Overview of the Best ActiveCampaign Alternatives
With key features that range from email marketing campaigns and lead scoring to automation workflows and advanced segmentation features, it is easy to see why ActiveCampaign is the preferred email marketing automation platform in many marketing agencies’ tech stacks.
While ActiveCampaign does a lot of things right, it is not always the most practical, comprehensive, and affordable tool, especially for fast-growing agencies that need a lot more to scale.
In this post, we’re taking a closer look at the best ActiveCampaign alternatives and which one is best for your business or agency.
Our top picks for ActiveCampaign alternatives
1. HighLevel
Of course, we couldn’t discuss top ActiveCampaign alternatives without mentioning HighLevel!
Here’s how HighLevel stacks up against ActiveCampaign in terms of features. We offer some cool stuff that you can’t find natively on ActiveCampaign, like call tracking, reputation management, and a white-labeled mobile app. Plus, our agency unlimited plan comes with unlimited contacts at just $297 per month.
But here’s what sets us apart: while most alternatives, including ActiveCampaign, target businesses directly, we’re different. HighLevel was created by agency owners, for agency owners. Every feature and decision is made with one question in mind: “Will this help agencies?”
We’re not just another tool – we’re an all-in-one solution designed specifically to meet agencies’ needs. That’s why over 15,000 agencies have chosen HighLevel as their go-to white-label platform. With us, agencies can save money, boost client campaign performance, reduce client churn, and create a steady Software-As-A-Service (SaaS) revenue stream.
Why HighLevel?
- Automating your Workflow saves you time and allows you to focus on your business
- Capture, nurture, and close opportunities faster than ever
- Automatically send customized emails to each target segment
- White labeling gives you the ability to resell the software as your own
- Our drag-and-drop layouts and curated templates allow you to create stunning landing pages, newsletters, websites and more with ease.
Best for Marketing Agencies, Consultants & Digital Entrepreneurs
Unlock 14 days of HighLevel magic with our FREE trial!
2. SharpSpring
Dubbed the “all-in-one marketing platform for revenue growth,” SharpSpring pairs marketing automation and a CRM in an easy solution designed to start conversations that lead to conversions; plus, it features an email, landing page, and blog builder.
Originally founded in 2012, SharpSpring was acquired in June 2021 by Constant Contact, an email marketing automation provider that also specializes in managing and tracking leads and building social and mobile ads. If you’re a Constant Contact user, you’ll likely recognize the overlaps in both companies’ capabilities.
If you’re a solo entrepreneur or a small local business and you just want simple email marketing with a bit of automation, SharpSpring could be perfect for you. But if you’re after fancier automations or more flexible email designs, you might want to look elsewhere. Some users say SharpSpring’s features in these areas aren’t top-notch.
Base pricing for SharpSpring features flexible contracts categorized by the type of user purchasing the software — Small Business, Enterprise, or Agency — starting at $ 449 per month.
Top Features and Pricing Plans of SharpSpring
Features:
- Email marketing
- Landing pages
- Lead nurturing
- CRM
- Social Media Content Calendar
Pricing:
- 1,000 Contacts – $449/month
- 10,000 Contacts – $999/month
- 20,000 Contacts – $1,499/month
- Customized Pricing also available for marketing agencies and enterprises
Best for Small brick-and-mortar businesses & Solo Consultants
Unlock 14 days of HighLevel magic with our FREE trial!3. ClickFunnels
ClickFunnels began in 2014 after the time (and energy) involved with funnel building became too much for its founders to handle. Today, the software serves 106,764 entrepreneurs, with more than 1.96 billion contacts and 9.44 million funnels.
With a ton of e-commerce features, ClickFunnels is best suited for small digital marketing teams at e-commerce companies, who are looking to sell niche digital products and don’t want to have to code custom solutions. Some key features within ClickFunnels include a “free CRM,” drag and drop editor (for creating landing pages, emails, etc), automation templates, website tracking analytics, and more.
But here’s the catch: getting started with ClickFunnels can be a bit confusing and time-consuming, according to some users. However, once you’re past the initial setup, the webpage builder is a breeze to use, making it easy to set up sales funnels.
Top Features and Pricing Plans of ClickFunnels
Features:
- Sales funnels
- Websites
- Membership sites
- CRM
- E-commerce store
- Email Marketing
Pricing:
- Basic: $127/month
- Pro: $157/month
- Funnel Hacker: $208/month
Best for E-commerce & Digital Product Businesses
Unlock 14 days of HighLevel magic with our FREE trial!4. Keap
Let’s talk about Keap – it’s come a long way since it started in Arizona back in 2001. With a boost from Goldman Sachs in 2013, it got a makeover in 2019 and became known as Keap instead of Infusionsoft. Today, over 200,000 entrepreneurs, especially those in digital products and e-commerce, swear by this ActiveCampaign alternative for its loads of features.
