Mautic vs Keap: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Mautic and Keap comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Mautic wins this matchup. Our overall Marketing Automation pick is HubSpot. Our free Marketing Automation pick is SendPulse. Pick Keap if you need CRM.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Mautic
The world's largest open-source marketing automation platform for true data sovereignty.
Best for you if:
- • You want open-source nature provides no vendor lock-in and true data sovereignty
- • You want highly customizable and extendable through plugins and API
Keap
CRM and automation for small businesses
Best for you if:
- • You want cRM for small business
- • You want marketing automation
| At a Glance | Mautic | Keap |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $247.5/moMautic Essential | $249/moPro |
Best For | Marketing Automation | CRM |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 3.8/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose Mautic or Keap?
Choose Mautic if
The world's largest open-source marketing automation platform for true data sovereignty.
- You want open-source nature provides no vendor lock-in and true data sovereignty
- You want highly customizable and extendable through plugins and API
- Your work is marketing automation-shaped, not CRM-shaped
Choose Keap if
CRM and automation for small businesses
- You want cRM for small business
- You want marketing automation
- Your work is CRM-shaped, not marketing automation-shaped
| Feature | Mautic | Keap |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 24 reviews | ★3.8/5 1,542 reviews |
| Categories | Marketing AutomationEmail Marketing | CRMMarketing Automation |
In-Depth Analysis
Mautic
The world's largest open-source marketing automation platform for true data sovereignty.
Mautic's pricing is on the higher side, especially for the Essential tier at $247.50/month, considering it's an open-source platform.
Watch out
Overage fees for contacts/emails likely
Strengths
- +Open-source nature provides no vendor lock-in and true data sovereignty.
- +Highly customizable and extendable through plugins and API.
- +Unlimited users with role access control at no extra cost.
- +Strong focus on data privacy and compliance.
- +Vibrant community support and resources.
Weaknesses
- -Self-hosting requires technical expertise for setup and maintenance.
- -May require reliance on third-party partners for managed hosting or advanced support.
- -The open-source model might mean varying levels of direct vendor support compared to proprietary solutions.
Key features
Keap
CRM and automation for small businesses
Keap's pricing is on the expensive side for small businesses, with the Pro tier starting at $249/month for only 1500 contacts and 2 users.
Watch out
Overage fees for additional contacts
Strengths
- +CRM for small business
- +Marketing automation
- +Good for solopreneurs
- +Email marketing
- +Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -UI could improve
- -Per-contact pricing
- -Limited enterprise features
- -Better modern alternatives
Key features
Pricing: Mautic vs Keap
| Plan | Mautic | Keap |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | From $247.50/mo Mautic Essential | $249 Pro |
| Tier 2 | From $1237/mo Mautic Professional | $399 Max |
| Tier 3 | Custom pricing Mautic Enterprise | Custom Ultimate |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Mautic pricing and Keap pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Mautic
Want the highest-rated option?
Mautic: 4.6/5 (24 reviews). Keap: 3.8/5 (1,542 reviews).
Go with: Mautic
Value user reviews?
Mautic: 24 reviews (4.6/5). Keap: 1,542 reviews (3.8/5).
Go with: Keap
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Mautic is a marketing automation tool. Keap is in CRM. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Mautic is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 3.8/5.
Key Takeaways
Mautic
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 3.8/5
- Our pick for this comparison
Keap
- Larger review base (1,542 reviews)
- Better fit for CRM
The Bottom Line
Mautic wins this matchup. Our overall Marketing Automation pick is HubSpot. Our free Marketing Automation pick is SendPulse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mautic or Keap better?
Mautic is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Mautic and Keap used for?
Mautic: The world's largest open-source marketing automation platform for true data sovereignty.. Keap: CRM and automation for small businesses.
What does Mautic cost vs Keap?
Mautic is a paid tool. Keap is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.