If Mailchimp’s rising costs, limited automation, or clunky support have you searching for a better email marketing software like Mailchimp—you’re not alone.

In this article, I will break down the 14 best Mailchimp alternatives, from budget-friendly tools to advanced marketing automation platforms, helping you weigh up the ‘Why switch from Mailchimp?’ consideration that led you to this article.

Disclaimer: This article evaluates the best Mailchimp alternatives, including Sender, which our company owns. Email marketing comparisons and assessments are based on research, industry standards, and user feedback. No commissions are earned from links in this article.

Why Consider Alternatives to Mailchimp?

Mailchimp might still be one of the most recognized names in the email marketing industry. Many users—especially those seeking Mailchimp alternatives for US businesses—are making the switch from Mailchimp, however.

From unpredictable pricing to boring Mailchimp email templates and performance concerns, there are several reasons why small businesses and creators are exploring other options.

Here’s why you might want to replace Mailchimp and consider a Mailchimp substitute:

  • High costs. Mailchimp can be up to 6x more expensive than other platforms, making users seek cheaper alternatives to Mailchimp. For example, Sender charges $7/month for the same number of contacts that might cost over $40 on Mailchimp, making it tough for budget-conscious businesses; 
  • Regular price hikes. Mailchimp has increased its pricing multiple times over the years, often without adding significant new value. These hikes make it hard to plan long-term if you’re on a tight budget; 
  • Limited free plan. Mailchimp free plan limitations are difficult not to notice—especially when it’s been trimmed down gradually over the years. Today, it includes restrictive sending limits, fewer email marketing automation features, and minimal support, forcing users to upgrade just to access basic tools; 
  • Deliverability issues. Only 76.91% of Mailchimp emails land in inboxes, compared to 90–95%+ from Mailchimp equivalent services. Some users suspect overused or shared IPs may be to blame for poor email deliverability
  • Pricing structure. As your list grows, Mailchimp’s pricing quickly escalates. One user shared they were paying over £250/month to maintain campaigns—without seeing proportional value.
  • Customer support challenges. Support is slow, often taking 15+ minutes to respond to basic queries. There’s also no multilingual support, which adds friction for global users.

Best Mailchimp Competitors at Glance

  • Sender – Best for budget-friendly email campaigns at scale
  • Omnisend – Ideal for ecommerce with automation and SMS tools
  • Brevo – Great for multichannel marketing across email & SMS
  • Klaviyo – Best for data-driven ecommerce email segmentation
  • Moosend – Affordable automation for startups and SMBs
  • Mailerlite – Best for simplicity and intuitive email design
  • ActiveCampaign – The Mailchimp Alternative That Does the Heavy Lifting
  • GetResponse – Strong funnel builder for sales and webinars
  • Kit – Tailored for creators selling digital products or content
  • Mailjet – Great for transactional and collaborative emails
  • DRIP – Ecommerce CRM with behavior-based automation
  • Aweber – Solid choice for small businesses and newsletters
  • Constant Contact – Mailchimp Alternative for Small Businesses
  • Beehiiv – Best Mailchimp alternative for Newsletters

If you want an overview of all the top Mailchimp alternatives and newsletter platforms—from creator-friendly tools to Mailchimp alternatives for enterprises—here’s a table to help you decide faster. Check out the limits, pricing, and the best features, and make a pick from the top marketing automation platforms.

BrandBest forKey featuresFree plan
SenderEcommerce, bloggers, small businessesAutomation, segmentation, landing page builder2,500 subscribers / 15,000 emails per month
OmnisendEcommerce businessesAutomation, SMS, ecommerce workflows250 contacts / 500 emails per month
BrevoEcommerce, SaaS, transactional businessesEmail, SMS, transactional API300 emails per day (approx. 9,000 per month)
KlaviyoEcommerce, SaaS, data-driven businessesAdvanced segmentation, analytics500 contacts / 5,000 emails per month
MoosendSmall businesses, startupsAutomation, personalizationNo free plan
MailerliteSmall businesses, bloggers, and creatorsDrag-and-drop editor, automation, high deliverability500 subscribers/ 12,000 emails per month on free plan
ActiveCampaignSmall and medium-sized businessesAdvanced segmentation, high deliverabilityNo free plan
GetResponseEcommerce, SaaS, online businessesAutomation, landing pages, webinars500 contacts / Unlimited emails for free plan
KitSmall ecommerce businesses using ShopifyProduct recommendations, marketing automation10,000 contacts/ Unlimited emails for free plan
MailjetMarketing teams, agencies, enterprisesReal-time collaboration, API6,000 emails per month / 200 per day
DRIPEcommerce businesses with advanced automation needsEcommerce CRM, workflowsNo free plan
AweberSolo creators, digital product sellers, coachesLanding pages, Stripe integration, tag-based automation500 subscribers / Limited features on free plan
Constant ContactSmall and medium-sized businessesEmail marketing features, high deliverabilityNo free plan
BeehiivContent creators and media brandsAdvanced analytics, growth tools2,500 subscribers / Unlimited email sends on free plan

14 Best Mailchimp Alternatives Compared in 2025

If you’ve been searching for email services like Mailchimp, look no further. Here are the top Mailchimp competitors and the best email marketing services on the market.

Let’s look at email platforms like Mailchimp one by one – from the cheapest email marketing platforms to the most powerful ones.

1. Sender — Best Overall Mailchimp Alternative (6x Cheaper)

Best for: Ecommerce, bloggers, and small-to-medium businesses (SMBs);
Sender pricing: Starts at $7/month for 1,000 subscribers + 12,000 monthly emails;
Free plan: Up to 2,500 subscribers + 15,000 monthly emails.

Overall rating:
4.7
/5
G2:
4.7
Trustpilot:
4.8
Capterra:
4.7

Key Features

  • No-code email builder — Create professional emails using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface with no coding required;
  • Visual automation workflows — Build sophisticated email sequences triggered by subscriber behavior like opens, clicks, and purchases;
  • Advanced behavioral segmentation — Target customers based on specific actions including website visits, purchase history, and engagement patterns;
  • Multi-channel marketing — Combine SMS and email marketing campaigns from a single unified platform;
  • Superior deliverability — Achieve significantly higher inbox placement rates with enterprise-grade sending infrastructure;
  • Landing page builder — Design high-converting landing pages with customizable templates and a drag-and-drop editor, no coding needed;
  • A/B testing — Optimize performance by testing subject lines, content, and send times to find the winning combination for maximum engagement.

Why Choose Sender Over Mailchimp?

Sender delivers all premium email marketing features at dramatically lower costs, making it the smart choice for budget-conscious businesses. When comparing Sender vs Mailchimp, the value proposition becomes immediately clear.

While Mailchimp charges $20/month for just 500 contacts with basic features, Sender provides 1,000 contacts at only $7/month — saving you $13 monthly while doubling your contact capacity. This pricing advantage extends across all plans, with transparent costs and no surprise overage fees.

Beyond affordability, Sender is also one of the best GDPR-compliant Mailchimp alternatives. It includes advanced features like multi-step automation builders, comprehensive A/B testing, behavioral popups, and integrated SMS marketing. Every plan comes with CAN-SPAM, and SOC 2 compliance, ensuring your campaigns meet all data privacy and security requirements.

Sender-email-builder-2025

Key Advantages over Mailchimp

  • 99.3% deliverability rate (compared to Mailchimp’s 92.6%);
  • 6x more affordable with transparent, predictable pricing;
  • 5x more generous free plan (2,500 vs 500 contacts);
  • Instant customer support (vs Mailchimp’s 15+ minute wait times).

