Small businesses and startups with limited budgets, the right email tool makes a big difference. You want marketing power without broken workflows or massive costs. Among budget-friendly options, Brevo, MailerLite, and ConvertKit stand out as viable contenders. Each offers a different mix of features, automation, and pricing. Brevo is strong on automation and CRM at low cost. MailerLite is strong on design and simplicity. ConvertKit is strong on creator workflows and content delivery. This guide compares these budget tools deeply so you pick the one that gives the most value without compromising on growth.
Why Budget Email Tools Matter
When you’re just starting out, every dollar counts. You need an email platform that:
- does not lock vital features behind expensive tiers
- allows automation without massive cost jumps
- supports growth without constant migrations
- offers good deliverability and support
- scales gracefully rather than punishes you for growth
That’s why comparing Brevo, MailerLite, and ConvertKit from a budget standpoint is essential. It’s not about feature overload—it’s about feature efficiency and value.
Feature Breakdown
1. Entry-level Pricing & Free Plans
- Brevo: Very competitive entry pricing ($9/month for 5,000 emails). Free plan supports many automation features.
- MailerLite: $10/month for 1,000 subscribers, free plan available, strong design features even at low cost.
- ConvertKit: $15/month for 300 subscribers, free plan for limited features, pricing climbs quicker.
2. Automation Features on Budget Plans
- Brevo: Automation included in low-tier, full workflows, multichannel triggers accessible early.
- MailerLite: Basic automation is included, good for newsletter and light nurture sequences.
- ConvertKit: Automation included, but pricing jumps for subscriber-based growth.
3. Template & Newsletter Quality on a Budget
- Brevo: Practical templates; fewer design bells but solid performance.
- MailerLite: Top design value at budget level, strong visuals and templates.
- ConvertKit: Minimal style, focus on content over design—ideal for creators.
4. Scalability Without Price Shock
- Brevo: Pricing remains predictable; automation remains included as you scale.
- MailerLite: Pricing increases with subscribers; high features still locked behind higher tiers.
- ConvertKit: Rapid price increases as subscriber count grows; automation limitations on lower tiers.
5. Deliverability and Performance for Budget Users
- Brevo: Strong deliverability due to good infrastructure; solid value for cost.
- MailerLite: Good deliverability provided you maintain clean list; design-heavy emails can affect speed.
- ConvertKit: Good for plain-text emails; fewer visuals helps performance.
Use Cases
Best for Startups with Automation Needs on a Budget
Brevo wins: multichannel, CRM, automation at a low entry price.
Best for Creative Brands on Tight Budgets
MailerLite wins: best design templates, ease of use, great for brand-led communication.
Best for Content Creators & Solo Entrepreneurs
ConvertKit wins: strong tagging, content sequences, creator workflows—but cost may rise fast.
Best for Ecommerce at Low Cost
Brevo wins due to email + SMS + WhatsApp automation on a budget.
Best for Growing Audit Teams and Coaching Brands
MailerLite is great for newsletters and engagement.
ConvertKit is ideal for teachers and creators.
Brevo is scalable automation without big costs.
Pricing Table
| Plan | Brevo | MailerLite | ConvertKit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | $9/month (5,000 emails) | $10/month (1,000 subscribers) | $15/month (300 subscribers) |
| Standard | $18/month | $21–$35/month | $29–$49/month |
| Advanced | $499/month | $100–$190/month | $119–$199/month |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom | Custom |
Pros & Cons
Brevo Pros
- Affordable automation + CRM
- Multichannel messaging
- Scalable pricing
- Strong deliverability
Brevo Cons
- Templates not top-tier design-wise
- Landing pages not as advanced
MailerLite Pros
- Best design value in budget category
- Simple and fast workflow
- Good landing pages
MailerLite Cons
- Limited automation
- No CRM
ConvertKit Pros
- Excellent for creators and content delivery
- Tagging and content sequences are strong
- Ideal for coaching, solo brands, creators
ConvertKit Cons
- Expensive as you scale
- Design flexibility limited
- No CRM features
Final Verdict
For budget-conscious teams that still need automation and CRM, choose Brevo.
For design-led brands and beautiful newsletters on a budget, choose MailerLite.
For creators and solo entrepreneurs focused on content delivery and tagging, choose ConvertKit.
Pick Brevo if you value automation and CRM without high cost. Pick MailerLite if your brand relies on visuals and fast launches. Pick ConvertKit if you are a creator and your content is your business.