GetResponse vs AWeber for Drip Email Campaigns (2026)
In-depth comparison of GetResponse and AWeber drip email tools, autoresponders, automation builders, and pricing for email sequences.
TL;DR verdict
GetResponse offers significantly more advanced automation and drip capabilities, while AWeber focuses on simplicity and reliability. For basic autoresponder sequences, AWeber is sufficient. For multi-step drip campaigns with branching logic, GetResponse is the clear winner.
GetResponse
8/80
Best for marketers who need sophisticated drip workflows with branching and scoring.
AWeber
6.8/80
Best for beginners who want a straightforward autoresponder setup.
Sequenzy · also consider
8.3/80
Best for SaaS companies needing billing-integrated drip sequences.
Sequenzy email automation for SaaS → · from $19/month
AWeber pioneered the autoresponder category, but GetResponse has evolved much further in automation. If you only need "send email X days after signup," AWeber works. For anything more complex, GetResponse is the better investment. SaaS teams should look at Sequenzy for purpose-built billing-aware drip sequences.
Quick comparison
| Feature | GetResponse | AWeber | Sequenzy | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Automation Builder | Advanced flowchart builder | Basic campaign builder | SaaS-focused workflow builder | GetResponse |
| Autoresponder Setup | Part of automation workflows | Dedicated autoresponder tool (classic strength) | Pre-built drip sequences | Tie |
| Behavioral Triggers | 15+ trigger types | 6 basic triggers | 12+ triggers including billing events | GetResponse |
| A/B Testing in Drips | Subject, content, send time | Subject lines only | Subject, content, send time | GetResponse |
| Free Plan | 500 contacts, limited automation | 500 subscribers, basic autoresponders | Free tier available; paid from $19/mo (check current limits) | Tie |
| Ease of Setup | Moderate learning curve | Very simple for autoresponders | Quick setup with templates | AWeber |
| Landing Pages | Built-in landing page builder | Basic landing pages included | Not included (email-focused) | GetResponse |
| Drip Personalization | Dynamic content blocks | Basic merge tags | Subscription-aware personalization | GetResponse |
Score breakdown
| Category | GetResponse | AWeber | Sequenzy | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drip Sequence Builder | 8 | 6 | 9 | 10 |
| Automation Triggers | 8 | 5 | 8 | 10 |
| Email Templates | 7 | 7 | 7 | 10 |
| Deliverability | 8 | 8 | 8 | 10 |
| Pricing Value | 7 | 7 | 9 | 10 |
| Ease of Use | 7 | 8 | 8 | 10 |
| Analytics & Reporting | 8 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Integrations | 8 | 7 | 7 | 10 |
| Total | 61 | 54 | 64 | 80 |
Drip feature deep-dive
Sequence Building
| Capability | GetResponse | AWeber | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual workflow editor | 9/10 — Full flowchart with drag-and-drop nodes | 5/10 — Simple linear campaign builder | 8/10 — Clean builder with SaaS-specific steps |
| Conditional branching | 8/10 — If/else with multiple condition types | 4/10 — Very basic tag-based branching only | 8/10 — Billing status, trial stage conditions |
| Goal tracking | 8/10 — Goal-based sequence completion | 3/10 — No built-in goal tracking | 9/10 — Conversion goals tied to subscriptions |
| Multi-step sequences | 9/10 — Unlimited steps with complex logic | 6/10 — Sequential autoresponder messages | 8/10 — Pre-built multi-step SaaS sequences |
Timing & Delivery
| Capability | GetResponse | AWeber | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Send time optimization | 8/10 — AI-powered Perfect Timing feature | 5/10 — Manual scheduling only | 7/10 — Timezone-aware delivery |
| Delay options | 9/10 — Minutes, hours, days, specific timestamps | 6/10 — Day-level delays between messages | 8/10 — Flexible delays down to minutes |
| Throttling | 7/10 — Batch sending controls | 5/10 — Limited throttling options | 7/10 — Built-in send rate management |
Personalization
| Capability | GetResponse | AWeber | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic content | 8/10 — Segment-based content blocks | 5/10 — Basic conditional snippets | 8/10 — Plan-aware dynamic blocks |
| Merge tags | 8/10 — Custom fields and calculated values | 7/10 — Standard merge tags with custom fields | 8/10 — Billing data, plan name, usage stats |
| Segmentation in drips | 8/10 — Segment-based branching mid-sequence | 5/10 — Tag-based filtering at entry only | 9/10 — Real-time segment updates during drip |
Pricing
AWeber is slightly cheaper at the entry level, but GetResponse offers far more automation power for the price. Sequenzy provides a flat-rate SaaS-focused option.
