15 Best Email Marketing Software Options: Features, Pricing & Performance

Compare top email marketing platforms to find the perfect solution for your business needs and budget

Email marketing remains one of the highest ROI marketing channels, delivering an average return of $42 for every $1 spent. However, choosing the right email marketing software can make the difference between campaigns that drive revenue and those that end up in spam folders.

With over 300 email marketing platforms available, finding the perfect solution requires careful evaluation of features, deliverability rates, ease of use, and pricing. This comprehensive guide examines the 15 best email marketing software options, comparing their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed decision.

What Is Email Marketing Software?

Email marketing software is a platform that enables businesses to create, send, and track email campaigns to their subscriber lists. Modern email marketing tools go far beyond simple newsletter sending, offering:

  • Automated email sequences triggered by user behavior
  • Advanced segmentation for targeted messaging
  • A/B testing for optimizing performance
  • Analytics and reporting to measure campaign success
  • Integration capabilities with CRM and e-commerce platforms
  • Compliance features for GDPR, CAN-SPAM, and other regulations

Key Benefits for Businesses:

  • Higher ROI than most other marketing channels
  • Direct customer communication without algorithm interference
  • Personalization at scale for improved engagement
  • Automated nurture sequences that work 24/7
  • Measurable results with detailed analytics
  • Cost-effective scaling as your list grows

Essential Features to Evaluate

Email Creation and Design

  • Drag-and-drop editor for easy email creation
  • Mobile-responsive templates that look good on all devices
  • Custom HTML capabilities for advanced designs
  • Brand customization options and asset management
  • Dynamic content for personalization

Automation and Segmentation

  • Behavioral triggers based on website activity or email engagement
  • Advanced segmentation using multiple data points
  • Drip campaigns and welcome sequences
  • Lead scoring and qualification automation
  • E-commerce automation for abandoned carts and purchase follow-ups

Deliverability and Performance

  • High deliverability rates (95%+ inbox placement)
  • SPF, DKIM, and DMARC authentication setup
  • IP reputation management and monitoring
  • Spam testing and optimization tools
  • Blacklist monitoring and remediation

Analytics and Reporting

  • Real-time campaign performance tracking
  • A/B testing capabilities for optimization
  • Revenue attribution and ROI measurement
  • Subscriber behavior analytics and insights
  • Custom reporting and dashboard creation

Top 15 Email Marketing Software Platforms

1. Mailchimp ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best for: Small businesses and beginners wanting user-friendly email marketing

Pricing:

  • Free: $0 (up to 2,000 contacts, 10,000 sends/month)
  • Essentials: $10/month (50,000 contacts)
  • Standard: $15/month (100,000 contacts)
  • Premium: $299/month (200,000+ contacts)

Key Features:

  • Intuitive drag-and-drop email builder
  • Basic automation workflows
  • Audience segmentation and targeting
  • A/B testing for subject lines and content
  • Basic reporting and analytics
  • Integration with 300+ apps
  • Landing page builder
  • Social media advertising tools

Pros:Very user-friendly with excellent onboarding ✅ Generous free plan for getting started ✅ Strong deliverability rates (average 85% inbox rate) ✅ Beautiful email templates and design options ✅ Good customer support and educational resources ✅ All-in-one marketing features beyond email

Cons:Limited automation on lower-tier plans ❌ Basic segmentation compared to specialized platforms ❌ Pricing increases significantly as list grows ❌ Limited customer support on free and lower plans ❌ Fewer advanced features for complex campaigns

Best for: E-commerce businesses, content creators, small businesses new to email marketing


2. ConvertKit ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best for: Content creators, bloggers, and online course creators

Pricing:

  • Free: $0 (up to 1,000 subscribers, basic features)
  • Creator: $29/month (1,000+ subscribers)
  • Creator Pro: $59/month (advanced features and integrations)

Key Features:

  • Visual automation builder
  • Advanced subscriber tagging system
  • Customizable opt-in forms and landing pages
  • Segmentation based on behavior and interests
  • Deliverability-focused infrastructure
  • Creator-specific integrations (courses, memberships)
  • Subscriber scoring and analytics
  • Commerce integration for selling digital products

