Best Mailchimp Alternatives in 2026: 8 Options Compared

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By the Ainotely Editorial Team.
Updated October 2026. 9 min read. Prices and features researched from each vendor's official pages and app store listings at time of writing.
Best Mailchimp Alternatives
Quick picks
  1. 1Brevo logo
    Brevoemail plus SMS on a budget
    Visit
  2. 2ConvertKit logo
    ConvertKitcreators and newsletters
    Visit
  3. 3MailerLite logo
    MailerLitesimple low-cost email marketing
    Visit
  4. 4Constant Contact logo
    Constant Contactsmall businesses that want guidance
    Visit
  5. 5Klaviyo logo
    Klaviyoecommerce email and SMS
    Visit
Short version:
In this guide Quick comparisonThe best mailchimp alternativesHow we picked theseHow to choose the right optionFrequently asked questionsSources

Quick comparison

ProductIdeal forPrice fromFree version
Brevoemail plus SMS on a budgetFreeYesVisit
ConvertKitcreators and newslettersFreeYesVisit
MailerLitesimple low-cost email marketingFreeYesVisit
Constant Contactsmall businesses that want guidanceSee websiteNoVisit
Klaviyoecommerce email and SMSFreeYesVisit
ActiveCampaignautomation-heavy marketingSee websiteNoVisit
Omnisendecommerce automationsFreeYesVisit
GetResponseemail plus webinars and funnelsFreeYesVisit

The best mailchimp alternatives

We compared official feature pages, pricing pages, app store listings, privacy policies and public reviews to build this list of mailchimp alternatives. The options below cover different budgets and needs, so start with the best-for note in each block and read the catch before you choose.

Brevo logo
#1

Brevo

Ideal for: email plus SMS on a budget

Brevo website
brevo.com homepage

Brevo fits email plus SMS on a budget. Its clearest strength is a free tier with daily sending limits, and email and SMS in one place helps in everyday use. The app or service is easy to explain to a friend: it does one job well, and it does not ask you to learn a whole new system before you get value from it. We compared its official feature page and pricing page against the other options here, and it held up on the basics that matter most for this use.

The honest catch is the free tier caps daily sends, and templates are fewer than Mailchimp is worth knowing before you pay. That does not rule it out. It means you should try the free tier or trial first, check the plan limits, and confirm that the features you actually need are included at the price you plan to pay.

The good and the bad
  • A free tier with daily sending limits
  • Email and SMS in one place
  • Automation
  • The free tier caps daily sends
  • Templates are fewer than Mailchimp
ConvertKit logo
#2

ConvertKit

Ideal for: creators and newsletters

ConvertKit app screenshots
App Store screenshots

For creators and newsletters, ConvertKit is a strong starting point. A free tier for smaller lists stands out in our comparison, and simple automations adds practical value rather than decoration. The official pages are clear about what is included, which makes it easier to compare like with like instead of guessing from marketing copy.

Watch out for design control is simpler than full drag-and-drop builders. Pricing rises with list size can also catch new users out. Our advice is to set a short trial period, note the renewal date, and keep a cheaper fallback in mind if the paid tier does not earn its keep.

The good and the bad
  • A free tier for smaller lists
  • Simple automations
  • Landing pages
  • Design control is simpler than full drag-and-drop builders
  • Pricing rises with list size
MailerLite logo
#3

MailerLite

Ideal for: simple low-cost email marketing

MailerLite website
mailerlite.com homepage

MailerLite is built for simple low-cost email marketing, and that focus shows. A generous free tier is the reason it made this list, while a clean editor keeps it useful after the first week. We looked at official pricing, feature pages, app store listings and public reviews, and the pattern was consistent: this option does its core job well without hiding the limits.

It is not perfect. Advanced ecommerce features are thinner is the main limit, and support hours vary by plan adds friction for some users. If either point matters a lot to you, move to the next option on this list rather than forcing a fit.

The good and the bad
  • A generous free tier
  • A clean editor
  • Automations and landing pages
  • Advanced ecommerce features are thinner
  • Support hours vary by plan
Constant Contact logo
#4

Constant Contact

Ideal for: small businesses that want guidance

Constant Contact fits small businesses that want guidance. Its clearest strength is guided campaigns, and event tools helps in everyday use. The app or service is easy to explain to a friend: it does one job well, and it does not ask you to learn a whole new system before you get value from it. We compared its official feature page and pricing page against the other options here, and it held up on the basics that matter most for this use.

The honest catch is pricing is higher than budget rivals, and the editor feels dated in places is worth knowing before you pay. That does not rule it out. It means you should try the free tier or trial first, check the plan limits, and confirm that the features you actually need are included at the price you plan to pay.

The good and the bad
  • Guided campaigns
  • Event tools
  • Phone support on many plans
  • Pricing is higher than budget rivals
  • The editor feels dated in places
Klaviyo logo
#5

Klaviyo

Ideal for: ecommerce email and SMS

For ecommerce email and SMS, Klaviyo is a strong starting point. Deep Shopify and ecommerce data stands out in our comparison, and flows for abandoned carts adds practical value rather than decoration. The official pages are clear about what is included, which makes it easier to compare like with like instead of guessing from marketing copy.

