Build my stackMailchimp vs ActiveCampaign
Evaluating Mailchimp and ActiveCampaign requires comparing two popular options in the email marketing space. While Mailchimp is widely recognized for its ability to help the best known all-in-one email marketing platform., ActiveCampaign is optimized for teams that need to focus on businesses that want deep automation and segmentation. In this hands-on evaluation, we look at their pricing structures, feature sets, user reviews, and performance to help you decide which tool fits your daily workflow best.
Based on our comprehensive evaluation metrics, ActiveCampaign emerges as the stronger overall choice for most teams, earning a score of 4.3 compared to 4.0 for Mailchimp. A key factor in this recommendation is that ActiveCampaign provides best in class automation builder, which helps streamline workflows. However, Mailchimp remains an excellent alternative if your team is specifically looking for a tool optimized for the best known all-in-one email marketing platform. and you value well established product with an active user base. Weigh the cost differences and feature limits carefully before making a commitment.
Mailchimp vs ActiveCampaign at a glance
| Mailchimp | ActiveCampaign | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Email Marketing | Email Marketing |
| Our rating | 4.0 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Starts at | $13/mo | $15/mo |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Best for | The best known all-in-one email marketing platform. | Businesses that want deep automation and segmentation |
How they scored, dimension by dimension
In our testing, Mailchimp has the clear advantage on ease of use with a rating of 4.1 versus 3.9 for ActiveCampaign. This difference reflects Mailchimp's more robust implementation of these features, which helps teams execute work with less friction. While ActiveCampaign is capable, it does not match the ease of use or feature depth offered by the winning platform in this category.
In our testing, ActiveCampaign comes out on top for features with a rating of 4.7 versus 4.0 for Mailchimp. This difference reflects ActiveCampaign's more robust implementation of these features, which helps teams execute work with less friction. While Mailchimp is capable, it does not match the ease of use or feature depth offered by the winning platform in this category.
In our testing, ActiveCampaign is the stronger option for value with a rating of 4.1 versus 3.9 for Mailchimp. This difference reflects ActiveCampaign's more robust implementation of these features, which helps teams execute work with less friction. While Mailchimp is capable, it does not match the ease of use or feature depth offered by the winning platform in this category.
In our testing, ActiveCampaign edges ahead on support with a rating of 4.2 versus 4.0 for Mailchimp. This difference reflects ActiveCampaign's more robust implementation of these features, which helps teams execute work with less friction. While Mailchimp is capable, it does not match the ease of use or feature depth offered by the winning platform in this category.
Where Mailchimp shines
- Well established product with an active user base
- Regular updates and clear roadmap
- Solid documentation and onboarding
- Our full hands-on testing is still in progress
- Pricing can climb on higher tiers
Where ActiveCampaign shines
- Best in class automation builder
- Built in CRM and sales features
- Powerful segmentation
- Learning curve for the automation depth
- Pricing scales steeply with contacts
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So which should you pick?
Choose Mailchimp if
- Built for the best known all-in-one email marketing platform.
- ease of use matter most to you
- You want a real free tier before paying
- Budget is tight (from $13/mo)
Choose ActiveCampaign if
- Built for businesses that want deep automation and segmentation
- features and value matter most to you
- Best in class automation builder
Mailchimp is the cheaper place to start
Mailchimp is the cheaper entry point at $13/mo, versus $15/mo for ActiveCampaign.
ActiveCampaign plans at a glance
Starter
Email basics
- Email marketing
- Basic automation
- Segmentation
Plus
Small businesses
- Built-in CRM
- Landing pages
- Deeper automation
Pro
Automation power users
- Predictive sending
- Attribution
- Advanced reporting
Pricing is indicative and shown per month at the time of writing. Plans, limits, and prices change often, so check ActiveCampaign’s site for the latest before you buy.
Common questions
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you buy Mailchimp or ActiveCampaign through the links on this page, at no extra cost to you. We only compare tools we have tested, and commissions never change our scores or which tool we recommend. We currently track 218+ tools.