VS

Mailchimp vs Klaviyo

Mailchimp: Email marketing platform with AI tools that help write campaigns, pick send times and segment lists. Klaviyo: Email and SMS marketing for online stores, with AI that builds segments, flows and campaign copy. 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.

Klaviyo

Best for: Online shops on platforms such as Shopify that want data-driven email.

Stands out for: Powerful store-based targeting; Strong e-commerce focus.

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Mailchimp, Klaviyo
Mailchimp
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Klaviyo
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What it isEmail marketing platform with AI tools that help write campaigns, pick send times and segment lists.Email and SMS marketing for online stores, with AI that builds segments, flows and campaign copy.
Pricing
Free + PaidFree plan; paid plans add more contacts and features
Free + Paid
Free to useYesYes
CategoryAI Email & InboxAI Email & Inbox
Editor rank#1 in category#2 in category
Made byIntuitKlaviyo
Best forSmall businesses that want a familiar, all-round email marketing tool.Online shops on platforms such as Shopify that want data-driven email.
Key features
  • Drag-and-drop email builder
  • Automated customer journeys
  • AI help with copy and send times
  • Audience segments and reports
  • Deep online store integrations
  • Automated flows like abandoned cart
  • AI segments and copy help
  • Email and SMS together
Pros
  • Easy to start
  • Lots of templates and integrations
  • Powerful store-based targeting
  • Strong e-commerce focus
Cons
  • Free plan is limited and costs rise as your list grows
  • Can get pricey as your list grows
Use it to
  • Send a monthly newsletter to customers
  • Set up a welcome email series
  • Write a subject line that gets opened
  • Send an abandoned-cart reminder
  • Target customers likely to buy again
  • Write copy for a seasonal sale
Web app
iPhone & iPad
Android

Mailchimp vs Klaviyo: questions

Is Mailchimp better than Klaviyo?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Mailchimp slightly higher overall in AI Email & Inbox, but Klaviyo can be the better fit: Online shops on platforms such as Shopify that want data-driven email.

Which is free, Mailchimp or Klaviyo?

Both can be used without paying: Mailchimp is free + paid and Klaviyo is free + paid. Paid plans add more usage or features.

Can I use Mailchimp and Klaviyo together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example send a monthly newsletter to customers with Mailchimp, and send an abandoned-cart reminder with Klaviyo.

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