AWeber was one of the first email marketing tools. Mailchimp came along and gradually became the default choice for small businesses. Both are solid, beginner-friendly tools, but Mailchimp has clearly won more market share. The question is whether AWeber still has advantages worth considering.
| Feature | Mailchimp | AWeber |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $13/mo | $15/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ 500 contacts | ✓ 500 subscribers |
| Free plan sends | 1,000/mo | 3,000/mo |
| 24/7 support | ✗ No | ✓ Yes on all plans |
| Automation | Basic | Basic |
| Template library | Extensive | Good |
| Best for | Modern interface, integrations | Support, simplicity |
Pricing
AWeber's free plan covers up to 500 subscribers with 3,000 emails/mo. Mailchimp's free plan is 500 contacts and 1,000 emails/mo. AWeber's free plan is slightly more generous on sends. Paid plans are similarly priced.
Ease of use
Both are designed for beginners and are easy to navigate. Mailchimp's interface is more modern. AWeber's interface has improved but still feels slightly dated compared to Mailchimp. Either will work for non-technical users.
Automation
Both have basic automation. AWeber's automation (called Campaigns) covers standard sequences and triggers. Mailchimp's automation is comparable at the same price tiers. Neither is a power automation tool: for that you need ActiveCampaign or Brevo.
Support
AWeber offers 24/7 live chat and email support on all plans including free. Mailchimp's support is more limited, particularly on the free plan. For users who want accessible support, AWeber has an advantage.
Consider Mailchimp if...
- You want the most widely supported integrations
- You prefer a more modern interface and design tools
- You want better analytics at the same price point
- Brand recognition and ecosystem matter to you
Choose AWeber if...
- You want 24/7 support available even on the free plan
- You prefer a slightly simpler, no-frills interface
- You want more sends on the free plan
- You have been using AWeber for years and are happy with it
The bottom line
Neither tool is a strong recommendation if you are starting fresh. AWeber's main differentiator is 24/7 support, which is worth more than people expect when something goes wrong. Mailchimp has broader integrations but has been raising prices and shrinking its free plan. If you are already on one of them and it is working, the switching cost probably does not make sense.
Not sure which tool is right for you? Take the Marketing Automation Buyer's Guide quiz. It asks six questions and recommends the right platform based on your needs and budget.