GetResponse vs Brevo: Which Email Platform Fits Your List

Quick answer: Choose GetResponse if you want deeper automation and webinar features built in, and choose Brevo if you need affordable multichannel messaging (email, SMS, WhatsApp) with a generous free tier. Both handle the basics well; the right fit depends on your list size, budget, and how much automation you actually need.

Key takeaways

• GetResponse shines for automation-heavy workflows and marketers who also run webinars or need advanced landing pages.
• Brevo is usually more cost-effective for small lists and adds SMS and WhatsApp without a separate tool.
• Both offer free plans, but Brevo’s free tier tends to allow more contacts and daily sends.
• Migration is straightforward from either platform if you export contacts and templates first.

Pricing models compared

GetResponse and Brevo both use contact-based pricing, but they structure it differently. GetResponse bundles more features into each tier, so its entry-level paid plan often costs more than Brevo’s equivalent. Brevo separates email from SMS and WhatsApp credits, which can be cheaper if you only send email but adds complexity if you use multiple channels.

Most small businesses will find Brevo’s free plan generous enough to test the waters. GetResponse’s free plan is more limited, usually capped at a smaller list and fewer sends. If you’re just starting out, Brevo lets you grow further before paying. For a broader look at options, see our email tools shortlist.

Paid plans on both platforms scale with contact count. GetResponse tends to include more automation and landing page features at each price point, while Brevo keeps costs lower but charges extra for advanced automation on higher tiers. Always check the latest pricing pages, as both vendors adjust plan limits periodically.

Automation builders

GetResponse’s automation builder is one of its strongest assets. It offers a visual canvas with branching, delays, and conditions that feel intuitive even if you’ve never built a workflow before. You can trigger automations based on email opens, clicks, purchases, or custom fields, and there are plenty of pre-built templates for common scenarios like welcome sequences and abandoned carts.

Brevo’s automation is capable but less polished. It supports similar triggers and actions, but the interface can feel clunkier, and some advanced logic requires workarounds. For simple autoresponders and basic drip campaigns, Brevo is perfectly adequate. If you plan to build complex, multi-step journeys, GetResponse is the more comfortable choice.

Both platforms allow you to create automations without coding. The difference is in the depth: GetResponse gives you more granular control over timing and conditions, while Brevo focuses on straightforward, set-and-forget sequences. Consider how much automation you’ll realistically use before paying for extra power.

Deliverability and sender reputation

Deliverability depends more on your list hygiene and sending practices than on the platform itself. Both GetResponse and Brevo have solid infrastructure and follow industry best practices for authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC). They also provide tools to clean your list and monitor bounce rates.

GetResponse offers more detailed deliverability reports and a dedicated reputation dashboard on higher plans. Brevo provides similar metrics but with less depth. Neither platform guarantees inbox placement, but both are reputable and unlikely to be the cause of deliverability problems if you send responsibly.

One practical difference: Brevo includes transactional email (like password resets and order confirmations) on many plans, which can help consolidate your sending and maintain a consistent reputation. GetResponse focuses on marketing email, so you may need a separate service for transactional messages.

Templates and landing pages

GetResponse offers a large library of responsive email templates and a drag-and-drop editor that’s easy to use. Its landing page builder is particularly strong, with conversion-focused templates and A/B testing available on many plans. You can build full landing pages, forms, and even webinar pages without leaving the platform.

Brevo’s template library is smaller but covers the essentials. The editor is clean and functional, though less flexible for advanced design tweaks. Brevo also includes landing pages, but they’re simpler and fewer in number. If you need polished, high-converting pages, GetResponse has the edge.

Both platforms let you import custom HTML templates if you have a designer. For small businesses without design resources, GetResponse’s templates tend to look more modern out of the box. Brevo’s are perfectly serviceable but less distinctive.

Ecommerce features

GetResponse integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, and other ecommerce platforms to sync products, carts, and purchase history. You can build automations based on purchase behavior, send abandoned cart emails, and segment customers by what they bought. These features are available on most paid plans.

