Pre-built workflows for cart recovery and product follow-ups.

• Seamless Shopify, BigCommerce and WooCommerce integration.

AI capabilities: Predictive segmentation and automated audience insights.

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $16/month.

Comparison: Features, AI strength and pricing

ToolStarting PriceAI capabilitiesIdeal ForStandout FeatureHighLevel$97/moStrongAgencies, SMBsAll-in-one CRM + deliverability optimizationHubSpot$20/seat/moHighGrowing businessesCRM and marketing syncActiveCampaign$19/moStrongE-commerceBehavioral automationMailchimp$13/moModerateStartupsEase of useBrevo$25/moModerateSmall businessesOmnichannel messagingKlaviyo$30/moHighE-commercePredictive analyticsGetResponse$15/moModerateSolopreneursEmail + webinar automationConstant Contact$12/moBasicNonprofitsSimplicity and templatesMoosend$9/moBasicStartupsAffordable automationOmnisend$16/moModerateRetail brandsMulti-channel campaigns

How to choose the right email marketing platform

When evaluating email marketing software, focus on:

• Deliverability: Choose tools that maintain strong sender reputations and provide spam-check features.

• Automation depth: Platforms like HighLevel, HubSpot and ActiveCampaign excel at advanced workflows.

• Ease of use: If your team is new to automation, consider Mailchimp or Brevo.

• Integrations: Ensure the platform syncs with your CRM, e-commerce store and analytics tools.

• Scalability: Select software that grows with your subscriber base and marketing goals.

Testing through free trials and sandbox accounts helps confirm how well a tool fits your existing workflow.

Trends defining email marketing in 2025

• AI personalization: Subject lines, visuals and offers tailored to each user’s intent.

• Interactive emails: Dynamic elements such as carousels, forms and polls within the email body.

• Deliverability intelligence: Tools now use AI to predict inbox placement and adjust sending behavior.

• Omnichannel integration: Combining email with SMS and push notifications for cohesive campaigns.

• No-code automation: Visual builders making campaign setup faster and more accessible to non-technical users.
  

These innovations are setting new standards for how businesses communicate with their audiences.

Conclusion: Smarter emails, stronger relationships

The right email marketing tool helps you automate campaigns, personalize communication and ensure messages reach the inbox.

Platforms like HighLevel, HubSpot and ActiveCampaign stand out for combining automation depth with exceptional deliverability.

In 2026, success in email marketing depends on personalization, compliance and intelligent automation. Selecting a solution that blends all three will help your brand maintain engagement, build trust and drive growth.

FAQs: Email marketing tools and automation

What is an email marketing tool?

It’s a software platform that helps businesses design, automate and send personalized emails while tracking performance and deliverability.

Which email marketing tool is best for small businesses?

HighLevel, Brevo and Mailchimp are ideal for small teams due to affordability and ease of use.

How does AI improve email marketing?

AI helps optimize send times, personalize content and enhance deliverability by analyzing engagement patterns.

Are email automation tools expensive?

Not necessarily. Most offer free tiers or scalable pricing for growing businesses.

What affects email deliverability the most?

Sender reputation, list hygiene and email content quality are key factors influencing inbox placement.