Head-to-head
ActiveCampaign vs Mailchimp
Two leading email marketing tools, compared on pricing, features, and editorial fit. Updated for 2026.
At a glance
| ActiveCampaign | Mailchimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Tagline | Email + automation + CRM, in one. | Email marketing for SMBs. |
| Pricing model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starts at | $29/mo | Free |
| Founded | 2003 | 2001 |
| AI-native | ||
| Categories | Email Marketing, CRM, Automation | Email Marketing |
| Vendor claimed |
Quick take
Pick ActiveCampaign if you need email + automation + crm, in one. Pick Mailchimp if you need email marketing for smbs.
Browse more
ActiveCampaign alternatives →
Browse more
Mailchimp alternatives →
Frequently asked
- Is ActiveCampaign better than Mailchimp?
- It depends on your use case. ActiveCampaign is email + automation + crm, in one, while Mailchimp is email marketing for smbs. See the comparison above for which fits your team.
- What's the price difference between ActiveCampaign and Mailchimp?
- ActiveCampaign starts at $29/mo. Mailchimp starts at Free.
- Can I migrate from ActiveCampaign to Mailchimp?
- Most tools in this category support data import via CSV. For complex migrations, both vendors offer onboarding assistance on higher-tier plans.