Best Mailchimp Alternatives & Competitors in 2026
10 alternatives to Mailchimp • Updated January 2026
Mailchimp introduced millions to email marketing, but it's no longer the obvious choice. Pricing has increased, the interface has become cluttered, and specialized alternatives often do specific things better. E-commerce stores have better options in Klaviyo, creators have ConvertKit, and budget-conscious teams have Brevo. Here's when Mailchimp alternatives make sense.
10
Alternatives
8
Free Options
82
Top Score
2026
Updated
Why Marketers Leave Mailchimp
Pricing Increases
Mailchimp has raised prices repeatedly. What was once affordable now competes with more capable alternatives.
E-commerce Limitations
For online stores, Mailchimp's e-commerce features lag behind Klaviyo and Omnisend significantly.
Interface Complexity
Years of feature additions have cluttered the interface. It's no longer the simple tool it once was.
Better Specialized Options
Specialized tools often outperform Mailchimp's generalist approach for specific use cases.
What Mailchimp Does Well
- +Easy to start with, low learning curve
- +Solid for basic email marketing needs
- +Good landing page builder
- +Wide recognition and resources
Common Pain Points
- -E-commerce features behind competitors
- -Pricing no longer competitive
- -Interface has become cluttered
- -Automation is basic compared to alternatives
What to Look For in a Mailchimp Alternative
Your Business Type
E-commerce, SaaS, creator—different alternatives excel for different business models.
Automation Needs
If you need sophisticated automations, evaluate alternatives' workflow capabilities.
List Size Pricing
Pricing models vary. Compare at your subscriber count and expected growth.
Integration Requirements
Mailchimp integrates widely. Verify alternatives connect to your other tools.
Migration Considerations
Email platform migration is manageable. Export subscribers, recreate key automations, and test thoroughly before switching. Don't migrate in the middle of an active campaign. Plan for 2-4 weeks of transition including testing and warmup period for new sending domain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Mailchimp alternative?
Based on our analysis, Resend is currently the top-rated Mailchimp alternative with a score of 82/100. That said, the "best" alternative depends on your specific needs, budget, and use case. We recommend trying free trials before making a decision.
Is there a free alternative to Mailchimp?
Yes! Resend, SendGrid, Amazon SES offer free or freemium pricing. Free alternatives often have limitations on features or usage, but they can be perfect for individuals or small teams.
How difficult is it to switch from Mailchimp?
Switching difficulty varies depending on how much data you have and how deeply integratedMailchimp is in your workflow. Most modern tools support data export/import in standard formats. Plan for a transition period where you might run both tools in parallel to ensure a smooth switch.