Brevo (Sendinblue) Email Marketing Review: Is it right for you?

Tried Brevo?

In this article, you will learn about Brevo features, benefits, cons and pricing. You will also get insight on the best Brevo pricing for different business needs. 

What is Brevo Email Marketing?

Brevo is an all-in-one email marketing solution designed to help you manage customer relationships through various communication channels, including email, SMS, and chat. It offers a range of features, such as email marketing automation, transactional emails, and customer relationship management (CRM) tools. The platform is known for its user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop editor, making it accessible even for those without extensive email marketing experience.

The platform’s journey has been remarkable. 

Starting in 2012, Brevo made waves in the European market before expanding globally. In 2023, they rebranded to Brevo (from SendinBlue), though many of us still use both names interchangeably (old habits die hard!).

 

Brevo Features

Let me walk you through the Brevo features I find most valuable. After countless hours on the platform, I’ve discovered some real gems that make email marketing much more manageable.

1. Email Campaign Creation Tools

Brevo email marketing software makes creating converting campaigns easier, especially for non-technical business owners. The software features a drag-and-drop interface that makes designing professional emails a breeze, even if you’re not a coding wizard. 

With Brevo email marketing features, you can quickly build stunning campaigns that capture attention and drive engagement without spending hours wrestling with complex design tools. 

Additionally, you will have a robust template library with designs for every industry and style. 

The best part is you can customize these templates [down to the smallest detail] – changing colours, fonts, and layouts to match my brand perfectly.

What I love about their templates:

• Ready-to-use designs for every industry
• Mobile-responsive layouts (they look great on phones!)
• Easy customization options
• Brand kit storage for your colours and logos

💡Pro tip: Visual appeal matters more than you think.

2. A/B Testing Capabilities 

Want to know what resonates with your audience? A/B testing lets you experiment with different subject lines, content, and designs to see what drives the best results. You can test, learn, optimize your Brevo email marketing campaign, and improve performance on the go. There is no need to waste time guessing; simply look at the analytics and decide. 

Here’s what you can test:

• Email subject lines
• Sender names
• Content blocks
• Send times
• Button colours and text

I’ve seen open rates jump by 25% just by testing different subject lines, so this feature is useful for getting better results from your email marketing. 

3. Brevo Marketing Automation Workflows

Imagine marketing that works while you sleep. 

The Brevo Automation workflows let you create sophisticated email sequences triggered by specific customer actions. Some email series you can automate include 

• Welcome emails 
• Abandoned cart reminders
• Birthday campaigns
• Post-purchase follow-ups

Everything runs automatically and is triggered by simple rules. Think of it like building with LEGO blocks—you connect different actions to create a smooth customer journey. 

4. Contact List Management

Organizing contacts in my email marketing list used to be a nightmare. Now, I can segment lists, track engagement, and manage subscribers with just a few clicks. But here’s the best part: The contact management features allow me to keep my list clean and up-to-date, which results in higher deliverability and more targeted campaigns.

You can segment your audience based on:

• Purchase history
• Email engagement
• Website behavior
• Custom fields you create

One simple yet powerful feature is the ability to clean your list of inactive subscribers automatically.

5. Analytics and Reporting

Another Brevo feature I love is the analytics and reporting option. You see, marketing is generally a numbers game, and for you to get the best result, you must monitor your performance. That’s where the analytics and reporting features come in handy. 

This feature lets you see which email has high deliverability, opens, clicks or bounce rate. You can also see how your subscribers interact with Brevo automation you’ve set to run for different campaigns and sequences. 

All of these data can help you optimize your campaign for profitable performance. Brevo’s analytics give me deep insights into:

• Open rates
• Click-through rates
• Conversion tracking
• Subscriber behavior

💡 Pro tip: Check your campaign stats after 24 hours – that’s when you’ll get the most accurate picture of performance.

