Constant Contact vs Mailchimp: An Honest 2026 Comparison
Short answer: Constant Contact is the better pick for non-technical small businesses and nonprofits that want email that's simple to run and backed by real phone support — especially if you host events. Mailchimp is the better pick if you want deeper automation, sell online, or want to start on a free plan. Below we compare them honestly, category by category, so you can see which side you fall on.
The verdict at a glance
Constant Contact
Simple, dependable email with live phone support and built-in event tools.
Non-technical teams, events, nonprofits
From $12/mo (no free plan)
Phone on every paid plan
Pros: Easiest to learn, live phone support, event/RSVP tools, strong deliverability, nonprofit discount.
Cons: No free plan, automation is shallower, price climbs with your list.
Mailchimp
More powerful automation and a modern editor — with more of a learning curve and a steeper bill as you grow.
Automation, e-commerce, free start
Free tier; paid from ~$13/mo
Email/chat (phone on top tier only)
Pros: Deeper automation and segmentation, polished editor, solid e-commerce, a free tier to start on.
Cons: Per-contact pricing climbs fast, free tier has been cut back, no phone support on lower plans, more to learn.
We have no affiliate relationship with Mailchimp — it's here purely for an honest comparison.
How they compare, category by category
Pricing & free plans
Mailchimp wins on getting started for free — it offers a (now limited) free tier, while Constant Contact gives you only a 30-day trial. Both charge by number of contacts, so the bill climbs as your list grows, and at higher volumes the two land in similar territory. If a $0 starting point matters, Mailchimp takes this one. Edge: Mailchimp
Ease of use
Constant Contact is the more forgiving tool for a first-timer — you can send a clean campaign the same afternoon without watching tutorials. Mailchimp is more capable but asks more of you up front. For non-technical teams, this is a real, daily difference. Edge: Constant Contact
Automation
Mailchimp goes deeper: branching, behavior-based journeys, and richer segmentation. Constant Contact covers the basics (welcome series, simple triggers) but trails the modern market here. If automation is central to how you sell, Mailchimp wins. Edge: Mailchimp
Support
This is Constant Contact's signature advantage: live phone support on every paid plan, six days a week. Mailchimp keeps you on email and chat unless you're on its top tier. For an owner without a marketer on staff, being able to phone a human is worth real money. Edge: Constant Contact
Events & deliverability
Constant Contact has built-in event registration, ticketing, and RSVP tracking — Mailchimp does not. Both have solid deliverability reputations, with Constant Contact long known for consistent inbox placement. Edge: Constant Contact
Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Constant Contact | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No (30-day trial) | Yes (limited) |
| Starting price | $12/mo | ~$13/mo |
| Ease of use | Easiest for beginners | More to learn |
| Automation | Basic | Advanced |
| Support | Phone on every paid plan | Email/chat (phone top tier) |
| Event tools | Built in | None |
Prices are current starting tiers as of mid-2026 and rise with usage; always check each provider's live pricing page for your exact list size before deciding.
Which should you choose?
- Choose Constant Contact if you're a non-technical small business or nonprofit, you run events, or you want to be able to phone a human when something breaks. For most people comparing these two, it's the lower-stress pick.
- Choose Mailchimp if you want advanced, branching automation, you sell online, or you want to start completely free and grow into paid features.
Constant Contact — the better fit for most small businesses.
If simplicity and real support matter more to you than the deepest automation, Constant Contact is the one we'd start with — and the plan you choose matters more than chasing a free tier. If you need advanced automation or want to begin free, Mailchimp is the smarter call.
See Constant Contact plans →Want the bigger picture? See our three-way Constant Contact vs Mailchimp vs Brevo comparison, or read the full Constant Contact review.
Frequently asked questions
Is Constant Contact better than Mailchimp?
For non-technical small businesses and nonprofits that value simplicity and phone support — and especially those running events — yes, Constant Contact is our pick. Mailchimp is better if you need deeper automation, sell online, or want a forever-free plan. Neither is universally better; they suit different buyers.
Is Constant Contact cheaper than Mailchimp?
To start, Mailchimp can be cheaper because it has a free tier and Constant Contact does not. Both charge by number of contacts, so as your list grows the prices converge and depend on your exact size. Price each against the list you expect in a year rather than the headline rate.
Should I switch from Mailchimp to Constant Contact?
Switch if you're tired of Mailchimp's complexity or rising bill and you mainly want simple, reliable email with support you can call — particularly if you run events. Stay on Mailchimp if you rely on its advanced automation or e-commerce features. Be honest about which features you actually use before moving.