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Ranking · Email & Marketing Automation for Small Businesses

Best SMS and Multichannel Automation for Small Businesses

6 products scored on six criteria. Klaviyo leads at 8.9 and the field is tight, with 0.3 points between first and last, so read the catches before you pick. Every product opens to the evidence behind its number.

6 products scored6 criteria77 sources citedUpdated Jul 8, 2026
Jump to the ranking How the scores work
1 Klaviyoklaviyo.com

Klaviyo blocks known litigators, bills you per profile

Read the reviewVisit ↗
2 OneSignalonesignal.com

OneSignal sends 12 billion messages a day

Read the reviewVisit ↗
3 Brevobrevo.com

Brevo bills by email volume, can suspend accounts fast

Read the reviewVisit ↗
6Products
8.6 to 8.9Score spread
5Free plan or tier
01

The ranking

Order follows the score. Six little boxes show each product's criterion scores: green or red is above or below the category average, grey means too few products share that criterion to compare. The full review sits right under each one.

Nothing matches that filter here. Tap All to see every product.

1

Klaviyo

klaviyo.com · Klaviyo SMS Marketing · scored Dec 2025

Klaviyo blocks known litigators, bills you per profile

Best forData-driven e-commerce brands on Shopify scaling SMS revenue

Free tier From $20 per month free planSOC 2Shopify integration
Top score
Visit Klaviyo ↗ See the evidence

Unified email and SMS platform for e-commerce brands, built on one customer profile.

Standout factKlaviyo serves more than 176,000 customers as of mid-2025.investors.klaviyo.com
Biggest catchBilling charges for active profiles, even ones not sent SMS messages.plivo.com
176,000+Customers servedinvestors.klaviyo.com
$20/moStarting priceklaviyo.com

Adoption

176,000+customers using Klaviyo

Source: investors.klaviyo.com

The thing people get wrong

You only pay for the SMS messages you send

Billing is based on active profiles, plus SMS credits, even for contacts not messaged

Source: plivo.com

Upside

  • Unified email and SMS profiles
  • Known Litigator suppression feature
  • Carrier fees included in pricing

Catch

  • Bills for active profiles, not just sends
  • Steep learning curve reported
  • SMS limited to a few regions
Pick it ifData-driven e-commerce brands on Shopify scaling SMS revenue
Skip it ifSmall businesses with tight budgets or non-ecommerce needs
PricingFrom $20 a month, free plan available, carrier fees included

Editor's takeKlaviyo scores 9.5 out of 10 for data-driven personalization, the top mark among SMS tools rated here. Its Known Litigator feature automatically suppresses contacts tied to TCPA lawsuits, rare among rivals. Billing charges for active profiles, so cost can climb even without sending more messages.

What is Klaviyo's Known Litigator feature?

It automatically blocks contacts known or suspected of threatening TCPA lawsuits from subscribing to SMS, reducing legal risk.

How does Klaviyo's SMS pricing work?

Plans start at $20 a month with a free tier available. Cost is based on active profiles plus SMS credits, and carrier fees are included.

The evidence: 6 criteria, 3 penalties (−0.15 points)
9.1
Product Capability & DepthLooked for: We evaluate the breadth of SMS-specific features, automation capabilities, and how well the tool handles complex messaging workflows.Klaviyo offers a robust unified platform combining SMS and email, featuring AI-driven smart send times, two-way conversations, and advanced flow logic that leverages real-time behavioral data.klaviyo.comklaviyo.comklaviyo.com
9.4
Market Credibility & Trust SignalsLooked for: We assess the vendor's market presence, financial stability, user base size, and adoption by major enterprise brands.As a public company (NYSE: KVYO) with over 176,000 customers including major brands like Mattel and Glossier, Klaviyo demonstrates exceptional market stability and trust.investors.klaviyo.combusinesswire.com
8.7
Usability & Customer ExperienceLooked for: We look for ease of use in campaign creation, intuitiveness of the interface, and quality of customer support resources.While the unified interface simplifies multi-channel management, users report a steep learning curve for advanced features and mixed experiences with support response times.plivo.comklaviyo.com
8.2
Value, Pricing & TransparencyLooked for: We evaluate the pricing model's fairness, transparency of costs (including carrier fees), and value for money relative to competitors.Klaviyo's pricing is transparent (inclusive of carrier fees) but is frequently cited as expensive due to a model that charges for both active profiles and SMS credits.klaviyo.comhelp.klaviyo.complivo.com
9.3
Compliance & DeliverabilityLooked for: We examine features related to legal compliance (TCPA/GDPR), spam protection, and tools to ensure high message deliverability.Klaviyo offers industry-leading compliance tools, including a unique 'Known Litigator' suppression feature that automatically blocks serial plaintiffs to reduce legal risk.help.klaviyo.comklaviyo.com
9.5
Data-Driven PersonalizationLooked for: We assess how well the product uses customer data to segment audiences and personalize message content.Klaviyo excels here by unifying email and SMS data, allowing for hyper-segmentation based on real-time purchase behavior, browsing history, and cross-channel engagement.help.klaviyo.comklaviyo.comklaviyo.com