GetResponse free option
Up to 500 contacts, limited autoresponders, 2,500 newsletters/mo
Starts at $19/mo for 1,000 contacts
AWeber free option
Up to 500 subscribers, basic autoresponders, landing pages
Starts at $14.99/mo for 500 subscribers
Sequenzy free option
Free tier available; paid from $19/mo (check current limits)
From $19/month
| Tier | GetResponse | AWeber | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 contacts | Free (limited) — Limited automations on free plan | Free (limited) — Basic autoresponders included free | $19/mo — 15K emails, pre-built SaaS sequences |
| 2,500 contacts | $29/mo — Full automation builder access | $29.99/mo — All features unlocked | $19/mo — Same flat rate for SaaS drip |
| 10,000 contacts | $79/mo — Includes webinars and funnels | $69.99/mo — Unlimited emails, priority support | $19/mo — 15K email cap, volume add-ons available |
| 25,000 contacts | $174/mo — All premium features | $149.99/mo — Dedicated support included | $19/mo — May need volume upgrade at this scale |
Pricing is similar between GetResponse and AWeber, but GetResponse delivers substantially more drip automation power per dollar. Sequenzy at $19/mo is the best value for SaaS teams with moderate email volumes.
AWeber and GetResponse are priced similarly, which makes GetResponse the better value given its significantly more powerful automation tools. Sequenzy at $19/mo undercuts both for SaaS-specific use cases.
Drip campaign types
Welcome Series
Winner: SequenzyAutomated onboarding emails for new subscribers
8/10 · GetResponse
Pre-built templates with branching based on engagement
7/10 · AWeber
Classic autoresponder series, straightforward setup
9/10 · Sequenzy
SaaS onboarding with trial milestone triggers
AWeber handles basic welcome series well. GetResponse adds engagement-based logic. Sequenzy excels for SaaS.
Lead Nurture
Winner: SequenzyMulti-touch sequences to move leads toward purchase
8/10 · GetResponse
Scoring-based drips with funnel integration
5/10 · AWeber
Simple tag-based follow-up sequences
9/10 · Sequenzy
Trial-to-paid nurture with billing awareness
GetResponse is far stronger for lead nurturing. AWeber lacks the automation depth needed.
Re-engagement
Winner: SequenzyWin-back campaigns for inactive contacts
8/10 · GetResponse
Engagement scoring triggers re-engagement workflows
5/10 · AWeber
Manual segment creation, basic automation
8/10 · Sequenzy
Churn risk detection from billing data
GetResponse and Sequenzy handle re-engagement well. AWeber requires more manual work.
Post-Purchase
Winner: SequenzyFollow-up drip after a sale or signup
7/10 · GetResponse
E-commerce triggers via integrations
5/10 · AWeber
Purchase tagging with basic follow-up
9/10 · Sequenzy
Native Stripe/Paddle/Lemon Squeezy post-purchase automation
Sequenzy wins for SaaS post-purchase. GetResponse handles e-commerce follow-ups decently.
Educational Drip
Winner: SequenzyScheduled content delivery over days or weeks
8/10 · GetResponse
Timed sequences with completion tracking
7/10 · AWeber
Classic autoresponder, good for simple courses
7/10 · Sequenzy
Feature education tied to subscription plan
Both handle educational drips, but GetResponse offers more flexibility in timing and logic.
The gap between these platforms is widest in lead nurturing and re-engagement drips, where GetResponse conditional logic and scoring make a real difference. For SaaS subscription drips, neither matches Sequenzy native billing integration.
