Mailchimp Alternatives (2026): 6 Better and Cheaper Options
Why look for a Mailchimp alternative?
If you got here, you've probably already decided: Mailchimp stopped being worth it. And you have plenty of reasons.
In 2026, Mailchimp raised prices again (its second big hike since the Intuit acquisition), cut its free plan to just 250 contacts with no automation, and keeps a practice few defend: it charges you for contacts who already unsubscribed. You pay for addresses that don't even receive your emails.
The good news is the market is full of better, cheaper options. Here are 6, with real 2026 prices and what each is best at. No filler.
👉 Just want the best option for most people? Start free with MailerLite — generous free plan, no card required.
The 6 best Mailchimp alternatives
1. MailerLite — best for most people
The most balanced option on the list. A real free plan (500 subscribers, ~12,000 sends per month, automation included), one of the simplest editors out there, and prices that don't explode as you grow: around $10/month to start and ~$54/month at 10,000 subscribers (Mailchimp charges ~$78 for the same). It only charges for active subscribers, not those who left.
It includes official WordPress integration, RSS (auto-sends your new blog posts), landing pages, and selling digital products at 0% commission. For creators, newsletters, and small businesses, it's the smartest choice.
👉 It's the top pick on this list. Create your free MailerLite account and start today.
Want the full breakdown vs Mailchimp? Read our MailerLite vs Mailchimp comparison.
2. Brevo — best for multichannel (email + SMS + WhatsApp)
If you need more than email, Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) is the only one here that combines email, SMS, WhatsApp, and a CRM in one platform. Its big difference: it charges by sends, not contacts, so if you have a large list you email infrequently, you can save a lot. Its free plan allows nearly unlimited contacts with a daily send cap.
The catch: on basic plans you pay extra to remove Brevo's branding from your emails, and several features are add-ons. Still, for a business with multichannel needs, its breadth is real.
3. Kit (formerly ConvertKit) — best for creators
Kit is built for creators: newsletters, selling digital products, and a creator recommendation network to grow your list. It's solid and well-regarded by bloggers and authors.
But let's be honest: in September 2025 it raised its Creator plan by 160% (from $15 to $39/month), so it's no longer the cheap option. Consider it if you'll truly use its creator tools; if you just want affordable email, MailerLite gives you more for less.
4. ActiveCampaign — best for advanced automation
If your pain with Mailchimp is that it falls short on automation, ActiveCampaign is the natural step up. It has the deepest automation on this list, a native CRM, and hundreds of integrations. It's the option for businesses that live on complex sequences (SaaS, agencies, serious e-commerce). In exchange, it's pricier and has a steeper learning curve.
5. Klaviyo — best for e-commerce
If you sell online, Klaviyo is built for it: segmentation and automation tied directly to shopping behavior. It's the standard for stores that want to squeeze every sale. It's not cheap, and for simple email it's overkill, but for e-commerce with budget, it's hard to beat.
6. Beehiiv — best for monetized newsletters
Built from scratch for newsletters: free plan up to 2,500 subscribers, a built-in ad network, and 0% commission on paid subscriptions. If your model is growing and monetizing a newsletter, Beehiiv is the modern bet.
Quick comparison
| MailerLite | Mailchimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | 500 subs · ~12,000 sends · with automation | 250 contacts · no automation |
| Price at 10,000 subs | ~$54/mo | ~$78/mo |
| Charges for inactive contacts? | ❌ No, active only | ✅ Yes |
| WordPress / RSS | ✅ Yes | Integration available |
| Best for | Creators, newsletters, SMBs | Those locked into its ecosystem |
Which to choose for your case?
- You want the best price/value ratio: MailerLite.
- You need email + SMS + WhatsApp + CRM: Brevo.
- You're a creator monetizing your audience: Kit or Beehiiv.
- You need deep automation: ActiveCampaign.
- You run an online store: Klaviyo.
👉 Start without spending. Try MailerLite free and upgrade only when your list grows.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best free Mailchimp alternative? MailerLite and Brevo have the most generous free plans. MailerLite gives 500 subscribers with automation; Brevo allows many contacts but limits daily sends.
Why are people leaving Mailchimp in 2026? Because of price hikes (the latest in April 2026), the free plan cut to 250 contacts, and because it charges for unsubscribed contacts.
Is MailerLite better than Mailchimp? For most creators and small businesses, yes: cheaper, better free plan, and it doesn't charge for inactive contacts. Read the full comparison in MailerLite vs Mailchimp.
Which is best for an online store? Klaviyo, for its e-commerce focus. If you want something cheaper with basic e-commerce, MailerLite also works.
Not sure which fits your case? Use the NexGoAI AIFinder: it recommends the right tool based on your goal, budget, and situation, in seconds.
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