Top 10 Template Builders for Your Email Campaigns

What is an email template creator?

In short, an email builder is a piece of software that gives you access to pre-made templates and tools for customizing them or creating original designs.

• You can use existing templates as is or adjust them. 
• You can also create new templates by simply dragging and dropping elements around, from headings and text to social media links.
• Some email-building platforms also allow you to create HTML code from scratch for more control over the design (using custom fonts, perfecting the dark mode, etc.).

No matter whether you are looking for a cold email template or a template for an email newsletter, an email template creator is just what you need to put it together quickly and effectively.

Why should you use an email builder?

Design without coding knowledge

With such an email marketing tool, you don’t need to know HTML to make responsive and eye-catching emails. All you have to do is move content blocks in the visual editor, and the rest is done on the backend. And when you need to switch from one email marketing platform to another, you can download the code a builder generated for your newsletter templates and use them in another service.

Boost conversion rate

A well-designed email template can really boost your conversion rate. For example, it makes it easy for you to craft a colorful CTA button that clearly defines what action your recipient should take. It is much more difficult in a plain text email, with no graphic elements to make the CTA stand out.

Increase engagement

Adding surveys, quizzes, videos, image carousels, and other eye-catching elements to an email newsletter can do wonders for any email marketing campaign’s engagement rate. Videos alone bring a good ROI and motivate 89% of people to make a purchase. Most email template builders allow you to add such elements to templates with just a few clicks. The only thing you need to do is drag what you want into the email template you are working on. It is that simple!

Save time

By using an email template builder tool, you can save a lot of time. It takes much less time to create an email when you have ready-made templates to work with. Furthermore, the drag-and-drop functionality makes it possible for you to customize the look and feel of each template in mere minutes. It is not that easy if you want to build a template from scratch. Plus, the best builders already make templates responsive, so you don’t have to do it yourself.

Use cloud storage

Most email template builders store the emails you create in the cloud, so you do not risk losing valuable data. What is more, you can get to and work on email marketing campaigns from anywhere as long as you have a stable internet connection.

Build brand identity

Last but not least, with an email template creator, you can build emails that truly reflect the kind of brand identity you want to convey. You can choose from a wide selection of fonts, email background colors, templates, and layouts to craft a unique email newsletter that will resonate with potential customers.

Factors to consider when choosing an email template builder

Not all email template builders are the same. Some offer different features than others. The price of such software can vary quite a lot depending on what needs you have. To make it easier for you to choose the right one, here are a few factors to consider.

Main features and functions

First and foremost, consider what features a specific email template builder offers. Some of the most important ones you might want to look into are drag-and-drop functionalities and compatibility with popular email service providers. Other than that, look for a tool that lets you send test emails.

Keep in mind that you might not need every feature that a given solution has to offer. Make a list of functions and go for a paid or free plan that has just what you need. Otherwise, you might end up paying for functionalities that you will never actually use. That said, most builders have the same feature set, so it’s easier to choose.

The number of available templates

Another factor to consider is the number of templates available. Ideally, you want a template builder that has a wide selection of responsive email templates to choose from divided into categories. That way, you will be able to find ones that you genuinely like with ease. 

Moreover, you should be able to personalize and customize all the templates to your liking. It is key to making sure your sendings, from newsletters to notification emails, are engaging and follow the look and feel of your brand.

Intuitive interface

If you are looking for the best HTML email builder, look for one with an intuitive interface. Without it, you might have a hard time figuring out how to use the software. For that reason, it is best to look for solutions that have easy-to-use interfaces and tutorials to help you get started.

But an interface someone found intuitive might seem cluttered to you. So it’s a good idea to try the builder before buying a subscription. Some services provide demo versions to test out. 

HTML editor

If you do have HTML knowledge, then you should look for a template builder with an HTML editor. It will allow you to customize each email to a much greater extent, as well as add in some custom elements and features. For example, you can add different custom fonts to align with your brand or optimize the template for dark mode.

Supported file formats

Remember to check what file formats the template builder supports. The most popular ones support HTML, TXT, and JPG files. However, some solutions might allow you to work with other file formats, such as PSD or BMP. If you regularly use one file format, it’s best to look for builders that support it. Being able to upload a wide range of file formats can be a real time-saver. You will not waste energy on converting files.

Customer support

What about the kind of customer support that a template builder offers? It is an important aspect to consider, especially if you are not tech-savvy and might need a bit of help with setting up the software or customizing templates. In such a scenario, you probably want a solution that can provide fast and helpful customer support through your preferred channel, such as email, chat, and phone calls.