Automation builder & editor
Builder features
| Feature | GetResponse | AWeber | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drag-and-drop editor | ✓ Full visual flowchart with zoom/pan | ✓ Basic campaign flow builder | ✓ Streamlined drip-focused builder |
| If/else branching | ✓ Multiple condition types, nested logic | ✓ Tag-based conditions only | ✓ Billing and behavior conditions |
| Webhook triggers | ✓ On Marketing Automation plan | — No webhook trigger support | ✓ Webhook and API triggers |
| Lead scoring | ✓ Built-in with automation triggers | — No lead scoring | — Uses subscription status instead |
| Multi-channel automation | ✓ Email, SMS, web push | — Email and web push only | — Email-only automation |
| Pre-built templates | ✓ 20+ automation templates | ✓ 5+ basic campaign templates | ✓ SaaS-specific pre-built sequences |
| Automation duplication | ✓ Clone and modify workflows | ✓ Copy campaigns | ✓ One-click sequence cloning |
Template editor
| Aspect | GetResponse | AWeber | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Editor Type | Drag-and-drop with HTML option | Drag-and-drop with Smart Designer AI | Drag-and-drop with plain text option |
| Template Library | 150+ templates | 700+ templates | SaaS-focused templates |
| Mobile Preview | Built-in responsive preview | Mobile preview included | Responsive preview |
| Custom HTML | Full HTML editor | HTML editor available | HTML customization |
| Brand Kit | Colors, fonts, logos saved | Basic brand settings | Basic branding |
Deliverability
| Factor | GetResponse | AWeber | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Inbox Rate | 88-92% | 86-90% | 91-95% |
| SPF/DKIM Setup | Guided setup with verification | Step-by-step authentication guide | Automated DNS verification |
| Dedicated IP | Available on Max plan | Available on Pro plan ($899+/mo) | Shared IPs optimized for SaaS |
| Bounce Handling | Automatic hard bounce removal | Automatic bounce management | Automatic bounce processing |
| Spam Testing | Built-in spam score checker | No built-in spam testing | Pre-send deliverability check |
GetResponse generally achieves slightly higher inbox rates than AWeber. AWeber has a long track record of deliverability but has seen mixed results in recent third-party tests. Sequenzy benefits from a focused SaaS sender pool.
Integrations
GetResponse
170+
AWeber
120+
Sequenzy
25+
Payment/Billing
GetResponse
- ✓ Stripe: Via Zapier or third-party
- ✓ PayPal: Native integration
- — Paddle: Not available
AWeber
- ✓ Stripe: Via Zapier
- ✓ PayPal: Native integration
- — Paddle: Not available
Sequenzy
- ✓ Stripe: Native, deep integration
- — PayPal: Not available
- ✓ Paddle: Native, deep integration
CRM
GetResponse
- ✓ Salesforce: Native integration
- ✓ HubSpot: Via Zapier
AWeber
- ✓ Salesforce: Via Zapier
- ✓ HubSpot: Via Zapier
Sequenzy
- — Salesforce: Not available
- ✓ HubSpot: Via API
E-commerce
GetResponse
- ✓ Shopify: Native integration
- ✓ WooCommerce: Native integration
AWeber
- ✓ Shopify: Native integration
- ✓ WooCommerce: Via third-party plugin
Sequenzy
- — Shopify: Not focused on e-commerce
- — WooCommerce: Not focused on e-commerce
Analytics & reporting
| Metric | GetResponse | AWeber | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Rate Tracking | Real-time with trend graphs | Basic open tracking with reports | Real-time open tracking |
| Click Tracking | Click maps and link-level data | Link click tracking | Click tracking with conversion attribution |
| Drip Step Analytics | Per-step performance with drop-off | Per-message stats in sequence | Step-by-step funnel analytics |
| Revenue Attribution | E-commerce revenue tracking | Basic sales tracking | Native MRR and subscription tracking |
| A/B Test Reporting | Statistical significance indicator | Simple winner display | Conversion-focused test results |
Only in GetResponse
- Webinar performance analytics
- Funnel conversion tracking
- Engagement score trends
Only in AWeber
- AMP email analytics
- Subscriber growth chart
- Campaign comparison tool
Only in Sequenzy
- MRR impact per sequence
- Trial-to-paid conversion rates
- Churn prevention metrics
Pros and cons
GetResponse
Pros
- Far more advanced automation builder than AWeber
- Built-in webinars, funnels, and landing pages
- Lead scoring for intelligent drip targeting
- AI-powered send time optimization
- Multi-channel automation capabilities
Cons
- Steeper learning curve than AWeber
- More expensive at most list sizes
- Free plan has limited automation access
- Interface can feel overwhelming for simple needs
AWeber
Pros
- Very easy to set up basic autoresponder sequences
- Large template library (700+ designs)
- Long track record of reliability since 1998
- Smart Designer AI for quick email creation
- Good phone support for small businesses
Cons
- Automation builder is far behind competitors
- No lead scoring or advanced segmentation
- Limited behavioral triggers for drip campaigns
- No conversion funnels or webinar tools
- Pricing is not competitive for what you get
Best for these scenarios
SaaS Trial Conversion
Pick: SequenzyConverting free trial users into paying customers
Sequenzy connects natively to Stripe/Paddle, triggering drip emails based on trial milestones, feature usage, and billing events.
