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Open source email marketing software gives you the flexibility to run effective campaigns without locking yourself into expensive, rigid platforms. If you’re managing tight budgets, complex requirements, or just want more control over how your emails are built and delivered, these tools can offer serious value.

With 10 years of experience leading marketing teams, and using our in-house review methodology, I’ve tested and shortlisted the top open source platforms that balance customization, scalability, and usability. This guide breaks down the best options to help you build smarter, more efficient campaigns that align with your goals.

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Best Open Source Email Marketing Software Summary

This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top open source email marketing software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.

Best Open Source Email Marketing Software Review

Below are my detailed summaries of the best open source email marketing software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.

Best for integrated business solutions

  • Free plan + free trial available
  • From $8.95/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.1/5

Odoo Email Marketing is an open-source email marketing solution designed for businesses seeking an integrated platform to manage email campaigns alongside other business functions. It allows seamless integration with Odoo's open-source apps like CRM, inventory, and sales, providing a unified approach for managing all your operations.

Why I picked Odoo Email Marketing: Odoo Email Marketing's open-source nature allows for extensive customization and integration with other Odoo apps. Its drag-and-drop email editor simplifies the creation of professional campaigns, even for those without technical skills. Additionally, its modular design enables businesses to scale and add features as needed.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface for easy email design. It offers advanced segmentation to target specific customer groups and detailed analytics to optimize campaign performance. Integration with other open-source Odoo apps like CRM, Sales, Inventory, and Accounting creates a customizable, all-in-one business solution.

Integrations include Odoo CRM, Odoo Sales, Odoo Inventory, Odoo Accounting, and more.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Scalable with business growth
  • Modular system
  • Seamless app integration

Cons:

  • Limited to Odoo ecosystem
  • Requires technical setup

Best for agency-managed email campaigns

  • Free demo available
  • From $3,529/user (one-time fee)

Octeth is a self-hosted email application designed for companies and service providers who need to manage large-scale email marketing operations. It helps teams run email campaigns, manage contact lists, and monitor delivery performance from a centralized dashboard.

Why I picked Octeth: Octeth suits teams that need a flexible setup for managing multiple clients or brands. You can create separate workspaces with custom user roles to keep data and campaigns organized. It includes client billing tools and white-labeling features, letting you offer branded services. As an open source email marketing software, it gives you full control over your infrastructure, including how emails are sent and tracked in real time.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include detailed activity logs for each contact, customizable unsubscribe pages, and a campaign throttling option to control how fast messages go out. You can use pre-built themes to build campaigns or import your own code. It also includes built-in compliance settings like list verification and permission management.

Integrations include Amazon SES, Mailgun, SendGrid, SMTP, Cloudflare, Plesk, cPanel, Apache, and Nginx.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Advanced user permission settings
  • Easy brand white-labeling
  • Built for multi-tenant setups

Cons:

  • No drag-and-drop email builder
  • Needs server setup knowledge

Best for single-solution email management

  • Free plan available
  • From $0.001/email

Plunk is an open-source email platform designed for marketing teams seeking a unified solution for marketing, transactional, and broadcast emails. This tool caters to businesses that require a single platform to manage various types of email communications.

Why I picked Plunk: Plunk eliminates the need for multiple email tools by combining marketing, transactional, and broadcast emails into one platform. It offers powerful automations that are repeatable, ensuring your critical emails arrive quickly. Their pricing is usage-based, so you only pay for what you use, avoiding unnecessary costs. Additionally, Plunk prioritizes privacy by hosting and processing data within the EU, keeping your information secure.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a responsive email editor that works even with Outlook, allowing you to build or import HTML emails with ease. You can send up to 3,000 emails for free each month, which is ideal for small businesses or startups. Plunk also offers transparent operations, providing insight into their processes to build trust with users.

Integrations include Postfix, Amazon SES, SMTP, Docker, Node.js, JSON, and Redis.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Responsive email editor
  • Privacy-focused data handling
  • Transparent operations

Cons:

  • Limited to EU data hosting
  • Limited integrations

Best for small businesses and nonprofits

  • Free plan + free demo available
  • From $150 (billed annually)

Dada Mail is an open-source email marketing software tailored for small businesses and nonprofits looking to manage mailing lists and send out newsletters. It offers a simple interface with essential features for creating and managing email campaigns effectively.