Known as an all-in-one CRM tool with everything from sales to marketing automation, including email marketing and text messaging blasts. Whether you’re a small business or a big player, Keap helps you organize contacts, track sales, and even chase up payments with automated reminders and handy templates.
However, some users have noted that the dashboard reporting lacks depth, providing only numerical data without offering additional context for better analysis and utilization of the information.
As for pricing, Keap offers the Lite plan tailored for solopreneurs and new businesses, starting at $56 per month for the initial 5 months, while the Pro plan, ideal for growing businesses, begins at $149 per month for the first 5 months. Keap also provides a complimentary 14-day trial with no requirement for credit card information.
Top Features and Pricing Plans of Keap
Features:
- Email marketing
- Sales and marketing automation
- Dedicated phone line
- CRM
- Landing pages
- Quotes, invoices, and payments
Pricing:
- Pro – $149/month
- Max – $199/month
- Customized Pricing also available for marketing agencies and enterprises
Best for E-commerce & Digital Product Businesses
Unlock 14 days of HighLevel magic with our FREE trial!5. Mailchimp
Founded in 2001 like Keap, Mailchimp has become the go-to choice for affordable email marketing among small brick-and-mortar businesses. Based in Atlanta, they’ve expanded their offerings over the years to include marketing and sales automation, landing page creation, and social media content.
Their latest feature, Creative Assistant, uses AI to generate custom designs for emails and social media, tailored to each brand’s preferences. With tools like Subject Line Helper, A/B testing, and analytics, Mailchimp helps marketers refine their strategies for better results.
However, compared to other ActiveCampaign alternatives, Mailchimp falls short in advanced marketing automation for lead generation and lacks robust CRM features. Users also express a need for improved reporting and a cleaner audience dashboard.
If you want to give Mailchimp a try, they offer a free plan for users with up to 2,000 contacts, with paid plans starting at $13 per month.
Top Features and Pricing Plans of Mailchimp
Features:
- Prebuilt templates
- Basic reporting and analytics
- Forms and landing pages
- Onboarding (not included in the Free Version)
- Email Scheduling (not included in the Free Version)
Pricing:
- Free – $0/month
- Essentials – $13/month
- Standard – $20/month
- Premium – $350/month
Best for Brick-and-mortar small businesses
Unlock 14 days of HighLevel magic with our FREE trial!6. AWeber
AWeber stands as one of the pioneers in email marketing, having been established in 1998. With over 120,000 users including bloggers, businesses, and entrepreneurs, it offers a reliable platform for connecting with consumers through email marketing. Key features include an email editor, segmentation, sign-up forms, and automated campaigns.
While AWeber provides email and landing page builders like its competitors, it’s worth noting that you won’t find proprietary design tools here. Instead, AWeber has teamed up with Canva, offering separate access to its design features. Additionally, AWeber lacks additional CRM or lead-nurturing tools.
Primarily catering to bloggers and affiliate marketers, AWeber’s pricing reflects its target audience. The free version includes features such as landing pages, sign-up forms, web push notifications, and email templates for up to 500 subscribers. For those needing more advanced features, AWeber Pro starts at $16.15 per month, offering unlimited email lists, advanced automation, and the option to remove AWeber branding from marketing materials.
Top Features and Pricing Plans of AWeber
Features:
- Drag and drop email and newsletter builder
- Email automation
- Dynamic content
- Segmentation and list building
- A/B split testing
- Ecommerce
Pricing:
- Free – $0/month
- Pro – Starting as low as $16.15/month
Best for Bloggers & Affiliate Marketers
7. ConvertKit
ConvertKit, founded in 2013 by blogger Nathan Barry, offers a tailored solution for online creators seeking an ActiveCampaign alternative. It’s designed to facilitate email sales and includes features like email sign-up forms, a landing page builder, email design tools, marketing automation, referral marketing, and ConvertKit Commerce.
Unlike MailChimp, which caters to a broad audience, ConvertKit focuses specifically on the Creator Economy. It allows creators and influencers to monetize email campaigns or sell directly through email.
For those starting out, ConvertKit offers a Free plan with unlimited landing pages, forms, and community support. Growing creators may find the Creator plan, starting at $9 per month, appealing as it includes automated funnels and sequences.
Top Features and Pricing Plans of ConvertKit
Features:
- Email marketing
- Landing pages
- Visual automations
- Personalized campaigns
- E-commerce
- Audience tagging and segmentation
Pricing:
- Free – $0/month
- Creator – $9/month
- Creator Pro – $25/month
Best for Content Creators, Influencers, & Solopreneurs
Unlock 14 days of HighLevel magic with our FREE trial!8. Sendinblue
Founded in 2012, Sendinblue transformed from an email marketing platform to a comprehensive digital marketing solution for small to medium-sized businesses. With over 500,000 active users in 180 countries, it’s recognized as a leader in email marketing.
Ideal for bulk email campaigns, Sendinblue offers four subscription tiers, from free to customized plans, allowing scalability as your business grows. Key features include the ability to send 20k emails monthly with no daily limit, SMS and Whatsapp campaigns, and drag-and-drop design tools.