Score adjustments−0.15 points in total

−0.05The pricing model charges for 'Active Profiles' in addition to SMS credits, meaning users may pay for contacts they do not actively message.plivo.com · severity 65/100
−0.05Users report a steep learning curve and frustration with support responsiveness, particularly for lower-tier plans.g2.com · severity 45/100
−0.05SMS sending capabilities are not globally universal; they are limited to specific supported regions (North America, Europe, ANZ).help.klaviyo.com · severity 40/100
Visit Klaviyo ↗ Back to the top of the ranking
2

OneSignal

onesignal.com · OneSignal SMS & Email Software · scored Dec 2025

OneSignal sends 12 billion messages a day

Best forMobile app developers needing unified push, SMS, and email in one API

Free tier From $9 per month free planSOC 2HIPAA
−0.1 vs #1
Visit OneSignal ↗ See the evidence

Omnichannel engagement platform combining push, email, SMS, and in-app messaging with a free tier.

Standout factOneSignal is trusted by over 2 million businesses sending more than 12 billion messages daily.onesignal.com
Biggest catchSMS on Free and Growth plans requires connecting a separate Twilio account.onesignal.com
2M+Businesses using OneSignalonesignal.com
12B+Daily messages sentonesignal.com
4.7/5G2 ratinggetapp.com

Standout number

12B+messages sent daily

Source: onesignal.com

Free vs paid

Free plan

$0
  • Unlimited mobile push
  • 10,000 email sends/mo
  • 10,000 web push recipients/msg

Paid from

$9/mo
  • Higher send limits
  • Native SMS billing
  • Priority support

Source: onesignal.com

Upside

  • Unlimited mobile push on free plan
  • SOC 2 Type II and HIPAA compliant
  • No-code 'Journeys' automation builder

Catch

  • SMS needs a separate Twilio account
  • Web push capped at 10k on free plan
  • Support reported as slow
Pick it ifMobile app developers needing unified push, SMS, and email in one API
Skip it ifNon-technical marketers wanting a simple, out-of-the-box tool
PricingFree plan (unlimited push), paid from $9/mo

Editor's takeOneSignal's free plan includes unlimited mobile push sends, a rare offer at this scale, backed by SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and HIPAA compliance for Enterprise. Its no-code Journeys builder brings multi-channel automation to non-technical marketers without losing developer-friendly SDKs. SMS is the one channel that needs a separate Twilio account on Free and Growth plans, and reviewers flag slow support response times.

Is mobile push really unlimited on OneSignal's free plan?

Yes. The Free Plan includes unlimited mobile push sends, plus 10,000 email sends and a 10,000-recipient cap on web push per message.

Does OneSignal handle SMS natively?

Not on the Free or Growth plans. SMS requires connecting your own Twilio account; native SMS billing is available on higher tiers.

