Listmonk vs Sendy: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Listmonk and Sendy comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Listmonk
Self-hosted, open-source platform for managing newsletters, mailing lists, and transactional messages.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Self-hosted, open-source newsletter and mailing list manager.
- • High-performance with multi-threaded email queues and low resource footprint.
Sendy
Send newsletters 100x cheaper via Amazon SES with this self-hosted email application.
Best for you if:
- • Self-hosted email newsletter application.
- • Sends bulk emails via Amazon SES for significantly lower costs ($1 per 10,000 emails).
| At a Glance |  Listmonk |  Sendy |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $69/moOne-time purchase |
Best For | Email Marketing | Email Marketing |
Rating | - | 4.1/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Listmonk or Sendy?
Choose Listmonk if
Self-hosted, open-source platform for managing newsletters, mailing lists, and transactional messages.
- Completely free and open-source, offering full control and transparency.
- High performance and efficiency with a low resource footprint, even for large campaigns.
- Versatile templating options and support for various message types beyond email.
- You want a fully free tool (Sendy requires payment)
Choose Sendy if
Send newsletters 100x cheaper via Amazon SES with this self-hosted email application.
- Significantly lower email sending costs compared to traditional platforms.
- No monthly fees based on subscriber count.
- High deliverability rates through Amazon SES.
| Feature | Listmonk | Sendy |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.1/5 41 reviews |
| Categories | Email MarketingNewsletter Tools | Email MarketingNewsletter Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Listmonk
Self-hosted, open-source platform for managing newsletters, mailing lists, and transactional messages.
Strengths
- +Completely free and open-source, offering full control and transparency.
- +High performance and efficiency with a low resource footprint, even for large campaigns.
- +Versatile templating options and support for various message types beyond email.
- +Strong privacy features and robust authentication/authorization controls.
Weaknesses
- -Requires technical expertise for self-hosting and setup.
- -No mention of direct customer support, relying on community for help.
- -Manual setup of SMTP servers needed for email sending.
Key features
Value 100/100. Listmonk offers an incredibly generous pricing model, as it is entirely free and open-source.
Watch out: Self-hosting infrastructure costs
Sendy
Send newsletters 100x cheaper via Amazon SES with this self-hosted email application.
Strengths
- +Significantly lower email sending costs compared to traditional platforms.
- +No monthly fees based on subscriber count.
- +High deliverability rates through Amazon SES.
- +Comprehensive features for managing email campaigns.
- +Ability to manage multiple brands and clients with white-labeling.
Weaknesses
- -Requires technical knowledge for self-hosting and setup.
- -One-time purchase fee for the software itself.
- -Reliance on Amazon SES for email sending, which requires separate setup and costs.
Key features
Value 95/100. Sendy's one-time purchase of $69 is incredibly fair and generous, especially considering it offers unlimited subscribers and a comprehensive feature set.
Watch out: Requires Amazon SES account and costs
Pricing: Listmonk vs Sendy
| Plan | Listmonk | Sendy |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $69 One-time purchase |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Listmonk pricing and Sendy pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Listmonk is free. Sendy is paid.
Go with: Listmonk
Want the highest-rated option?
Sendy is rated 4.1/5. Listmonk has no ratings yet.
Go with: Sendy
Value user reviews?
Listmonk: no ratings yet. Sendy: 41 reviews (4.1/5).
Go with: Sendy
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Listmonk is free. Sendy is paid. Go with Listmonk if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are email marketing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Sendy is rated 4.1/5; Listmonk has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Listmonk
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Sendy
- Choose if you want send newsletters 100x cheaper via Amazon SES with this self-hosted email application
The Bottom Line
Listmonk is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Listmonk or Sendy better?
Listmonk is rated in our evaluation. Listmonk is free and Sendy is paid.
What are Listmonk and Sendy used for?
Listmonk: Self-hosted, open-source platform for managing newsletters, mailing lists, and transactional messages.. Sendy: Send newsletters 100x cheaper via Amazon SES with this self-hosted email application..
What does Listmonk cost vs Sendy?
Listmonk is completely free. Sendy is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.