7-Year Agency CEO: I Tried All Email Marketing Tools

Looking for the best email marketing tool for agencies?

Over the last decade, I’ve experimented with around 11 email marketing tools, and let me tell you, I know how annoying it is to think you’ve found the right one and then hit a roadblock (or more).

This guide cuts to the chase and shows you exactly which tools are worth your time, based on real client needs, automation power, and how agencies actually work.

More of them than not:

• Some tools are old.
• Others are too basic.
• And most weren’t built for agencies at all.

I’ve tested and reviewed the top 7 options, from all-in-one platforms to advanced automation tools, and broke down exactly who each one is for.

If you’re tired of switching tabs, hacking together workflows, or rebuilding client funnels from scratch, this list is for you.

My Summary: Top Email Marketing Software for Agencies

1. Encharge is the best all-around tool for agencies that need automation, personalization, and scalability — without the bloat.
2. ActiveCampaign offers powerful automation but can be overwhelming and pricey for smaller teams.
3. Mailchimp is great for basic email needs but lacks serious automation or customization.
4. Brevo works well for small agencies, but it’s a jack-of-all-trades, master of none.
5. Kit is built for creators — not ideal for most agency setups.
6. MailerLite is budget-friendly and simple, but limited for advanced campaigns.
7. HubSpot is powerful for enterprise clients, but overkill (and expensive) for most agencies.

However, this is just the short way of answering.

Right below this table of contents, we’re going to go in-depth on each app.

Why Email Marketing Matters for Agencies

Digital marketing trends come and go — but email continues to deliver.

While ad platforms fluctuate and social algorithms shift, email remains a stable, high-performing channel agencies can rely on.

Here’s why it’s still essential in 2025:

• You own the audience → No algorithms or gatekeepers. Your message goes directly to your client’s audience, every time.
• It works across industries → Whether you’re working with eCommerce brands, SaaS companies, or service providers — email drives results.
• It’s easy to track and prove ROI → Open rates, clicks, conversions — everything is measurable. You can show real outcomes to your clients.
• It scales without extra effort → Once you’ve built smart automation flows, onboarding new clients becomes faster. You just adjust the messaging — the system stays the same.
• It builds long-term engagement → Email isn’t just about one-off campaigns. It’s a channel for nurturing leads, building loyalty, and increasing lifetime value.

Bottom line: email remains one of the most predictable and profitable marketing channels. And if you’re running an agency, having the right email tool makes all the difference.

Listed: 7 Best Email Marketing Software for Agencies

Currently, these are the best email marketing software for agencies: Encharge, ActiveCampaign and Mailchimp.

This is just our short answer — we’ll not jump into the comparisons.

1. Encharge: The only one designed for agencies

• Our score: 4.9/5 ⭐️
• Reason: Fast, flexible, and built to handle real client workflows.

Encharge is made for agencies that run real automations — not just send newsletters. It helps you map out flows visually, trigger emails based on user behavior, and keep client work separated without juggling accounts.

If you’re working with SaaS or service businesses, it’s especially useful.

You can track events, score leads, and build entire journeys in one place — with fewer tools and no workarounds.

Pros and cons of Encharge for agencies:

Key features for agencies:

• Visual automation builder
• Behavior-based email triggers
• Multi-client workspace support
• Event-based segmentation
• Webhooks and over 50 integrations

Why agencies should use Encharge: Encharge helps you scale fast without needing five other tools. It’s perfect for agencies that want to run smarter campaigns for SaaS or service clients — and actually enjoy the process.

Most tools force you to juggle logins or create workarounds just to handle multiple clients, but Encharge keeps things simple with subaccounts:

You can manage all your clients under one roof — with separate workspaces, data, and automations for each.

• No cross-contamination.
• No confusion.
• Just clean, organized campaigns.

It’s like having one dashboard to rule them all — which is exactly what busy agencies need.

Important integrations for agencies: Works with HubSpot, Intercom, Segment, Zapier, Calendly, and Stripe — most client stacks plug right in.

Encharge’s agency pricing plans:

All plans include a 14-day free trial and unlimited team members.

Here’s what agencies have to say about Encharge:

Laura via G2: “Multiple Clients in one email automation account! As an agency, that is gold.”

Guillermo on Capterra: “Awesome tool for my marketing agency.”

Anonymous Reviewer on G2: “The interface is simple but gives many configuration options adapted for agencies and accounts holding many websites or apps.”

