Best Mailchimp Alternatives (2026): Competitors Ranked
Introduction
Looking for the best Mailchimp alternatives? You’re not alone. Thousands of businesses are switching away from Mailchimp due to rising costs and confusing pricing tiers. Furthermore, many users report frustration with limited automation features on lower-tier plans. This guide explores top Mailchimp alternatives that offer better value and functionality.
Why users look for alternatives to Mailchimp?
- Expensive pricing: Costs skyrocket as your subscriber list grows, making it unaffordable for small businesses.
- Complex pricing structure: Hidden fees and confusing tier limitations frustrate users trying to budget effectively.
- Limited automation on basic plans: Essential features are locked behind premium paywalls, forcing unnecessary upgrades.
- Declining deliverability rates: Users report emails landing in spam folders more frequently than competitors.
- Overcomplicated interface: The dashboard has become cluttered with features most users never need.
1. Brevo (Best Overall)
Brevo, formerly Sendinblue, stands out among Mailchimp alternatives for its transparent pricing and robust features. Unlike Mailchimp, Brevo charges based on emails sent rather than contacts stored. This pricing model saves businesses significant money, especially those with large lists but infrequent campaigns.
Key Benefits
Brevo includes SMS marketing and chat features in all plans, providing multichannel capabilities Mailchimp charges extra for. Moreover, the automation builder is more intuitive and available on free plans. The platform delivers superior inbox placement rates according to independent deliverability studies. On the other hand, reporting could be more detailed for advanced users.
2. ActiveCampaign (Best for SMBs)
ActiveCampaign excels at marketing automation, making it ideal for growing businesses. In contrast to Mailchimp’s basic workflows, ActiveCampaign offers sophisticated automation that rivals enterprise platforms. The CRM integration helps sales teams track customer journeys seamlessly.
Key Benefits
The platform combines email marketing with sales automation in one ecosystem. Furthermore, conditional content and predictive sending optimize engagement automatically. ActiveCampaign’s customer support responds faster than Mailchimp’s, with live chat available on all paid plans. However, the learning curve is steeper for beginners.
3. MailerLite (Best Free Option)
MailerLite proves that Mailchimp alternatives can be both affordable and powerful. The free plan supports up to 1,000 subscribers with unlimited emails monthly. Consequently, startups and bloggers get professional features without financial commitment.
Key Benefits
The drag-and-drop editor is cleaner and faster than Mailchimp’s bloated interface. Additionally, landing pages and websites are included free, eliminating need for separate tools. MailerLite’s automation features rival paid competitors, offering advanced segmentation and triggers. Nevertheless, template variety is more limited than premium alternatives.
4. ConvertKit (Best for Creators)
ConvertKit targets content creators, bloggers, and course sellers specifically. The platform simplifies subscriber management with tag-based organization instead of confusing lists. Therefore, segmentation becomes intuitive rather than technical.
Key Benefits
Visual automation builders let creators design complex funnels without coding knowledge. Furthermore, built-in commerce features enable selling digital products directly through emails. ConvertKit’s deliverability consistently outperforms Mailchimp in creator niches. On the other hand, design customization options are intentionally minimal.
5. GetResponse (Best for E-commerce)
GetResponse combines email marketing with webinar hosting and conversion funnels. This all-in-one approach eliminates multiple subscriptions that Mailchimp requires through integrations. In contrast, everything works natively within one platform.
Key Benefits
The platform includes advanced e-commerce features like abandoned cart recovery and product recommendations. Moreover, webinar tools support up to 1,000 attendees without additional costs. GetResponse’s AI-powered send time optimization improves open rates automatically. However, the interface feels dated compared to newer competitors.
Feature Comparison Table
| Platform | Free Plan | Starting Price | Automation | Deliverability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brevo | 300 emails/day | $25/month | Excellent | 95% |
| ActiveCampaign | No | $29/month | Outstanding | 94% |
| MailerLite | 1,000 subscribers | $10/month | Very Good | 93% |
| ConvertKit | 1,000 subscribers | $15/month | Excellent | 94% |
| GetResponse | 500 contacts | $19/month | Very Good | 92% |
| Mailchimp | 500 contacts | $13/month | Good | 91% |
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Brevo | ActiveCampaign | MailerLite | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMS Marketing | ✓ Included | ✓ Add-on | ✗ | ✓ Add-on |
| Landing Pages | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ Premium only |
| CRM Integration | ✓ | ✓ Built-in | Limited | ✓ Premium only |
| A/B Testing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ Standard+ |
| 24/7 Support | Paid plans | ✓ | Email only | Premium only |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the best free alternative to Mailchimp?
MailerLite offers the best free plan with 1,000 subscribers and unlimited monthly emails. Furthermore, it includes automation and landing pages that Mailchimp restricts on free tiers.
2. Is Mailchimp still worth using in 2026?
Mailchimp remains viable for businesses already invested in its ecosystem. However, most new users find better value with Mailchimp alternatives like Brevo or ActiveCampaign. Consequently, switching often reduces costs by 40-60%.
3. Which competitor is cheaper than Mailchimp?
MailerLite and Brevo both offer significantly lower pricing. For 2,500 subscribers, MailerLite costs $15 monthly compared to Mailchimp’s $40. Moreover, Brevo’s email-based pricing often costs less for infrequent senders.
4. Can I migrate my contacts easily from Mailchimp?
Yes, all major Mailchimp alternatives provide CSV import tools and migration assistance. Additionally, platforms like ActiveCampaign offer free white-glove migration services for new customers.
Conclusion
The best Mailchimp alternatives offer superior value, simpler pricing, and better deliverability. Brevo leads for overall features, while MailerLite wins for budget-conscious users. Furthermore, ActiveCampaign excels at automation for growing businesses. Evaluate your specific needs against these options to find your perfect match. Find more insights at CloudKitly.