Mailchimp vs. Sender Breakdown

FeatureMailchimpSenderWinner
Free Plan Contacts5002,500Sender
Starting Price$13/month (500 contacts)$7/month (1,000 contacts)Sender
Deliverability Rate89.5%99.3%Sender
SMS MarketingSeparate add-onIncludedSender
Customer Support15+ min waitInstant responseSender
Automation BuilderLimited on lower plansVisual builder on all plansSender
Landing Pages✅ Available✅ AvailableSender
Market ExperienceEstablished (2001)Newer platform (2012)Mailchimp
Pricing TransparencyHidden overage feesNo hidden costsSender
A/B TestingLimited featuresComprehensive testingSender

All in all, Mailchimp is pricey and limited compared to a wallet-friendly Sender. With double the contacts for a fraction of the cost, better deliverability, instant support, and advanced automation, Sender triumphs in the Mailchimp vs. Sender showdown—particularly for budget-conscious businesses that want premium features.

See pricing →


2. Omnisend — Great Ecommerce Alternative with Lower Costs

Best for: Ecommerce brands looking for a budget-friendly email marketing solution;
Omnisend Pricing: Starts at $11/month for up to 500 contacts + 6,000 monthly emails;
Free plan: Available for up to 250 contacts + 500 monthly emails.

Overall rating:
4.6
/5
G2:
4.6
Trustpilot:
4.4
Capterra:
4.7

Key Features

  • Email + SMS + Push—Run coordinated campaigns from one dashboard; 
  • Automated review requests—Collect Shopify reviews effortlessly; 
  • Behavior-based segmentation—Target by purchase history, site behavior, or lifecycle stage; 
  • A/B Testing—Test subject lines, CTAs, and content to improve conversions; 
  • Form builder—Capture leads with popups, embedded forms, and gamified widgets.

Why Choose Omnisend Over Mailchimp? 

If you’re running an ecommerce store, Omnisend beats Mailchimp by focusing on what you need exactly. It simplifies automation with pre-built workflows for abandoned carts, order confirmations, and post-purchase sequences. 

Where Omnisend falls short, however, is email deliverability. During my time with this email marketing service, I was satisfied with its deliverability, although Omnisend’s deliverability rate dropped to 78.5% (according to the latest benchmark data).

While definitely not the highest in the industry—especially when put next to Mailchimp or Sender—it still delivers consistently enough for most ecommerce and marketing needs.

For developers or brands seeking deeper integration, Omnisend’s robust and well-documented API is an excellent addition. Whether you’re syncing data with your custom backend, pulling product recommendations, or triggering automated campaigns, its API is flexible and easy to work with.

Omnisend_dashboard

Key Advantages over Mailchimp

  • Faster campaign setup for ecommerce workflows. 
  • Built-in multichannel email marketing tools (email, SMS, web push notifications—no extra tools needed); 
  • Built-in ecommerce automations (vs Mailchimp’s general-use templates); 
  • Transparent pricing with no tier confusion; 
  • Shopify-friendly real-time sync plus WordPress plugins;

Mailchimp vs. Omnisend Breakdown 

FeatureMailchimpOmnisendWinner
Free Plan Contacts500250Mailchimp
Starting Price$13/month (500 contacts)$11/month (500 contacts)Omnisend
Deliverability Rate89.5%78.5%Mailchimp
SMS MarketingSeparate add-onIncluded on all plansOmnisend
Customer Support15+ min waitFast email/chat supportOmnisend
Automation BuilderLimited on lower plansAdvanced automation builderOmnisend
Landing Pages✅ Available✅ AvailableTie
Push notifications❌ Requires third-party apps✅ Available (on all plans)Omnisend
Pricing TransparencyHidden overage feesTransparent pricingOmnisend
A/B TestingLimited featuresComprehensive testingOmnisend

Omnisend is built for ecommerce, with pre-made automations, SMS, and product-based targeting included—no extra apps needed. While Mailchimp vs. Omnisend delivers a knockout purely on strong deliverability, Omnisend offers faster setup, transparent pricing, and native multichannel marketing, making it ideal for online stores wanting a streamlined solution.


3. Brevo — Free Alternative with Unlimited Contacts

Best for: Ecommerce startups looking for a reliable MailChimp alternative;
Brevo Pricing: Starts at $8/month for up to 500 contacts + 5,000 monthly emails;
Free plan: Available for up to 500 contacts + 5,000 emails/month.

Overall rating:
4.5
/5
G2:
4.5
Trustpilot:
4.4
Capterra:
4.6

Key Features

  • Email, SMS & WhatsApp marketing—Run multichannel campaigns from one place; 
  • Transactional email engine—Ideal for ecommerce order confirmations and password resets; 
  • Built-in CRM—Manage customer relationships without extra tools; 
  • Prebuilt automations—Launch welcome, cart recovery, and re-engagement flows in minutes; 
  • Signup forms & segmentation—Scale and optimize your list building efforts with ease.

Why Choose Brevo Over Mailchimp? 

Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) handles email, SMS, WhatsApp, and even transactional emails without overwhelming you with complex pricing tiers. 

During my time with Brevo, one of the first things I noticed was Brevo’s built-in CRM integration. It made managing contacts, tracking interactions, and segmenting audiences far easier without relying on external tools. And while it’s not a full-on CRM platform, I still found it to be superior to Mailchimp’s tools.

When it comes to email deliverability, Brevo scored a respectable, yet below-average 74.7%. While it certainly lags behind tools like Mailchimp, the majority of emails still landed in primary inboxes across major providers like Gmail and Yahoo without any need for concern. 

Brevo also stands out for its integration ecosystem, working seamlessly with Shopify, WooCommerce, WordPress, Stripe, and more—making it easy to plug into your existing stack. On top of that, it’s fully GDPR-compliant, offers two-factor authentication, and hosts data on secure servers in the EU.

Brevo-dashboard-scaled

Key Advantages over Mailchimp

  • Better for email marketing beginners—cleaner UX, easier to navigate. 
  • Unlimited contact storage (vs Mailchimp’s steep list-based pricing); 
  • Free transactional emails (ideal for order updates and confirmations); 
  • No hidden costs for essentials like automation or segmentation; 
  • Live chat + CRM built-in (vs paid Mailchimp add-ons).

Mailchimp vs. Brevo Breakdown

FeatureMailchimpBrevoWinner
Free Plan500 contacts + 1,000 email sends/month300 contacts + unlimited email sendsBrevo
Starting Price$13/month$8/monthBrevo
Deliverability Rate89.5%74.7%Mailchimp
SMS/WhatsApp MarketingSMS as add-on, no WhatsAppBuilt-in Email, SMS, WhatsApp, TransactionalBrevo
Customer Support15+ min waitFast, responsive supportBrevo
CRM & Contact ManagementBasic CRM toolsBuilt-in CRM with segmentationBrevo
Automation BuilderLimited on lower plansAvailable on all plansBrevo
CRM integrationBuilt-in, missing features filled in by extensionsBuilt-in, no integrations neededBrevo
IntegrationsLarge ecosystem of integrationsShopify, WooCommerce, WP, Stripe & moreTie
Pricing TransparencyHidden overage feesTransparent, simple pricingBrevo
Data Privacy & SecurityGDPR-compliant, US-based serversGDPR-compliant, EU-based servers, 2FABrevo

Brevo impressed me with its built-in CRM, multichannel tools, and straightforward pricing—perfect for small teams debating between Mailchimp vs. Brevo. While Mailchimp edges ahead on deliverability, Brevo’s integrations, security, and ease of use make it a more practical, budget-friendly choice for many businesses.


