8 Free Email Newsletter Services When You're Just Getting Started

I built this site to learn in public—and a newsletter was my first must-have.
Here’s a clear, no-fluff guide to eight free platforms for beginners. You’ll see what each one offers for growth, where the free limits sit, and when (or if) you’ll need to upgrade—so you can pick a tool and start sending today. (Free plan details noted as of September 2025.)

Quick picker (for <100 subscribers)

• “I just want to write and grow inside the platform” → Substack or beehiiv.
• “I want maximum control and a clean, minimalist UI” → Buttondown.
• “I need forms/landing pages and simple automations” → MailerLite or Kit (formerly ConvertKit).
• “I want the most generous free limits” → EmailOctopus / Kit / beehiiv.
• “I’ll send occasionally but expect a large contact list” → Brevo (300/day send cap, unlimited contacts on free).

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1) Substack

Growth features: Built-in network effects: publication recommendations, Notes (an internal social feed), an author directory, and easy collaborations. Basic analytics included.
When you pass 100 subs: Nothing changes—sending stays free at any list size as long as you don’t charge. If you enable paid subscriptions, Substack takes a 10% fee (plus Stripe processing fees).

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2) Buttondown

Growth features: Minimalist toolset with easy migration/import, RSS-to-email, tags/segments, hosted archive, and API/Zapier. Clean interface that stays out of your way.
When you pass 100 subs: The free plan covers up to 100 subscribers. Beyond that, paid plans start from $9/month.

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3) MailerLite

Growth features: Forms, pop-ups, landing pages, a drag-and-drop editor, and basic automations on the free tier. A/B testing and deeper analytics on paid plans.
When you pass 100 subs: Still free up to 500 active subscribers. If you exceed your limit, sending pauses until you upgrade. (As of September 2025, the free cap was reduced from 1,000 to 500.)

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4) beehiiv (Launch)

Growth features: Strong built-in growth levers: referrals, Boosts/ad network, unlimited sends on free, and migration tools to bring your list over.
When you pass 100 subs: You can remain on the free Launch tier up to 2,500 subscribers. Above that, you’ll move to paid plans (Scale/Max).

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5) Kit (formerly ConvertKit)

Growth features: Forms and landing pages, tags/segmentation, visual automations, plus tools to sell digital products and paid subscriptions.
When you pass 100 subs: The free Newsletter plan covers up to 10,000 subscribers; paid plans unlock additional features.

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6) EmailOctopus (Starter)

Growth features: Forms and landing pages, basic automations, simple import/migration. On free, you can send up to 10,000 emails/month with EmailOctopus branding.
When you pass 100 subs: Still free up to 2,500 subscribers; beyond that, switch to the Pro plan.

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7) Brevo (ex-Sendinblue)

Growth features: Free tier includes editor, forms, limited automations, and a lightweight CRM. No contact limit on free, but there’s a daily sending cap.
When you pass 100 subs: No change—free remains usable with a limit of 300 emails/day (~9,000/month) and unlimited contacts. Remove caps and unlock more features on paid plans.

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8) Mailchimp (Free)

Growth features: Basic forms/landing pages, simple campaigns and reports, and lots of ecosystem integrations.
When you pass 100 subs: Still free up to 500 contacts and 1,000 emails/month (≤500/day). If you exceed limits, sending pauses until you upgrade.

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Pro tips for your first month

• Keep it weekly. Consistency > perfection. One good email beats three unfinished drafts.
• Add a simple archive. Public posts help SEO and give new readers context.
• Offer an easy lead magnet. A one-page checklist or mini-guide works wonders.
• Own your list. Export regularly; set up a custom domain or authenticated sending when possible.
• Track one metric. Pick “active subscribers” or “click-to-open” and improve just that.

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