Pros:Designed specifically for creators and content businesses ✅ Excellent automation capabilities with visual builder ✅ Superior deliverability rates (95%+ inbox placement) ✅ Fair pricing that doesn’t penalize growth ✅ Strong customer support with creator focus ✅ Advanced tagging system for precise segmentation ✅ No sending limits on paid plans

Cons:Limited template selection compared to other platforms ❌ Creator-focused features may not suit all businesses ❌ Basic e-commerce features for online stores ❌ Learning curve for advanced automation features ❌ Limited A/B testing options

Best for: Bloggers, online course creators, coaches, content-based businesses


3. ActiveCampaign ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best for: Businesses wanting advanced automation and CRM integration

Pricing:

  • Lite: $29/month (500 contacts)
  • Plus: $49/month (500 contacts)
  • Professional: $149/month (500 contacts)
  • Enterprise: $379/month (500 contacts)

Key Features:

  • Advanced marketing automation with machine learning
  • Built-in CRM with sales automation
  • Predictive sending and content optimization
  • Advanced segmentation with 125+ automation triggers
  • SMS marketing capabilities
  • Attribution reporting and revenue tracking
  • Site messaging and chat features
  • Advanced email deliverability tools

Pros:Most powerful automation capabilities in the market ✅ Excellent deliverability (99%+ inbox rates) ✅ Integrated CRM for sales and marketing alignment ✅ Machine learning optimization for send times and content ✅ Comprehensive tracking and attribution reporting ✅ SMS marketing included on most plans ✅ Advanced segmentation options

Cons:Steep learning curve for beginners ❌ Interface can be overwhelming with many features ❌ Higher pricing as contacts and features increase ❌ Setup complexity for advanced features ❌ Limited free trial period

Best for: B2B companies, SaaS businesses, service providers with complex sales cycles


4. Klaviyo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best for: E-commerce businesses serious about email marketing ROI

Pricing:

  • Free: $0 (up to 250 contacts, 500 email sends)
  • Email: Starting at $20/month (500+ contacts)
  • Email + SMS: Starting at $35/month

Key Features:

  • E-commerce focused automation workflows
  • Advanced segmentation based on purchase behavior
  • Predictive analytics for customer lifetime value
  • Deep integration with e-commerce platforms
  • SMS marketing with unified customer profiles
  • Real-time personalization and recommendations
  • Revenue attribution and tracking
  • Advanced reporting and analytics

Pros:Unmatched e-commerce focus and optimization ✅ Powerful predictive analytics for customer insights ✅ Excellent deliverability and inbox placement ✅ Deep e-commerce integrations (Shopify, Magento, etc.) ✅ Advanced segmentation based on purchase data ✅ Strong ROI tracking and revenue attribution ✅ SMS and email unified customer experience

Cons:Expensive as list grows (can become costly quickly) ❌ E-commerce focus limits appeal for other business types ❌ Learning curve for advanced features ❌ Customer support can be slow during peak times ❌ Limited use cases outside e-commerce

Best for: Shopify stores, e-commerce brands, online retailers prioritizing revenue growth


5. GetResponse ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best for: Small businesses wanting comprehensive marketing tools at budget-friendly pricing

Pricing:

  • Email Marketing: $15/month (1,000 contacts)
  • Marketing Automation: $49/month (1,000 contacts)
  • Ecommerce Marketing: $99/month (1,000 contacts)
  • Max: $1,099/month (custom features)

Key Features:

  • Email marketing with automation workflows
  • Landing page and website builder
  • Webinar hosting platform (unique feature)
  • E-commerce tools and integrations
  • Social media advertising management
  • Advanced analytics and reporting
  • A/B testing for emails and landing pages
  • Marketing automation with visual builder

Pros:Excellent value for money with comprehensive features ✅ Webinar hosting included (unique among email platforms) ✅ Good deliverability rates and inbox placement ✅ User-friendly interface and setup process ✅ Comprehensive feature set for all-in-one marketing ✅ Strong customer support and training resources

