If you’re serious about email marketing, you know how important it is to have the right tool. A tool that helps you automate campaigns, send targeted emails, track performance, and actually convert leads. Customer.io does a decent job, but is it the best option out there? Maybe not for you…
Depending on your needs, you might find a tool that’s more intuitive, easier to set up, or better suited for your business. That’s why many marketers are switching to alternatives like Encharge, Braze, and Klaviyo. Should you do the same?
You’ll find out in this guide. I’ll walk you through the 7 best Customer.io alternatives—what they offer, how they compare, and which one might be the perfect fit for you.
Let’s get started.
Customer.io Alternatives: TL;DR
| # | Alternative | Best For | Top Feature | Free Trial? | Starting Price (USD/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Encharge | SaaS & online businesses | Behavior-based email automation + ease of use | ✅ | $79 |
| 2 | Braze | Enterprise & large teams | Cross-channel messaging | ❌ | Custom |
| 3 | Klaviyo | E-commerce & online stores | Email + SMS automation | ✅ | $0 |
| 4 | ActiveCampaign | Small to mid-sized businesses | Advanced automation builder | ✅ | $15 |
| 5 | Ortto | Data-driven marketing | Customer journey analytics | ✅ | $509 |
| 6 | Omnisend | E-commerce brands | Pre-built automation workflows | ✅ | $0 |
| 7 | HubSpot Marketing Hub | All-in-one marketing | CRM integration | ✅ | Free ($0) (Starter: $20/month) |
✅ Best pick: Encharge is hands down the best Customer.io alternative—more automation, easier to use, and just makes your life simpler.
Not sure what to choose yet? Let’s dive deeper…
I’ll break down each alternative so you can see what fits you best. Or, if you’re short on time, jump to any section using the table of contents below!
Contents
What is Customer.io?
Answer: Customer.io is a marketing automation platform that helps businesses send targeted messages via email, SMS, and push notifications based on user behavior.
It’s built to collect customer data from websites, apps, and integrations, then use that data to trigger automated campaigns.
What Customer.io Offers
At its core, Customer.io helps businesses automate messaging across multiple channels using behavioral triggers. It gives marketers the ability to send personalized emails, SMS, and push notifications based on real-time user actions.
The platform integrates with various data sources, making it easier to create targeted campaigns.
The top 3 freatures of Customer.io are:
- Behavior-based automation – Triggers emails based on user activity.
- Segmentation – Group users dynamically based on their actions.
- Webhooks & integrations – Connects with your existing tools.
That said, Customer.io isn’t the best fit for everyone. Some common drawbacks include a steep learning curve, higher pricing as you scale, limited built-in CRM functionality, and a complex setup for beginners.
Which raises the question:
Why Look for a Customer.io Alternative?
Customer.io is a solid option, but you might find it a bit complex to set up or missing some key features. For example, here are 4 limitations of Customer.io:
1. Pricing Gets Expensive Fast
Customer.io’s pricing scales quickly as your subscriber list grows. If you’re a startup or small business, it might not be the best fit.
2. Steep Learning Curve
Setting up workflows isn’t as intuitive as other tools. You might need developer help to get the most out of it.
3. Limited Customer Support
Support isn’t always fast, and response times can be frustrating.
4. Missing Built-in CRM
If you need a CRM, you’ll have to integrate with a third-party tool, adding extra costs and complexity.
Because of these limitations, many marketers are looking for something better than Customer.io. If you’re feeling the same, here are the top alternatives to consider…
Listed: The 7 Best Customer.io Alternatives for Email Automation
Currently, the best alternatives to Customer.io are Encharge, Braze, and Klaviyo.
Other options include ActiveCampaign, HubSpot Marketing Hub, Ortto, and Omnisend.
Let’s break down what makes them stand out.
1. Encharge – The Best Customer.io Alternative
- G2: 4.7/5 ⭐ (300+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.9/5 ⭐ (250+ reviews)
Based on reviews, Encharge is the best alternative to Customer.io for email automation.
Encharge is built for businesses that need powerful email automation without the complexity. It helps you send behavior-based emails, create automated workflows, and integrate with your favorite tools—all without hiring a developer.
It’s simple, powerful, and easy to use. Unlike Customer.io, you won’t spend hours figuring things out. Plus, our support team is always there to help—no waiting for hours or days.
