If you are looking for a Mailchimp alternative, start with Brevo and HubSpot. Mailchimp Essentials starts at $13/month for 500 contacts, while Brevo's Starter starts at $9/month for 5,000 emails and HubSpot's free tools cover up to 2 users. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize messaging and contact management or a connected sales and marketing process.
The shortlist at a glance
Software shortlist with pricing, free plans, and key differences
Brevo belongs on this shortlist when you need messaging and contact management. A different mix of messaging and CRM tools. Brevo's Starter starts at $9/month for 5,000 emails/month, billed monthly with 10% off billed yearly. It is a substitute for that job, not necessarily every feature in Mailchimp.
HubSpot belongs on this shortlist when you need a connected sales and marketing process. Marketing connected to a broader customer record. HubSpot's free tools cover up to 2 users, and Starter is $15 per seat/month billed annually ($20 billed monthly). It is a substitute for that job, not necessarily every feature in Mailchimp.
Shortlist Mailchimp if email campaigns and audience segments are central to your work. Validate the exact plan and test a representative task before choosing.
Start with the workflow that is causing friction. Export a small, representative set of data and recreate it in your strongest candidate. Check whether ownership, permissions, and useful context survive the move.
On pricing, Mailchimp’s free plan covers businesses with fewer than 500 contacts, and at the 500-contact tier Essentials starts at $13/month, Standard at $20/month, and Premium at $350/month, all billed monthly, with costs rising as your contact count grows. Brevo prices by email volume instead, from $9/month for 5,000 emails/month, and HubSpot starts with free tools for up to 2 users before its $15 per seat/month Starter. Prices are US list prices; confirm regional pricing and taxes on each vendor’s site.
Keep the old workspace available during the pilot. Agree on who will maintain the new structure and what a successful trial should demonstrate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Mailchimp?+
For messaging and contact management, evaluate Brevo first; Starter starts at $9/month for 5,000 emails/month versus Mailchimp Essentials at $13/month for 500 contacts. The best overall choice depends on your required workflow, migration constraints, and budget.
Should I switch away from Mailchimp?+
Only if the new tool solves a recurring problem. Pilot one workflow, check exports and permissions, and account for the time needed to retrain your team. Model the contact-count pricing on both sides, since Mailchimp's costs rise with your audience size and Brevo's rise with email volume.
Brevo
HubSpot
$9.00 / mo
Mailchimp