Why I picked Dada Mail: Dada Mail is designed with small businesses and nonprofits in mind, providing essential tools without overwhelming complexity. It features a straightforward mailing list management system that makes it easy to organize subscribers. The software includes built-in support for email templates, allowing users to create attractive newsletters. Dada Mail also offers a web-based interface, making it accessible from anywhere without the need for complex installations.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include bounce handling, which helps you manage undeliverable emails efficiently. The software offers subscription forms that you can customize to fit your website's design. Additionally, Dada Mail provides email archiving, allowing you to keep a record of all sent communications.

Integrations include Amazon SES, SMTP, Apache, MySQL, cPanel, Plesk, and Cron.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Customizable subscription forms
  • Simple list management
  • Web-based interface

Cons:

  • Basic analytics
  • Limited advanced features

Best for high-performance bulk messaging

  • Free demo available
  • Free (open source)

Listmonk is a self-hosted application used to manage subscriber lists and send email campaigns at scale. It’s designed for technical teams and developers who want more control over their infrastructure. It handles campaign creation, list management, and delivery from one interface.

Why I picked Listmonk: Listmonk works well for teams that need to send large volumes of email quickly. It uses a Go-based backend and supports PostgreSQL, which helps it process millions of emails with minimal resource use. Your team can create both plain-text and HTML campaigns and customize message templates using templating syntax. You can also run multiple concurrent campaigns and segment your lists by tags or custom fields.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a built-in subscriber management system, campaign performance metrics, and customizable HTML or plain-text editors. You can run A/B tests to compare message versions before sending to your full list. It also supports tagging and advanced segmentation using SQL filters.

Integrations include Amazon SES, Mailgun, SendGrid, Postmark, SMTP, Slack, Telegram, and Webhooks.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Built-in dashboard for metrics
  • SQL-based segmentation
  • Easy to install and deploy

Cons:

  • UI may feel basic
  • Limited built-in templates

Best for multi-client management

  • Free demo available
  • Free

OpenEMM is an open-source email marketing software designed for users who need comprehensive campaign management and automation. It's suitable for various industries such as eCommerce, healthcare, and publishing, offering a user-friendly interface and extensive customization options.

Why I picked OpenEMM: OpenEMM excels in multi-client management, making it ideal for agencies handling multiple clients. It offers features such as web push notifications and real-time statistics, allowing you to manage campaigns efficiently. The platform supports different deployment options like SaaS and self-hosting, providing flexibility. OpenEMM also ensures data security and GDPR compliance, which is crucial for maintaining client trust.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include template-based mailing, which simplifies the creation of professional emails. The software provides real-time analytics, helping you track campaign performance effectively. Additionally, OpenEMM offers retargeting packages to enhance customer engagement.

Integrations include various CRM and CMS solutions, and more.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Extensive customization
  • GDPR compliance
  • Multi-client management

Cons:

  • No built-in CRM features
  • Requires technical setup

Best for cost-effective email marketing

  • Free demo available
  • From $1 per 10,000 emails (self-hosted)

Sendy is a self-hosted email marketing software designed for businesses seeking cost-effective solutions for sending bulk emails. It is ideal for users who want to leverage Amazon Simple Email Service (SES) to send trackable newsletters at a fraction of the cost of other platforms.

Why I picked Sendy: Sendy is a self-hosted open source email marketing software that gives you full control over your email infrastructure. It includes strong features like campaign reporting, list segmentation, and automated bounce handling. The platform supports managing multiple brands, making it ideal for agencies or businesses with diverse audiences. Its streamlined interface makes it easy to run targeted, efficient email campaigns from a single dashboard.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include autoresponders that allow you to automate email follow-ups and campaigns. The software offers custom fields for storing additional subscriber information, enabling personalized communications. Sendy also allows you to use custom domains for links and unsubscribe options, maintaining your brand's identity.

Integrations include WordPress, Magento, and Zapier.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Detailed campaign reporting
  • High deliverability rates
  • Supports multiple brand management

Cons:

  • No built-in CRM functionality
  • Limited third-party integrations

Best for developer-friendly email marketing

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

SendPortal is an open-source email marketing platform designed for developers and technical teams who need a customizable solution. It offers self-hosting capabilities, allowing users to maintain control over their email marketing infrastructure.

Why I picked SendPortal: SendPortal is ideal for developers due to its developer-friendly environment and open-source nature. It includes a clean API for integration with other systems, making it highly adaptable. The software supports self-hosting, giving you complete control over your data and infrastructure. Additionally, it offers a modular architecture, allowing for easy customization to fit your specific needs.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a user-friendly campaign management interface that simplifies the process of setting up and sending emails. The platform provides detailed analytics to help you track campaign effectiveness and make informed decisions. SendPortal also supports multi-user environments, making it a great choice for teams working collaboratively.

