Free Newsletter Platforms (2026): 10 Tools Compared

Starting a newsletter should be about the writing, not about wrestling with software or committing money before you've found your audience. A free plan lets you test the idea, find your voice and see whether people open what you send before you decide whether it's worth growing.

This page covers ten newsletter options with a free plan or free-to-use software, in no particular order. They range from well-known writing platforms to small independent tools and open-source projects you run yourself. I compared each tool's own website and what its users report. If you're still deciding how newsletters fit your marketing, my guide to choosing a newsletter platform for a small business puts the options in context.

Free newsletter platforms compared

Free plans usually come with limits, such as a cap on subscribers, monthly sends or branding in your emails. The table shows whether each tool's own site lists a free plan, so always read the current limits before you build your audience on one.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
beehiiv	Newsletter platform	Growth-minded newsletters with a built-in website	Yes
Buttondown	Newsletter tool	Plain, writer-friendly newsletters from a small team	Yes
EmailOctopus	Email platform	Straightforward sending with simple forms	Yes
Ghost	Publishing platform	Open-source site, newsletter and memberships	Yes
Kit	Creator platform	Email for creators, with forms and landing pages	Yes
listmonk	Self-hosted manager	Open-source mailing list and newsletter manager	Yes
MailerLite	Email platform	Easy drag-and-drop email with automations	Yes
Sender	Email platform	Email campaigns with a generous starter plan	Yes
SendFox	Newsletter tool	Simple newsletters from the AppSumo family	Yes
Substack	Writing platform	Write, publish and send in one place	Yes

Ten free newsletter platforms in alphabetical order

beehiiv

Best for: Writers who want to grow a newsletter audience and publish a web archive from one place.

Buttondown

Best for: Independent writers who like a clean, minimal tool run by a small, self-funded team.

EmailOctopus

Best for: Newsletter senders who want uncomplicated campaigns, one form and one landing page to start.

Ghost

Best for: Publishers who want their own site and newsletter together, and are happy to self-host.

Kit

Best for: Creators who want forms, landing pages and broadcasts without juggling separate tools.

listmonk

Best for: Technical publishers who want to own the software and the list, and can host it.

MailerLite

Best for: Small businesses and writers who want an easy builder and a gentle learning curve.

Sender

Best for: Small senders who want campaigns and automation from a free starting point.

SendFox

Best for: Creators who want a simple, no-fuss way to send newsletters and grow a list.

Substack

Best for: Writers who want to start publishing quickly with minimal setup and a built-in audience.

How to choose a free newsletter platform

The best starting point is the one that lets you send your first issue this week, but a few checks now will save you a painful move later.

• Writing or marketing? Some tools are built around writing and reading, others around forms, automation and segments.
• Your own site: do you want a hosted archive, or will you publish on your own website?
• Limits: what happens when you reach the free plan's subscriber or sending cap?
• Branding: will the platform's logo appear in your emails?
• Ownership: can you export your whole list in one go?
• Growth tools: do you need referrals, recommendations or reader subscriptions later?

Free newsletter platform questions to settle first

• Will readers be able to find and read past issues on the web?
• Does it handle the unsubscribe and consent details you need as a UK or international sender?
• Can I write in a simple editor without fighting the layout?
• How easy is it to move my list to another tool later?
• Does it connect with my website forms and the tools I already use?
• Who looks after deliverability, and is there help if emails land in spam?

If you'd like a wider view of the market, my roundup of Mailchimp alternatives covers the more full-featured email platforms, and what newsletter software is and whether you need it explains the basics.

Free newsletter platform mistakes to avoid

• Building your audience on a tool you can't export from.
• Ignoring the free plan's cap until the week you pass it.
• Switching platforms every few months instead of sending consistently.
• Sending a newsletter with no clear promise about what readers will get.
• Forgetting that a self-hosted tool needs sending set up carefully so emails arrive.
• Importing a purchased or old list, which can damage your sending reputation.

Why smaller newsletter platforms can be a smart start

Small and open-source newsletter tools tend to do a few things well, and their makers often reply to users directly. That can suit a new publisher. Before you commit, check that the product is still being updated, that export works, and that you understand how it will handle sending to your list as it grows. Send a test issue to yourself and a friend first.

Do you make a newsletter tool? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

Final checks before choosing a free newsletter platform

Shortlist two tools, set up a simple signup form in each and send a test issue to a few friends. Notice how long it takes and how the email looks on a phone. Pick the one you'll enjoy writing in, note the free plan's limits in your calendar, and commit to a regular sending day.

Frequently asked questions

Can I run a newsletter completely free?

You can start free on several platforms, usually with limits on subscribers, sending or features. Open-source tools are free to use, but you provide the hosting and the sending setup.

What limits do free newsletter plans usually have?

Common limits include a cap on subscribers, a monthly sending allowance, platform branding in emails and fewer automation or support options. Check each site's current plan details.

Is it hard to move my newsletter to another platform?

Usually it's straightforward if the tool lets you export your list as a spreadsheet. Moving your sign-up forms and past issues takes a little more time, so plan a quiet week for it.

Should I use a writing platform or an email marketing tool?

A writing platform suits people who mainly publish regular issues. An email marketing tool suits businesses that want forms, segments and automated sequences. Some tools sit between the two.

Do I need my own website to start a newsletter?

No. Many platforms give you a sign-up page and an online archive. A site of your own gives you more control, but you can add it later.