Cons:Automation features less advanced than specialized platforms ❌ Template selection could be improved ❌ Learning curve for webinar and advanced features ❌ Limited integrations compared to market leaders ❌ Interface design feels dated compared to newer platforms

Best for: Small businesses hosting webinars, budget-conscious marketers, all-in-one solution seekers


6. Constant Contact ⭐⭐⭐

Best for: Local businesses, nonprofits, and event organizers

Pricing:

  • Core: $12/month (500 contacts)
  • Plus: $45/month (500 contacts)

Key Features:

  • Easy-to-use email creation tools
  • Event management and registration
  • Social media posting and management
  • Contact list management and segmentation
  • Email automation (basic workflows)
  • Surveys and polls
  • Reporting and analytics
  • Nonprofit-specific features and discounts

Pros:Very beginner-friendly with excellent customer support ✅ Strong for local businesses and event marketing ✅ Good deliverability rates and reputation ✅ Event management tools integrated with email ✅ Nonprofit discounts and specialized features ✅ Phone support available even on lower plans

Cons:Limited automation capabilities ❌ Basic segmentation options ❌ Higher pricing for limited advanced features ❌ Dated interface and design options ❌ Fewer integrations than modern platforms

Best for: Local service businesses, nonprofits, event-based businesses, beginners


7. Sendinblue (Brevo) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best for: Businesses wanting email, SMS, and chat in unified platform

Pricing:

  • Free: $0 (unlimited contacts, 300 emails/day)
  • Lite: $25/month (unlimited contacts, no daily limit)
  • Premium: $65/month (advanced features)
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing

Key Features:

  • Email marketing with automation
  • SMS marketing capabilities
  • Live chat and chatbot functionality
  • Transactional email API
  • CRM with sales pipeline management
  • Landing page builder
  • Facebook advertising management
  • Advanced segmentation and personalization

Pros:Generous free plan with unlimited contacts ✅ Multi-channel platform (email, SMS, chat) ✅ Good deliverability rates and infrastructure ✅ Transactional email capabilities included ✅ Built-in CRM for sales management ✅ Strong API for developers ✅ EU-based with strong GDPR compliance

Cons:Interface can be confusing and cluttered ❌ Limited template customization options ❌ Automation features less advanced than specialists ❌ Customer support varies by plan level ❌ Email editor could be more intuitive

Best for: European businesses, companies needing SMS marketing, developers wanting API access


8. AWeber ⭐⭐⭐

Best for: Small business owners wanting reliable, straightforward email marketing

Pricing:

  • Free: $0 (up to 500 subscribers, 3,000 emails/month)
  • Pro: $12.50/month (500+ subscribers, unlimited emails)

Key Features:

  • Email automation and autoresponders
  • Drag-and-drop email builder
  • List segmentation and tagging
  • A/B testing for subject lines
  • Landing page builder
  • Integration with 750+ apps
  • Behavioral automation triggers
  • Analytics and reporting

Pros:Long-standing reputation for deliverability and reliability ✅ Simple, straightforward interface for beginners ✅ Good customer support with phone and chat options ✅ Strong deliverability rates and sender reputation ✅ Affordable pricing for small businesses ✅ Comprehensive integrations with popular tools

Cons:Limited advanced automation compared to modern platforms ❌ Basic segmentation capabilities ❌ Template design could be more modern ❌ Fewer advanced features for complex campaigns ❌ Interface feels dated compared to newer competitors

Best for: Small businesses, solopreneurs, users prioritizing simplicity and reliability


9. Campaign Monitor ⭐⭐⭐

Best for: Agencies and designers prioritizing beautiful email design

Pricing:

  • Basic: $9/month (500 contacts)
  • Unlimited: $29/month (500 contacts)
  • Premier: $149/month (500 contacts)
  • Custom: Enterprise pricing

Key Features:

  • Beautiful email templates and design tools
  • Drag-and-drop email builder
  • Automation workflows and triggers
  • Advanced segmentation and personalization
  • A/B testing for optimization
  • Analytics and reporting
  • Agency tools for managing multiple clients
  • API for custom integrations