Integrations include Mailgun, Amazon SES, and more.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports multi-user environments
  • Clean API for integration
  • Developer-friendly environment

Cons:

  • Customization can be time-consuming
  • Limited out-of-the-box features

Best for privacy-focused email campaigns

  • Free plan available
  • From $8/month

Keila is an open-source email marketing software designed for users who prioritize privacy and customization. It's ideal for those looking to create and manage newsletters with powerful analytics and flexible data segmentation.

Why I picked Keila: Keila is a privacy-focused open source email marketing software that supports self-hosting and meets strict EU compliance standards. It features a clean visual editor, customizable templates, and tools for creating personalized campaigns. Built-in analytics help you track performance without compromising user privacy. Keila also integrates with Zapier for easy automation.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a visual block editor that simplifies email creation, allowing you to craft messages without extensive coding knowledge. Keila's form builder lets you create custom sign-up forms with ease, enhancing your audience engagement. The platform also includes tools for email personalization, making it possible to tailor messages to individual recipients.

Integrations include Amazon SES, Mailgun, Postmark, and SMTP.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • No vendor lock-in
  • Strong community support
  • Self-hosted data

Cons:

  • Requires technical setup
  • Limited native integrations

Best for large-scale email campaigns

  • Free plan available
  • From $1/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 3.8/5

phpList is an open-source email marketing software ideal for users needing to send newsletters and campaigns to large audiences. It's designed to handle high volumes of emails while providing a user-friendly interface and robust security features.

Why I picked phpList: phpList is tailored for large-scale email campaigns, offering flexibility and security to users. It features a highly customizable interface that can adapt to various user needs. The software supports extensive community contributions, ensuring it stays up-to-date and reliable. phpList also offers a hosted solution for those who want a hassle-free setup, making it accessible for different levels of technical expertise.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a flexible templating system that allows you to customize your email layouts. phpList's advanced list segmentation helps you target specific audience groups effectively. Additionally, it offers detailed tracking and reporting, giving insights into your campaign's performance.

Integrations include Amazon SES, Mailgun, SendGrid, Postmark, SMTP, phpMyAdmin, Matomo, and Google Analytics.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Hosted solution option
  • Community-driven development
  • Handles large email volumes

Cons:

  • No built-in CRM features
  • Basic support resources

Other Open Source Email Marketing Software

Here are some additional open source email marketing software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:

  1. Mailtrain

    For managing large subscriber lists

  2. Mautic

    For marketing automation flexibility

  3. SendBlaster

    For offline email campaigns

  4. FluentCRM

    For WordPress integration

Open Source Email Marketing Software Selection Criteria

When selecting the best open source email marketing software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like customization flexibility and data privacy. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:

Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:

  • Manage subscriber lists
  • Send bulk emails
  • Track email performance
  • Automate email campaigns
  • Personalize email content

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:

  • Advanced segmentation options
  • Multilingual support
  • Customizable email templates
  • GDPR compliance features
  • API for third-party integrations

Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:

  • Intuitive interface design
  • Easy navigation
  • Minimal setup complexity
  • Clear documentation
  • Responsive design for mobile use

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:

  • Availability of training videos
  • Interactive product tours
  • Access to templates
  • On-demand webinars
  • Chatbot support for quick answers

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:

  • Availability of live chat
  • Responsive email support
  • Comprehensive knowledge base
  • Access to community forums
  • Availability of phone support

Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:

  • Competitive pricing
  • Features included at base price
  • Transparent pricing structure
  • Scalability of pricing plans
  • Discounts for annual subscriptions

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Overall satisfaction ratings
  • Feedback on reliability
  • Comments on ease of use
  • Reports on customer service
  • User testimonials on feature effectiveness

How to Choose Open Source Email Marketing Software

It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
ScalabilityConsider if the software can grow with your business. Will it handle more subscribers and emails as your needs increase? Look for options that won't limit growth.
IntegrationsCheck if it connects with your current systems. Does it work with your CRM, analytics, and other tools? Avoid software that isolates your data.
CustomizabilityThink about how much you can tailor the software to fit your processes. Are templates and workflows adaptable? Balance flexibility with ease of use.
Ease of useEvaluate the learning curve for your team. Is the interface intuitive? Test with a trial to ensure it won't slow down your operations.
Implementation and onboardingAssess the time and resources required to get started. Are there guides or support to help you? A smooth start can save headaches later.
CostCompare the pricing against your budget. Are there hidden fees or limits on usage? Ensure the cost aligns with the value it provides.
Security safeguardsVerify the software's security measures. Does it protect your data and comply with regulations? Look for encryption and regular updates.
Support availabilityDetermine the level of support offered. Is help available when you need it? Consider the importance of customer service in your decision.

