Mailchimp vs Brevo
The biggest name against the best-value alternative. Since Mailchimp gutted its free plan in early 2026, this is the comparison everyone is making.
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Mailchimp
The biggest name, no longer the best deal.
Brevo
The most generous free plan, and you pay per email, not per contact.
Prices last checked on
| Feature | Mailchimp | Brevo |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 3.9 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Price | From $13/mo | From $9/mo |
| Free plan | ||
| Best for | Existing Mailchimp users | Big list, low volume |
| Category | Free to start | Free to start |
| Provider | Intuit Mailchimp | Brevo SAS |
| Visit Mailchimp | Visit Brevo |
Our verdict
Brevo wins this one for almost anyone starting today. The free plan is incomparably more generous, you pay per email sent instead of per contact, and unlimited contact storage means a growing list does not punish you.
Mailchimp still has the edge in integrations and brand recognition, but its prices climb fast as your list grows. Only those deep in the Mailchimp ecosystem have a real reason to stay.
“Still a mature platform that connects to almost everything, but the free plan was gutted in early 2026 and prices climb fast with your list. New users are better off starting elsewhere.”Editorial team, on Mailchimp
“Paying per email sent instead of per contact makes Brevo unique. We stored tens of thousands of contacts for free. For a big list you do not email daily, it is by far the cheapest serious option.”Editorial team, on Brevo
Frequently asked questions
Is Brevo better than Mailchimp?
Brevo, for almost anyone starting today. Its free plan is far more generous, you pay per email sent instead of per contact, and unlimited contact storage means a growing list does not punish you. Mailchimp keeps the edge on integrations and brand recognition, so the only real reason to stay is being deep in that ecosystem already.
Which is cheaper, Mailchimp or Brevo?
Brevo, at both ends. Free, you get 300 emails a day and unlimited stored contacts at Brevo against 250 contacts and 500 emails a month at Mailchimp. Paid, Brevo Starter is $9 a month or $108 a year, Mailchimp Essentials $13 a month or $156 a year (US dollars, checked August 2026). Mailchimp also climbs faster as your list grows.
Do the free plans put the provider's logo in my emails?
Yes, both do. Brevo's free plan adds a Brevo logo to your emails and you remove it by moving to Starter at $9 a month. Mailchimp's free plan carries a Mailchimp logo too, alongside its 250 contact and 500 email monthly ceiling since the February 2026 cutback.
I have a lot of contacts but mail rarely. Does that change the answer?
It makes Brevo the obvious pick. Mailchimp bills on how many contacts you store, so a big list costs money even in a quiet month. Brevo bills on emails sent and stores contacts for free, so an archive of subscribers you touch occasionally stays cheap instead of setting your floor price.