Affiliate marketing isn’t just about promoting products—it’s about building trust and creating lasting relationships. I’ve learned that email marketing is the best way to stay connected with your audience and drive consistent sales. Unlike social media, where reach is unpredictable, email gives you full control over your list and messaging.
With the right tools, you can automate follow-ups, personalize content, and increase conversions without extra effort. The best part? Many top-tier platforms offer free plans with powerful features to help you grow your business without upfront costs.
I’ve tested several options, and these are the 12 best free email marketing tools for affiliate marketers:
- Mailchimp – user-friendly and great for beginners.
- GetResponse – Strong automation and landing pages.
- Moosend – Affordable upgrades, excellent automation.
- AWeber – Simple setup, good for affiliate links.
- HubSpot Email Marketing – Built-in CRM for tracking leads.
- Benchmark Email – Clean interface, strong deliverability.
- ConvertKit – Perfect for content creators and bloggers.
- MailerLite – Budget-friendly with easy-to-use features.
- Zoho Campaigns – best for small businesses using Zoho products.
- Flodesk – Beautiful templates, ideal for branding.
- Omnisend – Great for affiliates in eCommerce.
- Sender – Lightweight but packed with features.
Each of these tools has strengths depending on your needs. Next, I’ll break down what makes them worth considering. Before that, let’s see what you should consider first before choosing the best tool.
What to Look for in a Free Email Marketing Tool
Not all email marketing tools are created with the same features. Some make automation easy, while others limit features on free plans. Based on my experience, here’s what truly matters when choosing one:
a). Ease of Use
A tool should be simple to navigate. If you need a tutorial just to send a basic email, it’s not worth it. Look for a platform with a clean interface, drag-and-drop builders, and straightforward settings.
b). Automation and Segmentation
Automation saves time and boosts conversions. A good tool should let you schedule emails, set up drip campaigns, and tag subscribers based on behavior. The more control you have, the better your results.
c). Email Templates and Customization
Your emails should look professional without extra effort. Pre-designed templates, easy customization, and mobile-friendly layouts help you create polished campaigns quickly.
d). Deliverability Rates
Even the best emails are useless if they land in spam. Choose a provider with strong deliverability ratings to ensure your messages actually reach inboxes.
e). Integration with Affiliate Platforms
If you promote affiliate products, your email tool must support links, tracking, and integrations with affiliate networks. Some platforms restrict affiliate marketing, so check the terms before committing.
f). Free Plan Limits
Free plans vary. Pay attention to subscriber caps, monthly email limits, and access to key features like automation, landing pages, and reporting. The best free tools offer enough flexibility to grow before needing an upgrade.
The Best Free Email Marketing Tools You Need For Your Affiliate Business
Now that you know what to look for, let’s dive into the 12 best free email marketing tools and how they stack up.
1. Mailchimp
Mailchimp is one of the most popular email marketing tools, and for good reason. It’s designed to be beginner-friendly while still offering powerful features. If you’re just starting out, Mailchimp provides an easy way to build, automate, and analyze your email campaigns without technical skills.
Key Features
- Drag-and-Drop Builder – Easy-to-use editor for creating emails without coding.
- Automation: Set up automated emails like welcome messages and follow-ups.
- Analytics: Track key metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and engagement.
- Templates & Customization – Choose from pre-designed templates or create custom emails.
- Basic Segmentation – Segment your list based on engagement, location, or interests.
Free Plan Limits
- 500 subscribers – Ideal for small lists and new affiliate marketers.
- 1,000 emails per month – Good for occasional campaigns but may require an upgrade as your list grows.
- Limited automation – Basic autoresponders but no advanced workflows.
Best For
Mailchimp is perfect for beginners who need an all-in-one email solution without a steep learning curve. The free plan gives you essential tools to create, send, and track emails, making it a solid starting point for affiliate marketers.
However, if you need advanced automation, segmentation, or higher sending limits, you may outgrow Mailchimp quickly.
2. GetResponse
GetResponse is my go-to tool for email marketing—it’s hands down my favorite because it offers the perfect balance of automation and ease of use. As an affiliate marketer, you need a tool that can automate tasks, segment your audience, and help you convert leads. GetResponse does that and more.
Key Features
- Autoresponders – Set up automated email sequences to nurture leads and increase engagement.
- AI-driven Segmentation – Automatically group contacts based on behavior and preferences for more targeted campaigns.
- Landing Pages – Create professional landing pages to capture leads and promote affiliate offers.
- Email Templates & Customization – Access a variety of templates and edit them to match your brand.
- Advanced Analytics – Track performance and optimize campaigns using detailed reports.
Free Plan Limits
- 500 contacts – Suitable for small to mid-sized lists.
- Unlimited newsletters – Send as many newsletters as needed each month.
