How accurate is this email marketing cost calculator?

It's built from each platform's published pricing tiers, cross-checked against multiple current sources and last verified in September 2026. Results are estimates based on the pricing data and assumptions shown on this page, not a live vendor quote — confirm the exact number on the provider's own pricing page before you buy, since vendors change plans and prices without notice.

Why do some platforms show a different price than I expected?

Most email tools price by subscriber or contact count, but a few — like Brevo — price by how many emails you send per month instead, with unlimited contacts. Others, like Klaviyo, bill by 'active profiles,' which can include engaged non-subscribers. The calculator accounts for each platform's actual billing basis rather than assuming they all work the same way.

Does this calculator include annual billing discounts?

No. Figures shown are standard monthly billing rates. Most platforms offer roughly 10-20% off with annual billing, but the exact discount varies by provider and sometimes by plan, so we don't estimate it here — check the provider's pricing page for their current annual rate.

What if a platform can't calculate a price for my list size?

If your subscriber count falls outside the pricing tiers we've verified for a platform, we show 'Unable to calculate for this list size' instead of guessing. We never extrapolate beyond a vendor's published tiers or invent a number.

Does the calculator recommend the cheapest platform no matter what?

No. It highlights the lowest estimated cost as one data point, but cost alone doesn't account for automation depth, ecommerce features, or ease of use. For a fuller recommendation based on your actual goals, use the Find Your Best Email Platform tool instead.

How much does email marketing cost for 10,000 subscribers?

It varies widely by platform and how often you send. As of September 2026, entry-level tools like MailerLite or Moosend run roughly $88-89/month at 10,000 subscribers, mid-market tools like GetResponse or Mailchimp Essentials run $79-110/month, and ecommerce-focused platforms like Klaviyo can run $150/month or more. Enter your own numbers above for an estimate specific to your list.

Is there a free email marketing platform for small lists?

Several platforms have genuine free plans: MailerLite (250 subscribers), Mailchimp and Omnisend (250 contacts), Klaviyo (250 profiles), GetResponse (500 contacts), Brevo (unlimited contacts, 300 emails/day), and ConvertKit/Kit (10,000 subscribers, though without automations). Moosend and ActiveCampaign don't offer a permanent free plan.

Free Cost Calculator

Email Marketing Cost Calculator

Enter your subscriber count and monthly sending volume to estimate what MailerLite, Moosend, Brevo, Klaviyo, Mailchimp, and more will actually cost you — no signup required.

Start Calculating How It Works

Subscriber count

Emails sent per month

Automation needs (optional)

Business type (optional)

Enter your numbers above and click Calculate My Cost to see estimates.

Want a recommendation based on more than price?

Answer 6 quick questions and we'll recommend the best email platform for your needs.

Find My Platform

How the Calculator Works

Enter your approximate subscriber count and monthly sending volume. We compare those inputs against the pricing tiers used by each platform and show the cheapest plan that actually covers you.

1. Verified pricing tiers

Each platform's pricing was checked against its official pricing page and cross-referenced against multiple current third-party sources in September 2026.

2. Billing basis matters

Most platforms bill by subscriber count. Brevo bills by emails sent instead, with unlimited contacts. The calculator applies each platform's actual model rather than treating them all the same.

3. Honest limits

If your list size falls outside a platform's verified pricing tiers, we show "Unable to calculate" instead of guessing. We never extrapolate beyond a vendor's published pricing.

This is a utility for comparing ballpark costs, not a vendor quote. Figures are standard monthly billing rates and exclude taxes, promotional pricing, and annual-billing discounts (which vary by provider, typically 10-20%). Always confirm your exact price on the provider's own pricing page before subscribing.

What Affects Your Email Marketing Cost

The advertised "starting at" price rarely reflects what you'll actually pay. Here's what really moves the number.

Subscriber or contact count

Most platforms price in bands — crossing from 2,500 to 2,501 subscribers can bump you into the next tier even if nothing else about your account changed.

Sending volume

Send-based platforms like Brevo charge by emails sent, not list size — a small list emailed daily can cost more than a large list emailed monthly.

Automation depth

Basic newsletter sending is often available on entry tiers, but multi-step, behavior-triggered automations usually require a higher plan.

Billing cycle

Annual billing typically saves 10-20% versus paying monthly, though the exact discount and whether it applies varies by platform and plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Compare Platforms in Depth?

Cost is one part of the decision. See full reviews and side-by-side comparisons before you commit.

Compare Email Platforms See Cheapest Options