Constant Contact and AWeber are two of the oldest names in email marketing. Both have been around for over two decades and are known for being approachable for small businesses and beginners. They are broadly similar tools, and choosing between them often comes down to specific features and pricing.
Neither is the most powerful tool available, and both have stronger competitors at similar price points. If you are already using one of them and it is working, there is no strong reason to switch to the other.
| Feature | Constant Contact | AWeber |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $12/mo | $15/mo |
| Free plan | ✗ No (60-day trial) | ✓ 500 subscribers |
| Event management | ✓ Built in | ✗ No |
| Landing pages | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Visual automation | ✓ Basic | ✓ Basic |
| E-commerce integrations | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Ease of use | Very easy | Very easy |
| Best for | Events, nonprofits, local businesses | Beginners, small lists, bloggers |
Event management
Constant Contact's standout feature is built-in event management. You can create event registration pages, manage ticketing, send invitations, and track RSVPs directly from the platform. For nonprofits, associations, and local businesses that run regular events, this is genuinely useful.
AWeber has no equivalent event feature.
Pricing
Constant Contact starts at $12/mo with no free plan, only a 60-day trial. AWeber has a free plan for up to 500 subscribers and paid plans starting at $15/mo.
For businesses starting out, AWeber's free plan is a meaningful advantage. Once you are on paid plans, Constant Contact is slightly cheaper at entry level.
Automation
Both tools have basic automation builders adequate for welcome sequences and simple drip campaigns. Neither competes with ActiveCampaign or even GetResponse on automation depth.
If sophisticated automation is a priority, neither of these tools is the right choice.
Deliverability and support
Both have strong reputations for deliverability and customer support. AWeber is particularly known for its phone and live chat support, which is available on paid plans. Both tools have been reliable senders for decades.
Choose Constant Contact if...
- You run events and want registration and ticketing built into your email tool
- You are a nonprofit, association, or local business with regular in-person events
- You already use Constant Contact and it meets your needs
Choose AWeber if...
- You want a free plan to get started
- You are a blogger or creator needing simple email tools
- You value phone support on your plan
- You want a straightforward, no-frills email tool
The bottom line
These two tools are close enough that the decision often comes down to one specific need. Constant Contact for events. AWeber for a free starting plan. Neither is the strongest choice if you are evaluating from scratch: MailerLite, Brevo, or ActiveCampaign offer more at comparable prices.
Not sure which tool is right for you? Take the Marketing Automation Buyer's Guide quiz for a personalized recommendation, or compare tools side by side.