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Overview
ActiveCampaign is an automation-first email marketing platform with a built-in CRM. Mailchimp is the most recognizable email marketing brand, offering an all-in-one marketing platform with landing pages, social ads, and websites. ActiveCampaign wins on automation depth, Mailchimp wins on ease of use and brand tools.
Pricing (1,000 contacts)
| Plan | ActiveCampaign | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 14-day trial only | 500 contacts, 1,000 sends/mo |
| Entry | $29/mo (Starter) | $13/mo (Essentials) |
| Mid-tier | $49/mo (Plus) | $20/mo (Standard) |
| Premium | $149/mo (Pro) | $350/mo (Premium) |
Automation
ActiveCampaign's visual automation builder is industry-leading. You can create complex multi-step workflows with conditional logic, split testing, goal tracking, and CRM triggers. Mailchimp's automation is functional but limited to simpler sequences and pre-built journeys.
CRM Integration
ActiveCampaign includes a built-in CRM with deal pipelines, lead scoring, and sales automation. Mailchimp has no native CRM - you need to connect HubSpot, Salesforce, or another CRM via integrations.
The Verdict
Choose ActiveCampaign if you need sophisticated automation workflows, built-in CRM, and lead scoring. Best for B2B companies, e-commerce, and businesses with complex customer journeys.
Choose Mailchimp if you want an easy-to-use all-in-one marketing platform with landing pages, social posting, and simple email campaigns. Best for small businesses and creators just starting with email marketing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ActiveCampaign worth the higher price?
Yes, if you use automation. ActiveCampaign's automation alone can replace multiple tools (email, CRM, lead scoring). If you only send basic newsletters, Mailchimp's lower price makes more sense. The ROI from ActiveCampaign's automation typically pays for itself within months.
Does Mailchimp have a free plan?
Yes. Mailchimp's free plan includes up to 500 contacts and 1,000 email sends per month. It includes basic templates, landing pages, and simple automation. ActiveCampaign has no free plan, only a 14-day trial.
Which has better deliverability?
Both have good deliverability rates (95%+). ActiveCampaign tends to edge out Mailchimp in independent deliverability tests because its users are more likely to follow best practices. Your own list hygiene matters more than the platform.