ActiveCampaign vs Mailchimp
Updated 2026-09-03
Verdict
ActiveCampaign (Starter from $15/month billed annually, no permanent free plan, 14-day trial) specializes in advanced marketing automation with a built-in CRM; Mailchimp (free up to 250 contacts, Essentials from $13/month) focuses on simpler email marketing. ActiveCampaign for automation depth, Mailchimp for easy email starts.
| Pricing | ActiveCampaign | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | 15 USD | 13 USD |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web |
ActiveCampaign — Pros
- Marketing automation with 900+ integrations
- Built-in CRM and predictive sending
- 14-day free trial (no card required)
Mailchimp — Pros
- Free plan for up to 250 contacts and 500 sends per month
- Essentials plan from $13 per month
- Marketing automation flows, templates and audience tools
ActiveCampaign — Cons
- No permanent free plan; Starter starts at $15/mo
- Price scales with contact count
Mailchimp — Cons
- Paid plan price scales with contact count
- Email send limits capped by plan contact tier
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FAQ
Is ActiveCampaign cheaper than Mailchimp?
ActiveCampaign starts at 15 USD (checked 2026-09-03); Mailchimp starts at 13 USD (checked 2026-09-03). Check the current pricing page for the latest tiers.
Do ActiveCampaign and Mailchimp have a free plan?
ActiveCampaign does not offer a free tier; Mailchimp offers one.
What platforms does ActiveCampaign vs Mailchimp support?
ActiveCampaign is available on Web, iOS, Android. Mailchimp is available on Web.
Are ActiveCampaign and Mailchimp in the same category?
Yes. Both ActiveCampaign and Mailchimp are classified as marketing tools.