So, all in all, here’s what Encharge has checked as an alternative to Customer.io:
- Easy to use – Set up automation workflows without technical headaches.
- More integrations – Seamlessly connect with your existing tools and platforms.
- Reliable support – No waiting, just fast and helpful responses.
Key Features of Encharge (vs Customer.io)
- Action-based email automation – Trigger emails based on user behavior.
- Precision targeting – Segment users by activity, data, and more.
- Drag-and-drop automation – Build workflows visually.
- End-to-end automation – Create multi-step sequences effortlessly.
- Effortless integrations – Connect with 100+ apps seamlessly.
Encharge does everything Customer.io does—but easier and smarter. You get simple automation workflows, behavior-based emails that actually convert, and segmentation that makes sense. Encharge ensures you can send the right message to the right people without overcomplicating things. If Customer.io feels like too much work, Encharge makes marketing automation simple.
Here’s how Encharge’s Flow Builder looks from the inside:
📌That’s not all, explore more of Encharge’s features here!
Pros and Cons of Encharge
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Easy-to-use automation builder | ❌ Not ideal for very small businesses |
| ✅ Affordable pricing | ❌ No built-in CRM |
| ✅ Excellent customer support | |
| ✅ Deep integrations | |
| ✅ Advanced segmentation |
Encharge Pricing
- Growth – $79/month (billed yearly) for up to 2,000 subscribers. Includes advanced segmentation, API integration, and behavior-based emails.
- Premium – $129/month (billed yearly) with additional integrations like HubSpot and Salesforce.
- Enterprise – Custom pricing for businesses with over 50,000 subscribers.
Encharge gives you advanced marketing automation without the hassle—powerful workflows, seamless segmentation, and responsive support whenever you need it.
If you feel like Encharge is the solution to all your email marketing automation needs, then Try it free for 14 days and see the difference.
Encharge Pricing vs. Customer.io
Customer.io’s pricing can quickly add up with hidden costs for extra features, API usage, and additional workspaces.
Encharge, on the other hand, keeps things simple and transparent—giving you advanced automation without surprise fees.
Why switch from Customer.io to Encharge?
If you want a tool with more advanced behavior-based workflows and integrations, Encharge is a solid alternative.
- No hidden costs – Customer.io adds fees for messaging, add-ons, and support. Encharge keeps pricing simple.
- Smarter automation – Trigger emails based on real user behavior inside your product.
- Better integrations – Connect with CRMs, payment tools, and marketing stacks easily.
- Easier to use – Drag-and-drop workflows with no coding needed.
Need powerful, behavior-driven automation without the hassle? Encharge is the upgrade.
2. Braze
- G2: 4.5/5 ⭐
- Capterra: 4.7/5 ⭐
Braze is an enterprise-level customer engagement platform. It allows brands to send personalized messages via email, SMS, push notifications, and in-app messaging.
Key Features of Braze
- Multi-channel messaging – Reach customers via email, push notifications, SMS, and more.
- AI-powered personalization – Deliver tailored content based on real-time user data.
- Real-time customer segmentation – Group users dynamically for hyper-targeted messaging.
Pros & Cons of Braze
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Great for large enterprises | ❌ Expensive |
| ✅ Supports multiple channels | ❌ Complex to set up |
| ✅ AI-driven personalization | ❌ No free trial |
| ✅ Strong segmentation tools |
Braze Pricing
Braze offers custom pricing based on your business size and needs, so there’s no fixed plan to compare directly with Customer.io. You’ll need to contact Braze for a quote based on your specific requirements.
Why switch from Customer.io to Braze?
If you need a robust, AI-powered marketing solution with deep personalization, Braze is a strong alternative.
3. Klaviyo
- G2: 4.6/5 ⭐
- Capterra: 4.6/5 ⭐
Klaviyo is built for e-commerce brands that want to increase sales through targeted email and SMS campaigns.
Key Features of Klaviyo
- E-commerce integrations – Sync effortlessly with Shopify, WooCommerce, and more.
- Advanced segmentation – Target customers based on behavior, purchase history, and preferences.
- SMS and email marketing – Reach your audience through multiple channels for better engagement.
Pros & Cons of Klaviyo
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Perfect for e-commerce | ❌ Can get expensive |
| ✅ Powerful segmentation | ❌ Learning curve |
| ✅ Strong analytics | |
| ✅ SMS & email automation |
Klaviyo Pricing Plans
- Free Plan – $0/month → 500 emails, 150 SMS/MMS credits, basic analytics, and limited support.