The evidence: 6 criteria, 3 penalties (−0.17 points)
8.9
Product Capability & DepthLooked for: We evaluate the breadth of messaging channels, automation features, and targeting capabilities available to scale customer engagement.OneSignal offers a comprehensive multi-channel platform covering Mobile and Web Push, Email, SMS, and In-App Messaging, enhanced by 'Journeys' for workflow automation and 'Live Activities' for iOS lock screen updates.onesignal.comonesignal.comg2.com
9.3
Market Credibility & Trust SignalsLooked for: We assess market adoption, user base size, and the reputation of the vendor among major industry players.OneSignal is a dominant market leader, reportedly used by over 2 million businesses to send billions of messages daily, with high user ratings across major review platforms.onesignal.comgetapp.com
8.8
Usability & Customer ExperienceLooked for: We examine the ease of setup, dashboard intuitiveness, and the quality of customer support resources.Users consistently praise the clean, intuitive dashboard and developer-friendly documentation, though some report significant frustration with customer support responsiveness.onesignal.comg2.comg2.com
8.6
Value, Pricing & TransparencyLooked for: We analyze the pricing structure, free tier generosity, and transparency regarding hidden costs or scaling fees.OneSignal offers a generous free plan for push notifications, but SMS requires a separate Twilio account for non-enterprise users, and pricing scales with subscriber counts.onesignal.comonesignal.comonesignal.com
9.0
Integrations & Developer EcosystemLooked for: We evaluate the quality of APIs, SDKs, and pre-built integrations with major CRM and analytics tools.The platform offers robust SDKs for major mobile frameworks and native integrations with tools like HubSpot, Mixpanel, and Amplitude.onesignal.comdocumentation.onesignal.comresearch.com
9.4
Security, Compliance & Data ProtectionLooked for: We verify certifications like SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR compliance to ensure enterprise-grade data safety.OneSignal demonstrates industry-leading security with SOC 2 Type II certification, HIPAA compliance (for Enterprise), and adherence to GDPR and ISO standards.onesignal.comonesignal.com

Score adjustments−0.17 points in total

−0.07Users have reported unresponsive or inadequate customer support, with some reviews describing it as 'non-existent' or citing ignored tickets.ca.trustpilot.com · severity 65/100
−0.04SMS functionality on Free and Growth plans is not native; it requires users to set up and pay for a separate Twilio account, adding hidden complexity and cost.onesignal.com · severity 55/100
−0.06The Free Plan strictly limits Web Push notifications to 10,000 recipients per message, even if a user has acquired more subscribers.gravitec.net · severity 45/100
Visit OneSignal ↗ Back to the top of the ranking
3

Brevo

brevo.com · Brevo Small Business Solutions · scored Dec 2025

Brevo bills by email volume, can suspend accounts fast

Best forBudget-conscious SMBs wanting unlimited contacts and pay-as-you-go pricing

Free tier From $9 per month unlimited contactsISO 27001email marketing
−0.2 vs #1
Visit Brevo ↗ See the evidence

All-in-one marketing platform with unlimited contacts, charging by email volume instead of list size.

Standout factThe Free plan includes 300 daily email sends and 100,000 contacts storage at no cost.help.brevo.com
Biggest catchOne user reported their account was shut down within an hour over invalid emails, with no warning.reddit.com
300/dayFree plan daily email limithelp.brevo.com
$9/moStarter plan pricebrevo.com
88.3%Deliverability rate (Jan 2024 test)emailtooltester.com

Free vs paid

Free plan

$0
  • 300 emails/day
  • 100,000 contacts storage

Starter, from

$9/mo
  • 5,000 emails/mo

Source: help.brevo.com

Deliverability rate in January 2024 independent test

88of 100

Upside

  • Unlimited contacts on every plan
  • Free plan: 300 emails/day
  • ISO 27001:2022 certified

Catch

  • Accounts can be suspended without warning
  • Phone support needs Professional plan (~$449/mo)
  • Deliverability has fluctuated historically
Pick it ifBudget-conscious SMBs wanting unlimited contacts and pay-as-you-go pricing
Skip it ifAdvanced e-commerce brands needing deep behavioral segmentation
PricingFree (300 emails/day); Starter from $9/mo (5,000 emails)

Editor's takeBrevo bills by how many emails a business sends rather than how many contacts it stores, so a large but infrequently emailed list costs nothing extra, a real edge for list-heavy small businesses. ISO 27001:2022 certification and EU-based servers back its security claims. The strict side of that same reputation protection can bite though, with at least one Reddit user reporting their account suspended within an hour of an upload, without warning.

