For UK startups and small businesses, email marketing is still one of the most cost-effective and highest-converting marketing tools.
But with so many platforms available, how do you choose the one that’s affordable, powerful, and GDPR-compliant?

In this blog, we’ll explore the best email marketing software for UK startups and SMEs in 2025, covering their features, pricing, and suitability for different business sizes.

Why Email Marketing Still Works in 2025

Email marketing delivers:

• High ROI (over £35 return per £1 spent on average)

• Direct connection with your audience

• Automation and personalization at scale

• Detailed analytics and performance tracking

For growing UK businesses, it’s essential to have a tool that helps you stay compliant with GDPR, send professional-looking emails, and build long-term customer relationships.

Top Email Marketing Platforms for UK Small Businesses

1. MailerLite

MailerLite is a popular choice among UK startups for its ease of use and affordability.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop email builder

• Automation workflows

• Landing pages and signup forms

• GDPR-compliant features

Pricing:
Free for up to 1,000 subscribers. Paid plans from £9/month.

Pros:
✅ Simple interface for beginners
✅ Generous free plan
✅ Built-in landing pages and automation

Cons:
❌ Limited template options compared to others

2. Mailchimp

Mailchimp is a veteran in email marketing — widely used by small businesses.

Key Features:

• Pre-designed templates

• A/B testing and advanced analytics

• Customer journey automation

• CRM and e-commerce integration

Pricing:
Free for up to 500 contacts. Paid plans from £10/month.

Pros:
✅ Trusted and widely supported
✅ Ideal for e-commerce businesses
✅ Extensive integrations

Cons:
❌ Free plan now more limited
❌ Can get expensive as contacts grow

3. Moosend

Moosend is gaining popularity in the UK for offering premium features at budget prices.

Key Features:

• Powerful automation tools

• Personalisation using AI

• Reporting and tracking

• GDPR-ready consent features

Pricing:
14-day free trial. Paid plans start at approx. £7/month.

Pros:
✅ Great value for money
✅ Advanced segmentation and triggers
✅ Easy-to-use interface

Cons:
❌ Less well-known brand in the UK

4. Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)

Brevo is a great option for businesses that want both email and SMS marketing in one tool.

Key Features:

• Email + SMS campaign builder

• Real-time reporting

• Marketing automation

• GDPR-friendly with UK data compliance

Pricing:
Free plan allows 300 emails/day. Paid from £16/month.

Pros:
✅ Excellent for transactional emails
✅ Built-in CRM tools
✅ SMS & WhatsApp marketing included

Cons:
❌ Daily send limit on free plan

5. GetResponse

GetResponse is a full-suite marketing platform, great for growing UK SMEs.

Key Features:

• Email marketing & automation

• Webinars and landing pages

• AI content generator

• eCommerce tools

Pricing:
Free for up to 500 contacts. Paid from £13/month.

Pros:
✅ All-in-one tool
✅ AI writing assistant built-in
✅ Great automation features

Cons:
❌ May feel bloated for very small businesses

Key Features to Look For

When selecting email marketing software for your UK business, consider:

• GDPR compliance

• Ease of use

• Automation capabilities

• Analytics & reporting

• Scalability (can it grow with your business?)

• Integration with your website or CRM

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right email marketing tool can help your UK business build trust, drive conversions, and nurture long-term customer relationships.
Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, platforms like MailerLite, Brevo, and Moosend offer powerful features at small-business-friendly prices.

Always choose a tool that balances features, cost, and GDPR compliance — and your emails will work harder for your business in 2025.