Mailchimp vs ActiveCampaign
Both sit in email marketing. Here is how they differ on the things you can actually check.
On price: Mailchimp starts $2 a month cheaper than ActiveCampaign ($13 against $15, 13% less) on its Essentials tier. Where a price could not be read from the vendor's page it is marked indicative below.
Mailchimp
mailchimp.com
One of the longest-running email marketing platforms. Campaign builder, audience segmentation, landing pages, basic automation journeys and a large template library. Owned by Intuit.
ActiveCampaign
activecampaign.com
Best known for its visual automation builder — branching, conditional waits, lead scoring and CRM deals in the same product. Aimed at teams that outgrow simple broadcast tools.
| Mailchimp | ActiveCampaign | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | $13/mo | $15/mo |
| Entry plan | Essentials | — |
| Paid annually | $13/mo | — |
| Price checked | 21 Sept 2026 | not verified |
| Pricing model | Free plan | Free trial |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Category | Email Marketing | Email Marketing |
| Around since | 2001 | 2003 |
1 of these 2 prices were read from the vendor's own pricing page, most recently on 21 Sept 2026; the rest are indicative. Entry tier only — vendors change pricing without notice.
Mailchimp vs ActiveCampaign, answered
- Is Mailchimp cheaper than ActiveCampaign?
- Yes. Mailchimp starts at $13 a month against ActiveCampaign's $15, 13% less.
- Do Mailchimp or ActiveCampaign have a free plan?
- Mailchimp publishes an ongoing free plan; ActiveCampaign does not.
- What is the difference between Mailchimp and ActiveCampaign?
- Mailchimp: One of the longest-running email marketing platforms. Campaign builder, audience segmentation, landing pages, basic automation journeys and a large template library. Owned by Intuit. ActiveCampaign: Best known for its visual automation builder — branching, conditional waits, lead scoring and CRM deals in the same product. Aimed at teams that outgrow simple broadcast tools.
