Comparison 2026
ActiveCampaign vs Mailchimp
A detailed, side-by-side comparison. Features, pricing, and our verdict to help you choose.
Reviewed by the Ikaroa team | Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
ActiveCampaign edges ahead overall with a rating of 4.4/5. However, both platforms excel at different things. Read on for the full breakdown.
At a Glance
ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign blends email marketing, marketing automation, and CRM into one platform. Known for its sophisticated automation builder and excellent email deliverability.
From: £12/month
Best for: Businesses prioritising email marketing and sophis...
Mailchimp
The world's most recognisable email marketing platform, now owned by Intuit. Mailchimp has expanded into basic CRM, landing pages, and social media management.
From: £0/month
Best for: Small businesses and creators focused on email mar...
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ActiveCampaign | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | No | Yes |
| Starting Price | £12/month | £0/month |
| Our Rating | 4.4/5 | 4/5 |
| Mobile App | Limited | Limited |
| Email Marketing | Yes | Yes |
| Automation | Yes | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
ActiveCampaign Pricing
Mailchimp Pricing
Pros & Cons
ActiveCampaign
Pros
- +Best-in-class marketing automation
- +Excellent email deliverability
- +Sophisticated automation builder
Cons
- -CRM is secondary to marketing features
- -Can be complex for beginners
Mailchimp
Pros
- +Extremely well-known and trusted brand
- +Easy to use email builder
- +Good template library
Cons
- -CRM features are very basic
- -Free plan has been significantly reduced
Our Verdict
Both ActiveCampaign and Mailchimp are solid options, but they serve different needs. Choose ActiveCampaign if you need Businesses prioritising email marketing and sophisticated au. Choose Mailchimp if you need Small businesses and creators focused on email marketing.
Consider Open Doors Instead
Why choose between ActiveCampaign and Mailchimp? Open Doors gives you the best features of both in one platform, starting at just £97/month with unlimited contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ActiveCampaign better than Mailchimp?▼
It depends on your needs. ActiveCampaign scores 4.4/5 while Mailchimp scores 4/5. We recommend evaluating both against your specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, ActiveCampaign or Mailchimp?▼
ActiveCampaign starts at £12/month, while Mailchimp starts at £0/month.
Can Ikaroa help me set up ActiveCampaign or Mailchimp?▼
Yes. We implement both platforms regularly. We handle data migration, configuration, team training, and ongoing support.
Related Comparisons
Ikaroa Partners
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Our team has implemented both ActiveCampaign and Mailchimp for clients. We can help you decide based on your specific needs and get you set up with an exclusive partner deal.
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