Back to main menu

Marketing

The 6 best Constant Contact alternatives in 2025

Tired of wrestling with Constant Contact's buggy automation? You're not the only one pulling your hair out.

Hera with megaphone, Hermes with laptop

PUBLISHED ON

PUBLISHED ON

If you're like most small business owners, you wear a lot of hats. Between managing operations, providing top-notch customer service, and keeping your brand growing, the last thing you need is an email marketing platform that's more hassle than help.

But let's face it: Constant Contact isn't always the reliable sidekick you need.

Its automation campaigns can be glitchy and unpredictable, leaving you wondering if your emails are actually reaching your audience. And when you're trying to build genuine connections with your customers, the last thing you want is a tool that's holding you back. The email marketing landscape offers a wealth of choices, including many notable alternatives to Constant Contact.

Some platforms are renowned for their advanced automation workflows, while others excel at highly targeted audience segmentation.

Additionally, a few solutions even integrate CRM features to simplify your entire sales funnel. Best of all, many of these alternatives offer free plans or flexible pricing structures, making it easy to try them out before committing.

Selecting the ideal Constant Contact alternative

Choosing an email marketing platform isn’t simply about opting for the trendiest or least expensive option. It’s about finding a solution that aligns with your business needs, scales with your growth, and simplifies your campaign management. Consider these key factors:

Focus on real performance

Many platforms boast features like automation, segmentation, and A/B testing. However, the real question is: how well do they perform? Can you design sophisticated automation sequences, or are you limited to basic if/then rules? Is the segmentation robust enough to target users based on genuine behaviors, or are you confined to generic lists? The finer details make all the difference.

Transparent and scalable pricing While many services offer free plans, costs can escalate as your subscriber base expands. It’s important to assess what’s included in the base price. Will you incur additional fees for advanced email automation, integrations, or detailed reporting? A low starting price might not be beneficial if expensive upgrades are inevitable later.

Ease of use

Your email marketing tool should simplify your workflow, not complicate it. An intuitive dashboard can save you hours of frustration. If setting up a campaign feels like a laborious task, it might be a sign that the platform isn’t right for you.

Dependable customer support

Technical issues are inevitable. The critical factor is whether you’ll receive timely, helpful support or be left sifting through outdated documentation. Access to live chat, prompt email support, and a comprehensive knowledge base can make all the difference when challenges arise.

Seamless integrations

Your email platform should work harmoniously with the tools you already use, whether that’s an eCommerce system, a CRM, or analytics software. A wide range of integrations can improve your processes rather than adding unnecessary steps.

With these criteria in mind, let’s explore the top alternatives to Constant Contact and see what makes them stand out.

Best for affordability: Mailjet

Screenshot of the template gallery for Mailjet

Looking for an email marketing platform that won't break the bank? Say hello to Mailjet. This intuitive solution is perfect for small businesses and marketers who want powerful features without the hefty price tag.

Let's face it—Constant Contact can get pricey, especially as your contact list grows. With Mailjet, you only pay for the emails you send, not the number of contacts you have. That means you can scale your email marketing efforts without worrying about skyrocketing costs.

What does Mailjet do well?

Affordability doesn't mean sacrificing quality. Mailjet offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor, making it a breeze to create stunning emails that engage your audience. Plus, with real-time collaboration features, you can work seamlessly with your team to craft the perfect campaign.

Mailjet's automation tools are reliable and easy to set up, so you can send the right message to the right people at the right time. And with advanced segmentation and personalization options, you can deliver targeted content that resonates with your subscribers.

What are Mailjet’s limitations?

Of course, no platform is perfect. Mailjet does not offer CRM features and does not offer the ability to send text blasts, WhatsApp messages, or offer other messaging channels.

How much does Mailjet actually cost?

Mailjet's pricing starts at just $17 per month for up to 15,000 emails—that's a steal compared to Constant Contact's $50 per month for the same send volume. And if you need more, Mailjet's pricing remains affordable as you scale.

The verdict on Mailjet

In conclusion, if you're looking for an email marketing platform that delivers value without draining your budget, Mailjet is a top choice. With its intuitive features, reliable automation, and cost-effective pricing, it's the perfect solution for small businesses and marketers who want to make every dollar count.

Best for beginners: Mailchimp

Screenshot of the template gallery for Mailchimp

If you're new to email marketing, you need a platform that's easy to learn and use. That's where Mailchimp shines. With its user-friendly interface and straightforward features, Mailchimp is the perfect choice for beginners looking to dip their toes into email marketing.

While Constant Contact offers a solid set of features, it can be overwhelming for those just starting out. Mailchimp, on the other hand, prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing functionality. Its intuitive drag-and-drop email builder and pre-designed templates make crafting professional-looking emails a breeze, even if you have no prior experience.

What does Mailchimp do well?

One of Mailchimp's standout features for beginners is its guided campaign creation process. The platform walks you through each step, from choosing a template to setting up your email list and scheduling your campaign. This hand-holding approach ensures you don't miss any crucial steps along the way.