If you’re serious about scaling your agency without drowning in tool fatigue, Encharge is the one to try first. It’s fast, clean, and built around how agencies actually work — not how software demos look.

Start your free trial today to see how much smoother your agency’s workflow can be!

2. ActiveCampaign

• Our score: 4.5/5 ⭐️
• Reason: Powerful automation engine with built-in CRM — great if your agency can handle the learning curve.

ActiveCampaign is a powerful automation tool with a built-in CRM, perfect for agencies managing complex client journeys.

It’s a strong pick for long sales cycles or multi-touch funnels, but it comes with a learning curve. The platform isn’t the most intuitive, and pricing climbs fast as contacts grow.

Pros of ActiveCampaign for agencies: Advanced automation, flexible segmentation, and CRM features make it a go-to for detailed campaigns.

Cons of ActiveCampaign for agencies: Dated UI, steep learning curve, and pricing that can spike with larger lists.

Key features for agencies:

• Visual automation builder
• Built-in CRM and lead scoring
• Dynamic content and split testing
• SMS + email in one platform
• Tag-based segmentation
• Sales and marketing pipelines

Why agencies should use ActiveCampaign: It’s ideal for agencies running complex client funnels — especially where lead nurturing is key. If your team has the time to learn the platform, it gives you full control.

But if you want faster results with less ramp-up, Encharge is a cleaner choice.

Important integrations for agencies: Works with Salesforce, Shopify, Zapier, WordPress, Calendly, and over 850 apps — perfect for clients with layered stacks.

ActiveCampaign’s pricing:

Note: Prices vary by list size. All plans include automation and campaign tools.

→ You can read more about ActiveCampaign in our detailed review.

3. Mailchimp

• Our score: 4.2/5 ⭐️
• Reason: Easy to use and widely known — but not built for serious automation.

Mailchimp is a go-to for many beginner clients, which means agencies often inherit it.

It’s clean, simple, and decent for basic campaigns.

For agencies, it’s fine for newsletters or small-business clients. But once you need behavior-based flows or deeper targeting, it hits its limits fast.

Pros of Mailchimp for agencies: Clean interface, fast setup, and familiar to most clients — makes onboarding simple.

Cons of Mailchimp for agencies: Limited automation, rigid workflows, and starts to feel clunky once campaigns get complex.

Key features for agencies:

• Drag-and-drop email builder
• Basic automation flows
• List and tag management
• Campaign performance reports
• Built-in landing pages
• Audience segmentation

Why agencies should use Mailchimp: It’s a low-friction starting point for clients who are new to email. Great for quick wins or simple campaigns — but agencies looking to scale complex automations should look at Encharge.

Important integrations for agencies: Shopify, WooCommerce, Stripe, Squarespace, Typeform, and Zapier — easy to plug into common SMB stacks.

Mailchimp’s cost:

Free trial: 14 days for Standard and Premium plans
Discount: 15% off for 12 months with 10,000+ contacts

4. Brevo

• Our score: 4.3/5 ⭐️
• Reason: Affordable all-in-one platform — but lacks depth in key areas.

Brevo is an all-in-one platform that includes email, SMS, CRM, and chat.

It’s great for smaller clients who want everything in one place. Agencies get a lot of tools for the price, but the automation features feel limited compared to more focused platforms.

It works well if your clients are doing basic lifecycle emails or promos — not if they need personalized flows or granular triggers.

Pros of Brevo for agencies: Budget-friendly, includes extras like SMS and CRM, and supports unlimited contacts.

Cons of Brevo for agencies: Automation builder is limited, UI can be clunky, and scaling complex flows isn’t easy.

Key features for agencies:

• Email and SMS campaigns
• Drag-and-drop automation
• Basic CRM
• Transactional emails
• Contact segmentation
• Landing pages and forms

Why agencies should use Brevo: It’s a solid option for small-business clients who need email + CRM + SMS in one tool. But for more advanced workflows or behavior-based automation, Encharge is the better fit.

Important integrations for agencies: Shopify, WordPress, Stripe, Zapier, and WooCommerce — decent support for smaller client stacks.

Brevo’s pricing:

Note: SMS & WhatsApp pricing is volume-based. Annual billing discounts available.

5. Kit

• Our score: 4.0/5 ⭐️
• Reason: Great for creators and solopreneurs — not built for agencies at scale.

Kit is simple, fast, and built for creators.

If you work with personal brands, coaches, or course sellers, it’s a solid fit. But it’s not designed for agencies running multiple client accounts or complex workflows.

