Brevo Review

ByObeydul Haque Reading Time: 10 minutes

Founded in 2012 by Armand Thiberge, Brevo started as Sendinblue, a platform focused on simplifying email marketing for businesses of all sizes. In 2023, it rebranded to Brevo, reflecting its expanded scope as an all-in-one CRM and marketing platform. Today, Brevo serves over 500,000 customers worldwide, with offices in Paris, Delhi, Seattle, Berlin, Sofia, Toronto, New York, and Vienna. Its mission remains to make effective marketing channels accessible to businesses, regardless of their size or budget.

Brevo’s key offerings include:

  • Email Marketing: Create and send newsletters, transactional emails, and automated campaigns.
  • SMS and WhatsApp Campaigns: Engage customers through text messaging and WhatsApp.
  • Marketing Automation: Build workflows to nurture leads and automate repetitive tasks.
  • CRM Tools: Manage customer relationships and track sales pipelines.
  • Live Chat and Conversations: Interact with website visitors in real time.
  • Landing Pages and Ads: Design landing pages and run Facebook or retargeting ads.

This review explores each of these features, their practical applications, and how they stack up against competitors like Mailchimp, GetResponse, and ActiveCampaign.

Key Features of Brevo

1. Email Marketing

Brevo’s email marketing capabilities are a cornerstone of its platform, designed to be intuitive for both beginners and experienced marketers. The drag-and-drop email builder allows users to create professional-looking emails without coding knowledge. With over 40 mobile-responsive templates organized by campaign purpose (e.g., promotional, transactional, or welcome emails), Brevo makes it easy to craft visually appealing emails that align with your brand.

The platform supports advanced features like:

  • Personalization: Tailor emails with recipient names, purchase history, or engagement data.
  • Segmentation: Group contacts based on criteria like location, behavior, or demographics to deliver targeted content.
  • A/B Testing: Test subject lines, content, or send times to optimize campaign performance (available on Business and Enterprise plans).
  • AI Subject Line Generator: Suggests optimized subject lines to boost open rates.

Users praise the simplicity of the email builder, with many noting that campaigns can be set up in minutes. However, some have reported that the template library, while functional, is smaller than competitors like Mailchimp, which may limit design flexibility for advanced users.

2. Marketing Automation

Brevo’s automation tools are a standout feature, particularly for businesses on a budget. The platform allows users to create workflows for tasks like welcome emails, abandoned cart reminders, or lead nurturing sequences. Triggers can be based on user actions, such as link clicks, form submissions, or website visits, making it easy to deliver timely, relevant messages.

For example, a small e-commerce store could set up a drip campaign to follow up with customers who abandon their carts, combining an email with a personalized SMS reminder. Users report that these workflows are easy to configure and significantly boost engagement. However, the free plan limits automation to 2,000 contacts, and advanced features like A/B testing or multi-user access require upgrading to the Business plan.

3. CRM and Sales Pipeline Management

Brevo’s built-in CRM is designed to simplify customer relationship management for small businesses. The deal pipeline is user-friendly, allowing users to track leads and sales stages with minimal setup. Editing columns and adding attributes is straightforward, though the CRM lacks advanced features like lead scoring and detailed analytics, which may disappoint larger teams or those needing robust reporting.

The CRM integrates seamlessly with Brevo’s marketing tools, enabling businesses to manage contacts and campaigns from a single platform. This unified approach is a major advantage for small businesses looking to streamline operations without investing in multiple tools.

4. SMS and WhatsApp Campaigns

Brevo’s multi-channel capabilities set it apart from many competitors. In addition to email, users can send SMS and WhatsApp campaigns to engage customers on their preferred platforms. This is particularly valuable for businesses in industries like retail or hospitality, where timely, direct communication can drive conversions.

For instance, a restaurant could send an SMS promoting a limited-time offer or a WhatsApp message confirming a reservation. Users appreciate the flexibility of these features, though some note that SMS and WhatsApp campaigns can become costly for high-volume senders, as pricing is based on the number of messages sent.

5. Live Chat and Conversations

Brevo Conversations, the platform’s live chat tool, allows businesses to interact with website visitors in real time. The tool is surprisingly robust for an email marketing platform, rivaling dedicated solutions like Tidio or LiveChat. Users have reported positive experiences integrating the chat feature into their websites, with EmailTooltester even adopting it for their own site.

However, live chat is only available on the Business plan, which may be a drawback for free or Starter plan users looking for this functionality.

6. Landing Pages and Ads

Brevo’s landing page builder, available on Business and Enterprise plans, allows users to create custom pages for lead capture or promotions. The builder is intuitive, with drag-and-drop functionality similar to the email editor. Additionally, Brevo supports Facebook ads and retargeting campaigns, helping businesses extend their reach beyond email and SMS.

