Mailchimp vs ActiveCampaign
Mailchimp: Email marketing platform with AI tools that help write campaigns, pick send times and segment lists. ActiveCampaign: Email marketing and automation platform with AI that builds journeys and writes content. Here is how they compare on features, pricing, platforms, pros and cons.
Quick verdict
Mailchimp
Best for: Small businesses that want a familiar, all-round email marketing tool.
Stands out for: Easy to start; Lots of templates and integrations.
ActiveCampaign
Best for: Businesses that want advanced automated email journeys.
Stands out for: Very flexible automations; Strong integrations.
Side-by-side comparison
| Visit mailchimp.com (opens in a new tab) | Visit activecampaign.com (opens in a new tab) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Email marketing platform with AI tools that help write campaigns, pick send times and segment lists. | Email marketing and automation platform with AI that builds journeys and writes content. |
| Pricing | Free + PaidFree plan; paid plans add more contacts and features | Free trial |
| Free to use | Yes | No |
| Category | AI Email & Inbox | AI Email & Inbox |
| Editor rank | #1 in category | #6 in category |
| Made by | Intuit | ActiveCampaign |
| Best for | Small businesses that want a familiar, all-round email marketing tool. | Businesses that want advanced automated email journeys. |
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Mailchimp vs ActiveCampaign: questions
Is Mailchimp better than ActiveCampaign?
Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Mailchimp slightly higher overall in AI Email & Inbox, but ActiveCampaign can be the better fit: Businesses that want advanced automated email journeys.
Which is free, Mailchimp or ActiveCampaign?
Mailchimp can be used for free (free + paid), while ActiveCampaign is free trial.
Can I use Mailchimp and ActiveCampaign together?
Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example send a monthly newsletter to customers with Mailchimp, and build a lead nurture sequence with ActiveCampaign.