ActiveCampaign is a marketing automation and CRM platform with four pricing tiers in 2026: Starter ($15/month), Plus ($49/month), Pro ($79/month), and Enterprise ($145/month). All prices are for 1,000 contacts on annual billing. There is no free plan — a 14-day free trial is available. Prices increase as your contact list grows. For a detailed comparison, see our guide to Brevo vs Mailchimp. For a detailed comparison, see our guide to GetResponse vs Mailchimp.
ActiveCampaign Pricing (1,000 Contacts, Annual)
| Plan | Monthly (annual) | Users | Email sends | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $15/mo | 1 | 10x contacts/mo | Small businesses — basic automation |
| Plus | $49/mo | 3 | 10x contacts/mo | Growing businesses — most popular |
| Pro | $79/mo | 5 | 12x contacts/mo | Advanced teams — conditional content |
| Enterprise | $145/mo | 10+ | 15x contacts/mo | Large organisations — custom needs |
How Prices Scale with Contact Count
| Contacts | Starter | Plus | Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | $15/mo | $49/mo | $79/mo |
| 2,500 | $29/mo | $79/mo | $99/mo |
| 5,000 | $45/mo | $99/mo | $149/mo |
| 10,000 | $75/mo | $149/mo | $219/mo |
| 25,000 | $149/mo | $249/mo | $349/mo |
What Starter Includes
The Starter plan provides email campaigns, basic marketing automation (5 triggers and actions per automation), site tracking, marketing CRM, AB testing, and 150+ email templates. Limited to 1 user. For a first email automation platform, Starter covers the essentials at $15/month — significantly cheaper than Mailchimp’s equivalent features.
Why Most Businesses Choose Plus
Plus at $49/month adds advanced automation with unlimited triggers and branches, lead scoring, landing page builder, generative AI, Facebook Custom Audiences, revenue reporting, and 3 user seats. It also unlocks the enhanced CRM add-on ($19/month extra) for pipeline management. For growing businesses that need proper marketing automation and CRM alignment, Plus is the right tier.
ActiveCampaign vs Mailchimp
| Feature | ActiveCampaign Plus | Mailchimp Standard | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry price (1,000 contacts) | $49/mo | $35/mo | Mailchimp |
| Marketing automation | Excellent | Basic | ActiveCampaign |
| CRM integration | Built-in | Basic | ActiveCampaign |
| Ease of use | Moderate | Easy | Mailchimp |
| Free plan | No (14-day trial) | Yes (500 contacts) | Mailchimp |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does ActiveCampaign cost per month?
ActiveCampaign Starter costs $15/month for up to 1,000 contacts (annual billing). Plus costs $49/month, Pro costs $79/month, and Enterprise costs $145/month — all for 1,000 contacts. Prices increase proportionally with contact count. Monthly billing is approximately 20-25% more expensive than annual.
Does ActiveCampaign have a free plan?
No. ActiveCampaign does not have a permanently free plan. A 14-day free trial is available on all plans with no credit card required. Trial accounts access Pro-level features for the duration. For a free email marketing option, Mailchimp and MailerLite both offer free plans up to 500-1,000 contacts.
Is ActiveCampaign worth the price?
For businesses that need genuine marketing automation — behavioural triggers, complex automations, and CRM alignment — ActiveCampaign delivers stronger automation than any comparably-priced tool. The Starter plan at $15/month is competitively priced for its automation capabilities. The value equation changes at higher contact tiers where costs climb quickly.
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Who It’s Best For
ActiveCampaign is a versatile marketing automation platform that caters to various business types. It’s particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses that prioritize email marketing, customer relationship management (CRM), and automation. Companies looking for an all-in-one solution that integrates marketing and sales processes will find ActiveCampaign’s features invaluable.
Startups and entrepreneurs can benefit from ActiveCampaign’s user-friendly interface, enabling them to create effective email campaigns without extensive technical knowledge. Additionally, e-commerce businesses can leverage its automation capabilities to enhance customer engagement, drive sales, and nurture leads through personalized email sequences.
For marketing teams in larger organizations, ActiveCampaign offers advanced features like predictive sending and segmentation, making it a great choice for those who need a robust tool to manage complex marketing workflows. Nonprofits and educational institutions can also benefit from its affordable pricing tiers, allowing them to reach their audiences effectively without breaking their budgets.
Key Things to Consider
Before committing to ActiveCampaign, there are several key factors to consider. Firstly, the pricing structure can vary significantly based on the number of contacts and features you choose. It’s essential to evaluate your current and future needs to select the most cost-effective plan. Additionally, while ActiveCampaign provides an array of features, some users may find the learning curve steep if they’re new to marketing automation.
Another important consideration is the support options available. ActiveCampaign offers various resources, including tutorials and customer support, but response times can vary. Businesses that require immediate assistance may want to explore the level of support offered with their chosen plan.
Moreover, while ActiveCampaign excels in email marketing and automation, it may not provide as many advanced features in other areas compared to specialized tools. Organizations should assess whether the platform’s capabilities align with their overall marketing strategy, especially if they rely heavily on social media or paid advertising.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, ActiveCampaign remains a compelling choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive marketing automation solution in 2026. Its combination of email marketing, CRM, and automation features offers significant value, particularly for small to medium-sized enterprises. The pricing structure is competitive, making it accessible for various budgets, and the platform’s ability to scale with your business is a noteworthy advantage.
However, potential users should carefully weigh the learning curve and customer support aspects before making a decision. For businesses that prioritize email marketing and customer engagement, ActiveCampaign is undoubtedly worth considering. Ultimately, the effectiveness of ActiveCampaign will depend on how well it aligns with your marketing goals and strategies.
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