Klaviyo vs Mailchimp
Last updated: 2026-08-18
E-commerce specialist vs generalist email platform — which drives more revenue? — pricing, features, and our verdict.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | popular Klaviyo | best Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $0/mo (Free) | $0/mo (Free) |
| Free trial | Free plan available (250 contacts, 500 emails/mo) | Free plan available (up to 250 contacts, 1,000 emails/mo) |
| Best for | E-commerce email and SMS marketing | Small businesses and e-commerce |
| Free plan | 250 contacts, 500 emails/mo | Up to 250 contacts |
| Starting paid price | $20/mo (500 contacts), scales with contact count | $13/mo (Essentials, 250 contacts) |
| Email marketing | ✓ | — |
| SMS marketing | Included (US, UK, AU, Canada) | — |
| Automation | Abandoned cart, welcome, post-purchase, win-back | — |
| Predictive analytics | ✓ | — |
| A/B testing | ✓ | Standard plan+ |
| API access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrations | Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, 250+ | 300+ integrations |
| Support | Email + chat (plan dependent) | Email (Free), Chat (Paid) |
| Email sequences | — | Standard plan+ |
| Visual automations | — | Standard plan+ |
| Landing pages | — | ✓ |
| Commerce | — | Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce |
Klaviyo Pros & Cons
Pros
- Built for e-commerce — deep Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce integration
- Powerful automation — abandoned cart, welcome series, post-purchase, win-back
- Predictive analytics — churn risk, customer lifetime value, next order date
- A/B testing on all plans
- SMS marketing included (US, UK, AU, Canada)
- 250+ pre-built integrations
Cons
- Expensive at scale — pricing based on contact count
- Free plan limited (250 contacts, 500 emails/mo)
- Not suitable for non-e-commerce businesses
- Learning curve for advanced segmentation and flows
- SMS pricing is separate from email pricing
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 Klaviyo 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: Klaviyo or Mailchimp?
For small businesses, the better choice depends on your budget and specific needs. Mailchimp generally offers better value for money, while Klaviyo has more advanced features for growing teams.
Do Klaviyo and Mailchimp offer free trials?
Yes, both platforms offer ways to try before buying. Free plan available (250 contacts, 500 emails/mo) 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 Klaviyo 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.