Email marketing · Head to head
Klaviyo vs Mailchimp: which is better?
Short answer
Klaviyo costs less in the first year ($0 vs $240). Pick Klaviyo for ecommerce email and SMS automation; pick Mailchimp for all-in-one email for small businesses.
| Fact | Klaviyo | Mailchimp | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Ecommerce email and SMS automation | All-in-one email for small businesses | — |
| Free plan | Yes, 250 profiles, 500 emails/month | No, 14-day trial | Klaviyo |
| Entry plan | — | Standard: $20 / mo | — |
| Mid plan | — | Standard: $20 / mo | — |
| Top plan | — | Standard: $20 / mo | — |
| 1st year | $0 | $240 | Klaviyo |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web | Klaviyo |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which has the better free plan, Klaviyo or Mailchimp?
Klaviyo: Yes, 250 profiles, 500 emails/month.
Should you pick Klaviyo or Mailchimp?
Pick Klaviyo if
- you want ecommerce email and SMS automation
- the free plan is enough (250 profiles, 500 emails/month)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Klaviyo pricing | klaviyo.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