Does Brevo charge based on how many contacts I have?

No. It charges by email sending volume, and contact storage is unlimited even on the free plan.

Can Brevo suspend an account without warning?

It can. Users have reported sudden suspensions when the system flags invalid emails or reputation risk during list uploads.

The evidence: 6 criteria, 3 penalties (−0.17 points)
8.9
Product Capability & DepthLooked for: We evaluate the breadth of marketing and CRM tools available to small businesses, including automation, channel diversity, and integration capabilities.Brevo offers a comprehensive 'all-in-one' platform combining Email, SMS, WhatsApp, and Chat with a built-in CRM and visual automation builder. It supports transactional messaging via SMTP/API and includes features like landing pages and meeting scheduling, though some advanced tools are gated.brevo.combrevo.combrevo.com
9.2
Market Credibility & Trust SignalsLooked for: We assess the vendor's industry standing, security certifications, and compliance with global data protection standards.Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) is a well-established European player with strong compliance credentials, including ISO 27001:2022 certification and strict adherence to GDPR regulations as both a controller and processor.brevo.comhelp.brevo.com
8.5
Usability & Customer ExperienceLooked for: We examine the ease of use, interface design, and quality of customer support available to small business users.Users praise the intuitive drag-and-drop interface and ease of setup, but the experience is marred by strict account validation protocols that can lead to sudden suspensions and limited support options for lower-tier plans.brevo.combrevo.comreddit.com
9.4
Value, Pricing & TransparencyLooked for: We analyze the pricing model, cost-effectiveness for scaling businesses, and transparency of feature gating.Brevo offers a highly competitive pricing model based on email volume rather than contact count, allowing for unlimited contact storage even on free plans. The entry-level paid plan is very affordable, though removing branding costs extra.brevo.combrevo.comhelp.brevo.com
8.4
Deliverability & Infrastructure ReliabilityLooked for: We assess the platform's ability to reliably deliver emails to inboxes and the stability of its sending infrastructure.While generally reliable with decent inbox placement rates, the platform has experienced historical fluctuations in deliverability. Strict compliance algorithms can sometimes preemptively block legitimate campaigns to protect sender reputation.brevo.comemailtooltester.comhelp.brevo.com
9.1
Security, Compliance & Data ProtectionLooked for: We evaluate the specific security measures, data residency options, and compliance frameworks relevant to SaaS data handling.Brevo demonstrates a robust security posture with ISO 27001:2022 certification, EU-based servers for data residency, and comprehensive GDPR compliance measures, making it a secure choice for European and global businesses.brevo.combrevo.combrevo.com

Score adjustments−0.17 points in total

−0.08Strict account validation protocols often result in immediate account suspension or blocking without warning for new users, particularly if 'invalid emails' are detected during list upload.reddit.com · severity 75/100
−0.04Phone support is restricted to the 'Professional' plan (starting at ~$449/mo) or Enterprise, leaving the majority of SMB users on Starter/Standard plans with only email or chat support.brevo.com · severity 60/100
−0.05Independent tests indicate historical inconsistency in deliverability rates, with significant dips observed in 2023 before recent recoveries.emailtooltester.com · severity 50/100
Visit Brevo ↗ Back to the top of the ranking
4

Omnisend

omnisend.com · Omnisend Email Marketing · scored Dec 2025

100,000+ merchants use it, but non-subscribers still get billed

Best forSmall to mid-sized ecommerce stores wanting one platform for email, SMS, and push.

Free tier From $16 per month Email MarketingSMS MarketingEcommerce
−0.2 vs #1
Visit Omnisend ↗ See the evidence

An ecommerce marketing platform unifying email, SMS, and push notifications with deep Shopify and BigCommerce integration.