4. Klaviyo — Advanced Ecommerce Features Mailchimp Can’t Match

Best for: Ecommerce businesses looking for advanced segmentation features;
Klaviyo Pricing: Starts at $20/month for up to 500 contacts + 5,000 monthly emails;
Free plan: Available for up to 250 contacts and 500 monthly emails.

Overall rating:
3.9
/5
G2:
4.6
Trustpilot:
2.4
Capterra:
4.6

Key Features

  • Advanced segmentation tools—Target based on engagement, orders, location, and more; 
  • Visual automation builder—Create automation workflows for onboarding, cart recovery, win-backs; 
  • Ecommerce-first integrations—Deep data sync with platforms like Shopify; 
  • Revenue attribution dashboards—See which emails directly drive sales; 
  • Dynamic content—Personalize products, copy, and CTAs in real-time.

Why Choose Klaviyo Over Mailchimp? 

Klaviyo is a great Mailchimp alternative for ecommerce brands serious about driving sales with data. It turns customer behavior—browsing, purchase history, engagement—into real-time, personalized email and SMS campaigns. 

After starting my hands-on testing, Klaviyo surprised me with a more comprehensive segmentation, predictive analytics, and revenue attribution features for ecommerce email marketing.

If there’s one trade-off with everything that Klaviyo offers—including a strong deliverability rate roughly on par with Mailchimp’s—it’s the steep learning curve, which can be a real turnoff for email marketing newcomers. But if you’re willing to invest the time, the payoff in better features than Mailchimp and sales performance is well worth it.

Klaviyo-dashboard-2024

Key advantages over Mailchimp

  • Stronger campaign personalization across the funnel compared to Mailchimp. 
  • Hyper-specific segmentation based on real-time customer behavior; 
  • Revenue-tracking automation flows (vs Mailchimp’s limited tracking); 
  • Native ecommerce integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce; 
  • Predictive analytics to forecast churn and future purchases.

Mailchimp vs. Klaviyo Breakdown

FeatureMailchimpKlaviyoWinner
Free Plan500 contacts + 1,000 sends/moUp to 250 contacts & 500 sends/moMailchimp
Starting Price$13/month (500 contacts)$20/month (500 contacts)Mailchimp 
DeliverabilityNo detailed deliverability dashboards or feedback loop dataBounce suppression, Sender health metrics, IP warmup supportKlaviyo
SMS MarketingAdd-on, limited integrationBuilt-in SMS with email campaignsKlaviyo
Customer Support15+ min waitEmail + chat supportKlaviyo
Segmentation & TargetingBasic segmentationAdvanced, behavior-driven segmentationKlaviyo
Predictive AnalyticsNot availableBuilt-in predictive analyticsKlaviyo
Automation BuilderLimited on lower plansPowerful automation workflowsKlaviyo
IntegrationsLarge ecosystem of integrationsShopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, etc.Tie
Reporting & Revenue AttributionStandard campaign reportsAdvanced revenue attribution reportsKlaviyo
Ease of UseBeginner-friendlySteeper learning curveMailchimp
Pricing TransparencyHidden overage feesTransparent, usage-based pricingKlaviyo

Klaviyo impressed me with its deep segmentation, predictive analytics, and revenue attribution—perfect for ecommerce brands focused on growth. While the learning curve is steeper than Mailchimp’s, in the end Mailchimp vs. Klaviyo comes down to simplicity versus advanced targeting power.


5. Moosend — Decent Automation Tools at More Affordable Rates

Best for: Digital marketing agencies & marketing beginners;
Moosend Pricing: Starts at $7/month for up to 500 contacts + unlimited emails;
Free plan: Not available. 30-day free trial available.

Overall rating:
4.2
/5
G2:
4.7
Trustpilot:
3.4
Capterra:
4.6

Key Features

  • Visual automation editor—Build email journeys based on customer journey mapping without coding; 
  • Prebuilt automation recipes—Launch flows for welcome, cart recovery emails, etc.; 
  • List segmentation & personalization—Target users based on behavior or interests; 
  • Real-time analytics—Track opens, clicks, and conversions as they happen; 
  • Landing page builder—Create conversion-ready pages for lead gen and promos.

Why Choose Moosend Over Mailchimp? 

If you’re a small business looking for powerful automation without overpaying, Moosend delivers more than expected at its price point. Moosend offers similar email tools to Mailchimp, such as automation, segmentation, and a visual email builder, but does so in a more beginner-friendly package.

Putting Moosend next to Mailchimp, I quickly found its visual automation builder to be more intuitive—even for team members new to email marketing. I was able to build multi-step journeys without constantly referencing tutorials. 

Moosend also stood out with a deliverability score of 90.1%, edging out Mailchimp by a small margin. With built-in tools to monitor sender reputation and helpful tips for avoiding spam filters, Moosend gives you a solid foundation for maintaining strong inbox placement.

Another area where Moosend beats Mailchimp is its ease of use. The interface is clean, responsive, and surprisingly beginner-friendly, which makes setting up campaigns, automations, and forms feel frictionless. Unlike Omnisend or Mailchimp, there’s no steep learning curve, so even first-timers can get up and running quickly.

moosend-dashboard

Key advantages over Mailchimp

  • Better automation value at a lower cost;
  • Transparent pricing model vs. Mailchimp; 
  • Clean, drag-and-drop interface; 
  • Visual workflows for every scenario; 
  • Responsive support across all tiers.

Mailchimp vs. Moosend Breakdown

FeatureMailchimpMoosendWinner / Notes
Free Plan500 contacts + 1,000 sends/monthNo actual free plan (30-day free trial)Mailchimp
Starting Price$13/month (500 contacts) $7/month (500 contacts)Moosend
Automation & WorkflowsVisual “Customer Journeys,” multi-step automations. More advanced features reserved for higher-tiersStrong automation even at lower price points. Conditional sequences, behavior-triggered automations praisedMoosend
Interface / Ease of UseMany features but some users feel UI is more cluttered or datedClean and straightforwardMoosend
Reporting & Real-Time DataStrong reporting suite; good campaign analytics. Some lag issues or limitations on lower plansNoted for more real-time reporting, detailed analytics, and faster feedback loopsMoosend
Template / Editor FlexibilityLarge template library; drag-and-drop editor; extra design optionsStrong drag-and-drop editor modern templatesTie
IntegrationsVery large ecosystem of integrationsMore limited compared to Mailchimp but still covers key toolsMailchimp
SupportSlow responses and higher-tier priorityFast, responsive support Moosend

Moosend won me over with its intuitive visual automation builder, transparent pricing, and beginner-friendly interface, making it easier to set up campaigns without the usual headaches.

Mailchimp has slightly more integrations and template variety, but the ultimate winner of Mailchimp vs. Moosend often comes down to Moosend’s simplicity and value versus Mailchimp’s larger ecosystem and brand familiarity.


With Sender, it’s free as long as you want it
Send up to 15,000 emails to 2,500 subscribers completely free. Automation, segmentation, email templates, landing pages and popups included.
Start With Free Plan

6. MailerLite — Mailchimp’s Features at Half the Price

Best for: Small businesses and retailers looking for budget-friendly marketing solution;
MailerLite Pricing: Starts at $9/month for up to 500 contacts + unlimited emails;
Free plan: Available for up to 500 contacts + 12,000 monthly emails.

