Best Email Template Builders (2026): 10 Tools Compared

Writing every email from a blank screen is slow, and it's easy to end up with a layout that falls apart on a phone. An email template builder lets you design a layout once, save it and reuse it for newsletters, offers and announcements. You change the words and pictures, and the structure stays tidy every time.

Here's a list of ten email template builders, in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. Two are better known and the rest are smaller makers. I've taken every description from each tool's own website and directory listings, so check the current details on the site itself before you sign up. Some of these designers sit inside a sending platform, and others only build the layout, so if you're still choosing where to send from, my look at email marketing platform alternatives may help first.

Ten email template builders side by side

In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a permanent free plan, a free tier or open-source software. Trial only means a free trial but no ongoing free plan. Free tiers are usually limited on exports, saved projects or team members, so check the limits before you build your whole library there.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Brevo	Email platform	Free responsive starter templates	Yes
Mailchimp	Email platform	A large library of templates	Trial only
MJML	Open-source framework	Coding responsive email by hand	Yes
Mosaico	Open-source editor	A free editor you can host yourself	Yes
Parcel	Online code editor	Building and testing email code	Trial only
Postcards	Drag-and-drop builder	Visual editing and test emails	Yes
RGE Studio	Design studio	Branded email design with reusable blocks	Yes
Stripo	Drag-and-drop builder	Building templates for many platforms	Yes
Topol	Editor and plugin	A template editor you can embed	Trial only
Unlayer	Embeddable editor	Drag-and-drop editing inside other apps	Yes

The email template builders, one at a time

Brevo

Best for: Small senders who want ready-made layouts inside the same platform that sends their emails.

Mailchimp

Best for: Owners who like to browse a big collection of layouts sorted by industry and purpose.

MJML

Best for: Developers and technical owners who want to write email layouts in a short markup language.

Mosaico

Best for: Technical teams who want an open-source editor they can set up on their own system.

Parcel

Best for: Email developers who want a code editor made for HTML email, with previews and checks.

Postcards

Best for: Owners who want to design visually, send themselves test emails and export the finished layout.

RGE Studio

Best for: Brand-minded owners who want reusable blocks and designs they can export to an email platform.

Stripo

Best for: Owners who send from one platform but want a separate designer that exports to it.

Topol

Best for: Software makers and agencies who want to put an email editor inside their own product.

Unlayer

Best for: Product teams who want a drag-and-drop email editor built into their own application.

What sets email template builders apart

Email isn't like a web page. Many inboxes display layouts in their own way, so builders usually rely on simple structures that survive that. That's why a good email template builder matters more than a general design tool.

• Drag-and-drop editors let you place blocks of text, pictures and buttons without code.
• Code editors give developers full control over the markup, with previews to catch problems.
• Embeddable editors are meant for software makers who want an email designer inside their own product.
• Platform builders come with a sending tool, so design and delivery live in one place.

Choosing an email template builder for your sending setup

• Export options. Can you send the finished layout to the platform you already use, or do you have to rebuild it?
• Mobile behaviour. Check that templates adapt to a phone screen and that you can preview both views.
• Dark mode. Many people read email in dark mode, so see whether you can check how a design looks.
• Saved blocks. Reusable headers, footers and buttons save time across many emails.
• Brand controls. Look for fixed fonts and colours so a colleague can't wander off-brand.
• Image hosting. Find out where pictures are stored and whether that's included.

Mistakes people make with email templates

• Too much design. Heavy images slow loading and can look empty if images are switched off.
• Skipping alt text. Describe pictures so the message still makes sense when they don't load.
• Tiny buttons. Make links easy to tap with a thumb.
• No plain version. Check the text of the email makes sense on its own.
• Forgetting to test. Send yourself a copy and open it on your phone before every campaign.
• Ignoring the message. A beautiful template can't rescue a weak offer, and my abandoned cart email swipe file shows what a stronger message looks like.

Which email template builder suits which user

• Non-technical owners usually want a drag-and-drop editor with templates to start from.
• Designers and brand teams often prefer a studio with reusable blocks and tight brand controls.
• Developers tend to like code editors or open-source frameworks.
• Software makers might need an editor they can embed inside their own app.
• Small teams may be happy with the builder that comes with their sending platform.

Whichever type you pick, the template is only part of the job. My tips on improving email conversion cover the rest.

Why a smaller email template builder can be a smart pick

Smaller makers often do one thing well, such as visual design or clean code, and they tend to answer questions quickly. Many also export to several sending platforms, so you aren't tied to one.

Before you commit, check that the tool is still being updated, read its help pages and build one real email to see how it behaves. Make sure you can export your templates in case you switch later.

Do you make an email template builder or email design tool? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

A last check before you build your template library

Pick two that suit your sending setup, then rebuild the same simple email in each. Compare how quickly you finish, how the result looks on a phone and how smoothly it exports. Keep the one that fits your routine and note anything you'd want to ask the maker.

Frequently asked questions

What is an email template builder?

It's a tool for designing reusable email layouts, usually with drag-and-drop blocks or code. You save the layout and fill in new content each time you send.

Do I need a separate template builder?

Not always. Many sending platforms include one. A separate builder helps when you want more design control or want to use the same layout across several platforms.

Is there a free email template builder?

Yes. Some tools have a free tier and a few are open source. The table on this page shows what each maker's own site says, and free versions usually have limits.

Can I use the same template in different platforms?

Often, if the builder exports clean HTML or connects to your platform. Check the export options before you build a large library.

Why do emails look different in different inboxes?

Inboxes read the code in their own ways and some block images. Builders use simple structures to cope, and previews help you catch problems.