ActiveCampaign vs Mailchimp: Which Email Marketing Tool Is Better in 2026?

ActiveCampaign

From $15

Mailchimp

From $13

Quick verdict

Overall pick: Tie

The two tools match on every feature in the provided definitions, so the choice comes down to pricing and fit. Mailchimp offers a free plan and a slightly lower starting price of $13 versus $15 for ActiveCampaign, which suits small businesses and beginners testing the waters. ActiveCampaign has no free plan but positions itself for B2B automation and sales-marketing alignment, making it the better pick for teams that need that focus from day one.

Mailchimp's entry plan ($13) is 13% cheaper than ActiveCampaign's ($15).
Mailchimp has a free plan; ActiveCampaign does not.
They cover the same 7 of 8 core features we track, so price and UX decide.

Try ActiveCampaign →Try Mailchimp →

Cost calculator

Team size: 5 users

Tool	Monthly	Yearly
ActiveCampaign · flat	$15.00	$180
Mailchimp · flat	$13.00	$156

Based on entry-level paid plans. Prices change, so check the vendor before you buy.

Which one should you choose?

If you need…	Pick	Why
Small business or beginner starting with no budget	Mailchimp	Mailchimp offers a free plan and a lower starting price of $13 versus ActiveCampaign's $15 with no free plan.
B2B team aligning sales and marketing	ActiveCampaign	ActiveCampaign lists B2B automation and sales + marketing alignment as its best-fit scenarios.
Buyer needing visual automation flows	Tie	Both tools include visual automation flows.
Buyer wanting SMS marketing and a public API	Tie	Both tools list SMS marketing and a public API as supported features.
Buyer prioritizing a lower entry price	Mailchimp	Mailchimp starts at $13 versus ActiveCampaign's $15, and both use flat billing.

Feature comparison: ActiveCampaign vs Mailchimp

Feature	ActiveCampaign	Mailchimp
Free plan	❌	✅
Starting price	$15 /mo	$13 /mo
Visual automation flows	✅	✅
Landing pages	✅	✅
A/B testing	✅	✅
Paid subscriptions	—	—
E-commerce integrations	✅	✅
SMS marketing	✅	✅
AI writing assistant	✅	✅
Public API	✅	✅

Highlighted rows are where the tools differ.

Pros and cons

ActiveCampaign

Covers all eight defined features, including automation flows, landing pages, A/B testing, e-commerce, SMS, AI assistant, and API
Positions for B2B automation and sales + marketing alignment
Flat billing structure
Founded in 2003, with a long operating history

No free plan
Starting price of $15 is higher than Mailchimp's $13
Does not offer paid subscriptions (paid newsletters)

Try ActiveCampaign →

Mailchimp

Offers a free plan
Lower starting price at $13
Covers all eight defined features, matching ActiveCampaign feature for feature
Positioned for small businesses and beginners

Does not offer paid subscriptions (paid newsletters)
No stated B2B or sales-marketing alignment focus in the provided data

Try Mailchimp →

At a glance

ActiveCampaign

Advanced marketing automation and CRM.

Founded 2003 · From $15 · 7/8 tracked features

Best for: B2B automation, sales + marketing alignment

See ActiveCampaign alternatives →

Mailchimp

Well-known all-in-one email marketing platform.

Founded 2001 · From $13 · 7/8 tracked features

Best for: small businesses, beginners

See Mailchimp alternatives →

FAQ

Is ActiveCampaign cheaper than Mailchimp?

No. ActiveCampaign starts at $15 while Mailchimp starts at $13, and Mailchimp also offers a free plan that ActiveCampaign does not.

Do ActiveCampaign and Mailchimp have the same features?

Based on the provided feature definitions, yes. Both support visual automation flows, landing pages, A/B testing, e-commerce integrations, SMS marketing, an AI writing assistant, and a public API. Neither offers paid subscriptions.

Which tool is better for beginners?

Mailchimp is listed as best for small businesses and beginners, and its free plan and lower starting price make it easier to try.

Which tool is better for B2B automation?

ActiveCampaign is listed as best for B2B automation and sales + marketing alignment, so it fits that scenario better.

Do either of these tools support paid newsletters?

No. Both ActiveCampaign and Mailchimp are listed as not offering paid subscriptions.

Related comparisons

Data last reviewed: pending verification. All Email Marketing tools →