Standout factOmnisend reports a median first support response time under 4 minutes on its 24/7 live chat.stylefactoryproductions.com
Biggest catchNon-subscribed contacts, such as abandoned-cart shoppers who never opted in, are still billable because they receive transactional emails.support.omnisend.com
100,000+Ecommerce brands using Omnisendyoutube.com
4.8/5 from 2,700+ reviewsShopify App Store ratingstylefactoryproductions.com

Shape of the score

  • StrongestMarket Credibility & Trust Signals 9.2
  • WeakestValue, Pricing & Transparency 8.5

Where it lands

#4 of 6
0.2 points behind #1

Upside

  • Free plan includes every feature, not a stripped-down version
  • Deep one-click sync with Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce
  • Pro plan includes SMS credits matching the monthly price

Catch

  • Bills for non-subscribed contacts like abandoned carts
  • SMS credits expire after 60 days
  • No native countdown timer in the email builder
Pick it ifSmall to mid-sized ecommerce stores wanting one platform for email, SMS, and push.
Skip it ifB2B businesses or companies not focused on online retail sales.
PricingA free plan covers up to 250 contacts and 500 emails per month; paid plans start at $16 per month.

Editor's takeOmnisend fits Shopify merchants who want email, SMS, and push in one automation builder without hiring a specialist. Check contact counts against the non-subscriber billing rule before choosing a plan.

Is Omnisend's free plan fully featured?

Yes. The free plan includes every feature but caps sending at 500 emails to 250 contacts per month.

Why did my Omnisend bill increase without new subscribers?

Non-subscribed contacts, like shoppers who abandoned a cart without opting in, still count toward billing because they receive transactional emails.

The evidence: 6 criteria, 3 penalties (−0.13 points)
8.7
Product Capability & DepthLooked for: We evaluate the breadth of marketing tools, automation logic, and content creation features specifically for ecommerce businesses.Omnisend offers a robust suite of email, SMS, and push notification tools with pre-built ecommerce automations, though it lacks some native widgets like countdown timers found in competitors.omnisend.comomnisend.commaythegrowthbewithyou.com
9.2
Market Credibility & Trust SignalsLooked for: We look for user adoption rates, verified review scores across major platforms, and industry recognition.Omnisend maintains exceptional ratings across major review platforms and serves over 100,000 merchants, with specific acclaim for its customer support quality.martechoutlook.comstylefactoryproductions.comyoutube.com
8.9
Usability & Customer ExperienceLooked for: We assess ease of use, onboarding speed, migration tools, and the responsiveness of customer support channels.The platform is widely praised for its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and exceptionally fast live chat support, though some users desire more design customization flexibility.pcmag.comstylefactoryproductions.comg2.com
8.5
Value, Pricing & TransparencyLooked for: We evaluate pricing tiers, free plan generosity, and the transparency of billable contact definitions.While the free plan is generous, the billing model charges for 'non-subscribed' contacts (like abandoned carts), which can unexpectedly increase costs for merchants.omnisend.comsupport.omnisend.comsupport.omnisend.com
9.0
Integrations & Ecosystem StrengthLooked for: We examine the depth of integration with major ecommerce platforms and the ability to sync real-time data.Omnisend offers deep, one-click integrations with Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce that sync products, orders, and customer behavior in real-time.support.omnisend.comomnisend.com
8.8
Omnichannel Automation & ReachLooked for: We evaluate the ability to combine multiple channels (Email, SMS, Push) into unified strategies.The platform excels at combining email, SMS, and web push notifications into single workflows, though SMS credits have expiration limits.omnisend.comomnisend.comsupport.omnisend.com

Score adjustments−0.13 points in total

−0.05Users are billed for 'non-subscribed' contacts (e.g., abandoned carts who didn't opt-in), which can unexpectedly inflate monthly costs.support.omnisend.com · severity 65/100
−0.03SMS credits purchased or included in plans expire after 60 days, limiting flexibility for fluctuating sending volumes.support.omnisend.com · severity 45/100
−0.05The email builder lacks a native countdown timer widget, forcing users to rely on third-party HTML generators.maythegrowthbewithyou.com · severity 40/100
Visit Omnisend ↗ Back to the top of the ranking
5

Salesforce Starter Suite

salesforce.com · Salesforce Small Business Marketing · scored Dec 2025

Starts at $25/user, but Pro jumps to $100/user

Best forGrowing B2B teams planning to eventually scale into the Salesforce ecosystem.

From $25 per user/mo SOC 2ISO certifiedmulti-channel
−0.2 vs #1
Visit Salesforce Starter Suite ↗ See the evidence

Multi-channel marketing and CRM suite for small businesses that scales into full Salesforce.

