If you have subscribers in the EU (and you probably do), GDPR compliance isn't optional. The regulation requires explicit consent for marketing email, the ability to delete subscriber data on request, data processing agreements with every tool that handles personal data, and documented lawful basis for processing.

Most email tools claim GDPR compliance on their website. But the depth varies. Some provide data processing agreements, consent tracking, and EU data hosting. Others just added a checkbox to their signup forms and called it done.

Here's what actually matters and which tools handle it properly.

What GDPR Compliance Requires From Your Email Tool

Data Processing Agreement (DPA): A signed contract between you and the email platform specifying how they process personal data on your behalf
Consent management: The ability to record when and how consent was given for each subscriber
Right to erasure: Delete all subscriber data permanently when requested
Data portability: Export all subscriber data in a standard format
Breach notification: The platform notifies you promptly if there's a data breach
Data minimization: Only collect and store data that's necessary
EU data transfer protections: If data leaves the EU, adequate safeguards must be in place (Standard Contractual Clauses, adequacy decisions, etc.)

The 7 Best Options

1. Sequenzy

Best for: SaaS companies needing GDPR compliance with lifecycle email

Sequenzy provides GDPR compliance features including a data processing agreement, subscriber data deletion, data export capabilities, and consent tracking. For SaaS companies with EU customers, the platform handles personal data in compliance with GDPR requirements.

The subscriber management includes tools for handling right-to-erasure requests and data portability. When a subscriber requests deletion, their data is permanently removed from the system including email history and event data.

GDPR features: DPA available, data deletion, data export, consent management Pricing: From $29/month Pros: SaaS-focused compliance, subscriber data deletion, data export, DPA Cons: Newer platform, US-based (EU data transfer safeguards needed)

2. Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)

Best for: EU-headquartered, GDPR by design

Brevo is headquartered in Paris, France. GDPR compliance is built into the platform from the ground up, not retrofitted. EU data storage is default. The DPA is included automatically with every account. Consent tracking is native to the contact management system.

Brevo's GDPR features include: consent logs showing when and how each contact consented, built-in double opt-in support, one-click data deletion for right-to-erasure requests, and data export for portability. Being EU-based means data sovereignty is straightforward.

GDPR features: EU data storage (default), automatic DPA, consent logging, double opt-in, data deletion, EU-headquartered Pricing: Free for 300 emails/day, from $9/month Pros: EU-based, GDPR by design, consent logs, affordable, strong data controls Cons: Less polished than US-based competitors, basic automation on lower tiers

3. MailerLite

Best for: Strong GDPR compliance with accessible pricing

MailerLite (headquartered in Lithuania, EU) takes GDPR seriously. The platform includes consent tracking, double opt-in, GDPR-compliant signup forms, and a DPA included with every account. Data is stored in the EU by default.

The signup form builder includes GDPR-specific features: consent checkboxes with customizable text, separate consent for different purposes (marketing vs. product updates), and automatic consent recording. For small businesses that want GDPR compliance without manual work, MailerLite handles most requirements automatically.

GDPR features: EU data storage (default), DPA included, consent forms, double opt-in, data deletion, EU-headquartered Pricing: From $10/month Pros: EU-based, GDPR forms built in, consent tracking, affordable, data export Cons: Smaller feature set than some competitors, basic automation

4. Mailchimp

Best for: GDPR compliance tools with the broadest integration ecosystem

Mailchimp includes GDPR-specific features: GDPR-enabled signup forms that track consent for different marketing types, a data processing addendum, and tools for handling data deletion requests. The GDPR fields in signup forms let you track consent separately for email, direct mail, and customized online advertising.

Mailchimp's GDPR tools are well-documented and widely used. The consent tracking integrates with the broader Mailchimp ecosystem (landing pages, forms, integrations), making it practical to maintain GDPR compliance across multiple touchpoints.

