GetResponse vs Buttondown
A detailed feature-by-feature comparison to help you choose the right email marketing platform.
GetResponse
All-in-one marketing platform
GetResponse is a comprehensive marketing platform that goes beyond email marketing to include webinars, landing pages, sales funnels, and marketing automation. Founded in 1998, it's one of the most established players with a strong track record for deliverability.
Buttondown
The easiest way to start and grow your newsletter
Buttondown is a minimalist newsletter platform beloved by developers and writers who prefer Markdown over drag-and-drop editors. It focuses on writing quality and simplicity, with excellent API support for custom integrations and automations.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | GetResponse | Buttondown |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Starting Price | $19/mo | $9/mo |
| Free Plan | 500 subscribers | 100 subscribers |
| Founded | 1998 | 2017 |
| Email Templates | 200 | 5 |
| Integrations | 170 | 30 |
| Deliverability Rate | 99% | 98% |
| Marketing Automation | ✓ | ✓ |
| A/B Testing | ✓ | ✕ |
| Landing Pages | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segmentation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Drag & Drop Editor | ✓ | ✕ |
| SMS Marketing | ✓ | ✕ |
| Ecommerce Features | ✓ | ✓ |
| API Access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-Language | ✓ | ✕ |
| Web Push Notifications | ✓ | ✕ |
| Live Chat | ✓ | ✕ |
| Advanced Analytics | ✓ | ✓ |
GetResponse: Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Comprehensive all-in-one platform with webinars, landing pages, and funnels
- +Excellent automation builder with visual workflows
- +Built-in webinar hosting
- +Strong deliverability (99%+)
- +Competitive pricing for feature set
Cons
- −Free plan limited to 500 subscribers
- −Interface can feel overwhelming for beginners
- −Webinar quality not comparable to dedicated platforms
- −Customer support response times vary
- −Some features locked behind higher tiers
Buttondown: Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Markdown-first writing experience
- +Excellent API for developers
- +Clean, minimal interface
- +Paid subscription support
- +Custom domain on free plan
Cons
- −No visual email editor
- −Minimal templates
- −No A/B testing
- −Small free plan (100 subscribers)
- −Limited integrations
The Verdict
Both GetResponse and Buttondown are strong options. Your choice depends on your specific needs: choose GetResponse if you prioritize small-businesses, or Buttondown if developers is your focus.