Pros:Beautiful email templates and design focus ✅ Excellent for agencies managing multiple clients ✅ Good deliverability rates and sender reputation ✅ User-friendly interface and email builder ✅ Strong customer support and resources ✅ Agency-specific features and pricing

Cons:Higher pricing for advanced features ❌ Limited automation compared to specialized platforms ❌ Basic free plan with limited features ❌ Fewer integrations than major competitors ❌ Limited advanced segmentation options

Best for: Design agencies, businesses prioritizing email aesthetics, client service providers


10. Drip ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best for: E-commerce businesses focused on customer lifecycle marketing

Pricing:

  • Free: $0 (up to 100 people)
  • Basic: $39/month (up to 2,500 people)
  • Pro: Scales with list size

Key Features:

  • E-commerce focused automation workflows
  • Advanced segmentation based on purchase behavior
  • Revenue tracking and attribution
  • Multi-channel messaging (email, SMS, social)
  • Personalization based on browsing and purchase history
  • Pre-built e-commerce automation templates
  • Advanced analytics and reporting
  • Integration with major e-commerce platforms

Pros:Built specifically for e-commerce businesses ✅ Excellent revenue tracking and attribution ✅ Advanced behavioral segmentation capabilities ✅ Strong integration with e-commerce platforms ✅ Multi-channel messaging approach ✅ Good customer support and onboarding

Cons:Limited usefulness for non-e-commerce businesses ❌ Interface can be overwhelming for beginners ❌ Higher pricing as list grows ❌ Learning curve for advanced features ❌ Limited template selection compared to competitors

Best for: E-commerce stores, online retailers, subscription businesses


11. Omnisend ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best for: E-commerce businesses wanting omnichannel automation

Pricing:

  • Free: $0 (up to 250 contacts, 500 emails/month)
  • Standard: $16/month (500 contacts)
  • Pro: $59/month (500 contacts)
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing

Key Features:

  • Omnichannel automation (email, SMS, push notifications)
  • E-commerce specific templates and workflows
  • Advanced segmentation and personalization
  • Revenue tracking and reporting
  • Integration with major e-commerce platforms
  • Cart abandonment and browse abandonment automation
  • Product recommendation engine
  • A/B testing for optimization

Pros:True omnichannel automation capabilities ✅ E-commerce specific features and templates ✅ Good value for money with comprehensive features ✅ User-friendly interface and setup ✅ Strong deliverability ratesGood customer support and resources

Cons:Limited functionality for non-e-commerce businesses ❌ Newer platform with smaller user community ❌ Advanced features require higher-tier plans ❌ Learning curve for omnichannel setup ❌ Limited integrations compared to established platforms

Best for: E-commerce stores, businesses wanting to expand beyond email, omnichannel marketers


12. Moosend ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best for: Budget-conscious businesses wanting powerful automation

Pricing:

  • Free: $0 (up to 1,000 subscribers, unlimited emails)
  • Pro: $7/month (unlimited emails, advanced features)
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing

Key Features:

  • Advanced automation workflows and triggers
  • Real-time website tracking and behavior data
  • Segmentation and personalization tools
  • A/B testing for optimization
  • Landing page builder
  • E-commerce integration and automation
  • Advanced reporting and analytics
  • API for custom integrations

Pros:Excellent value for money with powerful features ✅ Generous free plan with no sending limits ✅ Advanced automation capabilities at low cost ✅ Good deliverability rates and performance ✅ User-friendly interface and setup ✅ No sending limits on any plan

Cons:Smaller company with limited resources ❌ Fewer integrations than major platforms ❌ Basic customer support options ❌ Limited template selection compared to competitors ❌ Newer platform with less market presence

Best for: Startups, small businesses, budget-conscious marketers, agencies managing multiple clients


13. EmailOctopus ⭐⭐⭐

Best for: High-volume senders wanting Amazon SES pricing with better features

Pricing:

