Best Mailchimp Alternatives in 2026
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Mailchimp is the name most people start with, and the one most people eventually price-check. Because it charges by contacts stored rather than emails sent, growing lists get expensive fast.
Why people look for a Mailchimp alternative
The dominant reason is cost: contact-based pricing punishes a large list even if you rarely email it. The second is automation — teams that get serious about nurturing outgrow what Mailchimp does comfortably.
Where Mailchimp falls short
- Gets expensive as contacts grow
- Counts unsubscribed contacts on some plans
Mailchimp vs the alternatives
| Platform | BP Score | From | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mailchimp (current) | 3.8 | Free up to 500 contacts; paid from ~$13/mo | Beginners who want a familiar, polished all-rounder | |
| Brevo | 4.3 | Free up to 300 emails/day; paid from ~$9/mo | Small businesses that want email + CRM + automation in one | Visit |
| ActiveCampaign | 4.0 | From ~$15/mo (billed annually) | Businesses that need powerful, deep automation | Visit |
| Kit (ConvertKit) | 4.2 | Free up to 10,000 subscribers; paid from ~$25/mo | Creators, newsletters and course sellers | Visit |
The best alternatives, ranked
Brevo
The direct cost answer: you pay for emails sent, not contacts stored, and get SMS and a light CRM in the same account.
The upgrade if automation is why you're leaving — conditional journeys, lead scoring and a real sales CRM.
The move for creators — tag-based subscribers, strong deliverability and built-in tools to sell digital products.
Stay with Mailchimp if your list is small, you send occasionally, and you value the most familiar, polished interface in email marketing.
FAQ
What is the best Mailchimp alternative?
Brevo for value with send-based pricing, ActiveCampaign for far deeper automation, and Kit if you're a creator selling to an audience.
Is Brevo cheaper than Mailchimp?
Usually yes for larger lists, because Brevo bills on emails sent rather than contacts stored. For small lists emailed often, compare both.
Is there a free Mailchimp alternative?
Yes — Brevo's free plan allows 300 emails a day with unlimited contacts, and Kit is free up to 10,000 subscribers.
Read our full Mailchimp review or browse all email marketing.
