Email marketing · Head to head
ActiveCampaign vs Mailchimp: which is better?
Short answer
ActiveCampaign costs less in the first year ($180 vs $240). Pick ActiveCampaign for marketing automation for growing teams; pick Mailchimp for all-in-one email for small businesses.
| Fact | ActiveCampaign | Mailchimp | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Marketing automation for growing teams | All-in-one email for small businesses | — |
| Free plan | No | No, 14-day trial | Tie |
| Entry plan | Starter: $15 / mo | Standard: $20 / mo | ActiveCampaign |
| Mid plan | Plus: $49 / mo | Standard: $20 / mo | Mailchimp |
| Top plan | Enterprise: $145 / mo | Standard: $20 / mo | Mailchimp |
| 1st year | $180 | $240 | ActiveCampaign |
| Platforms | Web | Web | Tie |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, ActiveCampaign or Mailchimp?
ActiveCampaign costs less in the first year ($180 vs $240).
| 1st year | ActiveCampaign | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $180 | $240 |
| Mid | $588 | $240 |
| Top | $1,740 | $240 |
Which has the better free plan, ActiveCampaign or Mailchimp?
Neither stands out: ActiveCampaign: No; Mailchimp: No, 14-day trial.
Should you pick ActiveCampaign or Mailchimp?
Pick ActiveCampaign if
- you want marketing automation for growing teams
- you can pay $15 / mo from day one
Pick Mailchimp if
- you want all-in-one email for small businesses
- you can pay $20 / mo from day one
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| ActiveCampaign pricing | activecampaign.com/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Mailchimp pricing | mailchimp.com/pricing/marketing/ | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare