ActiveCampaign vs Mailchimp compared
Head to Head · Email Marketing
★ Our pick
ActiveCampaign
92
/100
vs
Challenger
Mailchimp
85
/100
◂ ActiveCampaign
Advantage
Mailchimp ▸
A 7 point edge to ActiveCampaign, clear, but Mailchimp keeps the easier start.
Affiliate links · we may earn a commission, it never affects our scoring. Disclosure.
The verdict
ActiveCampaign wins on automation depth. Mailchimp still suits the simpler, faster start.
Scored side by side
Criteria
ActiveCampaign
Mailchimp
Winner
Deliverability
90
85
ActiveCampaign
Automation
95
78
ActiveCampaign
Value for money
84
76
ActiveCampaign
Ease of use
80
88
Mailchimp
Integrations
88
90
Mailchimp
Choose ActiveCampaign if…
+You want the deepest automation and a CRM
+You will invest setup time for results
+You may need a signed BAA on Enterprise
Choose Mailchimp if…
+You want a simpler, faster start
+You value a vast integration ecosystem
+Your needs are mostly newsletters and basics
Feature for feature
✓ full · ∼ partial · — none
Capability
ActiveCampaign
Mailchimp
Free plan
—
✓
Marketing automation
✓
∼
Native SMS
∼
∼
Ecommerce store sync
∼
∼
Open REST API
✓
✓
Pricing side by side
ActiveCampaign
Starter
From $15/mo
Billed annually, 500 contacts, basic automation
Pro
Scales with contacts
Deeper automation, reporting and a CRM
Enterprise
From $284/mo
Adds SSO and a signed BAA for HIPAA use
Mailchimp
Free
$0
250 contacts, 500 sends a month, automation removed
Essentials
From $13/mo
500 contacts, removes branding, basic automations
Standard
From $20/mo
Advanced automation, the plan Mailchimp recommends
Pricing as of June 2026. Vendors change plans often · check the vendor for current pricing.