Mailchimp also offers a free plan that supports up to 500 contacts, giving you ample room to grow your email list before committing to a paid plan. This is perfect for small businesses or individuals just starting out who want to test the waters without a significant upfront investment.

What are Mailchimp’s limitations?

While Mailchimp excels in ease of use, it does have some limitations when it comes to advanced automation features. If you're looking to set up complex, multi-step email sequences, you may find Mailchimp's automation tools a bit basic compared to other platforms.

However, for most beginners, these limitations won't be a major concern. Mailchimp's automation capabilities are more than sufficient for simple welcome series, birthday emails, and other foundational automated campaigns.

How much does Mailchimp actually cost?

As mentioned earlier, Mailchimp offers a free plan that includes up to 500 contacts and 1,000 sends per month.

If you need more advanced features or have a larger email list, Mailchimp's paid plans start at just $13 per month for up to 500 contacts and 5,000 emails per month. This makes it an affordable option for beginners looking to scale their email marketing efforts over time.

The verdict on Mailchimp

When it comes to beginner-friendly email marketing platforms, Mailchimp is hard to beat. Its user-friendly interface, guided campaign creation process, and generous free plan make it the perfect choice for those just starting out.

While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more advanced platforms like Constant Contact, Mailchimp provides everything beginners need to create professional, engaging email campaigns without feeling overwhelmed. So if you're new to email marketing and want a platform that's easy to learn and use, give Mailchimp a try.

Best for creators: Kit (ConvertKit)

Screenshot of the template gallery for Kit

If you're a content creator looking for an email marketing platform that caters to your unique needs, Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is the way to go. With its powerful automation tools, customizable email templates, and audience segmentation capabilities, Kit empowers creators to build and engage their audience effectively.

While Constant Contact is a well-known email marketing platform, it falls short when it comes to meeting the specific requirements of content creators. Kit, on the other hand, is designed with creators in mind.

It offers advanced features such as visual automation builders, landing page templates, and integrations with popular creator tools like Teachable and Patreon. However, it's worth noting that Kit's advanced features come at a higher price point compared to Constant Contact.

What does Kit do well?

One of the standout features of Kit is its customizable email templates. Creators can easily design professional-looking emails that align with their brand aesthetic without any coding knowledge.

Additionally, Kit's automation capabilities allow creators to set up targeted email sequences based on subscriber behavior, ensuring the right message reaches the right audience at the right time.

The platform also offers powerful audience segmentation tools, enabling creators to tailor their content to specific subscriber groups based on interests, engagement level, or purchase history.

What are Kit’s limitations?

While Kit excels in serving the needs of content creators, it's important to consider some limitations. The platform may have a steeper learning curve compared to more beginner-friendly options like Constant Contact.

Additionally, Kit's reporting and analytics features may not be as comprehensive as some other platforms, which could be a drawback for creators who rely heavily on data-driven insights.

How much does Kit actually cost?

Kit offers a basic free plan that supports up to 10,000 subscribers, making it an accessible option for creators just starting out.

Paid plans include more features like automation and start at $29 per month for up to 1,000 subscribers and scale up based on the size of your email list. While Kit's pricing is generally higher than Constant Contact's, many creators find the advanced features and creator-specific tools to be worth the investment.

Best for simplicity and ease of use: MailerLite

Screenshot of the template gallery for MailerLite

If you're looking for an email marketing platform that's a breeze to use, MailerLite is your go-to alternative to Constant Contact. With its straightforward interface and intuitive design, MailerLite makes crafting beautiful emails a walk in the park.

When it comes to user-friendliness, MailerLite leaves Constant Contact in the dust. Its clean dashboard and clutter-free layout make navigating the platform a piece of cake.

You won't need a degree in rocket science to figure out how to create and send your first campaign. Plus, MailerLite's drag-and-drop editor is so simple, anyone could use it!

What does Mailerlite do well?

MailerLite's drag-and-drop editor is the star of the show. It lets you design stunning emails without breaking a sweat. Just drag, drop, and voila!

You've got a professional-looking email ready to send. But that's not all – MailerLite also offers automation capabilities that'll save you time and hassle. Set up triggered emails, autoresponders, and more with just a few clicks.

And if you ever get stuck, MailerLite's got your back with top-notch customer support. Their friendly team is always ready to lend a helping hand.

What are Mailerlite’s limitations?

While MailerLite excels in simplicity, it might not have all the bells and whistles of Constant Contact. If you need super advanced features like complex segmentation or detailed reporting, you might find MailerLite a bit lacking. But for most users, MailerLite's got everything you need to create and send awesome emails.

How much does Mailerlite actually cost?

The best part? MailerLite won't break the bank. They offer a generous free plan that lets you send up to 12,000 emails per month to 1,000 subscribers. That's plenty for most small businesses and startups. And if you need more, their paid plans start at just $10 per month with unlimited monthly emails to 500 subscribers. Plus, you can try any paid plan free for 14 days – no credit card required.

Best for long-standing reliability: AWeber

Screenshot of the template gallery for AWeber

Looking for an email marketing platform with a proven track record? Meet AWeber. With over 20 years of industry experience, AWeber is an ideal choice for solopreneurs and users seeking solid CRM functionality without the bells and whistles of more complex systems.