Overall rating:
4.5
/5
G2:
4.6
Trustpilot:
4.3
Capterra:
4.7

Key Features

  • Intuitive drag-and-drop builder—Design clean, mobile-ready emails in minutes; 
  • Basic automation—Trigger emails based on behavior, time delays, and conditions; 
  • Solid template collection—Not as flashy as Klaviyo, but works for most campaigns; 
  • Deliverability optimization—Best-in-class inbox placement rates with custom domain support; 
  • Countdowns, quizzes, surveys—Add interactive content with no extra tools.

Why Choose Mailerlite Over Mailchimp? 

MailerLite offers many of the same features as Mailchimp—drag-and-drop email editor, automation workflows, and segmentation. However, all of that comes at nearly half the price of Mailchimp. Sure, you won’t get fancy bells and whistles, but everything you need to run email marketing is there. 

Based on my hands-on testing, MailerLite consistently ranks great on deliverability, scoring 89.8%—just a touch over Mailchimp’s 89.5%. Sure, that barely makes a difference. For solo creators and small businesses, however, this small edge might be reason enough to consider switching from Mailchimp.

Furthermore, if you’re a developer or have one on your team, MailerLite offers a clean, well-documented API, webhook support, and custom HTML email editing. While it’s not as advanced as Mailchimp when it comes to integrations or complex scripting, it strikes a solid balance between usability and customization.

mailerlite-dashboard

Key advantages over Mailchimp

  • 40–50% cheaper pricing than Mailchimp at every tier; 
  • Top-tier deliverability (89.8%)—better inbox placement than Mailchimp (89.5%); 
  • Clean interface with quick loading and editing; 
  • No overcomplicated menus which makes it great for beginners; 
  • No bloated feature sets or expensive add-on like Mailchimp.

Mailchimp vs. MailerLite Breakdown

FeatureMailerLiteMailchimpWinner
Free Plan500 subs + 12k emails/month500 subs + 1k emails/monthMailerLite
Starting PriceLower cost for growing listsHigher once scaling upMailerLite
Automation BuilderVisual workflows on all plansMore features, higher tiersMailerLite
Ease of UseClean, beginner-friendly interfaceFeature-rich, steeper curveMailerLite
Templates & BuilderResponsive templates, simple editorLarger template library, advanced toolsMailchimp
IntegrationsGood set, covers essentialsVast ecosystem, many nativesMailchimp
SupportDecent support, free plan includedPriority on higher tiersMailerLite
Deliverability Rate~89.8%~89.5%MailerLite

MailerLite impressed me with its clean interface, fast editor, and reliable deliverability, making it simple to create and send campaigns without extra hassle.

Mailchimp still offers more integrations and advanced options, but the choice of Mailchimp vs. MailerLite winner is often about whether you prefer MailerLite’s affordability and ease of use or Mailchimp’s broader feature set and larger app ecosystem.


7. ActiveCampaign —The Mailchimp Alternative That Does the Heavy Lifting

Best for: Businesses looking for advanced email automation and CRM integration;
ActiveCampaign Pricing: $15/month for up to 1,000 contacts + 10k emails/month;
Free plan: Not available (14-day free trial).

Overall rating:
4.1
/5
G2:
4.5
Trustpilot:
3.1
Capterra:
4.6

Key Features

  • Advanced segmentation—Target subscribers based on behavior, demographics, or engagement history; 
  • Conditional automations—Build flexible workflows that adapt to user actions in real time;
  • High deliverability—Reach inboxes consistently with optimized email sending infrastructure; 
  • Smart scheduling—Send emails at the ideal time for each subscriber’s time zone or engagement pattern; 
  • Robust integrations—Connect seamlessly with tools like Shopify, WordPress, Zapier, and more.

Why Choose ActiveCampaign Over Mailchimp? 

For starters, ActiveCampaign’s deliverability is excellent—ActiveCampaign scores 94.2%, noticeably higher than Mailchimp’s 89.5%, coming only in second place after Sender. It’s a considerable bump that increases the odds of campaigns landing in the inbox.

Automation is where ActiveCampaign shows its strengths. Its visual automation builder supports conditional logic, split actions, goals, and CRM updates—perfect for people who need more automation than Mailchimp might offer. You can build full customer journeys that go far beyond basic autoresponders, responding to behaviors like purchases, page visits, or abandoned carts.

On the integration side, ActiveCampaign supports over 900 native connections, from Shopify and WooCommerce to Salesforce and Typeform. That makes it a solid fit for businesses that rely on a wide range of tools and want deep syncing between platforms.

Key Advantages over Mailchimp:

  • Higher deliverability rates (94.2% vs. Mailchimp’s 89.5%);
  • 950+ native integrations, including Salesforce and WooCommerce;
  • Advanced automations with AI and conditional logic;
  • Built-in CRM with sales pipelines and lead scoring tools.

Mailchimp vs. ActiveCampaign Breakdown

FeatureActiveCampaignMailchimpWinner
Free PlanNo free plan (14-day trial)500 subs + 1k emails/monthMailchimp
Starting Price$15/month$13/monthMailchimp
Automation BuilderAdvanced visual builder, conditional logicBasic on lower tiersActiveCampaign
Ease of UseFeature-rich, moderate learning curveBeginner-friendly, simpler UIMailchimp
Deliverability Rate94.2%89.5%ActiveCampaign
Integrations950+ native integrationsVast ecosystem, many nativesTie
CRM & Contact MgmtBuilt-in CRM, pipelines, scoringBasic CRM toolsActiveCampaign
Templates & BuilderFlexible editor, fewer templatesLarger template library, advanced toolsMailchimp
SupportLive chat & email on all paid plansPriority support on higher tiersActiveCampaign
Pricing TransparencyClear tiers, no hidden feesHidden overage feesActiveCampaign

ActiveCampaign really knocks it out of the park with its top-notch deliverability, let alone advanced automation capabilities, and huge library of 900+ integrations.

Mailchimp may be simpler for beginners, but in the Mailchimp vs. ActiveCampaign showdown ActiveCampaign comes out as a stronger choice for teams looking for detailed workflows, built-in CRM tools, and deeper control over how email marketing campaigns respond to user behavior.


8. GetResponse — Built-in Webinars + Sales Funnels (Beyond Email)

Best for: B2B & SaaS looking for complex email automations & CRM integrations;
GetResponse Pricing: Starts at $15/month for up to 1,000 contacts + unlimited emails;
Free plan: Available for up to 500 contacts + 2,500 monthly emails.

Overall rating:
4.2
/5
G2:
4.2
Trustpilot:
4.1
Capterra:
4.2

Key Features

  • Autofunnel builder—Launch email + sales funnels with drag-and-drop simplicity; 
  • Webinar hosting—Run live sessions to convert subscribers into buyers; 
  • AI email writer—Auto-generate subject lines and content fast; 
  • Landing page + website builder—Design opt-ins, upsells, and promos visually; 
  • Behavior-based automations—Trigger emails on actions like opens, clicks, or purchases.

Why Choose GetResponse Over Mailchimp? 

If your goal goes beyond email and you’re getting tired of Mailchimp’s limited features, GetResponse should be your pick. GetResponse helps you build entire customer journeys, from signup to sale, all without any third-party tool or add-on. 

One of GetResponse’s standout features is its built-in webinar hosting—something I found Mailchimp lacks entirely. It lets you run live events, lead nurturing sessions, or product demos from the same platform you use for email marketing.

With GetResponse you also get prebuilt, customizable funnels for lead generation, upsells, and more. This comes along with landing pages and lead magnets all under one roof—saving setup time and simplifying your workflow.

