Mailchimp vs HubSpot: Email Marketing Comparison 2026
Compare Mailchimp and HubSpot for email marketing. Features, pricing, ease of use, and which platform is right for your business.
Overview
Mailchimp and HubSpot are two of the most recognized names in marketing. Mailchimp is the accessible email marketing platform loved by small businesses, while HubSpot is the enterprise marketing suite with CRM at its core.
For a more modern alternative with AI features, consider Sequenzy, which offers advanced automation and revenue tracking at competitive prices.
| Feature | Mailchimp | HubSpot |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $13/mo | $20/mo |
| Free Tier | Yes (500 contacts) | Yes (limited) |
| CRM | Basic | Full featured |
| Ease of Use | Excellent | Moderate |
| Automation | Moderate | Advanced |
| Templates | 100+ | Many |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Steep |
| Best For | Small business | Enterprise |
Key Differences
Platform Scope
Mailchimp is primarily an email marketing platform with added features like landing pages, social posting, and basic CRM. It does email well and keeps things simple.
HubSpot is a complete marketing, sales, and service platform. Email is one piece of a much larger system including CRM, landing pages, forms, chat, and more.
Pricing Structure
Mailchimp is affordable to start at $13/month, but pricing increases with contacts and features. The jump to Standard ($20/mo) and Premium ($350/mo) tiers is significant.
HubSpot free tools are genuinely useful, but serious email marketing requires the Starter ($20/mo) or Professional ($890/mo) tier. The gap between tiers is enormous.
Ease of Use
Mailchimp is designed for accessibility. Most users can create and send campaigns within an hour of signing up. The interface is intuitive and well-documented.
HubSpot has a steep learning curve. The platform is powerful but complex. Expect to invest significant time in training or hire someone who knows the system.
Pricing Comparison
| Feature Level | Mailchimp | HubSpot |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Email | Free-$13/mo | Free-$20/mo |
| Advanced Automation | $20/mo (Standard) | $890/mo (Pro) |
| Full Features | $350/mo (Premium) | $3,600/mo (Enterprise) |
Pros and Cons
Mailchimp
Pros
- + Easy to learn and use
- + Affordable starting price
- + Great template library
- + Generous free tier
- + Wide integration support
Cons
- - Limited CRM
- - Basic automation
- - Pricing scales poorly
- - Less sophisticated reporting
HubSpot
Pros
- + Complete marketing suite
- + Excellent CRM integration
- + Advanced automation
- + Powerful reporting
- + Enterprise features
Cons
- - Very expensive at scale
- - Steep learning curve
- - Overkill for email-only
- - Complex setup
Who Should Choose What
Choose Mailchimp if:
- You are a small business or just starting out
- Ease of use is a priority
- You need basic email marketing features
- Budget is limited
- You do not need a full CRM
Choose HubSpot if:
- You need a complete marketing and sales platform
- CRM integration is essential
- You have budget for Professional tier
- Your team can invest in learning the platform
- You need advanced reporting and analytics
Consider Sequenzy if:
- You want advanced features without enterprise pricing
- AI-powered optimization appeals to you
- Revenue attribution is important
- You need a modern, focused email tool
The Bottom Line
Mailchimp and HubSpot serve different markets. Mailchimp is the friendly choice for small businesses that need accessible email marketing. HubSpot is the enterprise choice for companies that need a complete marketing stack and can afford it.
For growing businesses that want advanced features without complexity or enterprise pricing, Sequenzy offers a compelling middle ground.
Looking for more comparisons?
Check out our full ranking of 15+ marketing email tools.
View Full Comparison