Keep in mind that customer support options can differ across price plans and time. For example, some platforms can have limited support hours or limited contact options on a free plan. 

Integration and compatibility

Popular email service providers have different compatibility requirements when it comes to email templates. To make sure that the email service provider you are using is compatible with the template builder, check the email builder’s list of supported providers and verify its email client integrations. Or simply try the builder as integrations with email services aren’t always mentioned on the website.

Pricing

Lastly, it is important to consider the price of each solution. If you are on a tight budget, a free email template builder could be a great option. On the other hand, more feature-packed solutions might come with expensive paid plans. In that case, you should check what features each plan offers and if they are worth the money.

10 best email template builders that will save your time

Now that you know what to look for in an email template builder, find out what the best ones on the market are. First, check out the comparison table below. It includes a brief overview of the pricing and G2 ratings of different email template builders. Next, we will go over each solution, one by one, and dive deeper into their features.

Note that the price for email service providers is what you need to pay to use the whole email marketing platform, not only the builder.

* Billed annually

Selzy

Selzy is an affordable and easy-to-use email marketing platform. When it comes to creating templates, it offers a free drag-and-drop email builder equipped with a wealth of templates. There are options for different industries like e-commerce or interior design and dedicated templates for holidays and events. Users can fully customize the templates thanks to the builder’s block system. Template blocks can be moved around or replaced. The same goes for designing from scratch. In this case, users can save the blocks or templates they created for future use. Plus, all of the templates are responsive so they’ll look great on both mobile and desktop!

Selzy’s drag-and-drop builder has all the necessary content blocks, so you can create your newsletter in mere minutes. Selzy gives you the option to add a customizable countdown timer, a survey, product recommendations, or a video in each message. Need a helping hand? The template builder also has a generative AI for writing content, personalizing the copy and product offers, translating, and creating visuals. As for other visuals, Selzy will provide you with access to a library of hundreds of GIF images and stickers. In case a GIF is not what you are looking for, you can also choose from more than 800,000 free stock images.

The template builder has an intuitive, user-friendly interface and lets you create an HTML template from scratch. One of the best features of the editor is flexibility: you can switch between drag-and-drop and HTML modes in one click. If you prefer to code your templates, Selzy has a code editor and email preview on the same screen.

What is more, Selzy is not only an email builder, it is a full-fledged email marketing service! You can also segment your audience, do A/B testing, and automate campaigns all in one place. The platform also has dynamic email content capabilities and 24/7 support, even on the free plan. So, if you ever feel stuck or have questions, you can reach out in the chat or via email.

Pricing

You can register in Selzy and try the service for free. There are also several pricing plans based on mailing list size with unlimited email sends and plans based on email sends. The most affordable one starts at $7 per month and comes with all the essential features.

Stripo

Stripo is a free email template builder that you can use to speed up the process of creating email marketing campaigns. It will give you access to over 1,250 pre-made free templates. In comparison to Selzy, you cannot use Stripo to send out a newsletter or manage a mailing list. In spite of that, you can always use the platform’s templates alongside another email marketing tool like Selzy.

The main benefit of the drag-and-drop email builder is that it is easy to use. You should be able to get the hang of it in mere minutes. If drag-and-drop is not enough, you can always use the CSS and HTML code editor to spice things up. It is a great way to create a unique and complex email design. It is also worth noting that Stripo has an AMP feature. It gives you the option to display rich content directly within emails, making them more interactive and engaging. 

Unfortunately, if you end up experiencing any issues along the way, you might have trouble reaching Stripo’s customer support. It can be contacted only via email, which means that you are unlikely to receive an instant reply.

Pricing

You can sign up for a free plan or go for a paid one. Just keep in mind that the free plan comes with fewer templates. The cheapest paid plan will cost you $12.5 per month. It includes premium templates and allows you to send 50 test emails a day.

Postcards

Postcards is an email template builder that offers a simple and intuitive interface. While it cannot be used to send out emails and manage mailing lists, it can still come in handy. It has more than 100 email templates to offer, as well as an option to edit them using HTML. What is more, it can be integrated with HubSpot and Mailchimp.

In case you would like to collaborate on designs with other people, Postcards is here to help. It gives you the option to invite other team members to work on a specific template with you, either as viewers or as editors. It also lets you choose from more than 900 fonts. It is not something that many other email marketing tools can offer.

Unfortunately, Postcards have one major drawback. With the free plan, you will not be able to use the templates you create commercially. Keep that in mind if you are looking for a free email marketing tool for business purposes. In addition, you can only contact their customer support via email and an automated chatbot. It can prove to be quite troublesome if you find yourself in need of a quick reply.