Let’s break down what makes AWeber stand out:

What does AWeber do well?

AWeber offers a suite of dependable tools that have earned it a reputation for long-standing reliability. With features like “ready to send” email templates and smart automations that integrate seamlessly with platforms like YouTube and Etsy, AWeber helps you hit the ground running—even if it may not support the advanced needs of large-scale campaigns.

  • Robust email automation: Set up and manage your email flows with ease.

  • Split testing & web analytics: Optimize your campaigns with insightful data.

  • Comprehensive app marketplace: Enhance functionality with a wide range of integrations.

What are AWeber’s limitations?

No platform is perfect. AWeber falls short in a couple of areas:

  • It doesn’t offer spam and design testing tools.

  • The service is available only in English.

How much does AWeber actually cost?

Worried about costs? AWeber keeps it flexible:

  • Free Plan: Ideal for getting started with up to 500 subscribers.

  • Paid Plans: Start at just $15 per month, making it accessible even if you’re on a tight budget.

The verdict on Aweber

If you’re searching for an email marketing platform with a legacy of reliability and a straightforward approach to email automation, AWeber might be the perfect fit. Its user-friendly tools, cost-effective pricing, and decades of experience make it a dependable option for solopreneurs and small businesses looking to streamline their email campaigns without unnecessary complications.

Best for advanced marketing automation: ActiveCampaign

Screenshot of the template gallery for ActiveCampaign

Looking for a platform that goes beyond basic email marketing? ActiveCampaign delivers advanced marketing automation along with an integrated CRM, making it an ideal solution for businesses that want to streamline every stage—from capturing leads to closing deals.

What does ActiveCampaign do well?

ActiveCampaign’s comprehensive suite of tools is designed for marketers who demand more than just simple automation. With powerful workflows, dynamic content capabilities, and a built-in CRM, you can manage your entire sales and marketing process in one place. Its impressive deliverability rates and free migration services make onboarding smooth, while a versatile landing page builder helps you create personalized campaign experiences.

  • Advanced automation: Create complex marketing and sales workflows that adapt to your audience’s behavior.

  • Built-in CRM: Manage deal pipelines directly within the platform for a seamless sales process.

  • High deliverability: Enjoy excellent email deliverability rates to ensure your messages reach your subscribers.

  • Free migration services: Get assistance moving your contacts and data when switching platforms.

  • Extensive integrations: Connect with popular tools to enhance your marketing ecosystem.

  • Dynamic landing pages: Build landing pages that incorporate dynamic content for personalized experiences.

What are ActiveCampaign’s limitations?

No platform is without its challenges. Here are a few limitations of ActiveCampaign:

  • No Free Plan: Unlike some competitors, there isn’t a free option available.

  • Higher Cost: It tends to be pricier than many alternative email service providers.

  • Complex Reporting: The reporting dashboard might not offer the customization some users need.

  • Learning Curve: With its advanced features, the platform can be a bit overwhelming for beginners.

  • Export Restrictions: You’re unable to export your deals list.

How much does ActiveCampaign actually cost?

  • Starter Plan: Begins at $15/month for up to 1,000 contacts.

  • Plus Plan: Starts at $49/month and includes enhanced CRM features and automation capabilities.

  • Professional & Enterprise Plans: Scale with your business, offering advanced automation, custom reporting, and priority support.

The verdict on ActiveCampaign

If your business requires top-tier automation and integrated sales tools, ActiveCampaign is a strong contender.

While it may demand a greater investment of time and money compared to simpler platforms, its comprehensive suite of features makes it a powerful alternative for those looking to elevate their marketing efforts.

Choose the right Constant Contact alternative today

While Constant Contact has its merits, particularly in social media integration, its automation limitations and occasional bugginess have left many customers seeking better alternatives. As we've explored, there's no shortage of excellent options to choose from, each with its own unique strengths.

To sum it up:

  • If affordability is your top priority, Mailjet's cost-effective pricing model and intuitive platform make it a compelling choice.

  • For those just starting out, Mailchimp’s user-friendly interface and generous free plan offer a gentle introduction to email marketing.

  • Creators will find a powerful ally in Kit, with its robust automation tools and integrations.

Ultimately, the key to finding your ideal Constant Contact alternative lies in understanding your unique needs and priorities. Whether you value affordability, advanced features, simplicity, or seamless integration, there's a platform out there that aligns with your vision and goals.

So don't settle for a tool that leaves you frustrated and held back.

Take the time to explore these alternatives, and discover the email marketing platform that empowers you to create, connect, and grow your business like never before.

Popular posts

Hermes rides a firework next to a Goddess in front of a night sky with more fireworks

Email best practices

6 min

Top email marketing trends for 2022

Read More

Hermes on a moped delivering mail to a mailbox

Email best practices

8 min

Reducing email’s carbon footprint

Read More

Mother's day gift for Hera

Marketing

15 min

Marketing calendar 2025: Dates you shouldn’t miss this year

Read More

It's never been easier to build connected experiences. Start sending with Mailjet today.Get started on your path
CTA icon