
The Best Email Marketing Software: ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign, and Bento
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Option 1: ConvertKit
- Option 2: ActiveCampaign
- Option 3: Bento
- Comparison and Recommendation
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Are you searching for the best email marketing software? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the right one. Many platforms make big promises on their websites but fall short when it comes to actual usage. That’s where this blog comes in. Our goal is to share the best options we have found that cover the needs of most users.
At first glance, the abundance of email marketing platforms may seem daunting. However, it’s important to recognize that most platforms have flaws and weaknesses that are not always advertised. That’s why we have taken the time to test and compare the leading options. We have even migrated our own business multiple times to find the best fit.
In this blog, we will discuss three top email marketing software: ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign, and Bento. Each platform caters to different levels of technical expertise and offers unique features. Whether you are a beginner or a power user, we have options for you.
We invite you to share your current email marketing platform in the comments below. We value your feedback and would love to hear about your experiences. Let’s dive in and find the best email marketing software together!

Option 1: ConvertKit
When it comes to simplicity and an intuitive interface, ConvertKit is a top choice for email marketing software. Even beginners can quickly learn and navigate through the platform. The overall interface is clean and easy to understand.
One of the standout features of ConvertKit is its email broadcast creation process. While it doesn’t offer a drag-and-drop editor like some other platforms, it provides a few email templates that can be customized with minimal effort. This allows users to create basic emails quickly and easily.
Another great feature of ConvertKit is its sequence builder and automation capabilities. The sequence builder is powerful and user-friendly, allowing users to easily create automated email sequences. It also offers the convenience of editing the text within the sequence builder itself, making it simple to navigate between different emails.
ConvertKit also includes a basic landing page feature, although it doesn’t have a drag-and-drop editor like the email builder. While there may be limited customization options, it still gets the job done for those looking for a basic landing page.
When it comes to subscriber segmentation and A/B testing, ConvertKit relies heavily on tags, as well as segments and custom fields. While tags can potentially get messy and hard to manage, they can still be effective for basic segmentation tasks. However, for more complex tasks, ConvertKit may not offer as much control as other platforms.
Overall, ConvertKit is a great option for users who value simplicity and ease of use. It offers basic automation capabilities, subscriber segmentation through tags, and a basic landing page feature. While it may not have all the advanced features of other platforms, it provides a user-friendly interface for beginners and those looking for a straightforward email marketing solution.
Option 2: ActiveCampaign
If you’re looking for an email marketing platform with advanced features and controls, ActiveCampaign is a top choice. It offers a wide range of tools that cater to more technical users and provides a high level of customization.
ActiveCampaign’s email templates and drag-and-drop builder allow you to create professional and visually appealing emails. With over 1,000 free templates to choose from, you have plenty of options to customize your emails to match your brand. The drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to add and rearrange elements, giving you complete control over the design of your emails.
When it comes to automation, ActiveCampaign offers both basic and advanced capabilities. The automation builder allows you to create complex workflows with triggers, actions, and conditions. This means you can set up personalized email sequences that are tailored to each subscriber’s behavior and engagement. The ability to integrate website tracking and track events like button clicks adds another level of customization and allows you to deliver targeted content based on user actions.
ActiveCampaign also provides a landing page builder, which offers a drag-and-drop interface for easy customization. You can choose from a variety of templates and customize them to suit your needs. This integration allows you to create cohesive and consistent landing pages that align with your email campaigns.
One of the standout features of ActiveCampaign is its contact segmentation capabilities. You can segment your audience using lists, tags, and custom fields. This allows you to target specific groups of subscribers with relevant content and offers. The streamlined segmentation process makes it easy to manage and organize your contacts effectively.
ActiveCampaign also offers robust A/B testing features. You can test different elements of your emails, such as subject lines and email content, to optimize your campaigns for better engagement. The ability to set custom ratios and even split test within automations gives you complete control over your testing process.
In summary, ActiveCampaign is a powerful email marketing platform that offers advanced features and controls. Its email templates and drag-and-drop builder provide customization options, while the basic and advanced automation capabilities allow for personalized and targeted email sequences. The landing page builder and integration options ensure a seamless user experience. ActiveCampaign’s contact segmentation and A/B testing abilities allow you to optimize your campaigns for maximum engagement and results.