  • Free: $0 (up to 2,500 subscribers, 10,000 emails/month)
  • Pro: $8/month (starts at 5,000 subscribers)
  • Pricing scales based on Amazon SES rates

Key Features:

  • Built on Amazon SES for reliable delivery
  • Email automation and autoresponders
  • Segmentation and personalization
  • A/B testing capabilities
  • Reporting and analytics
  • API access for developers
  • Landing page builder
  • Integration with popular tools

Pros:Very affordable pricing especially for large lists ✅ Built on Amazon SES for excellent deliverability ✅ Simple, clean interface easy to use ✅ Good value for high-volume sending ✅ API access for custom integrations ✅ No sending limits on paid plans

Cons:Limited advanced features compared to full-service platforms ❌ Basic automation capabilities ❌ Smaller template selectionLimited customer support options ❌ Fewer integrations than major competitors

Best for: High-volume senders, developers, businesses prioritizing low costs


14. MailerLite ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best for: Small businesses and creators wanting simple, affordable email marketing

Pricing:

  • Free: $0 (up to 1,000 subscribers, 12,000 emails/month)
  • Growing Business: $10/month (up to 1,000 subscribers)
  • Advanced: $20/month (up to 1,000 subscribers)

Key Features:

  • Drag-and-drop email editor
  • Automation workflows and triggers
  • Landing page and website builder
  • Advanced segmentation and personalization
  • A/B testing for optimization
  • E-commerce integration
  • Pop-up and form builder
  • Detailed analytics and reporting

Pros:Very user-friendly with intuitive interface ✅ Generous free plan with good features ✅ Affordable pricing that scales reasonably ✅ Good deliverability rates and performance ✅ Website builder included for complete solution ✅ Strong customer support and resources

Cons:Limited advanced automation compared to specialists ❌ Basic CRM features for lead management ❌ Fewer integrations than major platforms ❌ Template selection could be larger ❌ Limited enterprise features for larger businesses

Best for: Content creators, small e-commerce businesses, startups, users wanting simplicity


15. Benchmark Email ⭐⭐⭐

Best for: Small businesses wanting free email marketing with good features

Pricing:

  • Free: $0 (up to 2,000 contacts, 14,000 emails/month)
  • Pro: $13/month (500+ contacts, unlimited emails)

Key Features:

  • Email marketing with automation
  • Drag-and-drop email builder
  • List management and segmentation
  • A/B testing for optimization
  • Landing page builder
  • Surveys and polls
  • Social media integration
  • Reporting and analytics

Pros:Generous free plan with good sending limits ✅ User-friendly interface suitable for beginners ✅ Good deliverability rates and sender reputation ✅ Comprehensive features on free plan ✅ Good customer support including phone support ✅ No setup fees or contracts

Cons:Limited automation features compared to advanced platforms ❌ Basic segmentation capabilities ❌ Template design could be more modern ❌ Fewer integrations than major competitors ❌ Limited advanced features for complex campaigns

Best for: Small businesses, nonprofits, users wanting a capable free email marketing solution

Feature Comparison Chart

PlatformStarting PriceAutomationDeliverabilityE-commerce FocusEase of UseBest For
MailchimpFree/$10⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Beginners
ConvertKitFree/$29⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Creators
ActiveCampaign$29⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐B2B/SaaS
KlaviyoFree/$20⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐E-commerce
GetResponse$15⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐All-in-one
Constant Contact$12⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Local business
SendinblueFree/$25⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Multi-channel
DripFree/$39⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐E-commerce
MoosendFree/$7⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Budget-friendly

Choosing the Right Email Marketing Software

For Small Businesses (Under $50/month budget):

Recommended: Mailchimp, MailerLite, or Moosend

  • Focus on: Ease of use, good free plans, basic automation
  • Key features: Drag-and-drop editor, basic segmentation, good deliverability

For Content Creators and Bloggers:

Recommended: ConvertKit, MailerLite, or AWeber

  • Focus on: Creator-specific features, good automation, fair pricing
  • Key features: Advanced tagging, landing pages, course integrations

