Brevo vs Mailchimp (2026)
Contact-unlimited email + SMS marketing vs the most recognized name in email — updated April 2026.
Quick Verdict: Brevo wins 7-5 on value. Its pricing model (pay per send, not per contact) is a game-changer for large lists. Plus built-in SMS and WhatsApp campaigns. Mailchimp wins on brand recognition, ease of use, and its template ecosystem for beginners.
Best Value for Large Lists
Brevo
Email + SMS marketing billed by sends, not contacts
Pros
- Unlimited contacts on all plans
- Charged per email sent, not stored
- Built-in SMS and WhatsApp campaigns
- Transactional email included
- Free plan: 300 emails/day
Cons
- Brevo logo on free plan emails
- Template library smaller than Mailchimp
- Less beginner-friendly
Free (300 emails/day) or from $25/mo
Try Brevo Free →Best for Beginners
Mailchimp
The world's most popular email marketing platform
Pros
- Most recognizable email platform
- Huge template library
- Easy drag-and-drop builder
- Strong integrations (300+)
- Good analytics and reports
Cons
- Charges per contact (expensive at scale)
- Free plan limited to 500 contacts
- Limited SMS capabilities
Free (500 contacts) or from $13/mo
Try Mailchimp Free →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Brevo | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Per email sent | Per contact stored |
| Free Plan Limit | 300 emails/day | 500 contacts |
| Unlimited Contacts | ✅ | ❌ |
| SMS Marketing | ✅ Native | Very limited |
| WhatsApp Campaigns | ✅ | ❌ |
| Automation | ✅ | ✅ |
| Template Library | Good | Large |
| Transactional Email | ✅ | Add-on (Mandrill) |
| A/B Testing | ✅ | ✅ |
| Landing Pages | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ease of Use | Good | Excellent |
| Score | 7/10 | 5/10 |
Which do you use?
Brevo
Mailchimp
Who Should Choose Each Tool
Choose Brevo if you…
- Have a large list but email infrequently
- Need SMS or WhatsApp campaigns
- Send transactional emails alongside marketing
- Want unlimited contacts on any plan
Choose Mailchimp if you…
- Are just starting email marketing
- Have a small list (under 1,000 contacts)
- Want the largest template ecosystem
- Need many third-party integrations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brevo cheaper than Mailchimp?
For large contact lists, yes. Brevo charges based on emails sent (not contacts stored), which makes it significantly cheaper for businesses with large lists that send less frequently.
Does Brevo have SMS marketing?
Yes. Brevo has built-in SMS marketing, WhatsApp campaigns, and transactional SMS. Mailchimp has very limited SMS capabilities in comparison.
Is Brevo (Sendinblue) good?
Yes. Brevo is a highly regarded email marketing platform with excellent deliverability, automation, and multi-channel features at competitive pricing.
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Methodology: Scores are based on feature depth, pricing value, user reviews from G2 and Capterra, and hands-on testing. Updated April 2026.
Last updated: April 10, 2026
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