- Email Plan – $45/month → 15,000 emails, AI-powered content, and advanced segmentation.
- Email + SMS Plan – $60/month → 15,000 emails + 1,250 SMS/MMS credits, multi-channel automation, and reporting.
- Advanced Add-ons – Marketing analytics from $100/month, data insights from $500/month.
Klaviyo Pricing vs. Customer.io
Klaviyo is the more budget-friendly option. Klaviyo includes AI-powered content and SMS, making it ideal for small businesses. Customer.io offers more advanced automation but at a higher cost.
If you need a cost-effective solution with multi-channel engagement, Klaviyo is the better fit. But if you’re scaling fast and need advanced data handling, Customer.io’s premium plans might be worth it.
Pricing Comparison:
| Plan Tier | Klaviyo | Customer.io |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 – 500 emails | (No free plan) |
| Standard | $45 – 15,000 emails | $100 – 5K profiles, 1M emails |
| Advanced | $60 – 15,000 emails + 1,250 SMS | Custom pricing |
| Premium | Custom pricing | Starts at $1,000 – Advanced features & support |
Why switch from Customer.io to Klaviyo?
If you run an online store and need deep segmentation with built-in SMS marketing, Klaviyo is a great alternative.
4. ActiveCampaign
- G2: 4.5/5 ⭐
- Capterra: 4.6/5 ⭐
ActiveCampaign is an automation powerhouse for small to mid-sized businesses. It combines email marketing, CRM, and automation to help businesses grow.
Key Features of ActiveCampaign
- CRM Integration – Keep your marketing and sales teams aligned with built-in CRM, making lead tracking and follow-ups easier.
- Advanced Automation Workflows – Automate complex customer journeys with powerful, behavior-driven workflows.
- Site Tracking & Event-Based Triggers – Track visitor actions on your website and trigger personalized emails based on their behavior.
Pros and Cons of ActiveCampaign
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Great CRM integration | ❌ Can be overwhelming for beginners |
| ✅ Powerful automation tools | ❌ Pricing scales with contacts |
| ✅ Advanced segmentation | ❌ No free plan |
| ✅ Excellent deliverability | ❌ Learning curve for complex workflows |
ActiveCampaign Pricing Plans
- Starter – $15/month → Personalized marketing campaigns.
- Plus – $49/month → Advanced automation and customer insights.
- Pro – $79/month → Full omnichannel marketing automation.
- Enterprise – $145/month → Scalable campaigns with enterprise support.
ActiveCampaign Pricing vs. Customer.io
ActiveCampaign offers a more affordable entry point. It’s a great choice for small businesses looking for automation without breaking the bank.
If you’re on a budget and need strong automation, ActiveCampaign is the better option. But for complex data handling and premium support, Customer.io’s higher-tier plans might be worth the investment.
Pricing Comparison:
| Plan Tier | ActiveCampaign | Customer.io |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $15 – Personalized campaigns | $100 – 5K profiles, 1M emails |
| Pro | $79 – Full omnichannel automation | Custom pricing |
| Enterprise | $145 – Enterprise-level support | Starts at $1,000 – Advanced features & support |
Why switch from Customer.io to ActiveCampaign?
If you want a robust automation tool with built-in CRM and advanced segmentation, ActiveCampaign is a solid choice.
5. Ortto
- G2: 4.4/5 ⭐
- Capterra: 4.6/5 ⭐
Ortto is designed for B2B companies that want a simple, no-code automation platform.
Key Features of Ortto
- No-code workflow builder – Easily set up automation without coding skills.
- Lead scoring – Identify and prioritize high-value leads based on behavior.
- CRM and analytics integration – Track customer data, manage interactions, and measure performance in one place.
Pros and Cons of Ortto
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Simple and easy to use | ❌ Fewer integrations than competitors |
| ✅ Great for B2B marketing | ❌ Limited customization options |
| ✅ Visual automation builder | ❌ Can be expensive for small businesses |
| ✅ Strong reporting tools | ❌ Not as flexible for complex workflows |
Ortto Pricing Plans
- Professional – $509/month → Core marketing automation with AI insights.
- Business – $849/month → Adds priority support, transactional messaging, and advanced reporting.
