If you’re running a fast-growing startup, chances are you’re collecting emails like a magnet. But then comes the big question—how do you manage over 15,000 subscribers without spending a small fortune? Mailchimp was once the go-to, but its pricing has become, well… bananas. Don’t fret! We’ve rounded up the best affordable tools that do the job just as well—if not better.
TL;DR
Mailchimp got pricey, so growing startups are switching to more budget-friendly tools. This list shows the top 7 alternatives that handle 15k+ subscribers without breaking the bank. Each tool is easy to use, offers solid automation, and keeps your wallet happy. Whether you’re running a newsletter or promoting a product, we’ve got you covered.
1. MailerLite — Simple, Powerful, and Affordable
Pricing: Free up to 1,000 subs, then $30/month for 15K contacts.
This tool lives up to its name. It’s light, fast, and super easy to use. But don’t let the simplicity fool you—it’s powerful enough for serious email marketing. Startups love it for its clean interface and drag-and-drop email builder.
- Automation workflows made easy
- Landing page builder included
- Solid deliverability rates
Bonus: Their customer support is lightning fast—even on the cheaper plans.
2. Moosend — Beefy Features for a Great Price
Pricing: $64/month for 15K subscribers (and cheaper annually)
Moosend offers advanced features at budget prices. Think powerful automation, real-time analytics, and even AI-powered product recommendations. Yeah, for real.
- Drag-and-drop editor
- Custom automation flows
- Real-time campaign tracking
If you’re an eCommerce startup, Moosend plays really well with WooCommerce and Shopify. It’s like having fancy email tools with fast-food prices.
3. MailerSend — Built for Transactional Emails (That Still Do Marketing Magic)
Pricing: First 12,000 emails/month FREE, then super scalable
If you’re sending things like order confirmations, password resets, and welcome emails, MailerSend will be your best friend. It’s great for transactional emails that keep looking good without you lifting a finger.
- Flexible for techy teams—API, webhooks, all the goodies
- Templates for non-coders
- Great for SaaS and apps that want value + speed
And yes, you can still run marketing campaigns with it! It just leans more toward the nerdier side—but in the best way.
4. Sendinblue (now Brevo) — All-in-One with SMS Power
Pricing: $65/month for 20K emails (not subscriber-based!)
Brevo (fka Sendinblue) flips the script by charging based on the number of emails sent, not how many subscribers you have. So you can hoard contacts and still save money.
- Unlimited subscribers even on low-cost plans
- Marketing automation + CRM in one
- SMS marketing included
If your startup wants deeper engagement (and maybe a sneaky coupon sent via text), this one’s a winner.
Pro Tip: If you’re not emailing your entire list every time, this model saves you serious cash.
5. Sender — Smart Automation for Mass Mailing
Pricing: Free up to 2.5K subs/15K emails monthly, then just $35/month for 15K contacts
Sender is a rising star for startups who email a lot. It includes everything from responsive design tools to autoresponders. Best part? Even at scale, it stays cheap.
- High deliverability
- Real-time reporting you’ll actually understand
- Pre-designed templates make setup a breeze
It’s beginner-friendly but capable enough for nerdier marketers too. Sweet spot = right here.
6. Benchmark Email — Sleek, Clean, and Multi-Lingual
Pricing: $45/month for 15K subscribers
If you care about design and don’t want to drown in a sea of menus, Benchmark is your design-forward email BFF. It has a minimalist dashboard that makes sending emails feel like a joy, not a chore.
- Easy-to-use email designer
- Great mobile previews
- Supports 9+ languages
Perfect for international startups that want clean layouts and easy translations. Or just want fewer headaches on Wednesdays.
7. ConvertKit — Made for Creators, Loved by Startups
Pricing: $29 for 1k subs, but only $79/month when scaled to 15K
This one was built for bloggers and creators, but more and more startups are falling in love with it—especially those doing content-driven growth.
- Visual automations that make sense
- Powerful tag-based segmentation
- Landing pages and forms included
If you care about nurturing leads instead of blasting promos, ConvertKit will vibe with you. Think long-term relationships, not one-night promo stands.
So Which One’s for You?
Here’s the quick breakdown for the speed-scrollers:
- MailerLite — Best overall balance for startups
- Moosend — Awesome for eCommerce
- MailerSend — Great for transactional emails
- Brevo — Cheap if you don’t email daily
- Sender — Budget beast with real-time stats
- Benchmark — For the design obsessed
- ConvertKit — Ideal for content marketing and creators
Try a few! Most have free trials or forever-free options. The best one for your startup depends on whether you email daily, weekly, or sometimes just when Mercury’s in retrograde. 😉
Final Thoughts
Mailchimp may have outgrown most bootstrapped startups, but there’s no shortage of exciting tools waiting to take its place. From automation magic to super-clean dashboards, the right platform is out there—without draining your runway.
Go ahead. Email like a big shot—on a ramen budget.