Comparison 2026
HubSpot CRM 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
HubSpot CRM edges ahead overall with a rating of 4.5/5. However, both platforms excel at different things. Read on for the full breakdown.
At a Glance
HubSpot CRM
HubSpot offers a free CRM with powerful marketing, sales, and service tools. Popular with small to mid-sized businesses for its generous free tier and intuitive interface.
Best for: Small to mid-sized businesses wanting a free start...
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.
Best for: Small businesses and creators focused on email mar...
Feature Comparison
| Feature | HubSpot CRM | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Yes | Yes |
| Our Rating | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Mobile App | Yes | Limited |
| Email Marketing | Yes | Yes |
| Automation | Yes | Yes |
Pros & Cons
HubSpot CRM
Pros
- +Generous free tier with no time limit
- +Excellent user interface and onboarding
- +All-in-one platform (marketing, sales, service)
Cons
- -Gets expensive quickly at Professional tier
- -Free plan has HubSpot branding
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 HubSpot CRM and Mailchimp are solid options, but they serve different needs. Choose HubSpot CRM if you need Small to mid-sized businesses wanting a free starting point . Choose Mailchimp if you need Small businesses and creators focused on email marketing.
Consider Open Doors Instead
Why choose between HubSpot CRM 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 HubSpot CRM better than Mailchimp?▼
It depends on your needs. HubSpot CRM scores 4.5/5 while Mailchimp scores 4/5. We recommend evaluating both against your specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, HubSpot CRM or Mailchimp?▼
Both HubSpot CRM and Mailchimp offer multiple plans at different price points. Visit each platform's website for the latest pricing, as rates can change.
Can Ikaroa help me set up HubSpot CRM or Mailchimp?▼
Yes. We implement both platforms regularly. We handle data migration, configuration, team training, and ongoing support.
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