SharpSpring vs Constant Contact: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between SharpSpring and Constant Contact 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: Constant Contact wins this matchup. Our overall Marketing Automation pick is HubSpot. Our free Marketing Automation pick is SendPulse. Pick SharpSpring if you need marketing automation.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
SharpSpring
Marketing automation for agencies
Best for you if:
- • You want consolidates marketing automation, sales automation, and CRM into a single platform, eliminating data silos
- • You want offers a flexible and affordable pricing model, especially for agencies, with month-to-month contracts available
Constant Contact
Established email marketing for small businesses
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want easy to use
- • You want good for beginners
| At a Glance | SharpSpring | Constant Contact |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $449/mo1K Contacts | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Marketing Automation | Email Marketing |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.2/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose SharpSpring or Constant Contact?
Choose SharpSpring if
Marketing automation for agencies
- You want consolidates marketing automation, sales automation, and CRM into a single platform, eliminating data silos
- You want offers a flexible and affordable pricing model, especially for agencies, with month-to-month contracts available
- Your work is marketing automation-shaped, not email marketing-shaped
Choose Constant Contact if
Established email marketing for small businesses
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want easy to use
- You want good for beginners
- Budget matters (Free vs $449/mo)
- Your work is email marketing-shaped, not marketing automation-shaped
| Feature | SharpSpring | Constant Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 1,336 reviews | ★4.2/5 10,413 reviews |
| Categories | Marketing AutomationCRM | Email MarketingMarketing Automation |
In-Depth Analysis
SharpSpring
Marketing automation for agencies
SharpSpring's pricing, starting at $449/month for 1K contacts, is on the higher end for small businesses but offers robust features.
Watch out
Potential overage fees for contacts
Strengths
- +Consolidates marketing automation, sales automation, and CRM into a single platform, eliminating data silos.
- +Offers a flexible and affordable pricing model, especially for agencies, with month-to-month contracts available.
- +Provides extensive features for agencies, including single sign-on, rebrandable interface, and multi-client management.
- +Includes a built-in CRM that is optional and integrates well with other CRMs.
- +Offers unlimited users and support across various plans, including agency-specific offerings.
Weaknesses
- -Specific pricing details for SMBs are not explicitly listed, making it difficult to compare without a demo.
- -The comparison page with HubSpot focuses heavily on cost advantages, which might imply feature parity isn't always superior.
- -The product's capabilities are described broadly, requiring a demo to understand the depth of each feature.
Key features
Constant Contact
Established email marketing for small businesses
Constant Contact's pricing is on the higher side compared to some market alternatives, especially for the Lite tier at $12/month which offers limited features and contacts.
Watch out
Potential for increased costs with additional users on Lite.
Strengths
- +Easy to use
- +Good for beginners
- +Event marketing
- +Templates
- +Phone support
Weaknesses
- -Expensive for features
- -Limited automation
- -Dated interface
- -Competitors better value
- -Per-contact pricing
Key features
Pricing: SharpSpring vs Constant Contact
| Plan | SharpSpring | Constant Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $449 1K Contacts | $12 month Lite |
| Tier 2 | $999 10K Contacts | $35 month Standard |
| Tier 3 | Contact Agency | $80 month Premium |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on SharpSpring pricing and Constant Contact pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Constant Contact has a free tier. SharpSpring is paid only.
Go with: Constant Contact
Want the highest-rated option?
SharpSpring: 4.6/5 (1,336 reviews). Constant Contact: 4.2/5 (10,413 reviews).
Go with: SharpSpring
Value user reviews?
SharpSpring: 1,336 reviews (4.6/5). Constant Contact: 10,413 reviews (4.2/5).
Go with: Constant Contact
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
SharpSpring is paid. Constant Contact is freemium. Constant Contact lets you start free.
What's your use case?
SharpSpring is a marketing automation tool. Constant Contact is in email marketing. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
SharpSpring is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.2/5.
Key Takeaways
Constant Contact
- Larger review base (10,413 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
SharpSpring
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.2/5
- Better fit for marketing automation
The Bottom Line
Constant Contact wins this matchup. Our overall Marketing Automation pick is HubSpot. Our free Marketing Automation pick is SendPulse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SharpSpring or Constant Contact better?
Constant Contact is rated in our evaluation. SharpSpring is paid and Constant Contact is freemium.
What are SharpSpring and Constant Contact used for?
SharpSpring: Marketing automation for agencies. Constant Contact: Established email marketing for small businesses.
What does SharpSpring cost vs Constant Contact?
SharpSpring is a paid tool. Constant Contact is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.