Brevo vs Mailchimp: Which Is Better?

Choosing the right email marketing platform can feel like picking a needle from a haystack. Two names dominate the conversation: Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) and Mailchimp. Both promise powerful automation, beautiful templates, and robust analytics, but they differ in pricing, feature depth, and user experience. This guide breaks down the key factors so you can decide which solution fits your business needs.

What Sets Brevo and Mailchimp Apart?

Before diving into the details, let’s look at the high‑level differences:

• Core focus: Brevo positions itself as an all‑in‑one marketing suite (email, SMS, chat, CRM), while Mailchimp started with email and has expanded into broader marketing tools.
• Pricing model: Brevo charges by the number of emails sent; Mailchimp charges by the number of contacts.
• Free tier: Both offer a free plan, but the limits and features differ.

Feature Comparison

1. Email Design & Templates

Brevo: Drag‑and‑drop editor with over 200 responsive templates. Advanced custom HTML support for developers.

Mailchimp: Similar drag‑and‑drop builder, but a larger template library (≈300) and pre‑built content blocks for e‑commerce.

2. Automation & Workflows

Brevo: Visual workflow builder with unlimited steps on paid plans. Includes SMS triggers, webhooks, and conditional branching.

Mailchimp: Automation series limited to 3 steps on the free tier; unlimited on paid plans. Strong integration with Shopify and WooCommerce for abandoned‑cart emails.

3. List Management & Segmentation

Brevo: Segmentation based on behavior, SMS engagement, and CRM data. Real‑time list cleaning.

Mailchimp: Advanced segmentation with predictive demographics and look‑alike audiences.

4. Deliverability

Both platforms maintain high deliverability (>95%). Mailchimp benefits from a long‑standing IP reputation, while Brevo offers dedicated IPs on higher tiers.

5. Reporting & Analytics

Both provide open‑rate, click‑rate, heat‑maps, and revenue tracking. Mailchimp adds multi‑channel attribution; Brevo includes SMS performance in the same dashboard.

Pricing Breakdown (as of 2024)

Plan	Brevo (emails/month)	Mailchimp (contacts)
Free	300 emails/day, unlimited contacts	Up to 500 contacts, 1,000 emails/month
Essentials / Lite	20k emails/mo – $25	500‑2,500 contacts – $11‑$30
Premium / Standard	Unlimited emails – $65+	2,500‑12,000 contacts – $30‑$130

For businesses that send high‑volume campaigns but have a modest contact list, Brevo’s email‑based pricing can be more cost‑effective. Conversely, if your list is large and you send fewer emails, Mailchimp’s contact‑based model may save you money.

Ease of Use & Learning Curve

Brevo: The interface is clean, and the all‑in‑one dashboard reduces the need to switch tools. However, the breadth of features can feel overwhelming for absolute beginners.

Mailchimp: Known for its intuitive onboarding wizard and extensive tutorial library. Ideal for users who want a quick start with email alone.

Customer Support & Community

• Brevo: Email & chat support on paid plans, plus a growing knowledge base.
• Mailchimp: 24/7 email support for higher tiers, plus a large community forum and countless third‑party tutorials.

Which Platform Wins?

There’s no one‑size‑fits‑all answer. Consider these scenarios:

• If you need SMS, chat, and a built‑in CRM: Brevo is the clear choice.
• If you run a small e‑commerce store and want deep integrations with Shopify: Mailchimp shines.
• If you send >50k emails per month to a list under 5k contacts: Brevo’s pricing usually comes out cheaper.
• If you prioritize a massive template library and a beginner‑friendly UI: Mailchimp edges ahead.

Ultimately, test both platforms with their free plans and evaluate based on the metrics that matter most to your business—cost, feature set, and usability.

FAQ

1. Can I migrate contacts between Brevo and Mailchimp?

Yes. Both platforms support CSV export/import, and third‑party tools like Zapier can automate two‑way sync.

2. Does Brevo offer a free trial for premium features?

Brevo’s free tier includes most core features, but dedicated IPs and advanced automation are locked to paid plans.

3. Which platform has better e‑commerce integrations?

Mailchimp has native plugins for Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce, while Brevo integrates via API or Zapier.

4. Is there a limit on the number of automation steps?

Brevo allows unlimited steps on paid plans; Mailchimp caps steps on the free tier but removes the limit on higher tiers.

5. How do deliverability rates compare?

Both maintain >95% deliverability, but maintaining a clean list and proper authentication (DKIM/SPF) is essential on either platform.

Ready to Choose?

Start with the free plan of the platform that aligns with your immediate needs. Test a campaign, track performance, and scale up as you grow. Whether you pick Brevo for its all‑in‑one suite or Mailchimp for its e‑commerce power, the right tool will accelerate your email marketing success.

Start Your Free Trial Today