Mailchimp was the default email tool for a decade. Then it got acquired by Intuit, prices climbed, the UI got bloated, and transactional email became an afterthought. If you're a founder still on Mailchimp, you're probably overpaying for features you don't use while missing the ones you actually need. These alternatives are built for the way modern startups actually do email.
Loops
FreemiumEmail for SaaS. Beautiful UI, event-based automations, built for product teams. The new standard.
Best for: Product-led email sequences and onboarding
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Pricing | Verdict | Best Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mailchimp | Freemium | - | - |
| Beehiiv | Freemium | - | - |
| ConvertKit | Freemium | - | - |
| Loops ⭐ | Freemium | Recommended | Growing |
| Resend | Freemium | Recommended | Building |
| Substack | Freemium | - | - |
All 6 Email Reviewed
Mailchimp Comparing
The email giant everyone starts with and eventually outgrows. Still works. Getting bloated though.
Visit Mailchimp →Beehiiv
Newsletter platform built by Morning Brew alumni. Growth tools baked in. Serious about scale.
Visit Beehiiv →
ConvertKit
Email marketing for creators. Landing pages, automations, paid newsletters. Creator-first DNA.
Visit ConvertKit →Loops ⭐ Our Pick
Email for SaaS. Beautiful UI, event-based automations, built for product teams. The new standard.
Visit Loops →
Resend
Email API that developers actually enjoy using. Built by the React Email creator. Clean as hell.
Visit Resend →
Substack
Newsletter platform for writers. Free to start, takes 10% when you charge. Simple, opinionated, writer-first.
Visit Substack →Spending too much on software?
Most founders overpay by 30-60%. Find out what you can cut, replace, or consolidate. See your real spend and get a leaner stack.
Free. No signup required.
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