Option 3: Bento
Are you looking for a more powerful and flexible option for email marketing software? Look no further than Bento. Bento offers unique features and capabilities that set it apart from other platforms.
Introduction to Bento as a more powerful and flexible option
Bento is the new kid on the block, but it’s already making waves in the email marketing industry. With its flexibility and advanced features, Bento takes email marketing to the next level.
Overview of Bento’s unique features, such as batch sending and email filtering
One of Bento’s standout features is its batch sending capability. Unlike other platforms, Bento allows you to send out email campaigns over a specified period of time, reducing the chances of triggering spam filters and improving deliverability.
Bento also offers built-in email filtering, which ensures that only valid and non-spam email addresses are added to your list. This feature saves you time and improves the quality of your list from the start.
Description of the customizable email builder and sequence builder
Bento’s email builder sets it apart from other platforms. Instead of pre-built templates, Bento integrates with Stripo, a powerful email template library with over 1,000 customizable options. This gives you more flexibility and creative control over your emails.
In addition, Bento has a sequence builder that allows you to easily create automated email sequences. You can set up basic automations with just a few clicks, or get more advanced and create custom events and workflows. The possibilities are endless.
Discussion of Bento’s contact segmentation and form builder
When it comes to contact segmentation, Bento offers multiple options. You can use lists, tags, custom fields, or even events to segment your audience. This gives you the flexibility to tailor your emails to specific groups of subscribers.
Bento also has a powerful form builder that rivals standalone form tools like Typeform. You can easily create forms with customizable logic, eliminating the need for additional third-party tools.
Review of Bento’s e-commerce approach and customer support
Bento takes a unique approach to e-commerce. Instead of providing a built-in e-commerce store, Bento focuses on integrations with other e-commerce platforms. This allows you to automate and analyze your e-commerce business without being locked into a single ecosystem.
Lastly, Bento’s customer support is top-notch. With access to the founder, Jesse, via the Discord server, you can get your questions resolved quickly. The support team is responsive and even implements feature suggestions within a day or two.
Comparison and Recommendation
Now that we’ve discussed the features and strengths of each platform, let’s compare and recommend the best email marketing software for you.
Comparison of the three options based on simplicity, customization, and technicality:
- ConvertKit: ConvertKit is the simplest option, with an intuitive interface and easy navigation. It offers basic automation capabilities and subscriber segmentation through tags. However, it lacks advanced features and customization options.
- ActiveCampaign: ActiveCampaign offers a high level of customization and advanced features. It has a drag-and-drop email builder, robust automation capabilities, and powerful contact segmentation options. It also provides A/B testing features and integrates well with e-commerce platforms.
- Bento: Bento is the most advanced and flexible option, ideal for technically-minded users. It offers unique features like batch sending and email filtering. Bento has a customizable email builder, advanced automation capabilities, and a powerful form builder. It focuses on flexibility and integration with other tools.

Strengths and limitations of each platform:
- ConvertKit: Strengths include simplicity, ease of use, and a basic landing page feature. Limitations include limited customization options and less control in subscriber segmentation and A/B testing.
- ActiveCampaign: Strengths include advanced customization, a drag-and-drop email builder, and robust automation capabilities. Limitations include a longer email creation process and the need for more technical expertise.
- Bento: Strengths include flexibility, advanced features like batch sending and email filtering, and a powerful form builder. Limitations include a steeper learning curve and the absence of a landing page builder.
Recommendation based on your preferences and needs:
If you prioritize simplicity and ease of use, ConvertKit is the best option for you. It provides a straightforward email marketing solution with basic automation capabilities.
If you prefer advanced customization and a wide range of features, ActiveCampaign is the recommended choice. It offers a drag-and-drop email builder, robust automation capabilities, and powerful contact segmentation options.
For those who are technically-minded and want maximum power and flexibility, Bento is the ideal option. It offers unique features, a clean canvas for customization, and innovative approaches to email marketing.
Ultimately, the best email marketing software for you depends on your specific preferences and needs. Consider your level of technical expertise, desired customization options, and the complexity of your email marketing campaigns.
Regardless of which platform you choose, we invite you to attend our free email list growth workshop to learn strategies for growing your email list organically. Sign up now to gain valuable insights and boost your email marketing efforts!
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have discussed three top email marketing software options: ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign, and Bento. Each platform offers unique features and caters to different user types.
