Sendinblue offers a permanently free package that provides substantial value for users beginning to build their email lists or manage ongoing campaigns without a budget. Unlike many competitors, this free plan is not heavily restricted and includes a range of neat functionalities designed to support growth. The plan allows for marketing automation for up to 300 emails per day, access to a sales CRM, page tracking, and advanced segmentation. A key advantage is the accommodation of an unlimited number of contacts, making it a reasonably good option for those intending to expand their mailing list significantly.
The free version requires only a straightforward step to start: creating an account, with no contracts or credit cards necessary. Users can send up to 300 emails daily, which totals approximately 9,000 emails per month. For those just starting to build an email list with anywhere between one and 1,000 subscribers, the SendinBlue free plan is generally sufficient to meet needs. It also includes email automation for up to 2,000 email subscribers, which includes page tracking. While landing pages are not included in the free plan, users can create customizable signup forms. It is important to note that while there is no subscriber limit, there is a sending limit. If users segment their subscribers, they could potentially manage several thousand before needing to upgrade.
Comparing Sendinblue to Competitors
When comparing Sendinblue to other email marketing platforms like Mailchimp, significant differences in pricing structures and feature accessibility emerge. Unlike Mailchimp, which charges per every contact stored, Sendinblue does not impose a limit on the number of contacts per plan. This distinction is critical for users who wish to separate contacts into multiple email lists; with Mailchimp, this incurs an extra cost, whereas Sendinblue allows this for free. Mailchimp’s free offering allows for up to 2,000 contacts, but Sendinblue’s free plan permits a much longer usage period before an upgrade is necessary, potentially accommodating as many as 10,000 subscribers.
Regarding specific features, Mailchimp allows the creation of customizable signup forms on a free account, but only up to 2,000 contacts. Sendinblue allows unlimited custom signup forms and contacts on multiple lists for free. Mailchimp’s form builder has a steep learning curve and requires coding experience for advanced features, making embedded forms a complicated process compared to Sendinblue’s approach.
In terms of ease of use, Sendinblue is described as having a well-designed interface with a minimalist layout. The dashboard displays basic stats such as the number of blacklisted contacts, email clicks, and opened emails. Mailchimp is also praised for its ease of use and intuitive interface, particularly its WYSIWYG builder and extensive library of templates. However, Sendinblue is noted for being the preferred choice for those starting out without a budget, as it offers features like split testing on the free plan, a feature Mailchimp reserves for paying customers.
Paid Plans and Upgrade Options
For users exceeding the limits of the free plan or requiring more advanced capabilities, Sendinblue offers premium plans starting as low as $22.50 per month, with the costliest option reaching $173 per month. The "Lite" plan, ideal for new marketers, starts at $25 per month (or $22.50 if billed annually). This plan removes daily sending limits, allowing users to send up to 40,000 emails per month. It also includes email support and an optional "Lite+ add-on" which provides A/B testing, the ability to remove the Sendinblue logo, and advanced statistics.
For larger businesses sending more than 350,000 emails a month, Sendinblue enters the "Enterprise" user zone, which requires contacting the company for specific pricing. The "Premium" plan is suitable for marketing professionals and includes marketing automation, Facebook ads, live chat, and multi-user access, typically starting around $65 per month for 100,000 emails.
Features and Functionality
Sendinblue allows users to design not only emails but also signup forms, landing pages, and call-to-action pop-ups. As campaigns are rolled out, real-time metrics can be tracked directly from the dashboard. The platform provides a detailed overview of campaign performance in the main window.
For those looking to experiment before committing, the free version is robust. It includes essential features such as unlimited contacts and up to 300 emails per day. The platform also offers a sales CRM and page tracking. For users who need to understand customers better, the CRM tool is free and effective for engaging audiences, capturing leads, and automating messages. It is described as not being a basic freebie.
A/B testing is a notable feature included in the paid plans (specifically the Lite+ add-on or higher). This feature helps users choose the best message, and machine learning-powered time optimization ensures emails are delivered at the suitable time. This level of automation and testing is often unavailable in free plans of competitors until a user upgrades to a paid tier.
User Reviews and Reputation
User reviews generally reflect a positive sentiment regarding the value provided by Sendinblue. Longtime users highlight the generosity of the free plan and the cost-effectiveness of the paid tiers compared to competitors like Mailchimp. One user noted that if they were just starting out with email marketing and didn't have a budget, they would go with Sendinblue.
There is also a strong emphasis on the company's reputation and commitment to preventing spam. Sendinblue is described as a first-class company that maintains a decent price point to keep out spammers and protect the reputation of its users. This suggests a focus on quality service and deliverability, which is a concern for legitimate marketers.
Regarding the AppSumo deal, the company representative confirmed that they put together a great deal for the community, described as the best deals they have ever offered, way better than their best Black Friday deals. While some community members expressed frustration with limits, the company reinforced that the deal is great for a solution of their caliber, maintaining a stance that the service is priced to ensure quality and avoid abuse.
Conclusion
Sendinblue provides a highly competitive free plan that stands out for offering unlimited contacts, daily sending limits of 300 emails, and essential marketing automation features. It is particularly well-suited for small businesses, startups, and individuals looking to build their lists without immediate financial commitment. Compared to Mailchimp, Sendinblue offers more flexibility regarding contact storage and segmentation without additional costs. The transition to paid plans is seamless, with the Lite plan offering substantial increases in email volume and the removal of daily limits. For U.S. consumers and deal seekers, Sendinblue represents a reliable, scalable option for email marketing needs across various categories, from promoting beauty products to managing newsletters for household goods.