Brevo also offers ecommerce integrations and abandoned cart automations, but the depth is shallower. It can track purchases and trigger emails, but complex segmentation based on product categories or lifetime value may require workarounds. For a simple store, Brevo is sufficient; for a growing catalog, GetResponse provides more control.

If you sell services rather than physical products, both platforms handle basic customer journeys well. The key is to map your customer lifecycle and see which platform’s automation triggers align with your sales process.

Support and onboarding

GetResponse provides 24/7 chat support on most paid plans, plus a knowledge base and webinars. Onboarding is guided, with checklists and tips to help you set up your first campaign. Phone support is available on higher tiers. Response times are generally good, though complex issues may take longer.

Brevo offers chat and email support, with response times that vary by plan. Its knowledge base is extensive and includes guides in multiple languages. Onboarding is more self-directed; you won’t get the same hand-holding as with GetResponse. For budget-conscious users, Brevo’s support is adequate, but GetResponse feels more responsive.

Both platforms have active communities and tutorials. If you prefer learning by doing, Brevo’s documentation is thorough. If you want quicker answers, GetResponse’s chat support is a plus.

Migration effort

Moving from another platform to GetResponse or Brevo is similar in effort. You’ll export contacts as CSV, import them, and recreate templates and automations. Both platforms offer importers that map fields, and both can usually preserve tags and custom fields.

GetResponse provides a migration service on higher plans, where their team helps move your data. Brevo offers guided migration resources but less hands-on help. If you have a large list and complex automations, budget time for testing before switching.

Before migrating, clean your list to avoid bringing bad addresses. Use the opportunity to re-engage inactive subscribers. For tips on list growth, see our guide on growing your email list.

Comparison table

Checklist: choose your platform

• List your must-have features: automation, landing pages, SMS, ecommerce.
• Estimate your list size and growth over the next year.
• Compare total cost at that size, including add-ons.
• Test the free plans with a small segment of your list.
• Check integration compatibility with your website and store.
• Review support options and response times.
• Plan your migration and clean your list before switching.

Verdict by use case

If you run a content-heavy business and rely on webinars, complex automations, and high-converting landing pages, GetResponse is the better fit. Its feature set supports sophisticated marketing without extra tools. Try GetResponse to see if the automation builder matches your workflow.

If you’re a small ecommerce store or service provider on a tight budget, Brevo offers excellent value. The free tier lets you build a list, send campaigns, and add SMS without paying. Explore Brevo if affordability and multichannel messaging matter most.

For those considering other options, Mailchimp remains a popular choice for its brand recognition and integrations. Check Mailchimp if you need a familiar ecosystem, though it often costs more as your list grows.

Frequently asked questions

Is GetResponse better than Brevo for small businesses?

It depends on your needs. GetResponse is better for automation and landing pages, while Brevo is more affordable and includes SMS. Small businesses with simple needs often find Brevo sufficient; those planning complex journeys may prefer GetResponse.

Can I use Brevo for free?

Yes, Brevo has a free plan that allows a limited number of contacts and daily sends. It’s a good way to test the platform before committing. GetResponse also has a free plan, but it’s more restrictive.

Which platform has better deliverability?

Both have solid deliverability infrastructure. Your sending practices matter more than the platform. GetResponse offers more detailed reporting, but neither guarantees inbox placement.

How hard is it to migrate from Mailchimp to GetResponse or Brevo?

Migration is manageable. Export contacts and templates, then import them. Both platforms provide importers and guides. Expect to recreate automations manually, so allow time for testing.

Does Brevo include SMS marketing?

Yes, Brevo includes SMS and WhatsApp messaging on many plans, often with pay-as-you-go credits. GetResponse does not offer SMS natively, so you’d need a separate service.

Next steps

Start by signing up for free trials on both platforms. Import a small segment of your list and build a simple welcome automation to compare the experience. Test the template editors and check how each handles your ecommerce integration if you have a store.

Use the checklist above to score each platform against your priorities. Don’t rush the decision; a platform that fits your workflow will save hours of frustration later. Once you’ve chosen, clean your list and plan your migration to avoid deliverability hiccups.

Disclosure: some links in this article are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.