Mailchimp Alternative: 7 Cheaper Options for Small Business

🎯 Key Takeaways

• MailerLite offers the best value: $10/month for 1,000 subscribers vs Mailchimp’s $20/month
• Sendinblue (Brevo) has the best free plan: unlimited contacts, 300 emails/day
• You can save $100-300/month by switching from Mailchimp to affordable alternatives
• All alternatives include essential features: automation, segmentation, analytics, and templates
• ConvertKit is best for creators, MailerLite for small businesses, Sendinblue for free users

Reading time: 15 min | Last updated: January 8, 2025

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Introduction

Mailchimp has long been the go-to email marketing platform for small businesses, but its pricing has become increasingly expensive as your list grows. If you’re searching for a mailchimp alternative cheap option, you’re not alone—thousands of businesses are discovering that affordable alternatives can deliver the same (or better) features at a fraction of the cost.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 7 cheaper alternatives to Mailchimp that are perfect for small businesses. From completely free options to budget-friendly premium plans, you’ll find the ideal email marketing solution that fits your budget without compromising on essential features like automation, segmentation, and analytics.

Why Small Businesses Are Leaving Mailchimp

Before we dive into the alternatives, let’s understand why businesses are seeking cheaper options:

• Escalating costs: Mailchimp’s pricing jumps significantly as your subscriber list grows, with costs reaching $350+/month for 10,000 contacts
• Feature restrictions: Many essential features like A/B testing and advanced segmentation are locked behind expensive plans
• Complex pricing structure: Multiple tiers and add-ons make it difficult to predict actual costs
• Limited customer support: Free and lower-tier plans have minimal support options
• Overpaying for unused features: Many small businesses don’t need Mailchimp’s advanced features but pay for them anyway

Top 7 Cheaper Mailchimp Alternatives

1. MailerLite

Pricing: Free up to 1,000 subscribers; Paid plans start at $10/month for 1,000 subscribers

Best for: Small businesses and creators who want simplicity without sacrificing features

Key features:

• Drag-and-drop email editor
• Landing page builder
• Website builder
• Pop-up and embedded forms
• Email automation workflows
• A/B testing (even on free plan)
• 24/7 customer support
• Detailed analytics and reporting

Pricing breakdown:

• 1,000 subscribers: $10/month
• 2,500 subscribers: $15/month
• 5,000 subscribers: $30/month
• 10,000 subscribers: $50/month

Pros: ✓ Extremely affordable pricing ✓ Generous free plan with most features ✓ Intuitive interface ✓ Excellent customer support ✓ No daily sending limits ✓ Landing pages included

Cons: ✗ Fewer integrations than Mailchimp ✗ Limited advanced automation on lower tiers ✗ Smaller template library ✗ Basic CRM features

MailerLite offers the best value for money among all Mailchimp alternatives. At $50/month for 10,000 subscribers (compared to Mailchimp’s $350/month), you’re saving $300 monthly while getting all essential features.

2. Sendinblue (now Brevo)

Pricing: Free up to 300 emails/day; Paid plans start at $25/month for 20,000 emails

Best for: Businesses that send fewer emails but need SMS marketing and CRM features

Key features:

• Email and SMS marketing
• Marketing automation
• CRM and sales pipeline
• Landing pages
• Facebook ads integration
• Transactional emails
• Chat functionality
• Advanced segmentation

Pricing breakdown:

• Free: 300 emails/day (unlimited contacts)
• Starter: $25/month for 20,000 emails
• Business: $65/month for 20,000 emails
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Pros: ✓ Unlimited contacts on all plans ✓ SMS marketing included ✓ Built-in CRM ✓ Pay for emails sent, not contacts ✓ Excellent deliverability rates ✓ Transactional email support

Cons: ✗ Daily sending limit on free plan ✗ Email-based pricing can be confusing ✗ Limited automation on lower tiers ✗ Fewer email templates

Sendinblue’s unique pricing model based on emails sent rather than contacts makes it incredibly cost-effective for businesses with large lists but infrequent sending schedules.

3. ConvertKit

Pricing: Free up to 1,000 subscribers; Creator plan starts at $15/month for 1,000 subscribers

Best for: Content creators, bloggers, and online course creators

Key features:

• Visual automation builder
• Landing pages and forms
• Subscriber tagging and segmentation
• Email sequences
• Creator network for growth
• Commerce features for selling digital products
• Customizable opt-in forms
• Detailed subscriber insights

Pricing breakdown:

• 1,000 subscribers: $15/month
• 3,000 subscribers: $29/month
• 5,000 subscribers: $41/month
• 10,000 subscribers: $66/month

Pros: ✓ Built specifically for creators ✓ Powerful automation features ✓ Clean, distraction-free interface ✓ Excellent deliverability ✓ Strong community and resources ✓ Easy migration tools

Cons: ✗ More expensive than MailerLite ✗ Limited design templates ✗ Basic email editor ✗ Fewer integrations for e-commerce

ConvertKit is pricier than some alternatives but offers unmatched value for content creators who need sophisticated automation and subscriber management.