Standout factStarter Suite pricing begins at $25 per user per month, jumping to $100 per user per month on Pro Suite.zeeg.me
Biggest catchThe Starter Suite caps marketing email sends at 2,000 per month, restrictive for growing businesses.help.salesforce.com
$25/user/moStarter Suite pricezeeg.me
$100/user/moPro Suite pricezeeg.me
2,000/moStarter email caphelp.salesforce.com

Plans

Most chosenStarter$25/user/mo

2,000 emails/mo cap

Pro Suite$100/user/mo

For 10+ users

Source: zeeg.me

In their words

“If you start with Starter Suite and outgrow it, upgrading to Pro Suite is seamless with no user limitations. Your data moves with you — no starting over.”

salesforce.com

Upside

  • Seamless upgrade path, data moves with you
  • $25/user entry price
  • Multi-channel: email, SMS, WhatsApp

Catch

  • Pro jumps to $100/user/mo
  • 2,000 email/mo cap on Starter
  • Restricted API access on Starter
Pick it ifGrowing B2B teams planning to eventually scale into the Salesforce ecosystem.
Skip it ifSolopreneurs or very small teams with limited technical resources or budget.
PricingStarter $25/user/mo, Pro Suite $100/user/mo

Editor's takeSalesforce's small business tier lets you start at $25 per user a month and later move to Pro or Enterprise without re-platforming, since your data moves with you rather than requiring a migration. That flexibility comes at a steep upgrade cliff, though: Pro Suite jumps to $100 per user a month, and the Starter tier caps marketing emails at 2,000 per month with restricted API access and limited AppExchange compatibility until you upgrade.

What happens when I outgrow Salesforce Starter Suite?

You can upgrade to Pro Suite with no user limitations and your data moves with you, according to Salesforce's own comparison blog, avoiding a full platform migration.

Are there email sending limits on the Starter plan?

Yes. Starter Suite caps marketing email sends at 2,000 per month, according to Salesforce's help documentation, which can be restrictive as a business grows its list.

The evidence: 6 criteria, 3 penalties (−0.18 points)
9.5
Product Capability & Depthsalesforce.comsalesforce.com
9.0
Market Credibility & Trust Signalsgartner.com
8.6
Usability & Customer ExperienceLooked for: We look for ease of setup, intuitive navigation, and the availability of guidance for users without technical CRM expertise.The platform offers guided onboarding and pre-built dashboards to simplify the complex Salesforce ecosystem, though a learning curve remains.salesforce.combusinessnewsdaily.comcroclub.com
8.4
Value, Pricing & TransparencyLooked for: We analyze the entry-level pricing, feature inclusion, and any hidden costs or steep upgrade cliffs.The $25/user entry point is highly competitive, but the jump to the $100/user Pro Suite and high storage overage fees impact overall value.salesforce.comzeeg.memaximizer.com
8.3
Integrations & Ecosystem StrengthLooked for: We evaluate the ability to connect with third-party apps and the availability of API access for custom integrations.While part of the vast Salesforce ecosystem, the Starter edition has restricted API access and limited AppExchange compatibility compared to Pro/Enterprise.appexchange.salesforce.comsalesforcemonday.comhelp.salesforce.com
9.0
Scalability & PerformanceLooked for: We assess the product's ability to grow with the business, including upgrade paths and data portability.The product offers a seamless upgrade path to Enterprise editions, ensuring data moves with the business without complex migrations.salesforce.com

Score adjustments−0.18 points in total

−0.08The Starter Suite imposes a strict limit of 2,000 marketing email sends per month, which is restrictive for growing businesses.help.salesforce.com · severity 60/100
−0.06The Starter edition lacks full API access and has restrictions on using many AppExchange integrations.salesforcemonday.com · severity 55/100
−0.04Standard support included in the base price has a slow response time target of 2 days, often requiring paid upgrades for faster help.onepagecrm.com · severity 50/100
Visit Salesforce Starter Suite ↗ Back to the top of the ranking
6

Agile CRM

agilecrm.com · Agile CRM Multichannel Campaigns · scored Dec 2025

Agile CRM is free for 10 users, hard to cancel.