For E-commerce Businesses:

Recommended: Klaviyo, Drip, or Omnisend

  • Focus on: E-commerce automation, revenue tracking, platform integrations
  • Key features: Abandoned cart sequences, product recommendations, purchase tracking

For B2B and SaaS Companies:

Recommended: ActiveCampaign, ConvertKit, or GetResponse

  • Focus on: Advanced automation, lead scoring, CRM integration
  • Key features: Complex workflows, behavioral triggers, sales integration

For Agencies Managing Multiple Clients:

Recommended: Mailchimp, Campaign Monitor, or ActiveCampaign

  • Focus on: Multi-client management, white-label options, scalable pricing
  • Key features: Client dashboards, team collaboration, advanced reporting

Implementation Best Practices

Getting Started (Week 1):

  1. Import your contact list and verify email addresses
  2. Set up authentication (SPF, DKIM records) for better deliverability
  3. Create your first welcome sequence for new subscribers
  4. Design email templates matching your brand
  5. Configure basic automation workflows

Building Your Strategy (Weeks 2-4):

  1. Segment your audience based on interests and behavior
  2. Create content calendar for regular email campaigns
  3. Set up advanced automation for customer lifecycle
  4. Implement A/B testing for subject lines and content
  5. Configure analytics tracking for ROI measurement

Optimization (Month 2+):

  1. Analyze performance data and optimize top-performing campaigns
  2. Expand successful automation workflows
  3. Test new content formats and messaging approaches
  4. Implement advanced segmentation strategies
  5. Scale based on results and subscriber growth

Deliverability Best Practices

Technical Setup:

  • Authenticate your domain with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records
  • Use a dedicated IP for high-volume sending (10,000+ emails/month)
  • Monitor sender reputation and blacklist status
  • Maintain good list hygiene by removing inactive subscribers

Content Optimization:

  • Avoid spam trigger words in subject lines and content
  • Balance text and images (60:40 ratio recommended)
  • Include clear unsubscribe links and honor requests immediately
  • Test emails across different email clients and devices

List Management:

  • Use double opt-in for new subscribers when possible
  • Segment based on engagement to improve overall metrics
  • Re-engagement campaigns for inactive subscribers
  • Regular list cleaning to remove bounced and invalid emails

ROI and Performance Expectations

Typical Email Marketing Metrics:

  • Average open rate: 15-25% across industries
  • Average click-through rate: 2-5% across industries
  • Average conversion rate: 1-3% for promotional emails
  • Revenue per email: $0.50-$2.00 depending on industry

After 3 Months of Optimization:

  • Open rates: 20-30% improvement through better subject lines and timing
  • Click rates: 15-25% improvement through better content and segmentation
  • Conversion rates: 25-40% improvement through automation and personalization
  • Overall ROI: 300-500% improvement through systematic optimization

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Email Marketing Software

The best email marketing software for your business depends on your specific needs, budget, technical requirements, and growth goals. Here are our top recommendations by use case:

🏆 Best Overall: ActiveCampaign

  • Perfect balance of power, usability, and automation capabilities

💰 Best Value: Moosend

  • Powerful features at unbeatable pricing

🛒 Best for E-commerce: Klaviyo

  • Unmatched e-commerce focus and revenue tracking

👶 Best for Beginners: Mailchimp

  • User-friendly with excellent free tier

✍️ Best for Creators: ConvertKit

  • Purpose-built for content creators and course sellers

🏢 Best for Agencies: Campaign Monitor

  • Strong client management and white-label features

Remember: The most important factors are deliverability, ease of use for your team, and features that align with your marketing strategy. Start with a platform that meets your current needs and budget, then scale up as your email marketing sophistication grows.

Next steps:

  1. Identify your primary use case and budget constraints
  2. Try free trials of your top 2-3 choices
  3. Test with real email campaigns and measure deliverability
  4. Evaluate ease of use for your team
  5. Choose based on best overall fit rather than just features or price

Ready to supercharge your email marketing? Start by assessing your current email marketing needs, then test the platforms that best match your business model and automation requirements.

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