Despite offering more features, GetResponse’s plans usually cost less than Mailchimp’s. You’ll even get built-in social media tools, so you can automate across more channels without switching platforms. When you consider GetResponse’s impressive deliverability rate of 90.9%, it only makes sense to go with this Mailchimp alternative.

getresponse-dashboard-05

Key advantages over Mailchimp

  • Built-in webinar hosting (vs no webinar tools on Mailchimp); 
  • Sales funnel automation with prebuilt, customizable flows; 
  • Landing pages + lead magnets under one roof; 
  • AI-powered content generator to save time on writing campaigns; 
  • Extra features like social media integration at a lower price point than Mailchimp.

Mailchimp vs. GetResponse Breakdown

FeatureGetResponseMailchimpWinner
Free Plan500 subs + 2,500 emails/mo500 subs + 1,000 emails/moGetResponse
Starting Price$15/month $13/monthMailchimp
Automation BuilderBehavior-based automations, prebuilt funnelsBasic on lower tiersGetResponse
Ease of UseIntuitive, slightly more feature-richBeginner-friendly, simpler UITie
Deliverability Rate90.9%89.5%GetResponse
Integrations120+ integrations, ecommerce & webinar toolsVast ecosystem, many nativesMailchimp
CRM & Contact MgmtBasic CRM, lead scoringBasic CRM toolsGetResponse
Templates & BuilderLanding page + website builderLarger template library, advanced toolsTie
WebinarsBuilt-in hosting & funnelsNot availableGetResponse
Support24/7 chat & email supportPriority support on higher tiersGetResponse
Pricing TransparencyClear plans, fewer surprisesHidden overage feesGetResponse

GetResponse stands out with built-in webinars, predesigned sales funnels, and landing pages that make running full campaigns easier.

While Mailchimp is still a solid pick for simple email marketing, GetResponse offers more channels, automation, and extras like AI writing tools—often at a lower price. After a close showdown, GetResponse brings Mailchimp vs. GetResponse to a close win after weighing features, pricing, and overall value.


9. Kit — Creator-Focused Features Mailchimp Doesn’t Offer

Best for: Content creators & bloggers looking for an easy-to-use platform;
Kit Pricing: Starts at $33/month for up to 1,000 contacts + unlimited emails;
Free plan: Available for up to 10,000 contacts + unlimited emails.

Overall rating:
3.6
/5
G2:
4.4
Trustpilot:
1.8
Capterra:
4.6

Key Features

  • Creator network for referrals—Expand reach through cross-promotion with other creators; 
  • Automated blog post notifications—Keep your audience updated without manual effort; 
  • Landing page builder—Launch lead-gen pages in minutes, no code needed; 
  • Sell digital products directly—Host and deliver eBooks, downloads, and more; 
  • Behavioral segmentation—Send targeted content based on interest and activity.

Why Choose Kit Over Mailchimp? 

If you’re a content creator, Mailchimp often feels like overkill—too many buttons, too few creator-specific features. Kit flips the script. It helps creators grow their email list, nurture subscribers, and sell digital products without being overwhelmed.  

What instantly stood out during my hands-on time with Kit was how streamlined and creator-focused the entire experience felt. With built-in digital product delivery, RSS-to-email automation, and easy Stripe integration for paid newsletters or offerings, it removes the friction that creators often face on Mailchimp. 

What’s more, Kit’s subscriber-centric model eliminates common headaches around duplicate contacts—a shady pricing tactic that’s been plaguing Mailchimp’s already-waning reputation for years.

At the end of the day, Kit proved to be a more solid alternative to turn an idea into a newsletter or digital product than Mailchimp.

kit dashboard

Key advantages over Mailchimp

  • Simpler UI and faster setup for non-technical users.
  • Creator-first tools (vs Mailchimp’s general-purpose layout); 
  • Built-in digital product delivery along with RSS feed automation; 
  • Referral network of creators for faster audience growth;
  • Affordable scaling for small teams.

Mailchimp vs. Kit Breakdown

FeatureKitMailchimpWinner
Free Plan10,000 contacts + unlimited emails500 subs + 1,000 emails/moKit
Ease of UseStreamlined, creator-focused UIBeginner-friendly, general-purpose UIKit
Deliverability Rate91% 89.5%Kit
IntegrationsStripe, simple creator toolsVast ecosystem, many nativesMailchimp
CRM & Contact MgmtSubscriber-focused model, no duplicatesBasic CRM toolsKit
Templates & BuilderLanding pages + product pagesLarger template library, advanced toolsTie
Digital Product SalesBuilt-in hosting & deliveryNot availableKit
AutomationBlog-to-email, product workflowsBasic on lower tiersKit
SupportHuman-first support, fast responsePriority support on higher tiersKit
Pricing TransparencySimple plans, no duplicate chargesHidden overage feesKit

Kit impresses with its creator-focused approach, offering built-in product delivery, automated blog-to-email updates, and a referral network to grow audiences faster.

And while Mailchimp triumphs in the Mailchimp vs. Kit debate due to its accessibility for general marketing needs, Kit’s simpler interface and subscriber-friendly pricing make it a better fit for creators who want to turn ideas into newsletters or digital products without the extra complexity.


10. Mailjet — Reliable Transactional Emails Without Mailchimp’s Limits

Best for: SMBs and retailers looking for a budget-friendly email marketing;
Mailjet Pricing: Starts at $17/month for up to 15,000 monthly emails + unlimited contacts;
Free plan: Available for up to 1,500 contacts + 6,000 monthly emails.

Overall rating:
4.0
/5
G2:
4.0
Trustpilot:
3.9
Capterra:
4.2

Key Features

  • Drag-and-drop email editor—Design emails without coding;
  • Transactional email API—Send order confirmations, alerts, and updates reliably;
  • Live collaboration tools—Build campaigns together in real-time;
  • Dynamic content blocks—Personalize sections based on user behavior or segments;
  • A/B testing—Optimize subject lines, buttons, and layouts easily,

Why Choose Mailjet Over Mailchimp? 

If you’re sending a mix of marketing and transactional emails, Mailjet offers a more flexible and reliable setup compared to Mailchimp. While Mailchimp limits transactional messaging or forces costly workarounds (via Mandrill), Mailjet includes it natively.

One of the bigger advantages I noticed while testing Mailjet was how easy it is for multiple team members to collaborate—editing emails live, managing contacts together, and avoiding version chaos.

Also, the drag-and-drop editor is easy to use, and dynamic content makes personalization simple. Combined with Mailjet’s improved deliverability rate of 88% (a notable jump from last year’s benchmarks)—even if it trails Mailchimp slightly in inbox placement or lacks advanced logic or complex workflows—it’s a strong combination overall.

Still, with real-time collaboration, strong deliverability, and transparent pricing, Mailjet is ideal for small teams and retailers that prioritize ease and reliability over bells and whistles.

mailchimp_alternatives

Key advantages over Mailchimp

  • Dynamic content for personalized messages.
  • Built-in transactional email (no workarounds or extra tools needed); 
  • Budget-friendly pricing for high email volumes unlike Mailchimp; 
  • Multi-user access without additional costing for extra users; 
  • Strong data privacy & GDPR compliance.