Best forSmall businesses wanting sales, marketing, and service tools combined at a low price.

Free tier From $9 per user/mo Free plan for 10 usersAll-in-one automationDifficult cancellation reported
−0.3 vs #1
Visit Agile CRM ↗ See the evidence

An all-in-one CRM with drag-and-drop multichannel automation, telephony, and a free plan for up to 10 users.

Standout factFree plan supports up to 10 users, rare in the CRM marketagilecrm.com
Biggest catchUsers report significant difficulty cancelling subscriptions, including unexpected charges after pausing accounts.danielsrosehill.wordpress.com
4.5/5 (2K reviews)Trustpilot ratingtrustpilot.com
15,000+Customersagilecrm.com
$8.99/user/moStarter planagilecrm.com

Free vs paid

Free plan

$0
  • Up to 10 users
  • 1 workflow, 1 integration

Starter

$8.99/user/mo
  • 5 workflows
  • 3 integrations

Source: agilecrm.com

In their words

“To start, its support is in dire need of improvement. Not only does it lack 24/7 support but it also lacks support channels, such as live chat.”

forbes.com

Upside

  • Free plan for up to 10 users
  • All-in-one sales/marketing/service
  • Drag-and-drop automation builder

Catch

  • Difficult to cancel subscription
  • Interface described as dated/clunky
  • Support called notoriously poor
Pick it ifSmall businesses wanting sales, marketing, and service tools combined at a low price.
Skip it ifUsers expecting reliable performance, modern interfaces, or responsive support.
PricingFree for 10 users, Starter from $8.99/user/month

Editor's takeAgile CRM bundles email, SMS, social, and telephony automation with a drag-and-drop campaign builder, and its free plan covers up to 10 users, unusually generous for a CRM. Paid plans start at $8.99 per user monthly. Reviewers call customer support notoriously poor, with no 24/7 coverage, and describe real difficulty cancelling subscriptions, including unexpected charges after pausing an account.

Is Agile CRM really free for 10 users?

Yes, no credit card required, though workflows and integrations are capped at just 1 each on the free tier.

Is it easy to cancel Agile CRM?

Not always. Users report difficulty cancelling and unexpected charges even after pausing their accounts.

The evidence: 6 criteria, 3 penalties (−0.18 points)
8.9
Product Capability & DepthLooked for: We evaluate the breadth of multichannel features, automation logic, and campaign management tools available for SMBs.Agile CRM delivers a comprehensive 'all-in-one' suite combining drag-and-drop marketing automation, email, social media, SMS, and built-in telephony features.agilecrm.comagilecrm.comagilecrm.com
8.8
Market Credibility & Trust SignalsLooked for: We assess the vendor's reputation, user base size, and longevity in the SaaS market.Founded in 2013 with over 15,000 customers, the platform is established but faces recent criticism regarding development velocity and support quality.agilecrm.comtrustpilot.comforbes.com
8.7
Usability & Customer ExperienceLooked for: We examine the user interface design, ease of navigation, and overall user satisfaction with the platform's workflow.Users appreciate the drag-and-drop builders for campaigns, though the overall interface is frequently described as dated or clunky compared to modern competitors.agilecrm.comforbes.comg2.com
9.0
Value, Pricing & TransparencyLooked for: We analyze the pricing structure, free tier generosity, and transparency of costs.The 'Free for 10 users' plan is exceptionally generous for the industry, though significant value is locked behind higher tiers for automation and integrations.agilecrm.comagilecrm.comagilecrm.com
8.8
Integrations & Ecosystem StrengthLooked for: We evaluate the availability of third-party connections, APIs, and the breadth of the plugin ecosystem.The platform integrates with major tools like Twilio, Shopify, and Stripe, supported by a REST API, though the number of allowed integrations is strictly capped by plan.agilecrm.comagilecrm.comonepagecrm.com
8.0
Support, Training & Onboarding ResourcesLooked for: We assess the quality of customer support, availability of self-help resources, and onboarding assistance.While a knowledge base and video tutorials exist, customer support is frequently cited as a major weakness with reports of slow or unhelpful responses.agilecrm.comforbes.comg2.com

