MailerLite vs Brevo vs ConvertKit (2026): Which Email Marketing Tool Is Best for SaaS?
Email marketing in SaaS isn’t just newsletters—it’s onboarding, activation nudges, trial reminders, lifecycle segmentation, and retention campaigns. The right platform depends on how you grow:
- Do you need simple campaigns + clean templates?
- Do you need automation + multi-channel (email/SMS)?
- Or do you need creator-style sequences with strong tagging and forms?
In this comparison, we’ll break down MailerLite, Brevo, and ConvertKit from a SaaS perspective—so you can choose the tool that fits your funnel and budget.
How to Choose an Email Marketing Tool for SaaS
1) Automation that matches your funnel
For SaaS, look for:
- welcome/onboarding sequences
- trial ending reminders
- re-engagement flows
- segmentation based on behavior (as much as possible)
2) Deliverability + sender reputation
A platform that keeps deliverability strong will impact real revenue (especially for onboarding emails).
3) Segmentation and tagging
You’ll want segments like:
- trial vs paid
- activated vs inactive
- role/persona
- feature interest
4) Integrations (CRM + automation layer)
At minimum: forms + CRM + analytics. If you automate workflows, link to your Best Workflow Automation Tools and Zapier vs Make vs n8n.
Internal Links :
1) Best Email Marketing Software (Hub)
“Want more options beyond these three? See our full roundup of the Best Email Marketing Software for Small Businesses in 2026 (Free + Paid Picks).”
2) Best CRM Software
“If your SaaS relies on demos and sales follow-up, connect your email tool to a CRM—start with our Best CRM Software for Small Businesses in 2025 guide.”
3) HubSpot vs Pipedrive vs Zoho CRM
“Still choosing a CRM for your funnel? Read our HubSpot CRM vs Pipedrive vs Zoho CRM (2026): Best CRM for SaaS comparison.”
4) Best Workflow Automation Tools
“To automate lead routing and cross-app workflows, check our Best Workflow Automation Tools for Small Businesses in 2026 (Top Picks Compared) list.”
Quick Comparison Table (2026)
| Tool | Best for | Biggest strength | Main downside | CTA Button |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MailerLite | Simple SaaS email + clean UI | Easy campaigns + forms + good value | Advanced automation can be limited vs bigger tools | Start Free Trial |
| Brevo | Multi-channel (email + more) | Strong value + flexible messaging options | UI can feel “busy” depending on setup | Try Brevo |
| ConvertKit | Creator-style sequences | Great tagging + sequences + landing/forms | Not always best “B2B SaaS” reporting style | See Pricing |
1) MailerLite
Overview
MailerLite is a popular choice for teams that want a clean email marketing tool that’s easy to use, affordable, and strong for core SaaS email needs like onboarding sequences, newsletters, and simple segmentation.
Key Features
- Email campaigns + templates
- Forms/landing pages (useful for lead capture)
- Basic automations for lifecycle flows
- Segmentation and groups/tags (depending on structure)
Pros
- Very easy to learn and publish emails fast
- Great value for money
- Works well for early-stage SaaS content + lead capture
Cons
- Advanced automation depth can be limited compared to event-first platforms
- Complex SaaS lifecycle segmentation may require extra tooling
Pricing
Pricing varies by subscriber count and plan. Choose based on your list growth over the next 3–6 months.
Best for
Early-stage SaaS teams that want simple, reliable email marketing with a clean UI.
2) Brevo
Overview
Brevo is often chosen when you want more than email—especially if you plan to use additional messaging channels or need a flexible platform that can scale with different communication needs.
Key Features
- Email campaigns + automation
- Segmentation and contact management
- Multi-channel options (depends on plan and use)
- Integrations with common SaaS stacks
Pros
- Strong value platform with flexible messaging
- Good for teams who want more than “newsletter sending”
- Can support more complex communication needs as you scale
Cons
- Interface can feel busy if you don’t set a clean structure early
- Reporting style depends on how you configure campaigns and funnels
Pricing
Often structured around features and usage. Confirm current plans for your sending needs.
Best for
SaaS teams who want email plus broader messaging flexibility.
3) ConvertKit
Overview
ConvertKit is well-known for creator-focused email marketing, but it can still work for SaaS when your strategy relies on content, lead magnets, and sequences. It shines with tagging, forms, and sequence-driven funnels.
Key Features
- Strong sequence builder (drip campaigns)
- Tagging and segmentation
- Forms and landing pages
- Creator-style workflows (useful for content-led SaaS)
Pros
- Excellent tagging and sequence workflows
- Great for content-led growth funnels
- Clean structure for email series and lead magnets
Cons
- Some B2B SaaS teams may prefer more “pipeline” style reporting
- Depending on your needs, it can be more “creator-first” than SaaS-first
Pricing
Varies by subscriber count and features. Confirm current pricing based on list size.
Best for
SaaS teams doing content-led growth with sequences, lead magnets, and newsletters.
Final Verdict (Best pick by use case)
- Best simple tool for early-stage SaaS: MailerLite
- Best for multi-channel flexibility: Brevo
- Best for content-led funnels: ConvertKit
FAQ ?
Q1) Which email tool is best for SaaS onboarding?
If your onboarding is straightforward and you want simplicity, MailerLite works well. If you need more flexible messaging, Brevo can fit. If onboarding is content-driven, ConvertKit is strong for sequences.
Q2) Do I need a CRM with email marketing?
Not always, but if you do demos and sales follow-up, a CRM helps—see Best CRM Software.
Q3) How do I connect email tools to my SaaS stack?
Use integrations or workflow connectors—see Best Workflow Automation Tools and Zapier vs Make vs n8n.
Q4) What’s the best next step after choosing an email tool?
Build a simple acquisition setup—see our Lead Generation Stack.
5) Zapier vs Make vs n8n
“If you’re syncing forms, CRM, and email sequences, our Zapier vs Make vs n8n: Best Automation Tool (2026) guide will help you choose the right connector.”
6) Best Landing Page Builders
“To capture more leads before email nurture, pair these tools with ourBest Landing Page Builders for Small Businesses (2025) picks.”
7) Best Website Builders
“If you’re building a marketing site from scratch, start with our Best Website Builders for Small Businesses in 2026 (Tested Picks) roundup.”
8) Best WordPress Hosting
“If your site runs on WordPress, performance impacts signups—see our Best WordPress Hosting for Speed in 2026 (Tested Picks for Small Businesses) – PilotryLab guide.”