Email Marketing Free Plan Comparison 2025 Update

Email marketing platforms are tightening their free plans — and 2025 is shaping up as the year of smaller caps. I break down the email marketing free plan comparison 2025 in this quick guide.

What’s Changing with Free Email Marketing Plans in 2025?

When I first opened my inbox and saw an update from Klaviyo, I realized the shift was real: their free tier is now capped at just 250 subscribers. Not long after, MailerLite sent a similar update — their free plan, once at 1,000, has now been cut in half to 500 subscribers. And they’re not alone. Other platforms are making similar moves.

At first glance, it might feel like bad news. But here’s the thing: these changes perfectly align with the way I already approach email marketing. I’ve never chased freebies or built bloated lists. In fact, I’ve intentionally avoided offering free downloads just to “collect” subscribers. Why? Because I don’t want to pay for people who don’t actually read my emails or care about my offers.

And honestly? I practice what I preach. I regularly unsubscribe from emails myself — especially if they feel forced, manipulative, or like unnecessary noise in my inbox. I’d rather keep my inbox (and my own list) intentional, clean, and authentic.

So in this guide, I’ll compare the major free plans — Klaviyo, MailerLite, Mailchimp, ConvertKit, and Brevo — and then share why this shift might actually be good news.

How Many Subscribers Does Klaviyo’s Free Plan Allow in 2025?

• Limit: 250 subscribers
• Email sends: 500/month
• Pros: Robust automations, excellent for e-commerce.
• Cons: Strictest free cap — you’ll hit the limit quickly.
  👉 My take: If you’re serious about e-commerce, Klaviyo is worth paying for, but don’t expect the free tier to last long.
  

---

What Are the Limits of MailerLite’s Free Plan in 2025?

• Limit: 500 subscribers (down from 1,000)
• Email sends: 12,000/month
• Pros: Generous sends, clean interface, solid deliverability.
• Cons: Fewer templates on the free plan, noticeable downgrade from last year.
  👉 My take: Still one of the most balanced free options if you want some breathing room.
  

---

Has Mailchimp’s Free Plan Changed in 2025?

• Limit: 500 subscribers
• Email sends: 1,000/month
• Pros: Recognizable brand, easy for beginners.
• Cons: Limited features and quick upsells.
  👉 My take: A friendly starter tool, but restrictive once you start to grow.
  

---

Does ConvertKit Have a Free Plan Anymore?

• Limit: No longer free. Paid plans start at $9/month for 300 subscribers.
• Pros: Built for creators; excellent landing pages and tagging system.
• Cons: No true free tier anymore.
  👉 My take: If you love ConvertKit, budget for it from day one — it’s not a “try free forever” tool.
  

---

How Does Brevo’s Free Plan Compare in 2025?

• Limit: Unlimited subscribers
• Email sends: 300/day
• Pros: No subscriber cap, CRM features, strong deliverability.
• Cons: Daily cap can feel restrictive.
  👉 My take: Best for those who want unlimited contacts but don’t send large blasts.
  

---

Which Email Marketing Free Plan Is the Best Overall?

• If you’re just starting → MailerLite (best balance between subs and sends).
  
• If you’re e-commerce → Klaviyo (but expect to pay soon).
  
• If you’re creator-focused → ConvertKit (budget for it).
  
• If you want unlimited subs → Brevo (but watch the daily cap).
  

But here’s the truth: the best plan isn’t just about numbers.

For years, the industry pushed the idea that a “bigger list” automatically meant more sales. That’s why so many people chased freebies — building lists of thousands who never opened a single email. These shrinking free plans are forcing us to ask the harder question: Would I actually pay to keep this person on my list?

---

Why Are Email Marketing Free Tiers Getting Smaller?

I see this industry trend as a reset button. It pushes us back toward slow marketing and authentic connection.

Personally, I unsubscribe from lists all the time. If an email feels forced or like it’s written for everyone instead of me, I don’t hesitate to hit “unsubscribe.” And honestly, I’d rather have someone do the same on my list than keep paying for dead weight.

These shrinking free tiers make us all more intentional. They discourage vanity metrics and encourage creators to build lists of people who genuinely care. A smaller, more resonant list will always outperform a big, bloated one filled with freebie-chasers.

And let’s be real — paying $9–$10 a month for a tool you use to build genuine relationships isn’t a burden. It’s an investment.

---

Is Paying for Email Marketing Tools Worth It?

Free email marketing plans are shrinking across the board, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. It’s a chance to step off the hamster wheel of “list-building at all costs” and start treating your subscribers like humans, not numbers.

This aligns also very well with my choice not to offer freebies to grow my list. I’d rather have 100 people who care about my work than 1,000 who just wanted a download they’ll never open again. And if email providers are nudging us all in that direction by cutting their free tiers? I see that as confirmation that authenticity is winning.

So ask yourself: Would you rather pay for a thousand silent subscribers, or write to a hundred who actually want to hear from you?

👉 Want more detail on specific changes? Check my deep dives on Klaviyo’s free plan cut and MailerLite’s 2025 update.