Score adjustments−0.18 points in total

−0.05Users report significant difficulty cancelling subscriptions, including a lack of self-service cancellation options and unexpected charges after 'pausing' accounts.danielsrosehill.wordpress.com · severity 75/100
−0.06Multiple sources cite poor customer support quality, including slow response times and inability to resolve technical bugs effectively.forbes.com · severity 60/100
−0.07Strict limits on automation workflows (1 on Free, 5 on Starter) significantly restrict the utility of the 'multichannel' features for smaller plans.onepagecrm.com · severity 50/100
Visit Agile CRM ↗ Back to the top of the ranking
02

Side by side

10 features across 6 products. Green is yes, red is no, grey is not published.

FeatureKlaviyoOneSignalBrevoOmnisendSalesforce Starter SuiteAgile CRM
Has Mobile App ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✓ ✓
Has Free Plan ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✗ ✓
Has Free Trial ✓ ✓ Contact for trial ✓ Contact for trial ✓
Integrates With Zapier ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Has Public API ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Live Chat Support ✓ Email/Ticket only Email/Ticket only ✓ ✓ ✓
SOC 2 or ISO Certified ✓ — — ✓ Both —
Popular Integrations Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce WordPress, Shopify, Magento Salesforce, HubSpot, WordPress Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 Google Workspace, Shopify, Facebook
Supports SSO Enterprise plans only ✗ ✗ ✗ ✓ ✗
Starting Price $20 per month $9 per month $9 per month $16 per month $25 per user/mo $9 per user/mo
03

How we chose

Four fixed criteria for every product, plus two chosen for SMS and Multichannel Automation for Small Businesses, weighted and reduced by documented penalties.

Full methodology
Criteria set for this categoryProduct Capability & Depth, Market Credibility & Trust Signals, Usability & Customer Experience, Value, Pricing & Transparency, Integrations & Ecosystem Strength, Security, Compliance & Data Protection
Evidence, then a scoreDocumentation, pricing pages, security pages and third-party reviews. Each criterion records what was found and links its sources.
Penalties, then a rankDocumented problems pull the score down with their evidence attached. Rank follows the score. Sponsored rows, where present, are labelled.
iVendors cannot buy a position. Every score rests on published evidence, documented problems pull it down, and a 9.1 here is not a 9.1 in another category.
Albert Richer
Albert RicherFounder · Memphis, TN

Sets the criteria and reviews the evidence before a ranking publishes. Email him if something here looks wrong.

04

Questions people ask

What is Klaviyo's Known Litigator feature?

It automatically blocks contacts known or suspected of threatening TCPA lawsuits from subscribing to SMS, reducing legal risk.

How does Klaviyo's SMS pricing work?

Plans start at $20 a month with a free tier available. Cost is based on active profiles plus SMS credits, and carrier fees are included.

Is mobile push really unlimited on OneSignal's free plan?

Yes. The Free Plan includes unlimited mobile push sends, plus 10,000 email sends and a 10,000-recipient cap on web push per message.

Does OneSignal handle SMS natively?

Not on the Free or Growth plans. SMS requires connecting your own Twilio account; native SMS billing is available on higher tiers.

Does Brevo charge based on how many contacts I have?

No. It charges by email sending volume, and contact storage is unlimited even on the free plan.

Can Brevo suspend an account without warning?

It can. Users have reported sudden suspensions when the system flags invalid emails or reputation risk during list uploads.

Is Omnisend's free plan fully featured?

Yes. The free plan includes every feature but caps sending at 500 emails to 250 contacts per month.

Why did my Omnisend bill increase without new subscribers?

Non-subscribed contacts, like shoppers who abandoned a cart without opting in, still count toward billing because they receive transactional emails.

How is the best SMS and Multichannel Automation for Small Businesses decided?

Every product is scored on six criteria for this category, with cited evidence and documented penalties. Rank follows the overall score. Vendors cannot pay for a position.

How often is this ranking updated?

Products are re-scored when pricing, features or evidence change. This ranking was last updated July 8, 2026.

05

More in Email & Marketing Automation for Small Businesses

2 related rankings.

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