Comparison 2026
Mailchimp vs ActiveCampaign
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
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...
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...
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Mailchimp | ActiveCampaign |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Yes | No |
| Starting Price | £0/month | £12/month |
| Our Rating | 4/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Mobile App | Limited | Limited |
| Email Marketing | Yes | Yes |
| Automation | Yes | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
Mailchimp Pricing
ActiveCampaign Pricing
Pros & Cons
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
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
Our Verdict
Both Mailchimp and ActiveCampaign are solid options, but they serve different needs. Choose Mailchimp if you need Small businesses and creators focused on email marketing. Choose ActiveCampaign if you need Businesses prioritising email marketing and sophisticated au.
Consider Open Doors Instead
Why choose between Mailchimp and ActiveCampaign? Open Doors gives you the best features of both in one platform, starting at just £97/month with unlimited contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mailchimp better than ActiveCampaign?▼
It depends on your needs. Mailchimp scores 4/5 while ActiveCampaign scores 4.4/5. We recommend evaluating both against your specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, Mailchimp or ActiveCampaign?▼
Mailchimp starts at £0/month, while ActiveCampaign starts at £12/month.
Can Ikaroa help me set up Mailchimp or ActiveCampaign?▼
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 Mailchimp and ActiveCampaign 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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