Let’s be real—choosing marketing tools today feels like a bad blind date. Everyone promises the world, but a week later you’re stuck with a clunky interface and a support team that’s gone MIA. I’ve spent way too much time testing platforms so you don’t have to. Here is my personal, “no-fluff” checklist for 2026.

1. AI: Is it actually helpful or just a shiny label? In 2026, everyone claims to be “AI-powered.” But I don’t need a robot that just says hello. I want something that actually buys me time—like GetResponse, which figures out exactly when my subscribers are awake. If it doesn’t make your life easier, it’s just clutter.

2. The “30-Minute Rule” I don’t have time for 5-hour tutorials. If I can’t figure out how to launch a basic campaign in 30 minutes, I’m out. This is why I appreciate tools like Moosend—the interface is so clean you don’t even need a manual.

3. Support: A real human or an endless chatbot? This is the dealbreaker for me. There’s nothing worse than having a launch emergency and being told by a bot to “check the FAQ.” My tip: Before you upgrade, send them a quick message right now in February 2026. If a real person gets back to you in minutes, you’ve found a winner. If they hide behind a wall of automated scripts, keep looking. We need partners, not ticket numbers.

Conclusion: Don’t chase the most expensive features. Choose the tool that makes you feel confident, not confused. For me, GetResponse and Moosend are the two that actually pass this test this year.