AWeber vs GetResponse: Which Email Marketing Platform Should You Actually Use?

Both AWeber and GetResponse have been around since 1998. They're both solid email marketing platforms. But they've evolved very differently over the years, and one is clearly better suited for certain use cases than the other.

Here's the short version: GetResponse is the better choice for most businesses looking for an all-in-one marketing platform with advanced automation. AWeber makes sense if you want something dead simple, prefer phone support, or need AMP email capabilities.

Let me break down exactly why.

Pricing Comparison: GetResponse Wins on Value

Let's cut to the numbers that matter:

AWeber Pricing

The Lite plan is honestly a weird product. You're paying $15/month but still have AWeber branding on your emails. That's embarrassing for a business. The Plus plan at $30/month is really the entry point if you want to look professional.

For more details, check out our AWeber pricing breakdown and AWeber cost guide.

GetResponse Pricing

GetResponse gives you unlimited email sending on all paid plans. AWeber limits you to 10x or 12x your subscriber count depending on your plan. That matters if you send frequently.

Price Scaling as Your List Grows

Here's where it gets interesting:

SubscribersAWeber PlusGetResponse Starter
1,000$30/month$19/month
2,500$50/month$29/month
10,000$100/month$79/month
25,000$145/month~$150/month

GetResponse is consistently cheaper at lower subscriber counts. They converge around 25K subscribers. Both charge based on subscriber tiers and will auto-upgrade you if you exceed your limit.

One annoying thing about AWeber: downgrades aren't automatic. If you delete subscribers, you need to contact support to reduce your billing tier. GetResponse handles this the same way.

Features: GetResponse Has More, AWeber Keeps It Simple

Where GetResponse Beats AWeber

Marketing Automation: GetResponse has a visual workflow builder with behavioral conditions, event-based triggers, and pre-made templates for common scenarios like welcome sequences, cart abandonment, and re-engagement campaigns. AWeber's automation exists but is more basic and limited on lower plans.

Webinars: GetResponse has built-in webinar hosting (up to 100 attendees on Marketer, 300 on Creator). AWeber doesn't have this at all - you'd need a separate tool like StreamYard. Check our StreamYard pricing guide if you go that route.

Website Builder: GetResponse includes a drag-and-drop website builder with templates. AWeber doesn't offer this. If you need a website builder, also consider Squarespace vs Wix.

Online Courses: GetResponse's Creator plan lets you build and sell online courses directly. AWeber has nothing comparable.

A/B Testing: GetResponse lets you test up to 5 variations at once. AWeber caps you at 3.

Send Time Optimization: GetResponse has AI-powered features like "Perfect Timing" and "Time Travel" to optimize when your emails land. AWeber has basic scheduling but nothing this sophisticated.

Where AWeber Beats GetResponse

AMP for Email: AWeber supports interactive AMP emails with polls, surveys, and carousels embedded directly in the email. GetResponse doesn't have this. It's a niche feature, but if you want interactive emails, AWeber is one of the few platforms offering it.

Phone Support: AWeber offers phone support on paid plans. GetResponse relies on chat and email. If you need to talk to a human on the phone, AWeber wins.

Template Quantity: AWeber claims 700+ templates. Many look dated, but there's variety. GetResponse has around 100+ modern templates.

Canva Integration: AWeber has a native Canva integration built into their editor. GetResponse doesn't. Learn more about Canva in our Canva review and how to use Canva guide.

Integrations: AWeber has been around forever and has more direct integrations with third-party tools. Both integrate with major platforms like Shopify, WordPress, and PayPal, but AWeber's ecosystem is deeper.

Email Deliverability: Basically a Tie

Both platforms maintain solid deliverability. Independent tests show GetResponse at around 89.7% inbox placement and AWeber at 89.4%. That difference is negligible.

Both support DKIM and SPF authentication, provide easy domain verification, and automatically clean bounced emails. Both have anti-spam policies and monitor for abuse.

AWeber owns its entire delivery infrastructure, which gives them more control. GetResponse uses well-managed shared IP pools with strong sender reputations.

Real-world results vary based on your content, list quality, and subscriber engagement. Don't pick a platform based on marginal deliverability differences - focus on features and price.

Ease of Use: AWeber for Beginners, GetResponse for Growth

AWeber has a simpler, more minimalistic interface. If you just want to send newsletters and set up basic autoresponders without learning a complex system, AWeber is friendlier. User reviews show 55% find AWeber easy to use.

GetResponse has more features, which means more to learn. But 80% of users report finding it easy to use despite the learning curve. The interface is modern and well-organized - you just need to invest time understanding all the tools.

If you're brand new to email marketing and want the simplest possible setup, AWeber gets you running faster. If you plan to use automation, landing pages, webinars, or any advanced features, GetResponse's learning curve pays off.

Who Should Choose AWeber?

AWeber is the "set it and forget it" email platform. It does the basics well without overwhelming you.

Try AWeber Free →

Who Should Choose GetResponse?

GetResponse is the "grow into it" platform. Start with email, then expand into automation, webinars, and courses as you need them.

The Verdict

For most businesses reading this comparison, GetResponse is the better choice. You get more features, better pricing at most subscriber counts, unlimited email sending, and room to grow into advanced marketing automation.

Choose AWeber if you specifically value simplicity, phone support, or AMP email capabilities - and you're confident you won't need webinars, advanced automation, or a website builder.

Both platforms offer free plans with 500 subscribers, so you can test them without commitment. Start there before you decide.

Alternatives Worth Considering

If neither AWeber nor GetResponse feels right, check out these options:

For more email marketing options, read our guide on best email marketing software and email marketing for small business.