You get basic visual automations, tagging, and email sequences — but don’t expect deep segmentation or advanced triggers.

Pros of Kit for agencies: Easy to use, clean UI, and good for personal-brand clients with simple funnels.

Cons of Kit for agencies: Limited automation power, not suited for managing multiple clients, and lacks key features agencies rely on.

Key features for agencies:

• Visual automation builder
• Broadcasts and sequences
• Landing pages and opt-ins
• Tag-based segmentation
• Creator commerce tools
• Subscriber scoring

Why agencies should use Kit: If you manage creators or online educators, Kit does the basics well. But it’s not built for teams — if you need serious automation and client management, Encharge is a better option.

Important integrations for agencies: Teachable, Shopify, Stripe, WordPress, Zapier — fits well into creator-focused tech stacks.

All plans include a 14-day free trial. Yearly billing gives you 2 months free.

6. MailerLite

• Our score: 4.1/5 ⭐️
• Reason: Simple, affordable, and ideal for small clients — but lacks deeper automation.

MailerLite is clean, fast, and great for sending emails without much fuss. Agencies can use it for basic campaigns or clients who just need a newsletter. It’s budget-friendly, with a modern UI and simple automation builder.

That said, it’s not made for complex logic or lifecycle flows — and you’ll hit those limits quickly with more advanced clients.

Pros of MailerLite for agencies: Affordable pricing, intuitive UI, and fast to launch campaigns.

Cons of MailerLite for agencies: Limited automation depth, no advanced triggers, and not ideal for multi-client workflows.

Key features for agencies:

• Drag-and-drop email builder
• Simple automation builder
• Landing pages and pop-ups
• Subscriber tagging
• Campaign analytics
• Forms and surveys

Why agencies should use MailerLite: It’s great for smaller clients or short-term campaigns. But if you’re building multi-step flows or handling multiple accounts, Encharge will give you more power and flexibility.

Important integrations for agencies: WooCommerce, Stripe, WordPress, Shopify, Zapier — fits well with small-business tools.

MailerLite pricing:

All plans include a 30-day premium feature trial.

Yearly billing saves 10%.

7. HubSpot

• Our score: 4.4/5 ⭐️
• Reason: Powerful enterprise platform — but overkill for most agencies.

HubSpot is a full-blown CRM and marketing platform used by larger companies. For agencies handling enterprise clients or long sales funnels, it has everything: email, landing pages, CRM, ads, reporting — the works.

But all that power comes with a learning curve and a big price tag. It’s often more than what most small to mid-sized agencies need.

Pros of HubSpot for agencies: Enterprise-ready, deep automation, all-in-one marketing + CRM.

Cons of HubSpot for agencies: Expensive, requires onboarding, and heavy for smaller clients or simple campaigns.

Key features for agencies:

• Advanced workflow builder
• CRM + email marketing in one
• Smart content personalization
• Ads and lead tracking
• Analytics and reporting
• Landing pages and forms

Why agencies should use HubSpot: If your clients are big and budgets aren’t tight, HubSpot gives you everything under one roof. But for most fast-moving agencies, a lighter tool like Encharge does the job faster — and cheaper.

Important integrations for agencies: Salesforce, Slack, Zapier, Calendly, Google Ads, Shopify — made for big, integrated stacks.

HubSpot’s pricing:

• Add-ons: Extra contacts and seats sold separately
• Commitment: Annual contract for Professional and Enterprise
• Onboarding fees: $3,000 (Pro), $7,000 (Enterprise)

This may feel a little complicated, but that’s why we have a separate guide in which we’ve gone into every single detail of HubSpot’s pricing.

How to Choose the Best Email Marketing Service for Your Agency

Picking the right email tool isn’t about the one with the most features. It’s about what fits your agency’s workflow, clients, and growth goals.

Before you commit, think about your day-to-day.

1. Are you jumping between client accounts?
2. Do your clients need advanced segmentation and personalization?
3. Are you working with startups, local businesses, or enterprise brands?

These details matter — and they’ll guide your pick. Now, here’s what to look at, and which tools from this list match each need.

1. Client Volume & Management

If you’re managing multiple clients, switching between them should be fast and clean. Some tools make you log in and out or create hacks to keep things separate — which turns into a mess fast.

You want native support for subaccounts or at least a clear way to silo client data.

Best picks:

• Encharge – Purpose-built for agencies with subaccounts and fully isolated workspaces. Everything stays clean and organized.
• HubSpot – Handles multiple clients well but comes with high overhead and cost. Better for large, high-budget teams.

