Freemium· Free up to 100 subscribers, add-ons from $9/mo

Buttondown

A simple, indie email newsletter tool with a focus on writing, not marketing.

Web
Independently verifiedLast checked: June 15, 2026

Buttondown is available with a generous free tier business tool available on WEB. It serves as an alternative to Mailchimp Standard — subscription software that costs $20/month combined. It's best suited for indie writers, small newsletters, simplicity lovers.

Why Choose Buttondown?

  • +Save $240/year compared to subscription alternatives

Basic Info

PricingFree up to 100 subscribers, add-ons from $9/mo
PlatformsWeb
CategoriesBusiness
Open SourceNo
Offline SupportNo
Account RequiredYes
Free TrialNo
Last CheckedJune 15, 2026

Ownership & Dependency

Ownership

MEDIUM

Cloud Dependency

HIGH

Best For

Indie writersSmall newslettersSimplicity lovers

Pros

  • +Clean interface
  • +Free tier
  • +Markdown support
  • +API access

Cons

  • Cloud-based
  • Limited free tier
  • Fewer integrations than Mailchimp

How to Switch to Buttondown

  1. 1

    Export your data

    Export your data from your current tool in CSV, PDF, or native format.

  2. 2

    Install Buttondown

    Download Buttondown from the official website. It costs Free up to 100 subscribers, add-ons from $9/mo — a one-time purchase.

  3. 3

    Import and configure

    Import your data into Buttondown and customize the settings to match your workflow.

  4. 4

    Cancel your subscription

    Once you're comfortable with Buttondown, cancel your subscription and start saving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Buttondown a good replacement for Mailchimp Standard?

Yes. Buttondown handles most of what Mailchimp Standard does, for a one-time $0 payment. Mailchimp Standard costs $20/month ($240/year). The main differences are in advanced features and ecosystem integrations.

Is Buttondown really a one-time purchase?

Yes, Buttondown costs $0 as a one-time purchase. You pay once and own it forever — no monthly or annual fees.

What platforms does Buttondown support?

Buttondown is available on WEB.

How much money can I save with Buttondown?

By replacing Mailchimp Standard, you save approximately $240/year in subscription fees. The savings start immediately.

Does Buttondown require an internet connection?

Buttondown requires an internet connection for most features.

Compare Buttondown with alternatives

Buttondown replaces these subscriptions

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