Updated: Jan 28, 2026
Comparison: Head-to-head analysis
5 min read
Comparison

Klaviyo vs Mailchimp

Complete comparison guide to help you choose the right marketing tool for your needs.

4.2
2,010 reviews
Free tier available
VS
4.2
53,007 reviews
Free tier available
01

The Winner

Our Pick

Mailchimp

Wins for overall value, user satisfaction, and Small businesses needing simplicity.

4.2 Rating
Yes Free Tier
Free Starting Price
12M+ Users
02

Quick Comparison

Criteria Klaviyo Mailchimp
Starting Price Free tier Free tier Best
User Rating 4.2 4.2
Review Count 2,010 53,007 Best
Free Trial No No
Annual Discount N/A N/A
Best For Shopify and ecommerce store owners Small businesses needing simplicity
03

Feature Breakdown

Feature Comparison

Capability Klaviyo Mailchimp
AI Scheduling Automated calendar and task scheduling
Calendar Integration Syncs with major calendars
Analytics & Insights Data and productivity insights

Klaviyo

Strengths
  • Unmatched ecommerce integrations
  • Powerful segmentation engine
  • Strong email deliverability
  • Pre-built automation flows
Limitations
  • Pricing scales quickly
  • Learning curve for advanced features
  • Limited support options
Full Klaviyo Review →

Mailchimp

Strengths
  • Best Onboarding Experience
  • AI Features That Actually Work
  • Genuinely Useful Free Tier
  • 260+ Professional Templates
Limitations
  • Pricing Scales Aggressively
  • Free Tier Lost Automation
  • eCommerce Features Lag Klaviyo
Full Mailchimp Review →
04

Klaviyo Overview

Klaviyo is purpose-built for ecommerce email marketing. Exceptional Shopify integration, powerful segmentation (9.0 on G2), and predictive analytics make it ideal for DTC brands. Free tier available for stores under 250 contacts. Pricing increases with contact count, so budget accordingly as you scale.

Best For:

  • Shopify and ecommerce store owners
  • DTC brands needing advanced segmentation
  • Agencies managing multiple ecommerce clients
Read Full Klaviyo Review
05

Mailchimp Overview

If you're new to email marketing or need a platform that just works, Mailchimp is worth it. The free tier is genuinely useful for small lists (500 contacts), and the Standard plan ($20/month) delivers AI content generation and send-time optimization that rivals enterprise tools. Premium ($350/month) is overkill for most users.

Best For:

  • Small businesses needing simplicity
  • Beginners with limited email marketing experience
  • Businesses under 1,000 contacts with basic automation needs
  • Teams wanting established platform stability and extensive templates
  • Service-based businesses (non-eCommerce) needing CRM features
  • Organizations prioritizing brand recognition and trust
  • Users seeking AI-powered content generation and send-time optimization
Read Full Mailchimp Review
06

Our Verdict

4.2/5
Winner Rating

Mailchimp is our top pick for most users, thanks to its overall value proposition. However, Klaviyo remains a solid choice if you need Shopify and ecommerce store owners.

Try Mailchimp Free
07

Klaviyo vs Mailchimp FAQ

Both Klaviyo and Mailchimp are excellent tools. Klaviyo is better for Shopify and ecommerce store owners, while Mailchimp excels at Small businesses needing simplicity. Your choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
Klaviyo pricing: Free tier available. Mailchimp pricing: Free tier available. Pricing varies, but compare features at each tier to find the best value for your needs.
Yes, many teams use multiple tools for different purposes. Klaviyo might handle Shopify and ecommerce store owners, while Mailchimp covers Small businesses needing simplicity. Check integration options for both tools.
Both offer robust support. Klaviyo provides standard support, while Mailchimp offers comprehensive support. Enterprise plans typically include dedicated support for both.
Consider switching if Mailchimp better fits your current needs. Key factors: Small businesses needing simplicity, pricing alignment, and team workflow compatibility. We recommend trialing Mailchimp before making a full switch.