Pricing

A free plan is a great option if you are just starting out with designing emails. The platform also offers two pricing tiers. The cheapest one is just $16 per month. With this option, you will have unlimited projects, but only for one brand. 

Mailchimp

Mailchimp is among the most popular email marketing solutions available. On top of a wide range of features like analytics and automation, it also gives you access to a template builder. Its main upside is that it is very easy to use and gives you access to more than 100 pre-made templates. It also allows you to build landing pages! In addition, you can test each design you come up with in various email clients before sending it out. If something is not quite right, you can always edit the template’s HTML code.

The main benefit of using Mailchimp is the number of integrations it has to offer. It can be integrated with a wide range of solutions, from Shopify, Unsplash, and Stripe to WordPress, Mixpanel, and Typeform. So, no matter whether you need an email to include a form or a royalty-free stock photo, you can expect Mailchimp to rise to the occasion. In case you end up feeling stuck or confused, you can always get in touch with the platform’s 24/7 customer support. But on the free plan, you can do that for 30 days only. Alternatively, checking out Mailchimp’s extensive library of step-by-step tutorials and instructional videos is also a viable option. 

Pricing

If you have fewer than 500 mailing list subscribers, you can be satisfied with the free plan. You could also go with a paid subscription. Pricing starts at just $13 per month for 5,000 email sends.

BEE

BEE is a free email template creator that you can use even without registration. While it is not an email marketing service and you cannot use it to send out emails, it streamlines the process of designing templates. With its help, you can create simple and responsive emails quickly and effectively. Since it is a drag-and-drop builder, it can take as little as just a few minutes. You can then download the email template you created as a PDF file, which could come in handy if you need to print it. It is also worth mentioning that BEE’s library of templates comes with more than 1,000 pre-made templates that can be customized using HTML. Unfortunately, most of the said templates are only available with a paid plan.

In case you want to use BEE together with another email marketing tool, it comes with a few handy integrations. It can work together with some of the most popular email marketing software solutions on the market, including Mailchimp, HubSpot, ActiveCampaign, and Sendinblue. 

What is unique about BEE is that it gives you the option to hire a graphic designer through its community of designers. So, if you find yourself in need of unique templates and do not want to search for a graphic designer on your own, you might want to take BEE into consideration. Just keep in mind that, like many other builders on our list, the platform does not provide 24/7 customer support. Instead, you can only contact BEE’s support team via email or ask the BEE community for help through a discussion board.

Pricing

Aside from the free plan, BEE offers two “pro” price tiers. The cheaper one will cost you $25 per month (billed yearly). It comes with unlimited emails, pages, and projects.

SendPulse

SendPulse has everything you need to create a fantastic email. It is equipped with an intuitive drag-and-drop email template builder, as well as a selection of more than 130 pre-made templates. Additionally, each one can be customized to your liking using an HTML editor. As for integrations, SendPulse can work together with many software solutions, including Typeform, Zapier, Shopify, and Salesforce. Nevertheless, it does not offer as many integrations as Mailchimp does.

It is the perfect option for people who are on a limited budget, as it is relatively cheap. What is more, the template builder is just one of the many features SendPulse has to offer. The platform can be used for a wide range of marketing activities, from creating online courses to sending clients SMS messages. It is also worth mentioning that SendPulse comes with 24/7 customer support. Just keep in mind that it does not come in the form of a chat with instant replies. Instead, you have to fill out a form on the company website and wait for a reply. So, you might not get the help you need as quickly as you would probably like.

Pricing

It is one of the cheapest options on our list. Apart from the free plan, the platform offers three different price tiers. The cheapest paid subscription is just $6.40 per month. For this price, you will get unlimited emails and 200 MB of image storage.

Topol.io

Topol.io is an email template creator equipped with more than 150 pre-made templates. You can further enhance them using their dedicated HTML editor. While you will not be able to use Topol.io to send out emails, it does have some interesting things to offer. To give an example, it is pretty unique in how it can help you stay organized. You can put the templates you created into separate folders. It is a great feature if you are working on numerous email marketing campaigns.

When it comes to integrations, Topol.io can work together with Ecomail, Mailchimp, Sendy, Sendinblue, ConstantContact, SendGrid, and Mailjet. As for customer support, it is quite lacking. You can only contact the company’s customer support team using an email form on their website.

Pricing

Again, you can go with the free plan or a paid one. You have two different price tiers to choose from. The cheaper one out of the two will cost you $10 per month. With it, you will have premium templates, access to stock images, premade blocks, and automatic saving.