- Limited features – Some advanced automation tools are available on the free plan, but access to more advanced features comes with upgrades.
Best For
GetResponse is ideal for affiliate marketers who want advanced automation and segmentation to create highly targeted email campaigns. The AI-driven features and landing page builder set it apart, making it a strong choice if you’re looking to scale and grow your business.
3. Moosend
Moosend is an excellent choice for affiliate marketers and small businesses that need AI-powered automation and real-time analytics to optimize their campaigns. It’s a highly affordable and efficient tool with a focus on helping users grow their email lists and improve engagement.
Key Features
- AI-powered Automation – Moosend uses AI to create personalized email campaigns based on user behavior, ensuring better engagement.
- Real-time Analytics – Track email performance as it happens, allowing you to make adjustments to campaigns quickly.
- Email Templates & Customization – A variety of templates that you can easily edit to fit your brand’s needs.
- Segmentation – Segment your audience based on behaviors and interests for more targeted campaigns.
- Landing Pages – Build custom landing pages to collect leads and promote offers.
Free Plan Limits
- 1,000 subscribers – Ideal for small businesses or growing affiliate marketers.
- Unlimited emails – Send as many emails as needed to engage your audience.
- Limited features – The free plan offers most of the basic features, but some advanced tools require an upgrade.
Best For
Moosend is best suited for small businesses and affiliate marketers who need AI-driven automation to improve targeting and engagement. With real-time analytics and unlimited emails on the free plan, it offers a great balance of features for users looking to grow their list and drive conversions without breaking the bank.
4. AWeber
AWeber is a well-established email marketing tool that provides a reliable and simple platform for beginners. It’s designed to help you quickly set up and automate your email campaigns with minimal effort, making it a solid choice for those just starting out in affiliate marketing.
Key Features
- Email Automation – Set up autoresponders and automated campaigns to engage your audience without manual effort.
- Landing Pages – Create custom landing pages to promote affiliate offers and collect leads, all within the same platform.
- Drag-and-Drop Editor – Build professional-looking emails easily with an intuitive editor that requires no coding skills.
- Email Templates & Customization – Access a wide variety of templates, and customize them to align with your brand’s look and feel.
- Analytics & Reporting – Track open rates, click-through rates, and other important metrics to optimize your campaigns.
Free Plan Limits
- 500 subscribers – A great starting point for small lists, especially when you’re just beginning to build your affiliate business.
- 3,000 emails/month – Enough for regular campaigns, but you may need to upgrade as your list grows.
- Limited features – The free plan covers basic email automation and landing pages but doesn’t include advanced features like split testing or advanced analytics.
Best For
AWeber is perfect for beginners who need simplicity and reliability. It gives you everything you need to start growing your list and automating your campaigns without feeling overwhelmed. It’s easy to use and provides dependable service, making it a go-to for those new to affiliate marketing.
5. HubSpot Email Marketing
HubSpot is known for its comprehensive suite of tools, and its email marketing platform is no exception. It’s particularly useful for businesses already using HubSpot CRM because it allows for seamless integration, making it easier to manage leads and contacts across multiple channels.
Key Features
- CRM Integration – HubSpot’s email marketing integrates directly with its CRM, allowing you to use customer data to personalize campaigns and segment your audience effectively.
- Automation – Set up automated workflows to nurture leads and follow up with potential customers, improving engagement over time.
- Personalization – Tailor email content based on contact details, past interactions, and other customer behaviors for a more personalized experience.
- Templates & Customization – Choose from professionally designed templates and make them your own with easy customization options.
- Analytics & Reporting – Track email performance with real-time reporting to refine your strategies and improve results.
Free Plan Limits
- 2,000 emails/month – The free plan allows you to send up to 2,000 emails, which is sufficient for most small businesses and affiliate marketers.
- Limited Automation – You can use basic workflows, but advanced automation features are restricted to paid plans.
- Basic Analytics – While you get essential tracking metrics, more detailed reports are available with an upgrade.
Best For
HubSpot Email Marketing is best for businesses already using HubSpot CRM who want a smooth integration between their email marketing and customer relationship management. It’s a great option if you’re already familiar with HubSpot and want to consolidate your tools for easier management and better personalization.
6. Benchmark Email
Benchmark Email is a user-friendly email marketing tool that offers solid features to help small affiliate marketers create effective campaigns. It’s designed for those who need simplicity without sacrificing performance.
Key Features
- A/B Testing – Test different email versions to see which one performs better, helping you optimize your campaigns over time.
- Email Templates – A wide variety of templates that you can easily customize to fit your branding and message.
- Automation – Set up automated workflows like welcome emails and follow-ups to engage your audience with minimal effort.
- Segmentation – Segment your list based on different criteria to send more targeted and relevant emails.
- Analytics & Reporting – Track open rates, click-through rates, and other important metrics to measure the success of your campaigns.
