Klaviyo vs Mailchimp
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Klaviyo and Mailchimp. We compare features, pricing, ease of use, and value for money to help you make the right choice in 2026.
Reviewed by the Ikaroa team · Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
Klaviyo edges ahead overall with a rating of 4.5/5. However, Mailchimp (4/5) may be the better fit if you prioritise Small businesses and creators focused on email marketing. Read on for the full breakdown.
Klaviyo vs Mailchimp at a Glance
Klaviyo
★ 4.5Klaviyo is the email and SMS marketing platform of choice for e-commerce businesses. Deeply integrated with Shopify, WooCommerce, and other e-commerce platforms, it uses customer data to power highly personalised email and SMS campaigns that drive revenue. Known for its powerful segmentation, predictive analytics, and revenue attribution.
Starting from: £0/month
Best for: E-commerce businesses wanting data-driven email and SMS marketing
Read full review →Mailchimp
★ 4The world's most recognisable email marketing platform, now owned by Intuit. Mailchimp has expanded into basic CRM, landing pages, and social media management.
Starting from: £0/month
Best for: Small businesses and creators focused on email marketing
Read full review →Klaviyo vs Mailchimp Feature Comparison
Here is how Klaviyo and Mailchimp compare across the features that matter most. We have tested both platforms extensively across client implementations.
| Feature | Klaviyo | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Available | Yes | Yes |
| Starting Price | £0/month | £0/month |
| Best For | E-commerce businesses wanting data-driven email and SMS marketing | Small businesses and creators focused on email marketing |
| Our Rating | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Mobile App | Limited | Limited |
| Email Marketing | No | Yes |
| Automation | Yes | Yes |
| Reporting | Basic | Yes |
| Integrations | Limited | Extensive |
| API Access | Limited | Limited |
| Ikaroa Exclusive Discount | N/A | N/A |
Klaviyo vs Mailchimp Pricing
Pricing is often the deciding factor. Here is a full breakdown of what each platform charges at every tier:
Klaviyo Pricing
Free
£0/month
- ✓250 contacts
- ✓500 email sends
- ✓150 SMS credits
- ✓Core features
£16/month
- ✓500 contacts
- ✓5,000 emails
- ✓A/B testing
- ✓Automation flows
Email & SMS
£52/month
- ✓500 contacts
- ✓5,000 emails
- ✓1,250 SMS credits
- ✓Automated SMS flows
Mailchimp Pricing
Free
£0/month
- ✓500 contacts
- ✓1,000 sends/month
- ✓Basic email templates
- ✓Landing pages
Essentials
£10/month
- ✓Everything in Free
- ✓5,000 sends/month
- ✓A/B testing
- ✓24/7 support
Standard
£15/month
- ✓Everything in Essentials
- ✓Automation
- ✓Retargeting ads
- ✓Custom templates
Premium
£270/month
- ✓Everything in Standard
- ✓Advanced segmentation
- ✓Multivariate testing
- ✓Phone support
Not sure which to pick?
Our team has implemented both Klaviyo and Mailchimp for clients. We can help you decide based on your specific needs.
Klaviyo Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Best-in-class e-commerce integrations
- •Powerful predictive analytics and segmentation
- •Excellent revenue attribution reporting
- •Deep Shopify integration
- •Strong template library for e-commerce
✗Cons
- •Expensive as contact list grows
- •Steep learning curve for beginners
- •Overkill for non-e-commerce businesses
- •Free plan is very limited
- •SMS pricing can add up quickly
Mailchimp Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Extremely well-known and trusted brand
- •Easy to use email builder
- •Good template library
- •Strong integration ecosystem
- •Useful creative tools and content optimiser
✗Cons
- •CRM features are very basic
- •Free plan has been significantly reduced
- •Pricing increases sharply with contact count
- •Limited automation on lower tiers
- •Contact-based pricing means paying for unsubscribed contacts
Our Verdict: Klaviyo vs Mailchimp
Both Klaviyo and Mailchimp are solid options, but they serve different needs. Having implemented both for multiple clients, here is our recommendation:
Choose Klaviyo if you need E-commerce businesses wanting data-driven email and SMS marketing. With a starting price of £0/month and a rating of 4.5/5, it offers best-in-class e-commerce integrations.
Choose Mailchimp if you need Small businesses and creators focused on email marketing. Starting at £0/month with a 4/5 rating, it excels at extremely well-known and trusted brand.
Still not sure? Talk to the Ikaroa team. We have helped hundreds of businesses make this exact decision, and we are happy to point you in the right direction.
🎁 Get either product at a discount through Ikaroa Partners
Consider Open Doors Instead
Why choose between Klaviyo and Mailchimp? Open Doors gives you the best features of both in one platform, for less. It is an all-in-one CRM with email marketing, SMS, funnels, booking, invoicing, automation, and more, starting at just £97/month with unlimited contacts.
Need implementation help?
Ikaroa can set up Klaviyo or Mailchimp for your business, migrate your data, and train your team. We have done it dozens of times.
Free consultation. No obligation.