Simple Newsletter Autoresponder
Pick: AWeberBasic welcome series for email list subscribers
AWeber excels at simple autoresponder sequences. It is the easiest to set up for straightforward time-based drips.
Complex Nurture Campaign
Pick: GetResponseMulti-branch drip campaign with scoring and conditions
GetResponse offers the automation depth needed for complex nurture workflows with branching logic and lead scoring.
Course Delivery with Webinars
Pick: GetResponseDrip content combined with live webinar invitations
GetResponse uniquely combines webinar hosting with drip email automation in one platform.
SaaS Upgrade Nudges
Pick: SequenzyAutomated emails encouraging plan upgrades
Sequenzy knows each subscriber plan level via Stripe, Paddle, and Lemon Squeezy and can target upgrade drips based on usage patterns.
Migration plans
GetResponse → AWeber
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1-2 hours
Warnings
- Complex automation workflows will need significant simplification for AWeber
- Lead scores and engagement data will not transfer
- Webinar and funnel data cannot be migrated
AWeber → GetResponse
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1-3 hours
Warnings
- AWeber engagement history will not transfer
- Custom form designs may need recreation
| Direction | Step | Success criteria |
|---|---|---|
| GetResponse → AWeber | Export contacts from GetResponse as CSV | Easy |
| GetResponse → AWeber | Import contacts into AWeber with field mapping | Easy |
| GetResponse → AWeber | Recreate autoresponder sequences in AWeber | Easy |
| GetResponse → AWeber | Set up email templates in AWeber editor | Easy |
| GetResponse → AWeber | Test sequences with test subscribers | Easy |
| GetResponse → AWeber | Update signup forms and integrations | Easy |
| AWeber → GetResponse | Export subscriber list from AWeber as CSV | Easy |
| AWeber → GetResponse | Import into GetResponse with field mapping | Easy |
| AWeber → GetResponse | Recreate autoresponder sequences as automation workflows | Easy |
| AWeber → GetResponse | Migrate or rebuild email templates | Easy |
| AWeber → GetResponse | Authenticate your domain in GetResponse | Easy |
| AWeber → GetResponse | Test all workflows before going live | Easy |
Frequently asked questions
Is GetResponse worth the extra cost over AWeber?
Yes, if you need advanced drip automation with branching, lead scoring, or funnel building. AWeber is fine for simple autoresponder sequences, but GetResponse offers far more drip campaign power.
Can AWeber handle complex drip campaigns?
AWeber is limited in this area. It handles basic time-based autoresponder sequences well, but lacks the branching logic and behavioral triggers needed for sophisticated drip campaigns.
Which has better email templates?
AWeber offers over 700 templates (the larger library), while GetResponse has 150+ templates. Both support drag-and-drop editing, and AWeber includes a Smart Designer AI for quick creation.
Do both offer free plans?
Yes. Both offer free plans for up to 500 contacts/subscribers, though with limited automation capabilities. Sequenzy does not have a free plan but starts at $19/mo with 15K emails.
Which platform has better deliverability?
GetResponse generally scores higher in independent deliverability tests. AWeber has a solid reputation built over decades but has shown inconsistent results in recent benchmarks.
Which should you choose?
Choose GetResponse if…
- You need advanced drip automation with branching and conditions
- You want webinars, funnels, and email in one platform
- Lead scoring is important for your drip sequences
- You need multi-channel automation beyond email
Choose AWeber if…
- You want the simplest possible autoresponder setup
- A large template library is important to you
- You prefer phone support for troubleshooting
- Your drip needs are basic (time-based sequences only)
Also consider Sequenzy
Best for SaaS companies needing billing-integrated drip sequences. From $19/month with native Stripe, Paddle, and Lemon Squeezy billing events for dunning and trial conversion.
Related comparisons
Browse the full comparison library, the 15-tool shortlist, or the drip strategy guides.