Free Plan Limits
- 500 subscribers – Suitable for small affiliate marketers just starting to build their email list.
- 3,500 emails/month – Plenty of emails to send out regular campaigns or promotions to your audience.
- Limited features – The free plan offers basic email marketing tools, but more advanced features like A/B testing and segmentation require an upgrade.
Best For
Benchmark Email is ideal for small affiliate marketers looking for a user-friendly tool that simplifies email marketing. If you need a solid, easy-to-use platform without too many complexities, Benchmark Email is a great choice to get started and grow your email marketing efforts.
7. ConvertKit
ConvertKit is a go-to platform for content creators and bloggers who want to build and nurture their email lists. It focuses on simplicity and advanced automation to help you turn your subscribers into loyal readers or customers.
Key Features
- Subscriber Tagging – Tag your subscribers based on interests or actions, allowing you to send targeted emails and campaigns.
- Automation – Set up simple yet powerful automated workflows like welcome series and follow-up sequences to keep your audience engaged.
- Landing Pages – Create high-converting landing pages to grow your list and promote offers, all within the same platform.
- Email Templates & Customization – Choose from beautiful templates and customize them to suit your brand’s voice.
- Analytics & Reporting – Track key metrics like open rates and click-through rates to measure campaign performance.
Free Plan Limits
- 1,000 subscribers – Perfect for bloggers or small content creators just starting to build their email list.
- Basic email sequences – You can set up simple automated sequences, but more complex workflows are available on paid plans.
- Limited features – The free plan covers the essentials, but advanced automation tools and integrations come with upgrades.
Best For
ConvertKit is best for content creators and bloggers who need a simple but effective email marketing solution. With its focus on subscriber tagging and automation, it helps you stay connected to your audience without overwhelming yourself. If you’re looking for a tool that’s easy to use yet powerful enough to grow your list, ConvertKit is a great option.
8. MailerLite
MailerLite is a simple yet powerful tool for affiliate marketers looking for a user-friendly platform with advanced features. It offers a clean interface and essential email marketing tools to help you build, automate, and optimize your campaigns.
Key Features
- Drag-and-Drop Editor – Create emails with ease by dragging and dropping content blocks, no coding required.
- Automation – Set up automated workflows like welcome emails, lead nurturing, and follow-ups.
- A/B Testing – Test different versions of your emails to see what works best with your audience, helping you improve results.
- Email Templates & Customization – Choose from a variety of templates and customize them to fit your brand and message.
- Analytics & Reporting – Track key metrics such as open rates and click-through rates to measure the success of your campaigns.
Free Plan Limits
- 1,000 subscribers – Great for growing lists and building a solid foundation without paying upfront.
- 12,000 emails/month – You can send plenty of emails each month, making it ideal for regular campaigns.
- Limited features – While the free plan is robust, some advanced features like extra A/B testing and email scheduling require an upgrade.
Best For
MailerLite is best for marketers needing a simple yet powerful tool to manage their email campaigns. It provides a strong set of features with an easy-to-use interface, making it perfect for those looking to scale without complicated setups or high costs.
9. Zoho Campaigns
Zoho Campaigns is a solid email marketing tool that integrates well with Zoho’s suite of products. It’s perfect for small businesses already using Zoho, providing a seamless experience across your marketing and CRM tools.
Key Features
- Pre-designed Templates – Choose from a variety of professional templates to get your emails out quickly, or customize them to your brand’s needs.
- Automation – Set up automated email sequences to nurture leads and engage customers, saving time on repetitive tasks.
- Analytics – Track performance with detailed reports that show open rates, click-through rates, and other key metrics.
- Segmentation – Group your contacts based on behavior or demographics to send more personalized emails.
- CRM Integration – Easily integrate with Zoho CRM, allowing you to manage contacts and automate communication more effectively.
Free Plan Limits
- 2,000 contacts – Ideal for small businesses looking to grow their email list without paying upfront.
- 6,000 emails/month – Enough to send a few campaigns each month, making it suitable for businesses with smaller lists.
- Limited features – The free plan covers most basics, but more advanced features like A/B testing and enhanced automation are only available with paid plans.
Best For
Zoho Campaigns is best for small businesses already using Zoho products. Its CRM integration and automation features work seamlessly within the Zoho ecosystem, making it easier for businesses to scale their email marketing without switching between different tools.
10. Flodesk
Flodesk is a sleek and design-focused email marketing tool. It’s built for creatives and entrepreneurs who prioritize aesthetics but need powerful functionality. I’ve used it myself and found its beautiful templates to be a standout feature.
Key Features
- Beautiful Templates – The templates are visually stunning and easy to customize. Perfect if design matters to you.
- Simple Automation – Set up basic workflows to engage your audience automatically, without any hassle.