6. SMS and Transactional Email Capabilities

Marketing isn’t just about email anymore. With over 4.6 billion people using smartphones, the integrated SMS and transactional email features are a game changer for business owners, especially those in the e-commerce industry. 

This feature allows you to create multi-channel communication strategies that keep customers informed and engaged. You can send SMS reminders for your webinars, sales countdowns, or special discounts. 

Beyond regular campaigns, you can:

• Send time-sensitive SMS updates
• Include SMS in automation workflows
• Set up transactional emails for order confirmations
• Track delivery rates across all channels

These types of campaigns differ from emails and might be more effective for subscribers who use their email less.

7. Conversations

Want to have conversations with your subscribers across multiple channels without setting up a separate tool? Well, now you can, thanks to Brevo’s (formerly Brevo) built-in conversation tools. With this feature, you can manage customer interactions across multiple channels, ensuring no message goes unanswered.

Brevo’s conversation features typically include capabilities for real-time messaging, chatbots for automation, customer management tools, integration with other applications, and analytics for monitoring interactions and performance. The conversations feature brings everything together:

• Live chat with website visitors
• Team inbox for customer support
• Facebook messages in one place
• Automated chat responses

8. Calls

Who said marketing tools can’t handle communication? With integrated calling features, I can take customer engagement to the next level. The Brevo (formerly called Sendinblue) call feature allows you to make voice calls directly through the platform. This feature is integrated with the messaging and CRM tools, enhancing customer communication. The calling features are a complete communication suite for you to 

• Track calls from your campaigns
• Record calls for training
• See call analytics alongside email data
• Set up click-to-call buttons in emails

Each feature is designed to make your marketing life easier—and more impactful. With the right tools, growing your business doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

Benefits of Using Brevo Email Software 

Brevo email software offers several benefits, including an all-in-one marketing platform that combines email marketing, SMS marketing, automation, and CRM capabilities. Come along; let’s explore each of the benefits for businesses. 

1. User-friendly interface

One of the things I appreciate most about Brevo email is how simple it is to navigate. Whether you’re designing emails or setting up Sendiblue marketing automation, the drag-and-drop editor is intuitive and makes creating campaigns easy—even if you’re not a designer. The platform’s clean layout ensures you’re not overwhelmed with options, so you can focus on what matters: building great emails.

2. Cost-effective pricing

Brevo email marketing software is a fantastic choice for those on a budget. Unlike other platforms that charge based on the size of your email list, Brevo pricing is based on the number of emails you send. This means you can save big while still scaling your marketing efforts. Plus, they offer a free plan with enough Brevo features to get you started without breaking the bank.

3. Integrated marketing solutions

Beyond email, Brevo brings everything under one roof. It’s an all-in-one solution, from SMS marketing and chat tools to CRM features and automation. I’ve found this incredibly helpful for keeping campaigns cohesive. You don’t need to juggle multiple platforms—it’s all connected, making your marketing efforts more seamless and efficient. 

You can send SMS campaigns, set up transactional emails, and even use chat features to engage with your audience directly. Everything works seamlessly together, so you don’t need multiple tools to keep your marketing running smoothly. [Example: Sending a promo email that leads to a real-time chat for quick customer questions? Done.]

4. AI Assistant

Brevo’s AI assistant provides tools to generate and refine email content, optimize send times based on user data or broader trends, and streamline customer support with chat summaries and drafted responses. This can enhance the effectiveness of your email campaigns.

These benefits are why Brevo stands out—it doesn’t just do the job; it makes you feel like you’re in control of your marketing efforts. And that’s worth a lot.

 

Cons of Brevo Email Marketing Software

Although I love Brevo and its amazing features, it has some limitations. Here’s some I have noticed from using this email marketing tool

1. Limited Design Flexibility

While the drag-and-drop editor is easy to use, it lacks some advanced design options on platforms like Mailchimp. This can be restrictive if you’re looking for intricate customization.

2. Daily Sending Limit on the Free Plan

The free plan’s 300 emails/day cap might feel tight for businesses with larger audiences or those running time-sensitive campaigns.

