Mailchimp vs HubSpot: Which One Actually Works?

You’ve probably heard both names thrown around in marketing conversations. Mailchimp, the friendly email platform that feels approachable. HubSpot, the serious all-in-one system that promises to solve everything. But which one makes sense for your actual situation?

Here’s what I found after digging into both platforms: Mailchimp wins on simplicity and cost, especially if email marketing is your main focus. HubSpot takes the crown when you need serious CRM power and don’t mind paying for it. The gap between them is bigger than you might think.

The short version: Small businesses usually do better with Mailchimp’s $13/month starting price. Growing companies with sales teams? HubSpot’s $20/month entry point makes more sense, even though it gets expensive fast.

Mailchimp vs HubSpot — Quick Comparison

Mailchimp vs HubSpot — Features Breakdown

Mailchimp

Think of Mailchimp as the email marketing specialist. It does one thing really well rather than trying to be everything to everyone. The platform shines with its 100+ automation templates that let you set up customer journeys without coding or complex setup.

What makes it work? The AI-powered segmentation actually helps you target the right people. Plus, if you’re running an online store, the e-commerce integrations are solid. Users report getting 7x more orders through automated flows compared to basic email blasts.

The interface feels intuitive. You can usually figure out where things are without hunting through menus. For small businesses that need email marketing to just work, this matters more than fancy features.

HubSpot

HubSpot plays a different game entirely. It’s built for businesses that need marketing and sales to work together, not just send newsletters. The CRM integration isn’t an afterthought—it’s the whole point.

Where it gets interesting is the automation complexity. You can build workflows that track someone from first website visit to closed deal. Lead scoring, behavioral triggers, the works. About 79% of users say it helped them centralize their business data, which makes sense when you see how everything connects.

The AI features are more advanced too. Content generation, predictive forecasting, automated task management. It’s powerful stuff, but you need to actually use it to justify the cost.

Mailchimp vs HubSpot — What You’ll Actually Pay

Here’s where things get real. Mailchimp’s Standard plan costs $60/month for 2,500 contacts. HubSpot’s comparable Professional plan? $890/month for 2,000 contacts. That’s not a typo.

The pricing philosophy is completely different. Mailchimp tries to stay affordable as you grow. HubSpot assumes you’ll pay more for integrated features that replace multiple tools.

Mailchimp vs HubSpot — Free Plans That Matter

Mailchimp’s free plan actually lets you do email marketing. HubSpot’s free version is more about CRM with some email features attached. Different priorities.

The Real Pros and Cons

Mailchimp Advantages & Disadvantages

The appeal is obvious: it’s simple and it works. You can set up a campaign in minutes, not hours. The template library is solid, and the automation features handle most common scenarios without getting overly complex.

But there are limits. The CRM functionality is basic contact management, not real sales pipeline tracking. And while the support is decent, response times can drag when you need quick answers. Users often mention hitting walls when they try to do anything beyond straightforward email marketing.

HubSpot Benefits & Drawbacks

When it works well, HubSpot really works. The integrated approach means your marketing data flows directly to sales, and customer service can see the whole relationship history. About 84% of new users are actively using the platform within two weeks, which suggests the onboarding actually helps.

The problem? Cost and complexity. Those $3,000-$7,000 onboarding fees for higher plans aren’t optional extras—they’re necessary to avoid drowning in features you don’t understand. Many small businesses simply can’t justify the investment, even if the platform would theoretically help them grow.

What Real Users Actually Say

Overall rating:

3.9

/5

G2:

4.3

Trustpilot:

2.8

Capterra:

4.5

See other alternatives

Overall rating:

3.7

/5

G2:

4.4

Trustpilot:

2.1

Capterra:

4.5

See other alternatives

So Which One Should You Pick?

Go with Mailchimp if:

• Email marketing is your main focus right now
• You want something that works without extensive training
• Budget matters more than having every possible feature
• You’re running an online store or content business
• You’d rather try alternatives like Sender.net for even better value

Choose HubSpot if:

• You need CRM and marketing to work together seamlessly
• Your sales process involves multiple touchpoints and longer cycles
• You have the budget for a comprehensive business platform
• Someone on your team can invest time in learning the system properly
• You’re tired of juggling multiple disconnected tools

The truth is, both platforms are good at what they’re designed for. Mailchimp keeps email marketing simple and affordable. HubSpot provides serious business management tools for companies ready to invest in growth infrastructure.

Your choice probably comes down to where you are right now versus where you want to be in two years. And honestly? You can always start with one and switch later if your needs change.