Goal guide

Best tools for starting a newsletter

For creators ready to launch a newsletter and grow an audience. Recommendations focus on ease of setup, deliverability, automation, and long-term cost.

Editorial shortlist · See methodology

Start here

Choose one email platform first. Kit fits a creator-led newsletter; GetResponse is worth considering if you also need broader marketing workflows. Consider beehiiv for a publication-led newsletter. A separate website can wait.

Before you pay: Build a signup form, send a test email, and check the price at your expected subscriber count—not just the size of your list today.

How this shortlist was put together

Advertising disclosure: Links marked “Ad · affiliate link” may earn us a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. How these links work.

Compare your options

These are alternatives or tools for different parts of the job. You do not need every one.

Our starting pick

Kit

Kit is purpose-built for creators. It covers newsletters, landing pages, automations, and digital product sales without unnecessary complexity.

Best for: Solo creators who want one focused tool for email and product sales.

Clean, creator-first interfaceLanding pages and signup formsFree tier for smaller listsSegmentation is less advanced than enterprise toolsCheck integrations for webinar workflows

Free plan available. Paid plans scale with subscribers and unlock additional automation and reporting.

Read reviewTry Kit

For broader marketing

GetResponse

GetResponse offers ready-made automation templates and an integrated approach that helps new marketers move beyond simple broadcasts.

Best for: Small businesses that want email, landing pages, and webinars together.

Broad feature setWebinars on eligible plansUseful automation templatesMore complex than dedicated newsletter toolsPricing grows with contacts

Free plan with limited features and a 14-day trial of premium features. Paid plans vary by contacts and features; webinars require an eligible plan.

Read reviewView GetResponse

Best value

Systeme.io

Systeme.io bundles email, funnels, and a website into one very affordable platform, making it ideal for founders on a budget.

Best for: Budget-conscious founders who want email plus a funnel builder.

Very low costFunnel builder includedFree tierEmail editor is less polishedFewer integrations

Free and paid plans. Compare contact, funnel, course, and automation limits for your project.

Read reviewExplore Systeme.ioAd · affiliate link to systeme.io

Best for advanced users

HubSpot

HubSpot's free CRM and marketing tools give teams deep contact history, segmentation, and reporting once they are ready for more structure.

Best for: Teams that want email marketing tied to a full CRM.

Free plan availablePowerful CRM integrationScales with the businessCan feel heavy for simple newslettersAdvanced features are paid

Free tools and paid hubs. Check marketing contacts, seats, automation access, and any onboarding charges.

Read reviewExplore HubSpot

For publication-led newsletters

beehiiv

beehiiv combines newsletter publishing with a website, audience analytics, and growth tools. Paid plans add features including automations and monetization options.

Best for: Newsletter publishers.

Publishing tools in one placePublication-focused growth featuresAdvanced features require paid plansMonetization tools do not guarantee income

Free Launch and paid plans. Verify subscriber limits, automations, and monetization eligibility.

Read reviewExplore beehiivAd · affiliate link to www.beehiiv.com

For email campaigns and follow-ups

AWeber

AWeber combines email campaigns, signup forms, landing pages, and email automation to help small businesses build an audience and follow up with subscribers.

Best for: Small businesses running email campaigns

Email and signup pages in one platformTemplates for a first campaignAutomated subscriber follow-upsPricing and limits depend on subscriber count and planAdvanced workflows require checking feature availabilityMigration needs consent and unsubscribe records

Check current subscriber-based plans, sending limits, automation features, and any trial terms before importing your list.

Read reviewExplore AWeber