3. Brevo Automation Features Can Be Basic

Although automation is included, it’s not as robust as tools like ActiveCampaign, and more complex workflows might feel clunky.

4. Learning Curve for Advanced Features

The integrated platform is powerful, but navigating CRM or SMS features may take time.                   

 

Brevo Pricing Structure  

Brevo, formerly known as Sendinblue, offers a flexible pricing structure to accommodate businesses of various sizes and needs. The Brevo pricing is based on the number of emails sent per month, and Brevo provides several plans to choose from

Brevo Free Plan Details

Brevo offers a robust free plan for small businesses or those just starting with email marketing. It allows you to send up to 300 emails daily, includes customizable email templates, and even supports automation workflows. The best part? You get unlimited contacts, which is rare for free plans.

What’s included:

• 300 emails/day
• Customizable email templates
• Drag & drop editor
• Transactional (API, SMTP, Webhooks)
• SMS & WhatsApp campaigns

Paid Plan Tiers

The paid options start with the Starter Plan, which is ideal for scaling campaigns. It removes the daily email limit and starts at an affordable monthly rate. The Business Plan, tailored for growing teams, adds advanced features like A/B testing and multi-user access—prices here scale based on your email volume.

Starter Plan (From $9/month)

Everything in Free, plus:

• From 5,000 emails/month
• No daily sending limit
• No Brevo logo (add-on)
• Basic reporting & analytics
• 24/7 email support

Business Plan (From $18/month)

Everything in Starter, plus:

• From 5,000 emails/month
• Marketing automation
• Predictive sending (AI)
• Multi-user access (add-on)
• Landing pages
• A/B testing
• Advanced statistics
• Phone support

Enterprise Solutions

The Enterprise Plan is fully customizable for larger businesses or high-volume senders. This plan offers premium features like a dedicated account manager, priority support, and advanced reporting tools. It’s perfect if you need tailor-made solutions to meet specific marketing goals.

The Brevo Enterprise Pricing includes:

Everything in Business, plus:

• Unlimited contacts
• Sub-account management
• Advanced integrations
• Exclusive features
• Tailored onboarding
• Personalized support
• Enterprise-grade security

Pro tip: The Business plan usually offers the best value if you’re serious about email marketing automation.

 

Brevo Pricing Feature Comparison Across Plans

Every plan builds on the last, so you never pay for what you don’t need. For instance, automation is available on the free plan but becomes more advanced with higher tiers. Similarly, the Business and Enterprise plans offer tools like heatmaps and in-depth analytics for performance insights.

Brevo Pricing Comparison with Competitors

Compared to platforms like Mailchimp or Constant Contact, Brevo stands out for its affordability and features like integrated SMS. While others may offer more advanced design tools, Brevo shines with its all-in-one approach and flexible pricing that fits diverse needs.

Remember: Start with a plan that matches your current needs, but consider your growth trajectory. Upgrading is seamless, and you can do it anytime.

 

Is Brevo Right for Your Business?

Brevo is ideal for businesses that want an all-in-one marketing platform without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re a small startup, a growing e-commerce business, or a large enterprise, its scalable pricing and features can adapt to your needs. However, it’s worth considering your specific goals—if you prioritize advanced design capabilities or ultra-complex automation, there might be better fits.

 

Brevo Pricing: Which Brevo Plan Should You Choose?

Free Plan: Perfect if you’re:

• Just starting with email marketing
• Sending less than 300 emails daily
• Testing the waters before committing
• Running a small blog or personal brand

Starter Plan: Ideal for:

• Small businesses sending regular newsletters
• Online stores with up to 10,000 customers
• Businesses needing basic automation
• Those wanting to remove branding constraints

Business Plan: Great match if you:

• Have multiple team members
• Need advanced automation
• Send time-sensitive campaigns
• Want detailed performance tracking

Enterprise: Consider this if you:

• Send over 100,000 emails monthly
• Need custom integration support
• Require advanced security features
• Want dedicated customer support

Still on the fence? Start with the free plan to explore its capabilities.

