Drip vs Mailchimp
Last updated: 2026-08-18
E-commerce email vs general email — which drives more revenue? — pricing, features, and our verdict.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | popular Drip | best Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | See website | $0/mo (Free) |
| Free trial | Check website | Free plan available (up to 250 contacts, 1,000 emails/mo) |
| Best for | Various use cases | Small businesses and e-commerce |
| Pricing | See website | — |
| Free plan | Check website | Up to 250 contacts |
| Starting paid price | — | $13/mo (Essentials, 250 contacts) |
| Email sequences | — | Standard plan+ |
| Visual automations | — | Standard plan+ |
| Landing pages | — | ✓ |
| A/B testing | — | Standard plan+ |
| API access | — | ✓ |
| Integrations | — | 300+ integrations |
| Support | — | Email (Free), Chat (Paid) |
| Commerce | — | Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce |
Drip Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good feature set
- Active user community
- Regular updates
Cons
- Learning curve required
- Some limitations on lower tiers
Mailchimp Pros & Cons
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop email builder — easiest to use for beginners
- Free plan (250 contacts, 1,000 emails/month)
- Built-in CRM and audience management tools
- Strong e-commerce integrations (Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce)
- Content studio with built-in image editor
- Wide range of pre-designed email templates
Cons
- Pricing scales steeply — 500→10,000 contacts jumps from $0 to $100+/mo
- Free plan includes Mailchimp branding on emails
- Automation features limited on lower tiers
- A/B testing only on Standard plan ($20/mo+) or 500+ contacts
- Customer support limited to email on free plan
Final Verdict
Both Drip and Mailchimp are solid choices in the Email Marketing space. The right pick depends on your budget, team size, and specific feature needs. We recommend trying both via their free plans or trials before committing.
Our pick: Mailchimp
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for small businesses: Drip or Mailchimp?
For small businesses, the better choice depends on your budget and specific needs. Mailchimp generally offers better value for money, while Drip has more advanced features for growing teams.
Do Drip and Mailchimp offer free trials?
Yes, both platforms offer ways to try before buying. Drip offers a trial, and Free plan available (up to 250 contacts, 1,000 emails/mo) also offers a trial. We recommend trying both before committing.
Can I switch from Drip to Mailchimp (or vice versa)?
Yes, most platforms offer data export tools. Contact lists, settings, and historical data can usually be migrated, though some manual setup will be required. Check each platform's migration documentation before switching.