- Enterprise – $1,699/month → Dedicated consultants, SLAs, and large-scale custom setups.
Ortto Pricing vs. Customer.io
Ortto is significantly more expensive than Customer.io. However, Ortto offers AI-powered insights and advanced automation features, making it ideal for larger businesses needing in-depth analytics.
If you’re a small business, Customer.io is the clear winner in affordability. But if you need high-touch support and enterprise-level automation, Ortto’s premium plans might be worth the investment.
Pricing Comparison:
| Plan Tier | Ortto | Customer.io |
|---|---|---|
| Professional | $509 – AI insights, automation | $100 – 5K profiles, 1M emails |
| Business | $849 – Priority support, transactional messaging | Custom pricing |
| Enterprise | $1,699 – Dedicated consultants, SLA | Starts at $1,000 – Advanced features & support |
Why switch from Customer.io to Ortto?
If you prefer an easy-to-use, no-code platform with strong analytics, Ortto is a better fit.
6. Omnisend
- G2: 4.6/5 ⭐
- Capterra: 4.7/5 ⭐
Omnisend is tailored for e-commerce brands looking to automate email and SMS marketing.
Key Features of Omnisend
- Email and SMS automation – Engage customers with seamless cross-channel messaging.
- Pre-built e-commerce workflows – Automate cart recovery, welcome series, and order updates.
- Multi-channel campaigns – Combine email, SMS, and push notifications for better reach.
Pros and Cons of Omnisend
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Perfect for e-commerce | ❌ Not ideal for B2B companies |
| ✅ Affordable pricing | ❌ Fewer integrations |
| ✅ SMS and email in one platform | ❌ Email builder lacks flexibility |
| ✅ Pre-built automation templates |
Omnisend Pricing Plans
- Free – $0/month → 500 emails/month, web push, and basic reviews.
- Standard – $11.20/month → 6,000 emails, unlimited web push, priority support.
- Pro – $41.30/month → Unlimited emails, advanced reporting, free SMS credits.
Omnisend Pricing vs. Customer.io
Omnisend is a budget-friendly option for eCommerce brands, with a free plan for small businesses and affordable upgrades. Customer.io, while starting at $100/month, offers more flexibility for behavioral messaging across industries.
If you’re an eCommerce business looking for email and SMS automation at a lower cost, Omnisend gives you more value. But for personalized customer journeys, Customer.io’s advanced segmentation might be the better choice.
Pricing Comparison:
| Plan Tier | Omnisend | Customer.io |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $11.20 – 6K emails, priority support | $100 – 5K profiles, 1M emails |
| Pro | $41.30 – Unlimited emails, SMS credits | Custom pricing |
| Enterprise | Custom – High-volume sending | Starts at $1,000 – Advanced features & support |
Why switch from Customer.io to Omnisend?
If you run an e-commerce store and need SMS and email automation in one platform, Omnisend is the way to go.
7. HubSpot Marketing Hub
- G2: 4.4/5 ⭐
- Capterra: 4.5/5 ⭐
HubSpot Marketing Hub is an all-in-one marketing, sales, and CRM platform for businesses of all sizes.
Key Features of HubSpot Marketing Hub
- Built-in CRM – Manage contacts, track interactions, and streamline sales.
- Marketing automation – Automate emails, workflows, and customer journeys.
- Sales and customer support tools – Align marketing, sales, and support in one platform.
Pros and Cons of HubSpot Marketing Hub
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Comprehensive all-in-one platform | ❌ Higher pricing |
| ✅ Strong CRM and marketing automation | ❌ Can be complex for beginners |
| ✅ Scales well with business growth | ❌ Limited automation in lower plans |
| ✅ Extensive integrations | ❌ Email automation isn’t as advanced as competitors |
HubSpot Pricing Plans
- Free Tools ($0) – Basic CRM, email marketing, live chat, and limited features with HubSpot branding.
- Marketing Hub Starter (Starts at $20/month) – Essential email marketing and automation tools for individuals and small teams. Pricing scales with contacts.
- Marketing Hub Professional ($800/month) – Advanced automation, lead scoring, and social media tools. Includes 3 seats (extra seats $45/month). Requires $3,000 onboarding.
- Marketing Hub Enterprise ($3,600/month) – Full-featured marketing suite with advanced analytics, multi-touch attribution, and custom objects. Includes 5 seats (extra seats $75/month). Requires $7,000 onboarding.