2. Automation Power

Most clients don’t just want a newsletter.

They want results — onboarding flows, re-engagement emails, lead scoring, and more. That all lives inside the automation engine.

Best picks:

• Encharge – Built for deep, behavior-based automations. You can track user actions, score leads, and build flows without duct-taping five tools together.
• ActiveCampaign – Advanced logic and automation features, but the setup takes more time and effort.
• HubSpot – Powerful automation, but comes at a steep price and requires onboarding.

3. Budget & Client Type

If your clients are early-stage startups, local businesses, or solo creators, they probably don’t need the most advanced tool — and definitely not the most expensive.

The key here is simplicity and value.

Best picks:

• MailerLite – Simple, affordable, and gets the job done for basic use cases.
• Brevo – Packs a lot into a low-cost platform, good for small businesses.
• Kit – Built for creators and solo operators. Not for agency-scale, but fine for lightweight campaigns.
• Encharge – Not the cheapest, but delivers far more value if your clients need real automation. For agencies charging by results, it pays for itself.

4. Integration Needs

Agencies often deal with messy client stacks.

One client’s on HubSpot, another’s using Stripe, another has a weird custom CRM. The email tool needs to plug in smoothly — or you’ll waste time patching things.

Best picks:

• Encharge – Connects natively with tools agencies actually use: Segment, HubSpot, Intercom, Calendly, Stripe, and more.
• ActiveCampaign – Offers a huge list of integrations, including most CRMs and eCommerce platforms.
• Mailchimp – Solid for standard SMB tools, especially for retail and local businesses.

5. Reporting & Results

Your clients don’t want vanity metrics — they want proof that your work is making money. A good email platform should give you clear insights, conversion data, and the ability to measure what matters.

Best picks:

• Encharge – Offers clear performance data across flows and campaigns, making it easy to report on what actually works.
• HubSpot – Enterprise-grade reporting with full funnel visibility, great for high-ticket clients.
• ActiveCampaign – Detailed tracking and split testing, but reporting can feel clunky for newer users.

All Agency Emailing Platforms, Compared

Final Verdict: Which Tool Should Your Agency Use?

There’s no universal “best” — only the best tool for your agency’s workflow, team, and client base.

Some agencies just need a clean way to send newsletters. Others need serious automation, multiple workspaces, and behavior-based targeting.

Your choice should reflect how you work, and what your clients expect from you.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

• Use Encharge if you want fast, flexible, and behavior-based automation. Best for agencies managing SaaS, productized services, or clients that need lifecycle flows. Built-in subaccounts make client management easy from day one.
• Use ActiveCampaign if you’ve got a tech-savvy team and time to learn a powerful (but complex) system for multi-touch automation.
• Use Mailchimp if your clients just need newsletters and basic email flows — nothing too advanced.
• Use Brevo if you’re working with budget-conscious clients who want email + SMS + CRM in one place, and don’t need deep automation.
• Use Kit (formerly ConvertKit) if your agency works with creators, course sellers, or solo entrepreneurs running simple funnels.
• Use MailerLite if you’re serving small businesses with lightweight email needs and don’t need advanced segmentation or personalization.
• Use HubSpot if you handle enterprise-level clients, big budgets, and need everything from CRM to reporting in one place — just be ready for a learning curve and a high monthly bill.

No matter where you start, the tool should save you time, not add more to your plate.

If you’re tired of jumping between platforms, hacking together client setups, or rebuilding flows from scratch, Encharge is the one to test first.

Want to see how it fits your agency? Try Encharge free today.

FAQ: Best Agency Email Marketing Tool

1. What’s the best email marketing platform for agencies?

It depends on your client type and workflow, but if you’re managing multiple clients and need real automation, Encharge is a top choice.

It gives you subaccounts, behavior-based flows, and fast testing — all without jumping between tools.

2. Can I manage multiple clients in one email marketing tool?

Yes, but most tools don’t make it easy.

Encharge was built with subaccounts and separate workspaces, so you can manage every client without mixing data or logging in and out constantly.

3. What email tool should I use if my clients all have different needs?

If you’re working with a mix of SaaS, eCommerce, service providers, or creators, you need a flexible tool that adapts — not a rigid one-size-fits-all setup.

Encharge lets you build custom flows for each client type and manage them all under one account. You don’t have to compromise on features or juggle multiple platforms.

Thank you so much for reading this,
David Ch
Head of Marketing at Encharge