Best Free HTML Email Builders in 2026
You don't need to pay for an email builder to create professional HTML emails. Several excellent tools offer genuinely useful free tiers, and open-source options give you full functionality without any cost.
This guide covers the best free HTML email builders available in 2026. I've focused on tools where the free tier is actually usable for real work, not just a crippled demo version designed to push you to paid plans.
For paid options and a complete overview, see my comprehensive guide to HTML email builders.
What "Free" Actually Means
Free email builders fall into three categories:
Free with limitations - Full functionality but with caps on exports, templates, or features. Examples: Stripo, Bee Free, Topol.io
Free with branding - Full functionality but your emails include the builder's logo. Example: Bee Free's free tier
Completely free (open source) - No cost, no limitations, but you host and maintain it yourself. Examples: MJML, GrapesJS, React Email
Understanding which type fits your situation matters. A startup building 10 emails a month has different needs than an agency building 100.
Best Free HTML Email Builders
1. Bee Free - Best Free Visual Builder
Price: Free with BEE branding, paid from $15/month
Bee Free's free tier is genuinely generous. You get full access to the drag-and-drop editor, a solid template library, and unlimited email creation. The catch is that free emails include "Built with BEE" branding in the footer.
For many use cases, that branding is acceptable. Internal emails, testing, small businesses just starting out, or situations where the branding doesn't matter much. The editor itself is fast and intuitive, producing reliable cross-client compatible HTML.
The mobile design features work on the free tier. You can adjust how your email displays on mobile devices, which is often a paid-only feature elsewhere.
Export options are flexible. You can download HTML, export directly to major ESPs like Mailchimp and HubSpot, or copy the HTML to clipboard.
Best for: Teams that don't mind the branding or want to test before committing to paid
What you give up: Removing branding requires paid plan
2. MJML - Best Free for Developers
Price: Free (open source)
MJML is completely free with no limitations. It's a markup language that compiles to email-compatible HTML, designed for developers who prefer code over visual editors.
You write templates in MJML's clean syntax:
<mjml>
<mj-body>
<mj-section>
<mj-column>
<mj-text>Hello world</mj-text>
</mj-column>
</mj-section>
</mj-body>
</mjml>
MJML compiles this to hundreds of lines of table-based HTML with inline styles that work across all email clients. You don't need to understand email HTML quirks; MJML handles them.
The tooling is excellent: CLI for build pipelines, VS Code extension, Node.js library for server-side generation. It integrates smoothly with any development workflow.
For a deeper dive on developer tools, see my guide to HTML email builders for developers.
Best for: Developers comfortable with code
What you give up: No visual editor (though community tools exist)
3. Stripo - Best Free Templates
Price: Free tier with limitations, paid from $15/month
Stripo's free tier gives you access to their massive template library (1,500+ templates) and the full drag-and-drop editor. You're limited to 4 exports per month, which is enough for small operations or testing.
The template variety is Stripo's main advantage. Whatever industry or email type you need, there's probably a template close to your requirements. Customize it rather than building from scratch.
The editor provides good control over design elements, custom fonts, and responsive behavior. Even on the free tier, you can create professional-quality emails.
If 4 exports per month is too limiting, the paid plans are reasonably priced at $15/month for unlimited exports.
Best for: Teams that need template variety and can work within export limits
What you give up: Limited to 4 exports/month on free tier
4. React Email - Best Free for React Teams
Price: Free (open source)
React Email lets you build email templates using React components. It's completely free and open source with no restrictions.
import { Html, Button, Text } from '@react-email/components';
export function WelcomeEmail({ name }) {
return (
<Html>
<Text>Hello {name}!</Text>
<Button href="https://example.com">Get Started</Button>
</Html>
);
}
The component library handles email client compatibility automatically. You write normal React code, and it outputs email-safe HTML.
This approach shines for teams already using React. Email templates become components you can test, version control, and generate programmatically. The development experience is modern and pleasant.
Best for: React developers and teams
What you give up: Requires React knowledge
5. Topol.io - Best Simple Free Option
Price: Free tier, paid from $7/month
Topol.io offers a clean, simple email builder with a usable free tier. You get the full drag-and-drop editor with limitations on templates and some features.
The interface is deliberately minimal. No overwhelming feature lists, just a straightforward builder that produces good HTML. For simple newsletters and basic campaigns, it's often enough.
The paid tier at $7/month is one of the cheapest options if you outgrow the free tier.
Best for: Users wanting simplicity without complexity
What you give up: Limited templates, some features paid-only
6. GrapesJS - Best Free Open Source
Price: Free (open source)
GrapesJS is an open-source web builder framework with email template support. You can use it directly online, self-host it, or embed it in your own applications.
The flexibility is unmatched. You control everything: the interface, the features, the hosting. For technical teams that want complete ownership, GrapesJS delivers.
The trade-off is setup effort. Unlike commercial tools, you need to configure and potentially customize GrapesJS for your needs. It's not a turnkey solution.
Best for: Technical teams wanting complete control
What you give up: Requires setup and configuration
7. Sequenzy - Best Free for SaaS
Price: Free tier (100 subscribers), paid from $19/month
Sequenzy's free tier includes the visual email builder along with automation features. You're limited to 100 subscribers in sequences, but for very early-stage products, that's often enough to validate your email strategy.
The builder produces clean, responsive HTML. The AI features work on the free tier, helping you generate content quickly. For SaaS companies specifically, the Stripe integration is available even on free accounts.
If you're building a SaaS product and want to combine email building with automation from the start, Sequenzy's free tier is worth considering.
Best for: Early-stage SaaS products
What you give up: Limited to 100 subscribers in sequences
Free Tool Comparison
| Tool | Type | Limitations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bee Free | Visual | Branding on emails | General use |
| MJML | Code | None | Developers |
| Stripo | Visual | 4 exports/month | Template needs |
| React Email | Code | None | React teams |
| Topol.io | Visual | Feature limits | Simple needs |
| GrapesJS | Code/Visual | Setup required | Technical teams |
| Sequenzy | Visual | 100 subscribers | SaaS startups |
When Free Isn't Enough
Free tools work well for:
- Testing and learning
- Low-volume email needs
- Budget-constrained small businesses
- Open-source projects
Consider paid tools when:
- You need brand consistency (no third-party branding)
- Volume exceeds free tier limits
- You need collaboration features
- Support and reliability are critical
The jump from free to paid is often small ($7-15/month for basic paid tiers). If free tools are slowing you down, the upgrade is usually worth it.
Making Free Tools Work
Combine Tools
Use a free visual builder (Bee Free) for design, then refine the HTML in a free code tool (Parcel free tier or your code editor). This gives you visual starting points with code-level control.
Build Your Own Templates
Instead of relying on template libraries, create your own templates with free tools. Spend time once designing templates that work for your needs, then reuse them.
Accept Trade-offs
Free tools have limitations by design. Accept them rather than fighting them. If branding bothers you, pay the $15/month to remove it. If export limits constrain you, upgrade.