Comparison · Email marketing software
Klaviyo vs Mailchimp: which is better in 2026?
Mailchimp ranks higher in our list of email marketing software (#1 against #2, score 91.5 against 90.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 90.5Editorial score91.5
- 1Platforms1
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Klaviyo if you want
Online stores that send triggered email and SMS.
The strongest ecommerce option here, with behavior-triggered flows, customer profiles and WhatsApp channels. Its price grows quickly with profile count, and it is more complex than a newsletter tool.
Choose Mailchimp if you want
Small businesses starting email marketing.
A familiar platform with a basic free plan, customer journeys and SMS. The free plan has basic features only, and the price rises with contact count.
Side by side
 Klaviyo |  Mailchimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 90.5 | 91.5 |
| Rank in list | #2 of 8 | #1 of 8 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree plan up to 250 profiles; paid plans by profile count | Free plan, paid upgradesBasic free plan; paid Essentials and Standard plans |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebWeb | WebWeb |
| Made by | Klaviyo, Inc. | Intuit Mailchimp |
| Self-hosting | No | No |
| Channels | Email, SMS, WhatsApp | Email, SMS, transactional |
| Visual automations | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Online stores that send triggered email and SMS | Small businesses starting email marketing |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Klaviyo vs Mailchimp
- Is Mailchimp better than Klaviyo?
- Mailchimp ranks higher in our list of email marketing software (#1 against #2, score 91.5 against 90.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Klaviyo is best for: online stores that send triggered email and SMS. Mailchimp is best for: small businesses starting email marketing.
- Which is cheaper, Klaviyo or Mailchimp?
- Klaviyo: Free plan up to 250 profiles; paid plans by profile count. Mailchimp: Basic free plan; paid Essentials and Standard plans.
- Do Klaviyo and Mailchimp run on the same platforms?
- Klaviyo supports Web. Mailchimp supports Web.