Klaviyo vs Mailchimp: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Mailchimp is the general-purpose email marketing tool everyone knows. Klaviyo is the e-commerce specialist that's taken over online retail. If you run an e-commerce store, this comparison has a clear answer. For other business types, Mailchimp may still make sense.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Klaviyo
Email marketing for e-commerce
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.6/10)
- • Klaviyo is an email and SMS marketing platform built specifically for e-commerce
- • It provides advanced segmentation, automation flows, and predictive analytics for online stores
Mailchimp
Turn emails into revenue
Best for you if:
- • Email marketing platform
- • Marketing automation
| At a Glance |  Klaviyo |  Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Email Marketing | Email Marketing |
Rating | 88/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Klaviyo | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Email MarketingMarketing Automation | Email MarketingMarketing Automation |
In-Depth Analysis
Klaviyo
Strengths
- +Purpose-built for e-commerce
- +Incredible segmentation capabilities
- +Deep Shopify/platform integrations
- +Better ROI tracking
- +More sophisticated automation
Weaknesses
- -Expensive (especially at scale)
- -Steeper learning curve
- -Overkill for non-e-commerce
- -Interface can feel complex
Best For
E-commerce businesses of any size, especially those on Shopify, who want to maximize email revenue.
Klaviyo dominates e-commerce email for a reason. The platform integration, segmentation, and revenue tracking are in a different league. If you sell products online, Klaviyo is likely worth its premium.
Mailchimp
Strengths
- +Easier to learn and use
- +Better for non-e-commerce businesses
- +Strong free tier
- +Good landing page builder
- +More general marketing features
Weaknesses
- -E-commerce features lag behind Klaviyo
- -Less sophisticated segmentation
- -Automation is simpler
- -Getting more expensive
Best For
Small businesses, content creators, B2B companies, and anyone not in e-commerce who wants simple email marketing.
Mailchimp is still a solid choice for non-e-commerce. It's easier to use and handles basic email marketing well. But it's lost the e-commerce market to Klaviyo for good reasons.
Head-to-Head Comparison
E-commerce Integration
Klaviyo winsKlaviyo's Shopify integration is seamless—product data, purchase history, browsing behavior all available for segmentation. Mailchimp's e-commerce features exist but feel basic in comparison.
Ease of Use
Mailchimp winsMailchimp is easier to learn. Klaviyo's power comes with complexity—setting up effective segments and flows requires more expertise.
Segmentation
Klaviyo winsKlaviyo's segmentation is best-in-class. Combine purchase history, browsing, email engagement, and predictive data. Mailchimp segments are simpler and less powerful.
Automation
Klaviyo winsBoth have email automation, but Klaviyo's pre-built flows (abandoned cart, post-purchase, win-back) are more sophisticated and e-commerce-specific.
Pricing
Mailchimp winsMailchimp is generally cheaper, especially with its free tier. Klaviyo gets expensive—a 10,000 contact list costs $150+/month vs Mailchimp's ~$75. But Klaviyo often delivers better ROI.
Revenue Attribution
Klaviyo winsKlaviyo's revenue tracking shows exactly how much each email earned. Mailchimp has e-commerce reporting but Klaviyo's is more detailed and actionable.
Migration Considerations
Both tools import subscriber lists easily. Automation workflows need rebuilding—take the opportunity to optimize flows during migration. Segment logic may need adjustment for different capability sets. Budget 1-2 weeks for small lists, longer for complex setups.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Klaviyo lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Klaviyo
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Klaviyo handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Klaviyo
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Klaviyo
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Klaviyo, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Klaviyo higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted Mailchimp more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Klaviyo Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Mailchimp If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
E-commerce? Choose Klaviyo. The higher cost is justified by better segmentation, automation, and ROI tracking. Most e-commerce businesses make more money with Klaviyo despite higher fees. Not e-commerce? Mailchimp or other alternatives may be simpler and sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Klaviyo worth the extra cost?
For e-commerce, usually yes. Klaviyo's better segmentation and automation typically generate more revenue per email. The ROI often exceeds the cost difference. Run both for a month if unsure—measure actual revenue attribution.
Can Mailchimp work for e-commerce?
Yes, for basic needs. Mailchimp handles simple abandoned cart emails and product announcements. But you're leaving money on the table compared to Klaviyo's sophisticated e-commerce features. It's a question of optimization level.
What about alternatives?
Drip and Omnisend are e-commerce-focused alternatives worth considering. Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) offers good value. ConvertKit and Beehiiv work better for creators than e-commerce. The market has solid options beyond these two.
Do I need to be on Shopify for Klaviyo?
No, Klaviyo integrates with most e-commerce platforms (BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Magento). Shopify integration is deepest, but non-Shopify stores still benefit. The platform matters less than having product/purchase data to work with.