If you value simplicity and ease of use, ConvertKit is the best option for you. It has an intuitive interface, basic automation capabilities, and a user-friendly sequence builder. Although it may lack advanced features, it provides a straightforward email marketing solution.
For users who prefer advanced customization and a wide range of features, ActiveCampaign is the recommended choice. It offers a drag-and-drop email builder, robust automation capabilities, and powerful contact segmentation options. It also integrates well with e-commerce platforms, making it suitable for businesses with online stores.
If you are technically-minded and want maximum power and flexibility, Bento is the ideal option. It offers unique features like batch sending and email filtering. Bento has a customizable email builder, advanced automation capabilities, and a powerful form builder. It focuses on flexibility and integration with other tools, making it suitable for users who want to customize their email marketing strategies.
Ultimately, the best email marketing software for you depends on your specific preferences and needs. Consider your level of technical expertise, desired customization options, and the complexity of your email marketing campaigns.
We invite you to attend our free email list growth workshop to learn strategies for growing your email list organically. Sign up now to gain valuable insights and boost your email marketing efforts!
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions related to email marketing software:
What is the best email marketing software for beginners?
For beginners, ConvertKit is the recommended option. It has a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate and learn. It offers basic automation capabilities and a user-friendly sequence builder. Although it may lack advanced features, it provides a straightforward email marketing solution for beginners.
Which email marketing software offers the most customization?
ActiveCampaign offers the most customization options. It has a drag-and-drop email builder that allows for extensive customization of email templates. It also offers advanced automation capabilities, powerful contact segmentation options, and robust A/B testing features. ActiveCampaign provides the flexibility to tailor your email campaigns to your specific needs.
What is the most powerful and flexible email marketing software?
Bento is the most powerful and flexible option for email marketing software. It offers unique features and capabilities that set it apart from other platforms. Bento is ideal for technically-minded users who want maximum power and flexibility. It provides a clean canvas for customization, advanced automation capabilities, and a powerful form builder.
What are the limitations of ConvertKit?
While ConvertKit is a great option for beginners, it does have some limitations. It offers limited customization options compared to other platforms. It also relies heavily on tags for subscriber segmentation, which can potentially become messy and hard to manage. Additionally, ConvertKit has fewer advanced features and controls compared to other platforms.
Which email marketing software has the best customer support?
Bento is known for its exceptional customer support. It provides access to the founder, Jesse, via the Discord server, allowing users to get their questions resolved quickly. The support team is responsive and even implements feature suggestions within a day or two. Bento’s customer support is top-notch and ensures a positive user experience.
How does pricing work for these email marketing software options?
ConvertKit offers a free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers, with additional pricing tiers for more advanced features. ActiveCampaign does not have a free plan but offers different pricing plans based on the features you need. Bento’s pricing is based on the number of subscribers, with no hidden fees or surprises. Each platform has its own pricing structure, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your budget and needs.
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Which email marketing software is best for advanced automation?
Bento is the recommended option for advanced automation. It allows users to create custom events and workflows, providing a high level of flexibility and control. Bento’s advanced automation capabilities enable users to build out complex automations tailored to their specific needs. It is the ideal choice for users who want to take their email marketing to the next level.
What email marketing software has the best email templates?
ActiveCampaign offers a wide range of email templates. It has a drag-and-drop email builder with over 1,000 free templates to choose from. These templates can be easily customized to match your brand and design preferences. ActiveCampaign’s email templates provide users with a variety of options to create professional and visually appealing emails.
Which email marketing software is recommended for e-commerce businesses?
Both ActiveCampaign and Bento are suitable options for e-commerce businesses. While ActiveCampaign does not have built-in e-commerce features, it offers strong integration with other e-commerce platforms. This allows users to automate and analyze their e-commerce business without being locked into a single ecosystem. Bento takes a similar approach and provides powerful tools and integrations for e-commerce businesses.
How do I choose the best email marketing software for my needs?
Choosing the best email marketing software depends on your specific preferences and needs. Consider factors such as your level of technical expertise, desired customization options, complexity of your email marketing campaigns, and budget. ConvertKit is recommended for beginners, ActiveCampaign for advanced customization, and Bento for maximum power and flexibility. Evaluate each platform’s features and limitations to find the best fit for your email marketing goals.
Remember, the best email marketing software for you is the one that aligns with your specific needs and allows you to effectively reach and engage your audience. Consider your goals, preferences, and budget when making your decision.