However, users have reported a somewhat confusing onboarding process, mixed customer support experiences, and limited template options.
While there’s a free option available, it comes with restrictions, so you may not fully experience Sendinblue’s capabilities.
Top Features and Pricing Plans of Sendinblue
Features:
- Email marketing
- SMS marketing
- Landing pages
- WhatsApp Campaigns
- Facebook ads
- Marketing automation
Pricing:
- Free – $0/month
- Starter – Starting at $25/month
- Business – Starting at $65/month
- Enterprise – Custom pricing
Best for small to mid-size businesses, startups, and SaaS businesses
9. Campaign Monitor
Considered to be one of the most similar alternatives to ActiveCampaign, Campaign Monitor offers a very similar email marketing experience. Established in 2004 to support email marketing in the evolving digital landscape, it enables users to craft personalized and branded emails effortlessly with its intuitive drag-and-drop tools. With automation workflows and list management features, tracking customers from lead to conversion is seamless.
Their pricing plans vary from a basic $9 per month subscription to a premier version priced at $149 per month. However, while Campaign Monitor excels as an email marketing platform, it may not be the ideal choice if you’re seeking an all-in-one digital marketing suite.
Top Features and Pricing Plans of Campaign Monitor
Features:
- Email and SMS marketing
- Signup forms
- Segmentation and personalization
- Link review
- Marketing automation
- Analytics and integrations
Pricing:
- Basic – $9/month
- Unlimited – $29/month
- Premier – $149/month
Best for Freelancers, small to mid-sized businesses, non-profit organizations
Unlock 14 days of HighLevel magic with our FREE trial!HighLevel: The Real Opportunity For Digital Agencies & Entrepreneurs
But if you’re a growing agency, HighLevel might be your best bet. It’s rare to find an all-in-one tool tailored specifically for agencies like HighLevel. It offers standard email campaigns, easy-to-use landing page editors, and marketing automation, along with advanced features and automation tools that agencies need, all at an affordable price. Plus, our top-notch customer service team is always here to assist you, and we even provide concierge migration support from other platforms.
Ready to give HighLevel a shot as an ActiveCampaign alternative? Start your 14-day free trial today!
“Before working on HighLevel, we were using ActiveCampaign as a go-to CRM,” says Hamza Ahmad Of RoofX. We actually also tried Infusionsoft (Keap) too, and we just weren’t happy because a lot of what we did was quite intricate and required a lot of Zapier integrations and just not something that was working for us with the amount of manual labor that went into it.
So, when HighLevel came out, we jumped on it because it really has a lot of different capabilities that have allowed us to not have to worry about Zapier as much, and we’re ultimately able to use the platform to scale. In fact, (since switching) we’ve closed well over 200 clients.“
Unlock 14 days of HighLevel magic with our FREE trial!In fact, we have tons of seven-figure agencies using HighLevel too.
“Our agency is a seven-figure agency,” says Matt Coffy, of CustomerBloom. “We’ve been through the highs and lows, and we have survived, and we will continue to thrive with HighLevel. So I’d suggest if you are looking for the right program to develop your marketing strategies and to be consistent with what’s going on in the industry today, you want to use HighLevel, and the team that supports it are really top-notch.”
Before switching to HighLevel, Coffy had been through the wringer and gone through dozens of CRM / sales pipeline/email management / controlled communications platforms, including ActiveCampaign.
In fact, Dave Smith of Legal Firm SEO was able to get rid of $800+ worth of marketing software, including ActiveCampaign, Zoho, and ManyChat, when he switched to HighLevel.
Unlock 14 days of HighLevel magic with our FREE trial!FAQs
What is better than ActiveCampaign?
If you’re looking for the best ActiveCampaign alternative, here is the simple answer: HighLevel. HighLevel gives you the all-in-one powerful digital marketing solution you’re looking for all under one roof! You won’t have to duct tape different platforms together, and the best part? It’s user-friendly so even a novice digital marketer can jump-start their agency!
Why look for an ActiveCampaign alternative?
No two platforms are alike. No two agencies or businesses are alike either. There are hundreds of digital marketing platforms out there for you to choose from, so doing your due diligence can pay off if you find the right one for you! Many platforms offer free trials (ours is 14 days free), so give them a shot to find your perfect fit!
Is there a free version of ActiveCampaign?
Currently, there is no free version, the Lite subscription starts at $29 a month. There is a free trial so you can test drive the software, but after that, it is up to you to decide if you need this service!
To learn more about how HighLevel stacks up against the competition, check out the following blogs!
The Top Keap Alternatives for Agencies and Consultants
The Top HubSpot Alternatives for Agencies and Consultants
The Top ClickFunnels Alternatives for Agencies and Consultants
The Top SharpSpring Alternatives For Agencies and Consultants
Switch to HighLevel and join the thousands of marketers scaling to even greater heights!