Mailchimp vs. Mailjet Breakdown

FeatureMailjetMailchimpWinner
Free Plan1,500 contacts + 6,000 emails/mo500 subs + 1k emails/moMailjet
Starting Price$15/month (Essential)$13/month (Essentials)Mailchimp
Automation BuilderBasic workflows, easy setupBasic on lower tiersTie
Ease of UseSimple UI, team-friendlyBeginner-friendly, slightly more polishedTie
Deliverability Rate88%89.5%Mailchimp
Data Privacy & SecurityGDPR compliant, EU-based servers, 2FAGDPR-compliant, US-based serversMailjet
CRM & Contact MgmtBasic contact segmentationBasic CRM toolsTie
Templates & BuilderDrag-and-drop editor, fewer templatesLarger template library, advanced toolsMailchimp
Transactional EmailBuilt-in API includedRequires Mandrill add-onMailjet
CollaborationReal-time multi-user editingSingle-user focus (extra cost for teams)Mailjet
SupportEmail support, higher tiers get chatPriority support on higher tiersTie
Pricing TransparencySimple, no hidden feesHidden overage feesMailjet

What makes Mailjet stand out is its built-in transactional email, real-time collaboration tools, and easy personalization with dynamic content blocks.

Mailchimp edges it out slightly on deliverability and advanced automation, sure. But Mailjet’s affordable pricing, team-friendly features, and focus on reliability should win over small teams and businesses who were debating between Mailchimp vs. Mailjet.


11. DRIP — Focused Ecommerce Automation (Higher Learning Curve)

Best for: Ecommerce brands that need powerful automation tools;
DRIP Pricing: Starts at $39/month for up to 2,500 contacts + unlimited emails;
Free plan: Not available (14-day free trial).

Overall rating:
4.4
/5
G2:
4.4
Capterra:
4.4

Key Features

  • Visual automation builder—Design advanced journeys with real-time triggers; 
  • Ecommerce CRM—Access customer data, track orders, and sync with your store; 
  • Personalized product recommendations—Boost average order value with tailored offers and product suggestions; 
  • Onsite widget builder—Trigger personalized popups, offers, and forms; 
  • Detailed ROI reporting—Connect campaigns to revenue, not just opens.

Why Choose Drip Over Mailchimp? 

While Mailchimp offers general-purpose email tools, Drip dives deep into customer behavior, segmentation, and automation workflows.

I’ve seen brands increase revenue by setting up timely drip campaigns based on browsing behavior and abandoned checkouts using Drip. While I only tested this automation on a dummy campaign during my hands-on testing, I could already see why that’s the case—it’s very user-friendly and lets you build complex workflows without feeling overwhelming.

Drip also performs well on email deliverability. Although it scores slightly below Mailchimp with 88.2%, it offers monitor engagement and sender reputation tools to help you stay out of spam folders.

This email marketing solution integrates natively with Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and tools like Stripe, allowing you to trigger campaigns based on real-time store activity.

That said, Drip’s ecommerce-first focus comes with trade-offs. It’s less flexible for non-ecommerce businesses, especially with templates and automation outside of online retail. And with no free plan, only a limited-time trial, it’s harder for smaller teams to test those premium features before making a commitment.

drip-dashboard

Key advantages over Mailchimp 

  • Onsite personalization tools—Popups, forms, and dynamic content. 
  • Built-in CRM for ecommerce to manage purchase data and personalize every message; 
  • Real-time behavioral automation (vs Mailchimp’s basic logic); 
  • Pre-built ecommerce flows for abandoned carts, win-backs, post-purchase; 
  • Granular segmentation to filter audiences by product views, spend, engagement.

Mailchimp vs. DRIP Breakdown

FeatureDripMailchimpWinner
Free PlanNo free plan, limited-time trial only500 subs + 1,000 emails/moMailchimp
Ease of UseIntuitive workflow builder, ecommerce-focused UIBeginner-friendly, general-purpose UIDrip
Deliverability Rate88.2% with engagement and reputation monitoring toolsSlightly higher deliverabilityMailchimp
IntegrationsNative integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, StripeLarge ecosystem, many third-party integrationsTie
CRM & Contact MgmtBuilt-in ecommerce CRM, purchase tracking, granular segmentationBasic CRM toolsDrip
AutomationReal-time behavioral automation, pre-built ecommerce flowsBasic automation logicDrip
PersonalizationOnsite popups, forms, and dynamic content for personalizationLimited personalization optionsDrip
SegmentationGranular filters by product views, spend, and engagementLimited segmentation depthDrip
Ecommerce FocusPurpose-built for online retail, supports post-purchase and win-back flowsGeneral-purpose marketing toolDrip
Store Activity TriggersCan trigger campaigns based on real-time store activity (e.g., browsing, checkout)Lacks native real-time triggersDrip

Drip feels tailor-made for ecommerce, with real-time behavioral automation, a built-in CRM, and pre-built flows for abandoned carts and win-backs that make setup easy. Mailchimp is still better for general marketing, but Drip’s sharp segmentation, onsite personalization, and seamless Shopify integration make it a powerful choice—just note the lack of a free plan for smaller teams.


12. Aweber — Simple Setup with Better Support Than Mailchimp

Best for: Entrepreneurs, small businesses, and creators;
AWeber Pricing: Starts at $13/month for up to 500 contacts + 5,000 monthly emails;
Free plan: Available up to 500 subscribers + 3,000 emails/month.

Overall rating:
3.7
/5
G2:
4.2
Trustpilot:
2.5
Capterra:
4.4

Key Features

  • Landing page builder—Create simple, clean pages to sell products or register attendees; 
  • Stripe integration—Sell ebooks, workshops, or services without a store; 
  • Tag-triggered automation—Deliver content or reminders automatically post-purchase; 
  • Personalized confirmation emails—Customize delivery messages for each product;
  • Mobile responsive templates—Use email campaign tools to create landing pages that look great on any device.

Why Choose AWeber Over Mailchimp? 

AWeber offers a refreshingly simple experience as compared to Mailchimp, suitable for solo creators, coaches, and DIY marketers. While the interface is similarly lean, the learning curve is similarly low, and AWeber’s customer support is far more responsive than one found at Mailchimp.

And that’s only the start. What’s especially handy with AWeber is its two-way data sync, which lets you personalize content based on real-time subscriber behavior across platforms. Developers get a RESTful API with decent flexibility for building custom connections—it’s not the most advanced toolkit out there, it gets the job done. 

AWeber doesn’t offer the vast integration ecosystem you’ll find with platforms like Mailchimp, however. But it covers the essentials like Shopify, WordPress, PayPal, and Zapier most small businesses actually rely on.

I have to say, I was satisfied with their inbox deliverability, which sits at around 83.1% (according to EmailToolTester), despite offering nearly 6% lower results than Mailchimp. Still, it’s a solid performance that should be more than sufficient for most small businesses and creators.

aweber-dashboard

Key advantages over Mailchimp

  • Faster setup than Mailchimp, especially for beginners; 
  • Built-in ecommerce widget for digital products + services; 
  • No-code landing page builder with full Stripe integration; 
  • Tag-based automation for personalized content delivery; 
  • Responsive email and phone support along with help guides. 

Mailchimp vs. AWeber Breakdown

FeatureAWeberMailchimpWinner
Free Plan500 subs + 3,000 emails/mo500 subs + 1,000 emails/moAWeber
Starting Price$14.99/mo (Lite plan)$13/mo (Essentials plan)Mailchimp
Ease of UseSimple, beginner-friendly setupBeginner-friendly, slightly more featuresTie
AutomationTag-based automationsBasic on lower tiersAWeber
Templates & BuilderLanding page builder + Stripe integrationLarger template library, advanced editorTie
Ecommerce ToolsBuilt-in widget for products & servicesRequires third-party store setupAWeber
Customer SupportEmail + phone + chat supportPriority support only on higher tiersAWeber
Setup SpeedQuick and straightforward onboardingMore steps, slightly slowerAWeber
Pricing TransparencyStraightforward plans, no hidden feesHidden overage chargesAWeber

AWeber keeps things simple with quick setup, tag-based automation, and built-in tools for selling digital products via Stripe—perfect for creators and small businesses.

