ActiveCampaign vs Mailchimp (2026)
A side-by-side comparison of pricing, features and real-world ratings to help you choose between ActiveCampaign and Mailchimp.
| Feature | ActiveCampaign | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Email Marketing | Email Marketing |
| Starting Price | $19/mo | $13/mo |
| Free Trial | 14-day trial | Yes |
| G2 Rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Best For | Small Teams | Small Teams |
| Reviews | 10,300 | 16,100 |
🏆 Our Verdict
ActiveCampaign is our overall pick, scoring 4.5/5 across 10300 reviews. That said, Mailchimp remains a great option if you prioritise small-teams. Read the breakdown below before you decide.
Head to head
ActiveCampaign
Email plus powerful marketing automation.
Visit ActiveCampaign →Pros
- ✓Best-in-class automation
- ✓Good deliverability
- ✓Built-in CRM
Cons
- ✗Learning curve
- ✗No free plan
Mailchimp
Mailchimp
Marketing platform built around email.
Visit Mailchimp →Pros
- ✓Easy to start
- ✓Solid templates
- ✓Free tier
Cons
- ✗Pricing scales fast
- ✗Automation limited on low tiers
Frequently asked questions
Is ActiveCampaign better than Mailchimp?
Based on aggregated ratings, ActiveCampaign edges ahead with a 4.5/5 score. The right choice still depends on your budget and use case — ActiveCampaign suits small-teams, while Mailchimp is strong for small-teams.
Which is cheaper, ActiveCampaign or Mailchimp?
ActiveCampaign starts at $19/mo and Mailchimp starts at a free plan.
Does ActiveCampaign or Mailchimp offer a free trial?
ActiveCampaign: 14-day trial. Mailchimp: 0-day trial.