What Is Open Source Email Marketing Software?

Open source email marketing software is a tool that allows users to manage and send email campaigns with the freedom to modify the software's source code. Marketing professionals, small business owners, and developers often use these tools to customize their email strategy while saving costs. Features like list management, automation, and detailed analytics support personalized and efficient marketing efforts. These tools provide flexibility and control, allowing users to tailor their email campaigns to specific needs and goals.

Features of Open Source Email Marketing Software

When selecting open source email marketing software, keep an eye out for the following key features:

  • List management: Organize and segment your contacts to target specific audiences effectively.
  • Automation: Set up automated workflows to send timely emails without manual intervention.
  • Customizable templates: Create professional-looking emails that match your brand with ease.
  • Analytics: Track campaign performance with detailed reports to understand engagement and improve strategies.
  • Integration capabilities: Connect with other tools like CRM systems to streamline your marketing processes.
  • Security safeguards: Protect your data with encryption and compliance with regulations.
  • Scalability: Ensure the software can grow with your business as your email list expands.
  • Customizability: Modify the software to fit your specific needs and workflows without being locked into a vendor's ecosystem.
  • Multi-user support: Allow multiple team members to collaborate on campaigns without conflict.
  • API access: Use APIs to integrate and extend functionalities with other applications.

Benefits of Open Source Email Marketing Software

Implementing open source email marketing software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Cost savings: Save money by avoiding subscription fees and only spending on features you need.
  • Flexibility: Adapt the software to fit your specific business needs with customizable features and open access to the source code.
  • Control: Maintain complete control over your data and how it's managed, ensuring privacy and security.
  • Scalability: Easily grow your email marketing efforts as your business expands without needing to switch platforms.
  • Integration: Connect with other business tools to create a unified marketing strategy and improve efficiency.
  • Community support: Benefit from a community of developers and users who contribute improvements and provide assistance.
  • Transparency: Gain insights into how the software works, allowing for better troubleshooting and optimization.

Costs and Pricing of Open Source Email Marketing Software

Selecting open source email marketing software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in open source email marketing software solutions:

Plan Comparison Table for Open Source Email Marketing Software

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0Basic list management, email templates, and community support.
Personal Plan$5-$25/
user/month
Advanced list segmentation, basic analytics, and limited automation.
Business Plan$30-$75/
user/month
Detailed reporting, enhanced automation, and multi-user access.
Enterprise Plan$80-$150/
user/month
Customizable workflows, premium support, and integration with other enterprise tools.

Open Source Email Marketing Software FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about open source email marketing software:

Can I customize open source email marketing software to fit my needs?

Yes, you can customize open source email marketing software to fit your specific needs. The open-source nature allows you to modify the codebase and add features that suit your business. You or your development team can tailor the software to integrate with your existing systems, ensuring a seamless fit.

How secure is open source email marketing software?

Open source email marketing software can be secure if properly managed. You should ensure regular updates and patches are applied to protect against vulnerabilities. It’s also important to configure security settings correctly and use secure hosting environments to safeguard your data.

What kind of support is available for open source email marketing software?

Support for open source email marketing software often comes from community forums and user groups. Some vendors offer paid support plans for additional assistance. It’s beneficial to check if there’s an active community or if the vendor provides documentation and resources to help with troubleshooting.

Can open source email marketing software handle large subscriber lists?

Yes, many open source email marketing tools can handle large subscriber lists. You should verify the software’s scalability and performance capabilities before implementation. Consider testing with a sample list to ensure it meets your requirements for list size and email volume.

Are there costs associated with using open source email marketing software?

While the software itself is often free, there may be costs associated with hosting, support, and additional features. You might need to invest in technical expertise for customization and maintenance. It’s wise to budget for these potential expenses when planning your implementation.

How do I choose the right open source email marketing software for my business?

Choosing the right open source email marketing software involves evaluating your business needs and technical resources. Consider factors like scalability, customizability, and integration capabilities. It’s helpful to try demos or trials to assess usability and fit with your existing processes.

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Shriya Ghate
By Shriya Ghate

Shriya Ghate is the Editor of The CMO. She has over 10 years of experience in content strategy, brand marketing, and editorial leadership across fintech, B2B SaaS, gaming, and media. Shriya has driven demand and built content programs at fast-growing startups and agencies, delivering measurable impact through SEO, thought leadership, and narrative-driven campaigns.