Mailchimp vs Brevo
Both are popular free email marketing options — but their free tiers work very differently. Mailchimp limits by contacts; Brevo limits by sends. If you have a large list but send infrequently, Brevo wins on price. If you're just starting with a small list, Mailchimp's UX may feel easier.
Option A
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Mailchimp
The world's most popular email marketing platform
4.1(16,200 reviews)
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
Commissionvaries
Option B
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Brevo
Email, SMS, and chat marketing — formerly Sendinblue
4.4(7,600 reviews)
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
Commission$5 per free account + 5% CPA
Mailchimp vs Brevo: Feature Comparison
| Feature | Mailchimp | Brevo |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan — Contact Limit | 500 contacts | ✓Unlimited contacts |
| Free Plan — Send Limit | 1,000 sends/month | ≈300 emails/day (9,000/month) |
| Ease of Use | ✓Excellent — best drag-and-drop editor | Good — slightly less polished |
| SMS Marketing | Not included | ✓Included |
| Transactional Email | Mandrill add-on (separate cost) | ✓Included — no extra cost |
| Automation | Limited on free/Essentials | ≈Basic on free, better on Business |
| Pricing at Scale | By contacts — gets expensive | ✓By sends — friendlier for large lists |
✓ = Winner in this dimension≈ = Tie
Choose Mailchimp if…
- →You want the most beginner-friendly email builder
- →Your list is under 500 contacts and you're just starting
- →Brand recognition matters for client presentations
Choose Brevo if…
- →You have a large list but send infrequently
- →You need SMS and email in one free tool
- →You need transactional email without extra tools
- →Your contacts are EU-based (GDPR-first infrastructure)
- →You want to grow your list without hitting a paywall
⚖️
Our Verdict
Brevo wins for most small businesses comparing these two. Unlimited contacts on the free tier is a structural advantage. Mailchimp's free plan hits a wall fast — at 501 contacts, you're paying. Brevo lets you grow your list without penalty.