GDPR features: GDPR signup forms, consent tracking by type, DPA, data deletion, data export Pricing: Free up to 500 contacts, from $13/month Pros: Well-documented GDPR tools, consent tracking by type, broad ecosystem Cons: US-based (data transfer considerations), pricing scales with contacts

5. ActiveCampaign

Best for: GDPR compliance within a full marketing automation suite

ActiveCampaign includes a DPA, GDPR-compliant forms, consent tracking, and data processing controls. The platform stores consent records for each contact and supports double opt-in across all signup methods.

The automation features include GDPR-relevant capabilities: automatically suppress contacts who haven't given consent, trigger consent renewal campaigns, and manage preference centers that comply with the right to withdraw consent.

GDPR features: DPA, consent tracking, GDPR forms, preference center, consent renewal automations Pricing: From $29/month Pros: Full automation suite with GDPR, consent renewal automations, preference center Cons: US-based, GDPR features spread across multiple settings, some complexity

6. ConvertKit (Kit)

Best for: GDPR compliance for creators and newsletter operators

ConvertKit includes GDPR features in its form builder: consent checkboxes, double opt-in, and text customization for consent language. The DPA is available for download. Subscriber data can be exported and deleted on request.

For creators who collect emails through content, ConvertKit's GDPR-compliant forms integrate naturally with landing pages and blog opt-ins. The consent is tracked per-form, so you know exactly where and when each subscriber consented.

GDPR features: GDPR forms, consent checkboxes, DPA, data deletion, data export, double opt-in Pricing: Free up to 10,000 subscribers, from $29/month Pros: Creator-focused GDPR compliance, per-form consent tracking, generous free tier Cons: US-based, basic GDPR features (no consent renewal automation)

7. Customer.io

Best for: Technical teams building custom GDPR workflows

Customer.io's API supports GDPR compliance at a technical level. You can track consent attributes on customer profiles, build automations that respond to consent changes, and use the API to handle deletion requests programmatically. The DPA is available.

For technical teams that want to build GDPR compliance into their application logic (not just their email tool), Customer.io's API-first approach is flexible. Consent is just another customer attribute that can trigger or suppress automations.

GDPR features: DPA, API-driven consent management, programmable deletion, custom GDPR workflows Pricing: From $100/month Pros: Most flexible GDPR implementation, API-driven, custom workflows Cons: Expensive, requires technical setup, no built-in GDPR forms

GDPR Compliance Checklist for Email Marketing

Before You Start Sending

Sign a DPA with your email platform
Set up double opt-in for all signup forms
Add clear consent language to every form
Document your lawful basis for processing (usually consent for marketing)
Create a privacy policy that explains your email practices

For Every Subscriber

Record when and how consent was given
Record what the subscriber consented to (which types of communication)
Make it easy to update preferences or withdraw consent
Process unsubscribe requests immediately

When Requested

Delete subscriber data completely (right to erasure) within 30 days
Export subscriber data in a portable format (right to data portability)
Provide information about what data you hold (right of access)

Ongoing

Audit consent records periodically
Remove subscribers who haven't consented
Keep records of your compliance activities
Update practices when regulations change

FAQ

Do I need GDPR compliance if I'm not based in the EU? Yes, if you have subscribers in the EU. GDPR applies to processing personal data of EU residents, regardless of where your business is located.

Is double opt-in required by GDPR? Not technically required, but strongly recommended. Double opt-in provides clear evidence of consent, which is valuable if you're ever challenged. Many GDPR-focused email tools default to double opt-in.

Can I email EU subscribers based on "legitimate interest" instead of consent? Potentially for existing customers (transactional email, service updates). For marketing email to people who haven't bought from you, consent is the safest lawful basis. Legitimate interest claims for marketing are challenged frequently and require documented analysis.

What happens if my email tool isn't GDPR compliant? As the data controller, you're responsible for ensuring your data processors (including your email tool) comply with GDPR. If your email tool mishandles EU personal data, you can face fines up to 4% of annual revenue or 20M euros.

Do I need EU data storage? Not strictly required if adequate data transfer safeguards are in place (Standard Contractual Clauses, adequacy decisions). But EU data storage simplifies compliance. If your email tool stores data in the US, verify they have appropriate transfer mechanisms in place.