Mailchimp has more integrations and slightly stronger deliverability. However, AWeber’s responsive support, easy landing page builder, and lower learning curve make it a strong pick in the Mailchimp vs. AWeber matchup for users seeking a no-fuss email marketing solution.


13. Constant Contact — Mailchimp Alternative for Small Businesses

Best for: Small and medium-sized businesses looking for reliable Mailchimp alternatives;
Constant Contact Pricing: Starts at $12/month for 500 contacts + 5k emails/month;
Free plan: Not available (30-day free trial).

Overall rating:
4.2
/5
G2:
4.1
Trustpilot:
4.2
Capterra:
4.3

Key Features

  • User-friendly landing page & email creator—Launch full campaigns with built-in list-building features. Great for lead capture, special offers, and event signups;
  • In-depth analytics—Track open rates, click-throughs, and engagement over time with visual analytics and device-specific insights;;
  • Reliable phone & live chat support—Real-time help available whenever you need it, perfect for users who prefer guided assistance;
  • Powerful email marketing features—Use customizable templates, RSVPs, and automated reminders to drive engagement for both virtual and in-person events.

Why Choose Constant Contact Over Mailchimp? 

If you’re a growing business that relies on integrations and consistent inbox placement, Constant Contact makes a compelling case over Mailchimp. While Mailchimp often limits automation and integrations to higher-priced plans, Constant Contact offers robust tools for email marketing, ecommerce, and CRM workflows—even on its basic plan.

Meanwhile, Constant Contact boasts one of the best deliverability rates in the industry—an impressive 91.7%. This ~2% difference bears little difference when it comes to the actual email inbox placement—at least in my testing—but the numbers are first-rate all the same.

Another area where Constant Contact shines is integrations. Whether you’re running a Shopify store, building a site on WordPress, it offers built-in connectors that sync data with speed and precision.

constant-contact-dashboard

Key advantages over Mailchimp

  • Instantly connect with Shopify, WordPress, Salesforce, and other top platforms to streamline your marketing and sales workflows;
  • Get real-time help via phone and chat, unlike Mailchimp’s limited support options behind higher paywalls;
  • Plan, promote, and manage events with RSVP tracking and registration—no extra tools or plugins required;
  • Transparent plans with key features like automation, list segmentation, and ecommerce tools included early.

Mailchimp vs. Constant Contact Breakdown

FeatureConstant ContactMailchimpWinner
Free PlanNo permanent free plan500 subs + 1,000 emails/moMailchimp
Ease of UseUser-friendly landing page & email creator with built-in list-building toolsBeginner-friendly, general-purpose UITie
Deliverability Rate91.7%89.5%Constant Contact
IntegrationsNative integrations with Shopify, WordPress, Salesforce, and moreMany integrations but some locked to higher tiersConstant Contact
SupportReliable phone & live chat support available on all plansEmail support, live chat limited to paid plansConstant Contact
AutomationAutomation, list segmentation, ecommerce tools included on base planMany automation features locked to higher tiersConstant Contact
AnalyticsIn-depth visual analytics with device-specific insightsBasic analytics, advanced reporting on higher tiersConstant Contact
Event MarketingBuilt-in RSVP tracking, reminders, and event promotion toolsNo native event management toolsConstant Contact
Templates & CustomizationHighly customizable templates with easy drag-and-drop builderWide template library but slightly less flexibleTie

Constant Contact really surprised me with how smooth it is to run campaigns, sync with Shopify or WordPress, and even handle event signups all in one place. Mailchimp might win on deliverability by a small margin, but Constant Contact’s live support, built-in automation, and early access to ecommerce tools make it a worthy competitor in the Mailchimp vs. Constant Contact matchup.


14. Beehiiv — Best Mailchimp alternative for Newsletters

Best for: Newsletter creators, bloggers, and media brands;
Beehiiv Pricing: Starts at $43/month for up to 1,000 subscribers + unlimited emails;
Free plan: Available for up to 2,500 subscribers + unlimited emails.

Overall rating:
4.2
/5
G2:
4.6
Trustpilot:
3.6
Capterra:
4.3

Key Features

  • User-friendly interface—Navigate easily with a clean dashboard that makes managing newsletters simple and enjoyable;
  • All-in-one platform—Combine newsletter creation, website hosting, subscriber analytics, and monetization tools in one marketing solution;
  • Generous free plan—Start strong with up to 2,500 subscribers on a free tier that includes essential features like custom branding, embed forms, and detailed analytics;
  • Referral and growth tools—Amplify your reach with built-in referral programs, pop-ups, and boost ads designed to drive organic sign-ups and audience expansion;
  • Advanced analytics—Dive deep into engagement and revenue data with 3D analytics that link subscriber behavior to income and acquisition channels for smarter decisions.

Why Choose Beehiiv Over Mailchimp? 

If you’re a newsletter-first brand focused on growth, deliverability, and are looking for a robust Mailchimp alternative, you shouldn’t look further than Beehiiv.

While users criticize Mailchimp for its clunky interface, bloated menus and upsells for basic features, Beehiiv delivers a clean, purpose-built experience for content creators. It’s a platform optimized for speed, ease of use.

When testing Beehiiv, it quickly stood out because of its more streamlined interface, built-in referral and recommendation tools, and simple monetization options. Even though Beehiiv’s API is still in development, it supports core use cases, such as syncing subscribers and email automation.

This email marketing platform is relatively new to the market, but its inbox placement is impressive. In my testing, it averaged a 90% deliverability rate—slightly edging out Mailchimp. It also handles authentication automatically and supports IP warmup and bounce visibility. However, without list cleaning, a deliverability dashboard, or a sender score, it still trails more advanced competitors.

Finally, Beehiiv doesn’t nickel and dime you for growth tools. You get advanced analytics, SEO-friendly blog hosting, and subscriber segmentation even on the free plan—features that Mailchimp gatekeepers behind a paywall for higher tiers.

beehiiv-dashboard

Key advantages over Mailchimp

  • Faster publishing workflow tailored for newsletters, not bloated with unnecessary menus;
  • Native referral and recommendation tools to supercharge organic list growth;
  • Free custom domain support and SEO-optimized blog hosting from day one;
  • Transparent pricing with up to 2,500 subscribers on the free plan, and no surprise fees.

Mailchimp vs. Beehiiv Breakdown

FeatureBeehiivMailchimpWinner
Free Plan2,500 subscribers + unlimited emails500 subs + 1,000 emails/monthBeehiiv
Ease of UseClean, newsletter-first interface with fast publishing workflowClunky menus, upsells for basic featuresBeehiiv
Deliverability Rate~90%89.5%Beehiiv
Integrations & APIAPI still in development but covers core use cases (sync, automation)Large ecosystem of integrations and mature APIMailchimp
Growth ToolsBuilt-in referral programs, pop-ups, and recommendation toolsNo native referral toolsBeehiiv
MonetizationSimple built-in monetization options for creatorsLimited monetization featuresBeehiiv
AnalyticsAdvanced, revenue-linked analytics (3D view) even on free planBasic analytics, advanced reporting on higher tiersBeehiiv
Website & HostingSEO-optimized blog hosting with free custom domain supportNo native blog hostingBeehiiv
Pricing TransparencyStraightforward pricing, no surprise paywalls for growth toolsMany features locked behind higher-tier plansBeehiiv

Beehiiv focuses on newsletter creators, offering a clean interface, built-in referral tools, and free custom domain support for up to 2,500 subscribers.

