ActiveCampaign vs Mailchimp
Comparing ActiveCampaign and Mailchimp pricing plans, feature limits, and annual savings for 2026.
There is a $15/mo difference in entry-level pricing.
ActiveCampaign offers 4 distinct tiers compared to Mailchimp's 4 options.
We mapped 39 total feature points across both tools for this evaluation.
Side-by-Side Matrix
Mailchimp starts at Free, making it the most cost-effective choice for and scaling agencies.
ActiveCampaign's pricing model is structured across four primary tiers: Starter, Plus, Professional, and Enterprise.
Starter
$15.00/mo
Plus
$49.00/mo
Professional
$79.00/mo
Enterprise
$145.00/mo
A popular email marketing platform for businesses and individuals.
Free Plan
Free
Essentials Plan
$13.00/mo
Standard Plan
$20.00/mo
Premium Plan
$350.00/mo
* Disclaimer: Pricing and availability may vary based on your location, selected billing cycle, or custom enterprise agreements.
Detailed limit-by-limit comparison of all tiers.
| Capabilities | ActiveCampaign Starter | ActiveCampaign Plus | ActiveCampaign Professional | ActiveCampaign Enterprise | Mailchimp Free Plan | Mailchimp Essentials Plan | Mailchimp Standard Plan | Mailchimp Premium Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Email and Chat Support | ||||||||
| A/B Testing | ||||||||
| Advanced Capabilities | ||||||||
| Advanced Segmentation | ||||||||
| Automation Capabilities | Limited | |||||||
| Basic Automation Workflows | 4 steps | |||||||
| Basic Email Marketing | ||||||||
| Basic Segmentation | ||||||||
| Basic Segmentation Features | ||||||||
| Basic Templates | ||||||||
| Behavioral Targeting | ||||||||
| CRM Functionality | ||||||||
| Contacts | 1,000 | |||||||
| Custom Reporting | ||||||||
| Custom Solutions | ||||||||
| Custom Templates | ||||||||
| Dynamic Content | ||||||||
| Email Marketing | ||||||||
| Email Scheduling | ||||||||
| Email Support | 30 days | |||||||
| Extensive Reporting | ||||||||
| Landing Pages | ||||||||
| Limited Automation Capabilities | ||||||||
| Limited User Access | ||||||||
| Machine Learning Content Optimization | ||||||||
| Mailchimp Branding | ||||||||
| More Templates | ||||||||
| Multivariate Testing | ||||||||
| Phone Support | ||||||||
| Predictive Segmentation | ||||||||
| Predictive Sending | ||||||||
| Segmentation | Basic | |||||||
| Send-Time Optimization | ||||||||
| Simple Signup Forms | ||||||||
| Single-Step Automations | ||||||||
| Unlimited Automation Steps | ||||||||
| Unlimited Users | ||||||||
| User Access | Limited |
The Detailed Breakdown
Choosing between ActiveCampaign and Mailchimp depends heavily on your agency's specific scale and feature requirements. While pricing favors Mailchimp for teams on a budget, the hidden value often lies in the specific limits of their mid-tier plans.
ActiveCampaign typically caters to teams looking for specific business automation, whereas Mailchimp is often the choice for those prioritizing integrated workflow management.
ActiveCampaign Highlights
- ✓ Basic Segmentation Features: Included
- ✓ Basic Email Marketing: Included
- ✓ Limited Automation Capabilities: Included
- ✓ Limited User Access: Included
Mailchimp Highlights
- ✓ Basic Templates: Included
- ✓ Simple Signup Forms: Included
- ✓ Single-Step Automations: Included
- ✓ Email Support: 30 days
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ActiveCampaign and Mailchimp pricing.
Which is cheaper: ActiveCampaign or Mailchimp for agencies?!
Mailchimp offers a more affordable entry point at $0.00/mo, saving you roughly $15.00/mo compared to ActiveCampaign.
Does ActiveCampaign offer annual billing discounts?!
While ActiveCampaign lists various plans, we recommend checking their official checkout for the latest "billed annually" incentives, which are common in the SaaS industry.
Is there a free trial for Mailchimp?!
Most tools in this category, including Mailchimp, offer either a limited free trial or a money-back guarantee period. We recommend clicking through to their official site to see the current trial terms for 2026.
Does ActiveCampaign offer custom enterprise pricing?!
No, ActiveCampaign does not list a custom enterprise tier — all plans have publicly listed prices.