While these features are useful, they’re not as advanced as dedicated landing page builders like Leadpages or Unbounce, and some users find the lack of a landing page builder on the Starter plan limiting.

7. Integrations

Brevo offers 63 integrations, including popular tools like WordPress, Google Analytics, and e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. The WordPress plugin is particularly well-regarded for its ease of use and robust tracking capabilities.

For businesses with custom needs, Brevo’s API allows for deeper integrations, such as syncing transactional emails with a website backend. Users report that API control is reliable, though some have noted that onboarding can be challenging due to errors in documentation.

Pricing and Plans

Brevo’s pricing model is one of its biggest strengths, as it charges based on the number of emails sent rather than the size of the contact list. This makes it an attractive option for businesses with large lists but low sending frequency. Below is an overview of Brevo’s plans as of 2025:

  • Free Plan:
    • 300 emails/day (with Brevo branding).
    • Unlimited contacts.
    • Basic email marketing and automation (up to 2,000 contacts).
    • Limited reporting and no A/B testing or landing pages.
  • Starter Plan ($9/month for 5,000 emails):
    • No daily sending limit.
    • Basic reporting and analytics.
    • Option to remove Brevo branding for an additional $12/month.
    • No landing page builder or advanced features.
  • Business Plan ($18/month for 5,000 emails):
    • Includes marketing automation, A/B testing, and advanced statistics.
    • Multi-user access and send-time optimization.
    • Phone and live chat support.
    • Landing page builder and ad integrations.
  • Enterprise Plan:
    • Custom pricing for high-volume senders.
    • Advanced integrations, enterprise-grade security, and tailored onboarding.

Brevo also offers a pay-as-you-go option for infrequent senders, allowing users to purchase email credits. Compared to competitors like Mailchimp, which charges based on subscriber count, Brevo’s pricing is often more cost-effective for growing businesses. For example, Mailchimp’s Essentials plan for 500 subscribers (5,000 emails/month) costs significantly more than Brevo’s Starter plan.

However, some users note that advanced features like A/B testing and landing pages are locked behind the Business plan, which may feel restrictive for those on lower tiers. Additionally, the $12/month add-on to remove Brevo branding on the Starter plan has drawn criticism as an unnecessary extra cost.

Usability and Interface

Brevo’s interface is clean and intuitive, with a dashboard that centralizes access to campaigns, contacts, automation, and analytics. New users are greeted with a guided tour and step-by-step prompts to create their first campaign, making onboarding straightforward. The drag-and-drop editors for emails and landing pages are user-friendly, though some users report occasional lag or restrictive styling options.

Compared to competitors, Brevo’s interface is less polished than Mailchimp’s but more approachable than ActiveCampaign’s, which can feel overwhelming for beginners. The platform’s simplicity is a double-edged sword: while it’s easy to navigate, advanced users may find the lack of customization options limiting.

Customer Support

Brevo’s customer support varies by plan. All users have access to a comprehensive Help Center with articles and tutorials covering platform features. Email support is available across all plans, but phone and live chat support are exclusive to Business and Enterprise plans.

User feedback on support is mixed. Many praise the responsiveness of the support team, with some reporting quick resolutions to issues. However, others, particularly those on the free or Starter plans, have expressed frustration with lengthy email responses or lack of direct support channels. Negative reviews also highlight issues with account suspensions, often due to Brevo’s strict policies on contact list quality and opt-in compliance.

For example, some users report accounts being banned without clear explanations, citing “unusual results” that affect Brevo’s shared IPs. The company emphasizes the importance of clean contact lists to maintain deliverability, but critics argue that its policies can be overly punitive, especially for legitimate businesses.

Deliverability and Performance

Deliverability is a critical factor for any email marketing platform, and Brevo performs well in this area thanks to its focus on spam prevention and DNS optimizations. Users report open rates above 30% in some cases, though deliverability can vary based on list quality.

However, some users have criticized Brevo’s batch-sending approach, which can delay scheduled emails by up to an hour. Additionally, if an initial batch of emails (e.g., 500 recipients) doesn’t meet Brevo’s engagement thresholds, the platform may abort the rest of the send, frustrating users who rely on timely delivery.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Affordable Pricing: Charges per email sent, not per subscriber, making it cost-effective for businesses with large contact lists.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive drag-and-drop editors and a clean dashboard simplify campaign creation.
  • Multi-Channel Capabilities: Supports email, SMS, WhatsApp, and live chat, offering flexibility for diverse marketing strategies.
  • Robust Automation: Easy-to-build workflows for lead nurturing and transactional emails.
  • Generous Free Plan: Allows testing of core features with unlimited contacts and 300 emails/day.

