Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) and Mailchimp are two of the most popular email marketing platforms in 2026. Brevo prices by emails sent per month. Mailchimp prices by contacts. This fundamental difference creates very different cost structures depending on your list size and sending frequency. For a detailed comparison, see our guide to GetResponse vs Mailchimp. For a detailed comparison, see our guide to ActiveCampaign pricing. For a detailed comparison, see our guide to Kit (ConvertKit) pricing.
Pricing Comparison
| Plan | Brevo | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | Free — 300 emails/day, unlimited contacts | Free — 500 contacts, 1,000 sends/month |
| Entry paid | Starter: $9/mo (5,000 emails) | Essentials: $13/mo (500 contacts, 5,000 sends) |
| 1,000 contacts, 4 emails/month | Starter: $9/mo (4,000 emails) | Essentials: $26.50/mo |
| 5,000 contacts, 4 emails/month | Starter: $29/mo (20,000 emails) | Essentials: $59/mo |
| 10,000 contacts, 4 emails/month | Standard: $65/mo (40,000 emails) | Essentials: $75/mo |
| Landing pages | Standard plan and above | All paid plans |
| Marketing automation | All plans including free | Standard plan and above |
Brevo Pricing Structure (2026)
Brevo charges based on monthly email volume, not contact count — you can store unlimited contacts on all plans:
- Free: 300 emails/day, unlimited contacts — includes automation and CRM
- Starter ($9/month): 5,000 emails/month, no daily limit — basic email marketing
- Standard ($18/month): 5,000 emails/month — adds landing pages, unlimited automation, A/B testing, and advanced analytics
- Professional ($499/month): 150,000+ emails — enterprise multi-channel marketing
Note: Brevo Starter includes Brevo branding in email footers — remove it for an additional $9/month.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Brevo | Mailchimp | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price for large lists | Charges by sends — cheaper for large/infrequent lists | Charges by contacts — expensive for large lists | Brevo |
| Marketing automation | All plans including free | Standard plan ($20/mo+) | Brevo |
| Interface quality | Good | Excellent — easiest in market | Mailchimp |
| E-commerce integrations | Good | Excellent — Shopify, WooCommerce | Mailchimp |
| SMS marketing | Yes — add-on credits | Yes — add-on | Brevo (more countries) |
| CRM built-in | Yes — all plans | Basic | Brevo |
| Transactional email | Excellent — Brevo speciality | Mandrill (separate paid product) | Brevo |
| Free plan quality | Generous — 300/day, unlimited contacts, automation | Good — 500 contacts, limited automation | Brevo |
When Mailchimp’s Pricing Becomes Expensive
Mailchimp charges per contact regardless of how often you email them. A 50,000-contact list on Mailchimp Standard costs $350/month even if you only send one email per month. The same list on Brevo Standard sending once per month (50,000 emails) costs approximately $129/month. For large lists with infrequent sending, Brevo is dramatically cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brevo better than Mailchimp?
Brevo is better for: large contact lists (charges by sends not contacts), built-in CRM, transactional emails, and price. Mailchimp is better for: e-commerce integrations, interface quality, and ease of use for beginners. For most budget-conscious small businesses, Brevo delivers more features at a lower price.
Is Brevo free?
Yes. Brevo’s free plan allows 300 emails per day with unlimited contacts, marketing automation, basic CRM, and web tracking — permanently. It is one of the most generous free plans in email marketing. The daily 300-email limit is the main restriction.
Does Brevo charge per contact?
No. Unlike Mailchimp and most email marketing tools, Brevo charges based on the number of emails you send per month — not the number of contacts you store. You can store unlimited contacts on all plans. This makes Brevo particularly cost-effective for businesses with large lists that email infrequently.
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Who It’s Best For
When deciding between Brevo and Mailchimp, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your business or organization. Brevo is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses that prioritize an intuitive interface combined with powerful automation capabilities. Its features are particularly beneficial for companies looking to streamline their email campaigns without needing extensive technical knowledge. Additionally, Brevo’s competitive pricing plans make it accessible for startups and entrepreneurs who may be operating on a tight budget.
On the other hand, Mailchimp is often favored by larger businesses and enterprises that require advanced analytics and reporting tools. With its robust set of features, including segmentation and A/B testing, Mailchimp is ideal for marketing teams looking to execute highly targeted campaigns and gain deep insights into customer behavior. Furthermore, its extensive integrations with various e-commerce platforms and social media channels make it a versatile option for businesses aiming to reach audiences across multiple channels.
Key Things to Consider
When evaluating Brevo and Mailchimp, there are several key factors to keep in mind that can influence your choice of email marketing tool. Firstly, consider your budget. Brevo typically offers more affordable pricing tiers, which may appeal to startups and small businesses. However, it’s essential to examine what features are included at each price point to ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment.
Next, assess the ease of use of each platform. Brevo prides itself on a user-friendly interface that allows users to create campaigns quickly and efficiently. Conversely, Mailchimp’s comprehensive features can come with a steeper learning curve, which might be a drawback for users seeking simplicity.
Additionally, think about the level of customer support you might require. Brevo offers solid customer service through various channels, while Mailchimp’s extensive knowledge base and community forums can be helpful for users who prefer self-service options. Lastly, consider the scalability of the platform. As your business grows, your email marketing needs may evolve, so choose a tool that can grow with you.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, both Brevo and Mailchimp have their unique strengths and cater to different types of users. Brevo stands out for its user-friendly approach and cost-effectiveness, making it a strong contender for small to medium-sized businesses that want to harness the power of email marketing without breaking the bank. Its automation features and straightforward interface allow users to launch effective campaigns quickly.
On the other hand, Mailchimp’s extensive feature set and advanced analytics make it the better choice for larger businesses that require more sophisticated marketing tools. Its ability to integrate with various platforms and provide in-depth customer insights can significantly enhance a marketing strategy.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and marketing goals. Evaluating both platforms based on these criteria will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business objectives in 2026 and beyond.
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