Mailchimp vs Brevo: Comparing Features, Pricing, and Ease of Us

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    In 2025, choosing the right email marketing platform is more crucial than ever for businesses that want to engage customers, boost conversions, and grow brand loyalty. Among the leading platforms, Mailchimp and Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) stand out as two of the most popular choices. Both offer powerful features, automation tools, and competitive pricing, but they cater to slightly different needs and audiences.

    This article provides a detailed comparison of Mailchimp vs Brevo, exploring their features, pricing models, ease of use, and more. It also includes a section of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you make an informed decision.

    1. Overview of Mailchimp and Brevo

    Mailchimp is one of the most recognized email marketing tools worldwide, known for its user-friendly design and robust automation features. Originally built for small businesses, it now caters to enterprises as well, offering CRM tools, audience insights, and e-commerce integrations.

    Brevo, previously known as Sendinblue, has grown rapidly due to its focus on all-in-one marketing solutions. It combines email marketing, SMS campaigns, live chat, and even CRM capabilities under one platform. Its competitive pricing and advanced automation options make it particularly attractive for small to mid-sized businesses.

    2. Key Features Comparison

    a) Email Campaigns and Templates

    • Mailchimp offers a wide range of customizable templates and a drag-and-drop builder. It focuses on visual appeal, perfect for brands with strong design needs.
    • Brevo also provides responsive templates but emphasizes simplicity and deliverability. Its editor is fast and efficient for creating professional-looking emails quickly.

    b) Automation and Workflows

    • Mailchimp supports advanced workflows, including behavior-based automation, product recommendations, and abandoned cart reminders.
    • Brevo offers a strong automation suite as well, including trigger-based emails, lead scoring, and customer journey mapping. The detailed analysis of mailchimp vs brevo outlines key differences in features and pricing for marketers.

    c) CRM and Contact Management

    • Mailchimp integrates basic CRM functions such as customer profiles, tags, and segmentation.
    • Brevo, on the other hand, offers a built-in CRM tool that allows for sales tracking, pipeline management, and team collaboration.

    d) Deliverability and Performance

    • Mailchimp is known for its excellent deliverability rates, thanks to strong spam compliance and reputation management.
    • Brevo also performs well in this area, with features like dedicated IPs and advanced analytics for deliverability optimization.

    e) Integration and Ecosystem

    • Mailchimp supports hundreds of integrations with tools such as Shopify, WordPress, HubSpot, and WooCommerce.
    • Brevo offers a growing library of integrations, including Zapier, WordPress, and e-commerce platforms, though its ecosystem is slightly smaller than Mailchimp’s.

    3. Pricing Comparison

    Mailchimp has a free plan for up to 500 contacts, but its paid tiers can become expensive as the contact list grows. Its pricing depends heavily on audience size and advanced feature usage.

    Brevo offers one of the most flexible pricing structures in the market. The free plan includes unlimited contacts with a daily sending limit, while paid plans are based on the number of emails sent rather than contact count. This makes Brevo more affordable for businesses with large lists but low sending frequency.

    Summary:

    • Mailchimp is ideal for design-focused businesses willing to pay more for premium tools.
    • Brevo is perfect for cost-conscious companies that value automation, CRM integration, and flexibility.

    4. Ease of Use

    Both platforms are designed for accessibility, but Mailchimp has a more polished interface and visual appeal. It’s easier for beginners to navigate, especially when creating campaigns.

    Brevo is straightforward and fast, but some users find its dashboard less intuitive. However, its learning curve is short, and users quickly adapt to its practical layout.

    5. Customer Support and Resources

    • Mailchimp offers 24/7 support via chat and email for premium plans, along with an extensive knowledge base.
    • Brevo provides email and chat support, even for free users, and has an active community forum with educational resources.

    FAQs: Mailchimp vs Brevo

    1. Which is better for small businesses, Mailchimp or Brevo?
      Brevo is generally better for small businesses due to its lower pricing and all-in-one features. Mailchimp is great for brands that prioritize design and advanced marketing tools.
    2. Can I use both Mailchimp and Brevo for free?
      Yes, both offer free plans. Mailchimp’s free plan allows up to 500 contacts, while Brevo lets you send up to 300 emails per day with unlimited contacts.
    3. Does Brevo offer better automation than Mailchimp?
      Both platforms have strong automation, but Brevo provides more workflow flexibility for small businesses at a lower cost. Mailchimp offers more advanced e-commerce triggers.
    4. Which tool has better deliverability?
      Both perform well in deliverability, though Mailchimp has a slight edge due to its established sender reputation.
    5. Can I switch from Mailchimp to Brevo easily?
      Yes. Brevo allows you to import contacts, templates, and workflows easily from Mailchimp. Many users migrate to Brevo to reduce long-term costs.
    6. Is Brevo GDPR compliant for UK and EU users?
      Yes, Brevo is fully GDPR compliant and stores data within the EU, which is ideal for businesses operating under UK and EU regulations.
    7. Does Mailchimp include SMS marketing?
      Mailchimp focuses on email and digital ads. SMS marketing is available only through integrations, while Brevo offers built-in SMS capabilities.
    8. Which platform offers better analytics?
      Mailchimp provides detailed reports with visual insights. Brevo offers practical analytics focused on engagement metrics and conversion tracking.

    Conclusion

    Both Mailchimp and Brevo are strong email marketing platforms, each with unique strengths. Mailchimp shines in design, integrations, and advanced e-commerce features, making it suitable for creative and larger businesses. Brevo, meanwhile, stands out for affordability, simplicity, and built-in CRM and SMS tools—ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises looking for value and versatility.

    Ultimately, the best choice depends on your business goals and budget. For startups and small teams, Brevo offers exceptional value, while Mailchimp remains a premium option for those wanting a polished, feature-rich platform.