4. Moosend

Pricing: Free up to 1,000 subscribers; Pro plan starts at $9/month for 1,000 subscribers

Best for: E-commerce businesses and marketers who need advanced automation

Key features:

• Advanced email automation
• E-commerce integrations
• Product recommendations
• Landing pages
• Subscription forms
• Real-time analytics
• A/B testing
• SMTP server

Pricing breakdown:

• 1,000 subscribers: $9/month
• 2,500 subscribers: $16/month
• 5,000 subscribers: $24/month
• 10,000 subscribers: $45/month

Pros: ✓ Very affordable pricing ✓ Powerful automation features ✓ Strong e-commerce focus ✓ Unlimited emails on all plans ✓ AI-powered subject line optimizer ✓ Excellent reporting

Cons: ✗ Smaller user community ✗ Fewer third-party integrations ✗ Learning curve for automation ✗ Limited template variety

Moosend punches above its weight with enterprise-level automation features at small business prices, making it perfect for growing e-commerce stores.

5. EmailOctopus

Pricing: Free up to 2,500 subscribers; Pro plan starts at $8/month for 2,500 subscribers

Best for: Budget-conscious businesses that need basic email marketing

Key features:

• Simple email editor
• Automation workflows
• Landing pages
• Forms and pop-ups
• Segmentation
• Analytics and reporting
• API access
• Amazon SES integration

Pricing breakdown:

• 2,500 subscribers: $8/month
• 5,000 subscribers: $11/month
• 10,000 subscribers: $19/month
• 25,000 subscribers: $39/month

Pros: ✓ Extremely low pricing ✓ Generous free plan ✓ Unlimited emails ✓ Clean interface ✓ Good deliverability ✓ No hidden fees

Cons: ✗ Basic features only ✗ Limited automation ✗ Fewer templates ✗ Minimal integrations ✗ Basic support

EmailOctopus is the most affordable option on this list, perfect for businesses that need straightforward email marketing without bells and whistles.

6. Omnisend

Pricing: Free up to 250 contacts; Standard plan starts at $16/month for 500 contacts

Best for: E-commerce businesses using Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce

Key features:

• Omnichannel marketing (email, SMS, push notifications)
• Pre-built e-commerce automation
• Product picker for emails
• Cart abandonment workflows
• Customer segmentation
• Sales reporting
• Pop-ups and forms
• Gift box feature

Pricing breakdown:

• 500 contacts: $16/month
• 1,000 contacts: $59/month
• 2,500 contacts: $99/month
• 5,000 contacts: $159/month

Pros: ✓ Built specifically for e-commerce ✓ Omnichannel capabilities ✓ Pre-built automation workflows ✓ Excellent Shopify integration ✓ Product recommendations ✓ SMS marketing included

Cons: ✗ More expensive than basic alternatives ✗ Pricing jumps quickly ✗ Overkill for non-e-commerce ✗ Complex for beginners

While not the cheapest option, Omnisend offers tremendous value for e-commerce businesses by combining email, SMS, and push notifications in one platform.

7. Sender

Pricing: Free up to 2,500 subscribers; Standard plan starts at $15/month for 5,000 subscribers

Best for: Small businesses that need email and SMS marketing on a budget

Key features:

• Email and SMS campaigns
• Marketing automation
• Transactional emails
• Pop-ups and forms
• Segmentation
• A/B testing
• Analytics
• E-commerce integrations

Pricing breakdown:

• 2,500 subscribers: Free
• 5,000 subscribers: $15/month
• 10,000 subscribers: $29/month
• 15,000 subscribers: $39/month

Pros: ✓ Very affordable ✓ Generous free plan ✓ SMS marketing included ✓ Good automation features ✓ Clean interface ✓ Unlimited emails

Cons: ✗ Limited integrations ✗ Smaller template library ✗ Basic reporting ✗ Newer platform with smaller community

Sender offers an impressive feature set at budget-friendly prices, making it an excellent choice for small businesses just starting with email marketing.

Detailed Pricing Comparison

Here’s how these alternatives stack up against Mailchimp at different subscriber levels:

For 1,000 Subscribers

Platform	Monthly Cost	Annual Cost	Savings vs Mailchimp ($20/mo)
EmailOctopus	$8	$96	$144/year
Moosend	$9	$108	$132/year
MailerLite	$10	$120	$120/year
ConvertKit	$15	$180	$60/year
Sender	Free	$0	$240/year
Sendinblue	$25	$300	-$60/year
Omnisend	$16	$192	$48/year

For 5,000 Subscribers

Platform	Monthly Cost	Annual Cost	Savings vs Mailchimp ($86/mo)
EmailOctopus	$11	$132	$900/year
Sender	$15	$180	$852/year
Moosend	$24	$288	$744/year
MailerLite	$30	$360	$672/year
ConvertKit	$41	$492	$540/year
Sendinblue	$65	$780	$252/year
Omnisend	$159	$1,908	-$876/year