Cons

  • Limited Advanced Features: A/B testing, landing pages, and advanced reporting are restricted to higher-tier plans.
  • Account Suspension Issues: Strict policies on list quality can lead to unexplained bans, frustrating legitimate users.
  • Small Template Library: Fewer design options compared to competitors like Mailchimp.
  • Delayed Email Sending: Batch sending can cause delays, impacting time-sensitive campaigns.
  • Support Limitations: Free and Starter plan users lack access to phone or live chat support.

Who Is Brevo Best For?

Brevo is an excellent choice for:

  • Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: Its affordable pricing and all-in-one features make it ideal for businesses with limited budgets.
  • E-Commerce Stores: Automation workflows and multi-channel campaigns (email, SMS, WhatsApp) are well-suited for driving sales.
  • Beginners: The intuitive interface and guided setup process cater to users new to email marketing.
  • Low-Volume Senders: The pay-as-you-go option and email-based pricing benefit businesses that send emails infrequently.

However, Brevo may not be the best fit for:

  • Large Enterprises: Businesses needing advanced analytics, lead scoring, or extensive integrations may find Brevo lacking.
  • High-Volume Senders: SMS and WhatsApp campaigns can become expensive, and deliverability issues may arise with large lists.
  • Users Needing Extensive Templates: Those prioritizing design flexibility may prefer platforms with larger template libraries.

Brevo vs. Competitors

Brevo vs. Mailchimp

Mailchimp is a popular alternative, known for its polished interface and extensive template library. However, Mailchimp’s pricing, based on subscriber count, is less cost-effective than Brevo’s email-based model. Brevo also offers better automation and multi-channel features (e.g., SMS and WhatsApp) on lower-tier plans. However, Mailchimp provides more robust analytics and a larger selection of templates, making it a better choice for design-focused or data-driven businesses.

Brevo vs. GetResponse

GetResponse offers similar features to Brevo, including email marketing, automation, and CRM tools. However, its pricing is higher for advanced automation, which Brevo provides at a lower cost. Brevo’s free plan is also more generous, allowing unlimited contacts, while GetResponse limits free plan users to 500 contacts. That said, GetResponse’s webinar tools and more advanced reporting may appeal to businesses with specific needs.

Brevo vs. ActiveCampaign

ActiveCampaign is a powerhouse for marketing automation, with advanced features like lead scoring and dynamic content. However, its complexity and higher price point make it less accessible for small businesses. Brevo’s simpler interface and lower cost make it a better fit for beginners or budget-conscious users, though it lacks ActiveCampaign’s depth in analytics and customization.

User Feedback and Real-World Performance

Brevo has a 4.6/5 rating on platforms like Capterra and GetApp, based on thousands of verified reviews. Users consistently praise its ease of use, affordability, and multi-channel capabilities. For example, a small business owner noted, “Brevo is my number one way to communicate with my members. Designing a template and uploading images is a breeze.”

However, negative reviews often center on account suspensions and customer support. One user complained, “They banned me twice for no reason. I had nothing but legit customers on my list, and now I can’t reach my customer base.” Brevo’s response emphasized its strict opt-in policies, but such experiences highlight the need for clear communication and transparent processes.

In practical use, Brevo excels for small businesses running targeted campaigns. A music band using Brevo to promote events reported seamless integration with their existing Mailchimp list, though they faced a suspension for unclear reasons. Meanwhile, an e-commerce business leveraging Brevo’s automation saw significant engagement from drip campaigns, demonstrating the platform’s effectiveness when used correctly.

Conclusion

Brevo is a versatile, budget-friendly platform that delivers exceptional value for small to medium-sized businesses. Its combination of email marketing, SMS, WhatsApp, automation, CRM, and live chat tools makes it a true all-in-one solution. The intuitive interface and generous free plan lower the barrier to entry, while advanced features like automation workflows and multi-channel campaigns provide room to grow.

However, Brevo isn’t without flaws. Limited advanced reporting, restrictive template options, and occasional deliverability issues may frustrate users with complex needs. Account suspensions, while aimed at maintaining deliverability, can feel overly harsh, and support for lower-tier plans could be improved.

Ultimately, Brevo is a strong contender in the email marketing and CRM space, particularly for businesses prioritizing affordability and ease of use. If you’re a small business or startup looking to streamline your marketing efforts without breaking the bank, Brevo is worth a try. For those needing advanced analytics or extensive customization, exploring alternatives like Mailchimp or ActiveCampaign may be necessary.

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