ActiveCampaign vs Mailchimp

Both ActiveCampaign and Mailchimp are popular email marketing tools — but they fit different teams. Here's how they compare, and how to choose.

ActiveCampaign

Paid14-day free trial

Email marketing with serious automation and light CRM. A favorite when you outgrow basic newsletter tools.

  • Powerful visual automations
  • Built-in light CRM
  • Deep segmentation options
Try ActiveCampaign →

Mailchimp

FreemiumFree plan available

The best-known email marketing platform, now with broader marketing features. Friendly for beginners.

  • Beginner-friendly editor
  • Free plan to get started
  • Built-in templates & automations
Try Mailchimp →
 ActiveCampaignMailchimp
CategoryEmail MarketingEmail Marketing
Pricing modelPaidFreemium
Best forbusinesses that need advanced automation and segmentationsmall businesses sending their first newsletters and campaigns
Current offer14-day free trialFree plan available

How to choose

Choose ActiveCampaign if you want businesses that need advanced automation and segmentation.

Choose Mailchimp if you want small businesses sending their first newsletters and campaigns.

Both offer a way to try before you commit, so the safest move is to test your top pick with your own workflow before paying.

Disclosure: the links above may be affiliate links. If you sign up through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you — it never affects how we compare tools.