On average, companies spend between 1 to 4 weeks crafting a single email. Email builders can significantly reduce this time, offering user-friendly interfaces and eliminating the need for coding skills. In this article, we’ll discuss what to look for in an ideal email builder and compare the 10 best no-code email builders, helping you make an informed choice.
How to Choose an Email Builder
With a growing number of email builders available, selecting the right one can be challenging. Here are key factors to consider for making the best choice:
- Ease of use: Opt for tools with a straightforward interface, easy navigation, and a minimal learning curve.
- Template variety: A wide range of pre-designed templates can save time and inspire your email campaigns, especially if your team lacks extensive design resources.
- Design flexibility: Ensure the builder supports responsive design to make your emails look great on any device.
- Custom blocks: The ability to save and reuse content blocks is beneficial for maintaining consistency across similar email layouts.
- Compatibility: Check that emails created with the builder display correctly across different email clients.
- Cost: Look for builders offering free trials or freemium versions to test the tool before committing financially.
10 Best Email Template Builders in 2024 (Free and Paid)
Blocks
Blocks simplifies email creation and customization with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and a variety of pre-designed templates.
Key features:
- User-friendly interface for effortless email creation
- Extensive customization options
- AI Assistant for generating images and text
- Clean code without unnecessary elements
- Template gallery with 150+ ready-to-use templates
Free version: Available, with no hidden features. Prices start at: $20.
Stripo
Stripo is a robust email design platform that allows users to create and customize email templates with an extensive library and advanced design features.
Key features:
- 1,500+ templates (Free and Premium)
- ESP integration
- Brand kit generator
- AI writing assistant for email content
Free version: Available, but Premium templates require a paid account. Prices start at: $15.
Beefree
Beefree is a versatile tool that supports team collaboration on email designs in real-time.
Key features:
- Step-by-step onboarding process
- 1,500+ templates (Free and Premium)
- Multiple workspaces with customizable options
- Language localizations (on paid plans)
Free version: Available with limited features. Free trial for paid plans. Prices start at: $30.
TOPOL.io
TOPOL.io offers a customizable design experience with advanced visual tools and real-time collaboration.
Key features:
- 150+ templates (Free and PRO)
- Unlimited test emails
- Intuitive interface
- Custom block saving
Free version: Available but limited in features. 14-day trial for PRO and Team plans. Prices start at: $15.
Unlayer
Unlayer provides robust customization options and seamless integration capabilities for creating responsive emails.
Key features:
- 1,000+ pre-designed templates (Free and Premium)
- Separate editing for desktop and mobile versions
- Access to free stock photos
- Dynamic content (on the Team plan)
Free version: Available with limited features. 14-day free trial. Prices start at: $20.
Chamaileon
Chamaileon is a collaborative email design platform offering advanced customization and teamwork features.
Key features:
- 24/7 customer support
- Assigned user roles for teamwork and client approval
- Real-time collaboration
- Unlimited test emails
Free version: Available. Prices: Available upon request.
Postcards
Postcards uses a modular system for email design, with real-time collaboration and a large library of customizable components.
Key features:
- Plugins for Figma, Outlook, and Chrome Gmail
- Figma-oriented interface
- Online image hosting
- Custom fonts upload
Free version: Available. Prices start at: $19.
Klaviyo
Klaviyo’s email builder excels in advanced personalization, easy design, and seamless e-commerce platform integration.
Key features:
- Dynamic product feed
- 100+ email templates
- AI subject line generator
- Integration with Klaviyo ESP
Free version: Available. Prices start at: $45 (includes 15,000 monthly email sends).
Mailersend
Mailersend offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface with customizable templates and collaborative features.
Key features:
- Natively responsive templates
- 90+ pre-made blocks
- 100+ email templates
- Auto-generated plain text versions
Free version: Available, with a free trial. Prices start at: $30 (includes some ESP features).
Tabular
Tabular enables professional, responsive email design with an easy-to-use interface and robust customization options.
Key features:
- Unlimited guests, members, and team spaces
- Access to all templates
- Dynamic content editing
- Cloud image storage
Free version: Available. Prices start at: $29.
Key Takeaways
Choosing the right drag-and-drop email builder is essential for streamlining your email marketing efforts and enhancing your campaigns' effectiveness. Here are the key points to remember:
- Ease of use: ensure the email builder has a user-friendly interface, straightforward navigation, and a minimal learning curve. This will save your team time and effort, allowing them to focus on crafting engaging content rather than grappling with complicated software.
- Template variety: a wide selection of pre-designed templates can be a game-changer, especially if your team lacks extensive design resources. Templates not only save time but also provide inspiration, helping you maintain a consistent and professional look across all your emails.
- Design flexibility: make sure the email builder supports responsive design. With more people reading emails on various devices, it's crucial that your emails look great on smartphones, tablets, and desktops alike.
- Custom blocks: the ability to save and reuse content blocks can streamline the email creation process, particularly if you frequently use similar layouts. This feature can lead to significant time savings and ensure consistency in your email design.
- Compatibility: ensure that emails designed with the builder render correctly across different email clients. This will help maintain the integrity of your email design and improve the recipient's experience.
- Cost: look for tools offering free trials or freemium versions. This allows you to test the software and see if it meets your needs before making a financial commitment.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can select an email builder that not only meets your current needs but also scales with your business as it grows. Additionally, integrating your email campaigns with analytics tools can further enhance your marketing strategy. For instance, pairing your email efforts with the insights provided by analytics tools can give you a more comprehensive view of your marketing performance.
In summary, any of the email builders listed above can serve as a strong starting point for your email marketing journey. Evaluate the features most critical to your business and choose the one that aligns best with your goals. This will set the foundation for more efficient, effective, and visually appealing email campaigns.
Frequently asked questions
What is a drag-and-drop email builder?
A drag-and-drop email builder is a tool that allows you to create and design emails without needing any coding skills. You can simply drag various elements (like text blocks, images, buttons) into your email layout and customize them as needed.
What should I look for in a good email builder?
Key factors to consider include ease of use, template variety, design flexibility, custom block functionality, compatibility across email clients, and cost. These features ensure you can create effective and visually appealing emails efficiently.
Are there free drag-and-drop email builders available?
Yes, many email builders offer free versions or trials. These free options often come with limited features, but they can be a good starting point to see if the tool meets your needs before committing to a paid plan. Here are some examples:
- Blocks: Offers a free version with no hidden features.
- Stripo: Provides a free version, although premium templates require a paid account.
- Beefree: Has a free version with limited features and a free trial for paid plans.
- TOPOL.io: Available in a free version with limited features and a 14-day trial for PRO and Team plans.
- Unlayer: Offers a free version with limited features and a 14-day free trial.
- Chamaileon: Available with a free version.
- Postcards: Provides a free version.
Do I need any coding skills to use these email builders?
No, drag-and-drop email builders are designed to be user-friendly and do not require any coding skills. You can easily design and customize emails using the visual editor.
Moreover, you won't need coding skills even if you decide to build an app. Instead of hiring a team of developers, you can use one of the 6 great no-code app builders.
Can I use these email builders with my existing email marketing platform?
Most drag-and-drop email builders offer integrations with popular email marketing platforms (ESPs). This allows you to design your emails in the builder and then seamlessly send them through your existing platform.
Are the emails created with these builders responsive?
Yes, most drag-and-drop email builders ensure that the emails you create are responsive. This means they will look good and function properly on various devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
What is the advantage of using pre-designed templates?
Pre-designed templates save time and provide a professional look for your emails. They are especially useful if you lack extensive design resources, as they offer a solid foundation that you can customize to fit your brand and campaign needs.