HubSpot Pricing vs. Customer.io
Customer.io offers flexible, usage-based pricing, making it more cost-effective for startups and scaling businesses.
HubSpot has structured tiers with mandatory onboarding fees, making it pricier but suited for companies wanting an all-in-one marketing solution.
| Plan | HubSpot Marketing Hub | Customer.io |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ($0) | (No free plan) |
| Starter Plan | ($20+/mo) | ($100+/mo) |
| Professional Plan | ($800/mo + $3,000 onboarding) | ($100+/mo) |
| Enterprise Plan | ($3,600/mo + $7,000 onboarding) | (Custom pricing) |
Why switch from Customer.io to HubSpot Marketing Hub?
If you want a complete marketing, sales, and CRM system in one place, HubSpot Marketing Hub is worth considering.
How We Selected The Top Customer.io Alternatives
Choosing the right alternative to Customer.io isn’t just about picking the most popular tools. We focused on finding platforms that solve real marketing automation challenges while offering better value, usability, or features.
We evaluated these tools based on:
- Automation capabilities and ease of use
- Pricing and overall value for money
- Integration options with CRMs and other marketing tools
- Scalability for growing businesses
- Customer support and user experience
By considering these factors, we narrowed it down to the best alternatives that outperform Customer.io in different areas.
Which alternative to Customer.io is best for your business?
It depends on what you need as a business.
- If you’re a SaaS or B2B company looking for advanced automation, Encharge is your best alternative. It specializes in behavior-based workflows and integrates seamlessly with CRMs.
- For e-commerce, Klaviyo or Omnisend might be a better fit.
- And if you need an all-in-one marketing and CRM platform, HubSpot Marketing Hub is a strong choice.
Many marketers are upgrading to Encharge for their email marketing automations as it outperforms most of its competitors in various aspects.
Found the best alternative to Customer.io?
If you’re searching for the best Customer.io alternative, your unique needs should help determine the best tool for your business. I hope hope this breakdown made your decision easier.
If you want to close more sales and grow your business with smarter marketing. Choose Encharge.
Top 3 Reasons to Choose Encharge
- Built for SaaS and B2B: Encharge is optimized for companies needing behavior-based automation and deep CRM integrations.
- Advanced Email Workflows: Create highly personalized workflows that trigger based on user behavior, improving engagement.
- Seamless Integrations: Encharge connects with your existing tools, making automation smooth and effortless.
Customer.io Alternatives: FAQs
1. What’s the best alternative to Customer.io?
If you’re in SaaS or B2B, Encharge is hands-down the best alternative. It’s designed specifically for businesses that need advanced automation and seamless CRM integrations.
Why Encharge beats Customer.io:
- Better automation: Encharge offers behavior-based workflows that let you personalize emails based on user actions.
- Easier integrations: It connects effortlessly with CRMs like HubSpot and Pipedrive.
- More intuitive interface: Unlike Customer.io, Encharge is built for marketers, not just developers.
2. Why should I switch from Customer.io to Encharge?
Customer.io is a solid platform, but it’s complex, expensive, and not as intuitive as Encharge. If you’re struggling with steep learning curves and high costs, Encharge simplifies automation while giving you the same—if not better—features.
How to switch to Encharge:
- Sign up for a free trial on Encharge.
- Migrate your email lists and workflows (with support from the Encharge team).
- Start building behavior-driven automations right away.
3. Who are Customer.io’s competitors?
Customer.io competes with several marketing automation tools, including:
- Encharge – With its powerful automation, intuitive drag-and-drop workflow builder, and smart segmentation.
- ActiveCampaign – Combines email marketing and automation with a built-in CRM.
- HubSpot – A comprehensive marketing suite for larger businesses.
- Braze – Focused on mobile and cross-channel customer engagement.
- Iterable – Aimed at enterprise-level personalization and automation.
Among these, Encharge stands out for its ease of use, affordability, and seamless automation features.
4. Can I migrate my Customer.io data to Encharge?
Absolutely! Encharge makes migration seamless, allowing you to transfer contacts, workflows, and automation rules without hassle.
Steps to migrate to Encharge:
- Export your data from Customer.io.
- Import it into Encharge using built-in tools or guided support.
- Test and optimize your automation workflows.