For 10,000 Subscribers

Platform	Monthly Cost	Annual Cost	Savings vs Mailchimp ($350/mo)
EmailOctopus	$19	$228	$3,972/year
Sender	$29	$348	$3,852/year
Moosend	$45	$540	$3,660/year
MailerLite	$50	$600	$3,600/year
ConvertKit	$66	$792	$3,408/year
Sendinblue	$65	$780	$3,420/year
Omnisend	$159	$1,908	$2,292/year

Feature Comparison Matrix

Feature	MailerLite	Sendinblue	ConvertKit	Moosend	EmailOctopus	Omnisend	Sender
Free Plan	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Automation	✓	✓	✓✓	✓✓	Basic	✓✓	✓
Landing Pages	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
A/B Testing	✓	✓	✓	✓	✗	✓	✓
SMS Marketing	✗	✓	✗	✗	✗	✓	✓
CRM	Basic	✓	Basic	Basic	✗	✓	Basic
E-commerce	Basic	✓	✓	✓✓	Basic	✓✓	✓
24/7 Support	✓	✓	✓	✓	Email	✓	Email
Templates	100+	70+	50+	80+	30+	130+	60+

Which Mailchimp Alternative Should You Choose?

Selecting the right mailchimp alternative cheap option depends on your specific needs and budget:

For the tightest budgets: EmailOctopus or Sender offer the lowest prices with solid basic features.

For content creators and bloggers: ConvertKit provides the best tools for building and nurturing an audience.

For e-commerce businesses: Omnisend or Moosend offer specialized features for online stores.

For businesses needing SMS: Sendinblue or Sender include SMS marketing in their plans.

For the best overall value: MailerLite balances affordability with a comprehensive feature set.

For advanced automation: Moosend or ConvertKit provide sophisticated workflow builders.

For large lists with infrequent sending: Sendinblue’s email-based pricing is most cost-effective.

Migration Tips: Moving from Mailchimp

Switching email platforms might seem daunting, but most alternatives make it easy:

1. Export your contacts: Download your Mailchimp subscriber list as a CSV file
2. Clean your list: Remove inactive subscribers to save money on your new platform
3. Import to new platform: Most alternatives have one-click Mailchimp import tools
4. Recreate key automations: Set up your most important email sequences first
5. Test thoroughly: Send test emails to ensure everything works correctly
6. Update signup forms: Replace Mailchimp forms on your website with new ones
7. Monitor deliverability: Watch your open rates closely for the first few weeks

Most platforms offer free migration assistance, so don’t hesitate to ask for help!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth switching from Mailchimp to save money?

Absolutely, especially if you have over 2,000 subscribers. The savings can be substantial—often $100-300 per month—without sacrificing essential features. Most alternatives offer the same core functionality at a fraction of the cost.

Will I lose my email list when switching?

No, you can easily export your contacts from Mailchimp and import them into any alternative platform. Most services provide step-by-step migration guides and support to ensure a smooth transition.

Do cheaper alternatives have worse deliverability?

Not necessarily. Platforms like MailerLite, ConvertKit, and Sendinblue have excellent deliverability rates comparable to or better than Mailchimp. Deliverability depends more on your email practices than the platform itself.

Can I try these alternatives before committing?

Yes! All the platforms listed offer free plans or free trials. You can test them risk-free before making a decision. We recommend trying 2-3 options to find the best fit for your workflow.

What happens to my email templates when I switch?

You’ll need to recreate your templates in the new platform, but most alternatives offer similar or better template builders. Many provide pre-designed templates you can customize, potentially saving you time.

Do these alternatives integrate with my existing tools?

Most alternatives integrate with popular tools like WordPress, Shopify, WooCommerce, and Zapier. Check each platform’s integration directory to ensure compatibility with your essential tools.

How long does migration typically take?

For most small businesses, migration can be completed in a few hours to a day. This includes exporting contacts, importing them to the new platform, recreating key automations, and updating signup forms.

Conclusion

Finding a mailchimp alternative cheap option doesn’t mean settling for less. Whether you choose MailerLite’s unbeatable value, ConvertKit’s creator-focused features, or Sendinblue’s unique pricing model, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually while maintaining or improving your email marketing capabilities.

The key is to assess your actual needs—do you really need all of Mailchimp’s advanced features, or would a simpler, more affordable solution work just as well? For most small businesses, the answer is clear: cheaper alternatives deliver everything you need at a price that makes sense.

Looking for more ways to save on business tools? Explore our guides on free Canva alternatives for design and free Grammarly alternatives for writing. If you’re just starting out, our comprehensive comparison of the best email marketing platforms for beginners can help you choose the right tool from the start.

Ready to cut your email marketing costs? Start with MailerLite or Sendinblue for the smoothest transition, or explore EmailOctopus if budget is your primary concern. Your wallet (and your subscribers) will thank you!

Have you switched from Mailchimp to a cheaper alternative? Share your experience and savings in the comments below!

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