- Unlimited Emails – Send as many emails as you want, making it great for growing your list and running frequent campaigns.
- Segmentation – Easily segment your audience for more targeted messaging.
- Analytics – Track how well your emails are performing, with key metrics like open rates and click-through rates.
Free Plan Limits
- 1,000 subscribers – The free plan lets you manage up to 1,000 subscribers.
- Unlimited emails – You can send unlimited emails each month on the free plan.
Best For
Flodesk is best for creatives and entrepreneurs who want an email marketing tool that combines design and functionality. If you value beautiful emails and ease of use, it’s a solid choice. You’ll get a lot of flexibility in your design without needing technical skills.
11. Omnisend
Omnisend is an email marketing tool designed for e-commerce and affiliate marketers who need to engage customers across multiple channels. It’s a great option if you want to combine email marketing with SMS and push notifications to boost your reach.
Key Features
- Multi-channel Marketing – Send emails, SMS messages, and push notifications all from one platform, increasing your touchpoints with customers.
- Automation – Automate workflows for welcome messages, abandoned cart reminders, and follow-ups to increase conversions.
- Segmentation – Segment your audience based on behavior or preferences to send more relevant messages.
- Email & SMS Templates – Access ready-made templates for both email and SMS, saving time on designing campaigns.
- Analytics – Monitor campaign performance with detailed reports to optimize your marketing strategy.
Free Plan Limits
- 250 contacts – The free plan lets you store up to 250 contacts, which works for smaller lists.
- 500 emails/month – You can send up to 500 emails each month on the free plan, enough for a few campaigns.
- Limited features – While the free plan includes basic automation and multi-channel support, advanced features require an upgrade.
Best For
Omnisend is ideal for e-commerce and affiliate marketers who need multi-channel support. If you want to reach your audience through more than just email, Omnisend’s combination of email, SMS, and push notifications will help you stay top of mind.
12. Sender
Sender is a reliable email marketing tool with a strong focus on high deliverability and scalability. It’s perfect for businesses that need to send large volumes of emails without worrying about reaching inboxes.
Key Features
- High Deliverability – Sender is known for its strong deliverability rates, ensuring your emails land in inboxes, not spam folders.
- Automation – Set up automated email sequences to keep your audience engaged and increase conversions.
- Analytics – Track email performance with detailed reports on open rates, click-through rates, and other key metrics.
- Segmentation – Segment your contacts for more targeted and relevant messaging.
- Email Templates & Customization – Choose from a variety of templates that are easy to customize to fit your brand’s style.
Free Plan Limits
- 2,500 subscribers – The free plan supports up to 2,500 subscribers, which is great for businesses looking to scale.
- 15,000 emails/month – You can send up to 15,000 emails every month, making it ideal for larger campaigns.
- Limited features – Advanced features like advanced segmentation and detailed analytics are available with paid plans.
Best For
Sender is best for businesses needing a high sending limit. With its strong deliverability and generous email allowance, it’s perfect for businesses with larger lists or frequent email campaigns. If you need to send a high volume of emails and ensure they get delivered, Sender is a solid option.
Conclusion
Choosing the right email marketing tool is crucial for affiliate businesses. The best free tools offer a solid mix of automation, easy-to-use features, and reliable support for scaling your campaigns without breaking the bank. From Mailchimp for beginners to Omnisend for multi-channel marketers, there’s a tool suited for every need.
It’s important to experiment with different free plans to find what works for you before committing to a paid plan. Each tool has its strengths, and testing them will help you make an informed decision for your business.
What’s your experience with these tools? Feel free to share in the comments or reach out with any questions. I’d love to hear about your journey and any recommendations you might have!
Frequently Asked Question
What is the best free email marketing tool for beginners?
For beginners, Mailchimp is a great choice. It offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop builder, basic automation, and up to 500 subscribers on its free plan.
Can I send unlimited emails with a free plan?
No, most free plans have limits on the number of emails you can send. For example, MailerLite offers 12,000 emails/month on its free plan, but other tools like Mailchimp have lower email limits.
Are free email marketing tools suitable for large affiliate businesses?
Free tools are best for smaller businesses or those just starting out. For larger businesses or those with extensive email lists, it may be worth upgrading to a paid plan for advanced features and higher sending limits.
Can I automate my email campaigns with free plans?
Yes, many free plans offer basic automation. Tools like GetResponse and Moosend provide automation features, but more complex workflows might require a paid upgrade.
How can I improve my email deliverability with free tools?
To improve deliverability, make sure to use clean email lists, avoid spammy content, and regularly clean your subscriber list. Tools like Sender are known for their strong deliverability rates, even on free plans.
Do free plans offer CRM integration?
Some free plans, like HubSpot Email Marketing, offer CRM integration. If you need to manage customer relationships alongside email marketing, this feature can be helpful for staying organized.
