Best Mailchimp alternatives for small business
For most small businesses, MailerLite is the best Mailchimp alternative: its free plan covers 250 subscribers and 2,500 emails a month, and paid plans with an AI writing assistant start at US$12 a month. ActiveCampaign is the pick if you want AI to build your automations, and Brevo fits if you also send texts.
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The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| MailerLite | Best value | Free; from US$12/mo |
| ActiveCampaign | AI-built automations | Price not shown |
| Brevo | Email plus SMS | Free; price not shown |
Prices are each maker’s regular list price in US dollars, read on the date shown. We never convert currencies. MailerLite’s page doesn’t state the billing period for US$12. ActiveCampaign and Brevo show prices only after you pick a list size or sending volume.
Why people look for Mailchimp alternatives
Mailchimp’s free plan is capped at 500 sends a month, and its generative AI features start on the Standard plan. If you want more on a free plan, or AI on a cheaper plan, these are worth comparing.
1. MailerLite: best value
Why it stands out. The free plan includes up to 250 subscribers, 2 user seats, and 2,500 emails a month, with automations, signup forms, a website, and a landing page. Comfort starts at US$12 a month (billing period not stated) and adds an AI writing assistant, smart sending, and dynamic emails. Power starts at US$25 a month and adds unlimited emails and seats, plus 24/7 live chat support.
Watch out. Comfort caps monthly emails based on your subscriber tier, and prices rise as your list grows.
2. ActiveCampaign: best for AI-built automations
Why it stands out. ActiveCampaign says its AI, Active Intelligence, is included in every plan. Even Starter has an AI-powered automation builder, an AI campaign builder, and AI-suggested segments. Plus adds AI content and image generation, and Pro adds predictive sending at each contact’s best time. Every plan includes AI credits, and there’s a 14-day free trial with no card.
Watch out. There’s no free plan, and plan prices didn’t show on the page when we checked. Starter limits each automation to 5 actions.
3. Brevo: best for email plus SMS
Why it stands out. Brevo’s free plan lets you send up to 300 emails a day once your account is approved, with no card. Its Starter plan includes an AI content generator for subject lines and email copy, and Standard adds AI send-time optimization. Every plan includes transactional email, and Brevo sells SMS credits.
Watch out. SMS credits cost extra, and plan prices didn’t show without choosing a sending volume. The "Sent with Brevo" footer comes off only on paid plans.
How to choose
- Small list, tight budget? MailerLite’s free plan sends 2,500 emails a month.
- Want AI to set up your automations? ActiveCampaign builds them for you.
- Need texts too? Brevo handles email and SMS together.
- Price your real list size. All three charge more as your list grows.
Questions people ask
What is the best alternative to Mailchimp?
For most small businesses, MailerLite. Its free plan covers 250 subscribers and 2,500 emails a month, and paid plans with an AI writing assistant start at US$12 a month (checked October 2026).
Is there a free alternative to Mailchimp?
Yes. MailerLite and Brevo both have free plans. ActiveCampaign has a 14-day free trial but no free plan.
Which Mailchimp alternative has the best AI?
ActiveCampaign includes AI automation and campaign builders on every plan. MailerLite and Brevo include AI writing help on their paid plans.
Can I send texts with a Mailchimp alternative?
Yes. Brevo sells SMS credits on top of its plans, and ActiveCampaign offers SMS as an add-on.
Related pages
- Tool pages: Mailchimp · MailerLite
- Best AI email marketing tools
- Writing & marketing tools
- How we pick
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