Let’s face it: most “free” plans out there are teasers. They hook you with flashy promises but cut you off right when you’re getting started—kind of like giving you a free trial of a treadmill that only lets you jog for two minutes.

That’s not how Benchmark Email rolls. Our forever-free plan actually packs a punch. It’s designed so busy marketers (like you) can send real campaigns, grow your audience, and see results without spending a dime.

So, what’s included in our free plan? A lot more than you’d think. Let’s walk through the features, limits, and some pro tips to squeeze every bit of value out of it.

Feature 1: Email Campaign Creation

The heart of Benchmark Email is its drag-and-drop email builder. Even on the free plan, you get the full experience—no stripped-down “lite” version.

• Customizable templates: Start with a professional layout and brand it your way.
• AI-powered tools: Use Smart Headings for subject lines, Smart Text for copy polish, and even AI image generation to create visuals on the spot.
• Mobile-ready designs: Every template is responsive by default, ensuring your emails look great whether viewed on a laptop or a phone.

Pro tip: Save your branded design once, and reuse it as a template in future campaigns. It saves time and keeps your brand consistent.

Feature 2: Contact Management

Even the free plan gives you serious contact management tools—no Excel nightmares required.

• 500 contacts included: Enough to start building a meaningful list.
• Dynamic lists: Automatically update segments based on subscriber activity.
• Tagging & segmentation: Organize by interests, behavior, or source.

Pro tip: Use segmentation early. Even with a small list, sending more relevant emails boosts engagement and sets the foundation for scaling later.

Feature 3: Reporting & Analytics

No marketer should fly blind. That’s why our free plan includes detailed reporting on every campaign you send.

• Opens and clicks: See which subject lines and CTAs work best.
• Engagement Insights: Identify your most active subscribers.
• Performance trends: Identify what’s working over time.

Pro tip: Don’t just look at opens—pay attention to clicks. They’re the accurate measure of engagement and can guide your next campaign.

Feature 4: Deliverability You Can Trust

Here’s a hidden gem: Benchmark Email’s free plan doesn’t compromise on deliverability. Your emails are sent out using the same inbox-optimized infrastructure as our paid plans.

• Authentication support: Connect one authenticated domain on the free plan.
• Anti-spam protections: Built-in tools help maintain a healthy sender reputation.

Pro tip: Authenticate your sending domain as soon as possible. It’s a quick step that dramatically improves inbox placement.

Feature 5: Collaboration-Friendly Setup

Even if you’re a solo marketer today, NXG’s free plan has your back when you grow.

• 1 user included: Perfect for individuals starting out.
• Upgrade-ready: Paid plans let you add teammates for just $15/month per user, but you can test the waters solo first.

Pro tip: Document your workflows (like naming conventions for tags or saved templates) now. It makes team onboarding painless when you’re ready to expand.

Limits You Should Know About

The free plan is generous, but it does come with a few guardrails:

• 500 contacts max. Once you grow beyond that, you’ll need to upgrade.
• 2,500 monthly sends. That’s up to 5 emails per contact per month—plenty to stay top of mind.
• 1 authenticated domain. Great for smaller brands, but if you manage multiple domains, upgrading unlocks up to 10.

Pro tip: If you’re close to hitting the send limit, focus on your most engaged segments first. Better results, fewer wasted emails.

What’s Not Included (Yet)

To keep the free plan fast and straightforward, some advanced features aren’t part of it:

• No automation (for now).
• No landing pages.
• No third-party integrations.

But here’s the key: Benchmark Email isn’t dangling these features like carrots. Instead, the free plan is built around core email excellence—so you get the most essential tools right away, without distractions.

When to Upgrade

The forever-free plan is designed to provide you with ample room to grow and expand. But you’ll know it’s time to upgrade when:

1. Your list passes 500 contacts. Paid plans start at just $37/month for 2,500 contacts.
2. You need more monthly sends. Paid plans give you 10x your contact limit.
3. You’re ready for team collaboration. Add multiple users for $15/month each.
4. You want more domains. Manage multiple brands or sub-brands with ease.

Pro tip: Upgrade just before you hit your limits to avoid interruptions. Benchmark Email makes it seamless—your campaigns and data carry over without a hitch.

How to Get the Most Out of Benchmark Email’s Free Plan

To recap, here’s how to maximize your free plan before upgrading:

• Set up your brand kit: Upload logo, set colors, and save a branded template.
• Segment early: Use tags and lists to keep things organized from the start.
• Leverage AI: Smart Headings and Smart Text make your emails stand out—use them!
• Authenticate your domain: Protect deliverability and boost trust.
• Track results: Use reporting to learn what resonates with your audience.

Wrap-Up: Free That Feels Like Paid

Our forever-free plan isn’t just a taste—it’s a whole experience. You can create professional campaigns, manage contacts intelligently, and learn from real analytics without spending a cent.

The only real difference between free and paid? Scale. Once your audience grows, the Send It Plan is there to help you keep momentum.

Until then, you’ve got everything you need to start sending smarter—not harder—today.

Bottom line: Free should mean free, not frustrating. With Benchmark Email, you actually get to do a lot before you ever pull out your credit card.