In the Mailchimp vs. Beehiiv debate, Mailchimp may offer more general features, but Beehiiv’s growth tools, SEO-friendly blog hosting, and easy monetization make it a favorite for newsletter-first brands—despite missing list cleaning and a deliverability dashboard.


Mailchimp Competitors Cost Calculator & Comparison

PlatformEntry plan10,000 contacts20,000 contacts50,000 contacts100,000 contacts
MailchimpStarts at $29/month$135$287$453$805
SenderStarts at $7/month$40/month$75/month$159/month$257/month
OmnisendStarts at $11/month $92/month$186/month$289/month$630/month
BrevoStarts at $8/month Brevo offers unlimited contacts with pricing depending on monthly email sends, starting at $29
KlaviyoStarts at $20/month $150/month$375/month$720/month$1,380/month
MoosendStarts at $7/month$70/month$128/month$252/month$499/month
MailerliteStarts at $9/month$66/month$125/month$260/month$396/month
ActiveCampaignStarts at $15/month$149/month$311/month$609/monthCustom price
GetResponseStarts at $15/month $66/month$141/month$246/month$477/month
 KitStarts at $25/month$100/month$150/month$316/month$566/month
MailjetStarts at $17/month$17/month$25/month$31/month$37/month
DripStarts at $39/month$154/month$289/month$699/month$1,199/month
AweberStarts at $13/month$83/month$154/month$312/month$500/month
Constant ContactStarts at $12/month$120/month$230/month$430/monthCustom price
BeehiivStarts at $43/month$96/month$149/month$219/month$290/month

Finding a Mailchimp alternative that fits your subscriber count, budget, and feature requirements can feel overwhelming, not to mention take hours upon hours.

That’s why we built our own price calculator—so you can quickly compare different Mailchimp alternatives and choose the plan that will help you save money by cutting down on unnecessary tools.

Free Mailchimp Alternatives: Free Plans and Limits

Exhausted all your options but want to take some new tools for a spin? We’ve compiled a list of the most powerful freemium email tools you can use as alternatives for Mailchimp and move to a paid plan at a later stage when you grow.

PlatformEmails per MonthSubscribersAvailable features
Mailchimp1,000 (max 500/day)500• 1-step automation
• Basic templates
• Limited reporting
Sender15,0002,500• Unlimited automations
• Advanced segmentation
• Email and popup templates
• 24/7 human support
Omnisend500250• Pre-built ecommerce automation
• Email and push notifications
• Popup forms
Brevo300/day100,000• Email + WhatsApp marketing
• Popups and forms
• Workflow automation
Klaviyo500250• Email + SMS (up to 150 SMS credits)
• Prebuilt ecommerce flows
• Basic analytics
MoosendNo free plan available
Mailerlite12,000500• Email builder
• Basic automations
• Landing page builder
ActiveCampaignNo free plan available
GetResponse2,500500• Email + landing page builder
• Signup forms
• Autoresponders + basic automations
KitNo free plan available
Mailjet6,000 (200/day)1,500• Email editor
• Basic segmentation
• Transactional emails
DRIPNo free plan available
Aweber3,000500• Basic automation
• Landing page builder
• Pre-made email templates 
Constant ContactNo free plan available
BeehiivUnlimited2,500 • Email builder
• Basic automations
• Landing page builder
With Sender, it’s free as long as you want it
Send up to 15,000 emails to 2,500 subscribers completely free. Automation, segmentation, email templates, landing pages and popups included.
Start With Free Plan

Historical Changes to Mailchimp Pricing Plans

Mailchimp hasn’t kept its prices consistent despite being a widely used email marketing service. 

According to public sources, Mailchimp increases its prices between 7-14% year on year. 

Besides the regular price increase, the email marketing giant also tends to inflate the price of add-ons from time to time (for example, the cost for 25,000 transactional emails via Mandrill, Mailchimp’s transactional email add-on, rocketed from $9.95 to $20 after it was integrated into Mailchimp, also requiring users to maintain a paid Mailchimp plan).

All this has reinforced the belief that Mailchimp is abusing its market dominance to hold unreasonable prices, making people look for more affordable email marketing tools for small business owners. Here’s how Mailchimp pricing plans have changed in the past:

  • June, 2025. Classic Automation Builder discontinued from Mailchimp’s Free Forever plan. This change required freemium users to upgrade to paid plans in order to continue using Mailchimp’s automation functionality;

    Naturally, a lot of Mailchimp users were not happy, as you can see from the response below:
Mailchimp-review-reddit
Image source: Reddit
  • June 2024. Premium plan reduced to 10,000 contacts, all other plans reduced to 500 contacts. Sending limit in all paid plans reduced from unlimited to 5,000-150,000 email sends per month;
  • November 2023. Increased prices by 7% across all plans and tiers; 
  • March 2023. Reduction in free plan limits – 500 contacts and sending limit of up to 1,000 emails per month with a daily limit of up to 500 emails; 
  • February 2023. Increase in prices of the standard plan from $17/month to $20/month; 
  • August 2022. Free plan reduced to 500 contacts and 2,500 monthly emails, from 2,000 contacts and 10,000 emails previously; 
  • February 2022. Mailchimp increased its prices across all plans by 11%.

User Reviews 

People have been sharing their experiences with Mailchimp across major review and ratings platforms, such as Trustpilot, G2, and Capterra. And while Mailchimp has received strong ratings on Capterra (4.5/5) and G2 (4.3/5), with Shopify rating hovering at a respectable 4.5/5, it mostly comes down to how overpriced and slow Mailchimp can be.   

One such user shared his experience and pointed out the glitches on the platform:

Mailchimp_review
Image source: Trustpilot

If you look at independent reviews, you’ll find many complaints about billing issues, customer support, making users search for Mailchimp alternatives for nonprofits, and small business email marketing.

While another user points out how predatory Mailchimp’s pricing system can be:

Mailchimp-review-trustpilot
Image source: Trustpilot

If you look at independent reviews, you’ll find many complaints about billing issues, customer support, making users search for Mailchimp alternatives.

FAQs

What is the best free alternative to Mailchimp in 2025? 

Sender offers the most generous free plan with 2,500 subscribers and 15,000 monthly emails, compared to Mailchimp’s 500 subscribers and 1,000 monthly emails. It includes unlimited automation, advanced segmentation, and 24/7 support—all free.

Which email marketing platform is cheapest?

Sender comes as the cheapest Mailchimp alternative, starting at $7/month for 1,000 contacts vs Mailchimp’s $20/month for 500 contacts. Other budget options include Moosend ($7/month) and MailerLite ($9/month).

Why are people leaving Mailchimp? 

Many users are moving away from Mailchimp due to steadily rising costs (around 7–14% annually), a free plan with limited features; subpar deliverability rates averaging just 76.91%, and slow customer support with wait times often exceeding 15 minutes—all of which make the platform less appealing for businesses seeking reliability and value.

Can I migrate from Mailchimp for free?

Yes, migration from Mailchimp is free, since most Mailchimp alternatives offer free migration assistance. For instance, Sender provides one-click import, while Omnisend and ActiveCampaign offer assisted migration for larger lists.

What are the best alternatives to Mailchimp?

There are many alternatives to MailChimp. You should pick one depending on the features you need and your budget. If you’re seeking tools like Mailchimp that are high on features but low on costs, you should try giving Sender a shot. It has everything you need without the high price point.