Watch out for pricing rises fast with list size. Setup takes more care than simple tools can also catch new users out. Our advice is to set a short trial period, note the renewal date, and keep a cheaper fallback in mind if the paid tier does not earn its keep.

The good and the bad
  • Deep Shopify and ecommerce data
  • Flows for abandoned carts
  • Strong segmentation
  • Pricing rises fast with list size
  • Setup takes more care than simple tools
ActiveCampaign logo
#6

ActiveCampaign

Ideal for: automation-heavy marketing

ActiveCampaign is built for automation-heavy marketing, and that focus shows. Strong automation and CRM features is the reason it made this list, while scoring and segmentation keeps it useful after the first week. We looked at official pricing, feature pages, app store listings and public reviews, and the pattern was consistent: this option does its core job well without hiding the limits.

It is not perfect. The learning curve is steep is the main limit, and pricing is higher than simple newsletter tools adds friction for some users. If either point matters a lot to you, move to the next option on this list rather than forcing a fit.

The good and the bad
  • Strong automation and CRM features
  • Scoring and segmentation
  • Many integrations
  • The learning curve is steep
  • Pricing is higher than simple newsletter tools
Omnisend logo
#7

Omnisend

Ideal for: ecommerce automations

Omnisend fits ecommerce automations. Its clearest strength is a free tier, and ecommerce automations helps in everyday use. The app or service is easy to explain to a friend: it does one job well, and it does not ask you to learn a whole new system before you get value from it. We compared its official feature page and pricing page against the other options here, and it held up on the basics that matter most for this use.

The honest catch is design flexibility is narrower than some rivals, and reporting depth varies by plan is worth knowing before you pay. That does not rule it out. It means you should try the free tier or trial first, check the plan limits, and confirm that the features you actually need are included at the price you plan to pay.

The good and the bad
  • A free tier
  • Ecommerce automations
  • Email and SMS in one flow
  • Design flexibility is narrower than some rivals
  • Reporting depth varies by plan
GetResponse logo
#8

GetResponse

Ideal for: email plus webinars and funnels

For email plus webinars and funnels, GetResponse is a strong starting point. Email, landing pages and webinars in one plan stands out in our comparison, and automations adds practical value rather than decoration. The official pages are clear about what is included, which makes it easier to compare like with like instead of guessing from marketing copy.

Watch out for the interface has many menus. Webinar limits vary by plan can also catch new users out. Our advice is to set a short trial period, note the renewal date, and keep a cheaper fallback in mind if the paid tier does not earn its keep.

The good and the bad
  • Email, landing pages and webinars in one plan
  • Automations
  • A free tier
  • The interface has many menus
  • Webinar limits vary by plan

How we picked these

We started with the topic and the related searches readers actually use, then checked each product against official feature pages, pricing pages, app store listings, privacy policies and public reviews. A product stayed on the list only if it exists and works today, fits the topic directly, and has a verifiable official homepage. We did not claim hands-on testing that did not happen. Instead, we compared what each vendor publishes, where the free tier stops, what the paid tier adds, and where public reviews point to a consistent weakness. Products that did not fit the topic, or whose homepage could not be verified, were left out rather than used as filler.

How to choose the right option

Start with the job, not the brand

Write down the one outcome you need from mailchimp alternatives in the next month. If an option cannot do that job on its free tier or trial, it is not a good shortlist pick, even if it looks impressive elsewhere.

Check the total cost, not just the headline price

Introductory prices, renewal prices, per-seat fees and add-ons can differ a lot. Read the pricing page in full, note the renewal date, and compare the price for the plan you will actually use after the first month.

Try before you pay, and test the exit

Use the free tier or trial with real work, not just a quick look. Check how to cancel, how to export your data, and whether support answers before you pay. A clear exit is a sign of a confident product.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best option for mailchimp alternatives?

There is no single winner for every reader. Brevo is our pick for most people because it covers email plus SMS on a budget well, but ConvertKit may suit you better if you prioritise creators and newsletters. Start with your main job, then use the free tier to test it.

Is there a free option for mailchimp alternatives?

Yes, several options on this list offer a free tier, though the limits differ. Check how many projects, searches, messages or seats the free tier allows, and whether the feature you need most sits behind a paywall.

How much do mailchimp alternatives cost?

Prices range from free to subscription pricing that depends on the plan, term and number of seats. Use the starting price in the table as a guide only, and read the full pricing page for renewal rates and add-ons before you pay.

How do I choose between these options?

List your must-have features, your budget and your tolerance for setup time. Shortlist two options, try both on a free tier or trial with real work, and keep the one that fits your routine after a week.

Can I switch later if I pick the wrong one?

In most cases, yes, but switching costs time. Before you commit, check how to export your data, cancel a subscription, and move your work. A clear export and cancellation path makes a trial much less risky.

Sources

  1. https://www.brevo.com
  2. https://kit.com
  3. https://www.mailerlite.com
  4. https://www.constantcontact.com
  5. https://www.klaviyo.com
  6. https://www.activecampaign.com
  7. https://www.omnisend.com
  8. https://www.getresponse.com