Blocks

Blocks is a dedicated template builder that integrates with popular email marketing platforms like HubSpot, Mailchimp, and more. You can also export templates and emails created in the editor in various formats like HTML, Zip, or Outlook. And before exporting, you can send test emails to check the campaign in action.

The standout feature of the service is an AI assistant that allows users to easily generate images and text right within the email editor. You can also use the AI to translate, proofread, or analyze content and make personalized offers and copies. Apart from the AI images, users can access stock images and GIFs library. The visuals can be edited right in the builder, making the process seamless and straightforward.

Blocks has 65+ customizable email templates for different industries (real estate, sports, finance, etc.) and use cases (announcement, digest, feedback request, and more). The drag-and-drop email builder itself is user-friendly, equipped with popular content blocks and elements to speed up the design process. You can also create HTML emails and see the code and email preview side-by-side. Blocks prides itself on creating human-like code from the drag-and-drop templates that adheres to industry standards.

Other notable features include version history and an adaptable user interface with a code panel that can be either left, right, or below the email preview. Collaboration and reviews are easy with Blocks, as you can discuss the email campaign right in the builder.

Pricing

Blocks has a free plan and three paid plans. The cheapest paid plan starts at $16 a month (billed yearly) and includes 30 emails and templates, 40 email exports a month, and 50 test emails a day.

ActiveCampaign

ActiveCampaign is the second most expensive email marketing tool on our list. As a result, it is best used by established businesses looking to expand existing email marketing operations. It comes with over 250 pre-made templates, as well as an HTML editor that allows for creating emails from scratch.

The email template creator that the platform offers comes with an intuitive interface. Its unique feature is a built-in tutorial. It guides you through the process of creating a template, so you will not end up feeling lost or confused. You can then track any changes that are made to your template, which might be useful if you work in a large team.

Now, in comparison to other platforms, ActiveCampaign offers an impressive number of integrations. It can be integrated with more than 910 applications, ranging from lead generation and payment solutions to sales and event management platforms. Other than that, you can count on their customer support team. While it might not be available 24/7, it can be contacted via live chat, phone, and a dedicated email form.

Pricing

Unlike all the other options on our list, it does not offer a free plan. If you do not want to pay anything, you will only be able to use the platform for 14 days. So, if you are on a really tight budget, it would be best to go for another email template creator instead. Pricing starts at $29 per month. For the price, you’ll have email and marketing automation, reports, and more.

HubSpot

Last but not least, if you want to invest in a solid marketing strategy that goes beyond just email marketing, HubSpot is the way to go. It is a huge growth platform that comes with not only an embedded template creator and more than 70 pre-made templates, but also many other tools. To give an example, it can be used to customize entire websites and manage relationships with customers. What is more, it can work with hundreds of different applications, including customer relationship management platforms and workflow automation solutions.

As for the template creator, it is definitely worth checking out. On top of having an intuitive interface, it can be used to design pop-up notifications, landing pages, and forms. It also gives you access to a dedicated HTML email template editor. 

While the entire platform can be a bit overwhelming at first, getting used to it is only a matter of minutes. If you end up feeling confused, you can always ask questions using the community discussion board. You can also reach HubSpot’s customer support team via email, live chat, or a 24/7 helpline.

Pricing

The platform offers a bunch of free tools including the email template creator mentioned above. It also has quite a few paid plans. The cheapest one will cost you $15 per month. The offer includes limited features, such as up to 10 automated actions and basic SEO recommendations.

Final thoughts

To sum up, using a template builder has a wide range of benefits. It can help you boost conversion rates and increase customer engagement. It can also make email marketing less time-consuming and aid you in building a solid brand identity.

With so many different email template builders to choose from, it might be difficult for you to decide which one to go with. Hopefully, our breakdown of the best email builders on the market made the entire process more manageable. The key here is to figure out what exactly you are looking for and what kind of pricing you can afford. An effective email template builder platform should offer:

• A large number of pre-made and customizable templates to choose from.
• An intuitive interface that will enable you to create engaging emails quickly, from newsletters to transactional emails.
• The ability to create templates in HTML and CSS.
• High-quality customer support that you can reach out to whenever you need.
• Integrations with different tools and platforms.
• Compatibility with a wide range of email marketing platforms and tools.

In case you do not know where to start, try Selzy for free! Remember that if you end up wanting something different, you can always switch to another tool. So, do not be afraid to experiment! You should be able to find the best email template builder for the job soon enough.

This article was originally published in March 2023 and was updated in March 2024 to make it more relevant and comprehensive.