 

Who Should Use Brevo?

After helping numerous businesses set up email marketing, I’ve developed a good sense of which companies thrive on this platform.

1. Small Business Owners

I’ve seen fantastic results for retail shops, local services, and professional practices. The platform’s ease of use and affordable pricing make it particularly valuable for businesses managing their marketing.

2. E-commerce Businesses

You’ll love the transactional email features and automation capabilities if you run an online store. The ability to send order confirmations, shipping updates, and abandoned cart reminders is invaluable.

3. Agencies and Freelancers

The multi-client management and white-label options make it perfect for agencies. You can manage multiple clients under one roof while maintaining separate branding.

4. Nonprofits and Organizations

The unlimited contacts feature is a game-changer for organizations with large mailing lists but irregular sending patterns. The pricing structure also helps manage costs effectively.

Not the best fit for:

• Enterprise companies needing complex integrations
• Businesses requiring extensive API customization
• Users needing advanced CRM features
• Companies with very specific template requirements

Brevo shines when you need a reliable, cost-effective platform that grows with your business. It’s robust for businesses that value good automation features without the complexity of enterprise-level tools.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Brevo Email Software

1. Is Brevo legit?

Yes, Brevo (now known as Brevo) is a legitimate and well-established email marketing platform. Launched in 2012, it has gained a strong reputation for offering affordable, user-friendly email marketing, automation, and CRM tools. It’s trusted by over 300,000 businesses worldwide and complies with GDPR and other global data protection regulations, ensuring your data is secure.

2. What makes Brevo stand out compared to other email marketing tools?

Brevo stands out for its affordable pricing model, unlimited contact storage, and all-in-one capabilities, including email, SMS, and CRM tools. It’s ideal for businesses looking for multi-channel marketing without juggling multiple platforms.

3. Is Brevo suitable for beginners?

Yes! Brevo’s user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop email editor make it accessible to beginners. The free plan is a great way to experiment with email marketing before committing to a paid plan.

4. How does Brevo’s pricing structure work?

Unlike competitors, Brevo charges based on the number of emails sent, not the size of your contact list. This approach makes it more cost-effective for businesses with large subscriber bases but lower email frequency.

5. Can I use Brevo for automation?

Absolutely. Brevo includes automation features like workflows, abandoned cart emails, and personalized campaigns. While the free plan includes basic automation, advanced workflows are available in higher-tier plans.

6. Who would benefit most from Brevo Email marketing software?

Brevo is best suited for small to medium businesses, e-commerce brands, and marketers who need a flexible and scalable platform for email, SMS, and CRM tools. It’s beneficial for budget-conscious users who still need professional-grade features.

7. Is there a Brevo free plan?

Yes, the Brevo plan includes a free tier that offers access to core features like email campaigns, SMS marketing, and marketing automation for up to 300 emails per day. While the free plan is a great way to get started, it includes Brevo branding on emails.

8. Are there any daily limits for Brevo Email?

Yes, the free plan has a daily sending limit of 300 emails. However, paid plans remove this limit, allowing you to send emails based on your subscription tier without daily restrictions.

9. What are some of Brevo’s reporting and analytics limitations?

While Brevo provides essential reporting features like open rates, click-through rates, and engagement stats, some users find it lacks advanced insights compared to other platforms. For example, the platform may not offer granular data on email heatmaps or detailed multitouch attribution, which could be limiting for advanced marketers.

 

Conclusion: Is Brevo Email Marketing Software Worth the Investment?

Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) offers an affordable, user-friendly, and versatile email marketing platform suitable for businesses of all sizes. With features like automation, multi-channel communication, and flexible pricing, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking value without compromising functionality.

Whether you’re just starting or scaling up, Brevo provides the tools to connect, engage, and grow effectively. Try the free plan to see if it’s the right fit for your business!