Email isn’t going anywhere, which is great news for marketers! It’s cost-effective, low-noise (AI hasn’t made its way to our inboxes the way it has search), and still one of the most direct ways to stay connected with leads and past customers who want to hear from you.

Whether you’re sending monthly newsletters, nurturing leads, or building full-funnel automations, the right email platform matters. 

Here’s a rundown of the email tools our team at 9 Clouds keeps coming back to — from beginner-friendly options to all-in-one platforms.

Mailchimp: The Everyman Email Platform

If you need something easy, reliable, and budget-friendly, Mailchimp is tough to beat.

Why we like it:

• Starts at about $20/month for 500 contacts
• Simple forms and basic automations with easy set up
• Tons of integrations to help it connect with your website
• Easy to learn for small teams or beginners

Mailchimp is a great “base” platform. It does what most businesses need without being overcomplicated. 

Constant Contact: Ideal for Nonprofits & Event-Driven Organizations

Constant Contact has been around forever — and nonprofits especially love it.

Why it stands out:

• Plans start around $12/month, depending on contact list size
• Templates make getting campaigns done fast
• Event management tools built right in
• Optional SMS campaigns
• Special pricing for nonprofits

If your business is hosting events, juggling contact lists, and needs something simple but flexible, Constant Contact makes a lot of sense.

Sharpspring: A Heavier Platform (Even If You Only Use Email), Great for Auto Dealers

Acquired by Constant Contact last year, Sharpspring offers more than just email — even though many of our automotive clients use primarily its email features.

What you should know:

• Starts at $450/month for 1,000 contacts
• Scales easily from local shops to enterprise-level needs
• Special agency pricing is available
• Includes a full suite of marketing automation tools

This is a good fit for businesses who expect to grow into more automation or CRM-style features later, and 9 Clouds has seen success with many auto dealer clients on this platform.

HubSpot: Top-Tier Tool for Teams That Want It All

HubSpot is the gold standard if you want marketing tools, CRM functionality, automation, reporting, and integrations all under one roof (though you don’t have to use all of those to use HubSpot!).

As a HubSpot Certified Agency, we work in it daily — and for good reason.

Why it’s our favorite full-service option:

• Starts at $45/month with 1,000 contacts
• Marketing Hub tools connect directly into CRM, social media, analytics, SEO recommendations, ABM features, and more
• Works for organizations of any size — small businesses to enterprise corporations
• Easy to connect even if you’re not using HubSpot as your CRM

If you want a future-proof platform that will grow with your business, HubSpot is the clear winner.

Making HubSpot Affordable: Save with a Partner Agency

Which Email Platform Should You Choose in 2026?

Here’s our quick take:

• Newer or smaller teams: Mailchimp
• Nonprofits or event-driven organizations: Constant Contact
• Businesses wanting heavier automation: Sharpspring
• Teams ready for all-in-one growth tools: HubSpot

And remember — the right email platform is the one you’ll actually use. If you’re not sure where to start, our team can help you compare features, costs, and long-term needs so you don’t outgrow your system too quickly.

Here at 9 Clouds we’ve had experience working with all of these email tools (and more!) and we can help your business figure out which is the right tool for your needs and within your budget. 

REACH OUT ABOUT EMAIL MARKETING »