Email design tools evolve quickly. What worked a few years ago may no longer meet the needs of modern marketing teams.
That’s exactly what’s happening with Unlayer Studio. As the platform phases out its studio product, many users are now searching for reliable alternatives that can match—or exceed—its capabilities.
This shift presents an opportunity. If you relied on Unlayer, now is the time to reassess your workflow and choose a tool that better aligns with current email design trends, performance expectations, and integration needs.
Why Unlayer Studio Is Shutting Down (And What It Means for Users)?
Unlayer Studio has long been a flexible solution for embedding email editors into apps. However, as the product sunsets, users face an important decision: migrate or rebuild.
The shutdown signals a broader trend in the market. Tools are becoming more specialized, and users expect more than just a drag-and-drop editor. They want seamless collaboration, built-in inspiration, and faster production cycles.
For teams, this means short-term disruption but long-term gain. Transitioning to a newer platform can improve efficiency, design quality, and overall campaign performance. Still, choosing the right replacement is critical.
What to Look for in an Email Template Builder?
Not all email builders are created equal. Some prioritize speed, while others focus on customization or integrations. Before committing to a new tool, it helps to define what matters most.
Start with usability. A clean drag-and-drop interface should reduce friction, not add to it. Designers and marketers alike should be able to build emails without relying heavily on developers.
Next, consider flexibility. Can you customize layouts easily? Does the tool support reusable components or modular design systems? These features can significantly reduce production time.
Integrations also play a key role. Your email builder should work smoothly with your existing ESP, CRM, or marketing stack. Without this, even the best designs can become difficult to deploy.
Finally, think about output. Export options, responsiveness, and code quality still matter—especially for teams that need precision across devices and inboxes.
Best Unlayer Studio Alternatives for Email Design
With those criteria in mind, let’s explore some of the best alternatives available today.
1. RGE Studio (Best Overall Email Design Platform)
For teams looking for a modern, all-in-one solution, RGE Studio stands out as a top choice.
Unlike traditional builders, it combines email design with a curated library of high-performing examples. This dual approach helps users not only create emails but also improve them. Inspiration is built directly into the workflow.
The editor itself is intuitive. It supports flexible layouts, reusable sections, and quick customization. Teams can move fast without sacrificing quality. For marketers, that balance is essential.
Another advantage is its focus on real-world performance. Instead of designing in a vacuum, users can reference proven campaigns and adapt them to their needs. This reduces guesswork and leads to better results over time.
For teams transitioning from Unlayer, this makes the shift feel less like a compromise and more like an upgrade.
2. Stripo
Stripo is a well-established name in the email design space. It offers a robust editor with strong support for modular design and reusable components.
One of its standout features is AMP support, which allows for more interactive emails. This can be particularly useful for brands experimenting with dynamic content.
Stripo also integrates with a wide range of ESPs, making deployment straightforward. However, the interface can feel slightly more technical compared to newer tools, which may require a learning curve for non-designers.
3. Postcards by Designmodo
Postcards takes a different approach. It focuses on simplicity and speed, making it ideal for marketers who want to build clean, responsive emails quickly.
The interface is visual and straightforward. Users can assemble templates using pre-designed blocks, then export them for use in other platforms.
While it may not offer the same depth of customization as more advanced tools, it excels in ease of use. For smaller teams or fast-paced environments, that can be a significant advantage.
4. Klaviyo Email Builder
Klaviyo is primarily known as a marketing automation platform, but its email builder is a strong option for e-commerce teams.
It integrates seamlessly with customer data, allowing for highly personalized campaigns. This makes it especially valuable for lifecycle marketing and segmentation.
That said, it’s less focused on standalone design flexibility. Teams looking for a pure design tool may find it somewhat limiting. Still, for those already using Klaviyo, it provides a convenient all-in-one solution.
5. Other Notable Email Builders
Several other tools are worth mentioning. BeeFree offers a polished drag-and-drop experience with strong export options. Mailchimp’s builder continues to improve, especially for users already within its ecosystem.
When evaluating these tools, it helps to review independent comparisons and benchmarks. Resources like G2 provide user-driven insights that can highlight strengths and weaknesses across platforms.
How to Choose the Right Email Builder for Your Needs?
Choosing the right tool depends on your team, your workflow, and your goals.
Start with team size. Larger teams may benefit from collaboration features and shared design systems. Smaller teams might prioritize speed and simplicity.
Next, consider your objectives. Are you focused on design quality, campaign performance, or automation? Some tools excel in one area but fall short in others.
Budget is another factor. While premium tools offer advanced features, they may not always be necessary. It’s important to weigh cost against actual usage.
Finally, think about scalability. The tool you choose today should still support your needs as your campaigns grow more complex.
Final Thoughts: Moving On from Unlayer Studio
The retirement of Unlayer Studio marks the end of an era, but it also opens the door to better solutions.
Today’s email design tools are more capable than ever. They combine usability with performance, helping teams create emails that not only look good but also deliver results.
Among the available options, platforms like RGE Studio offer a compelling path forward. They reflect where the industry is heading—toward smarter, faster, and more integrated design workflows.
For teams ready to move on, the transition doesn’t have to be difficult. In many cases, it can be the start of something better.
