Mailchimp and Constant Contact have both been around for decades and are often the first two tools people consider when starting email marketing. They are similar in a lot of ways: both are beginner-friendly, both cover the basics well: but they differ in price structure, support, and what happens as you grow.
| Feature | Mailchimp | Constant Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $13/mo | $12/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ Up to 500 contacts | ✗ No (60-day trial) |
| Automation | Basic | Basic |
| Phone support | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Template variety | Extensive | Good |
| Event marketing tools | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Best for | Beginners wanting free plan | SMBs wanting phone support |
Pricing
Mailchimp has a free plan for up to 500 contacts. Constant Contact does not offer a free plan but does have a 60-day free trial. On paid tiers, Constant Contact tends to be slightly more expensive. Both charge by contact count.
Ease of use
Both are designed for non-technical users and are easy to get started with. Constant Contact's interface is arguably even simpler than Mailchimp's. If ease of use is your primary criteria, either will work.
Support
Constant Contact is notably better on customer support: phone and chat support is available on all plans. Mailchimp's support is more limited, especially on lower tiers. For small businesses that want to be able to call someone, this matters.
Features
Mailchimp has more features overall: more templates, better analytics, more integrations, and a more developed automation tool. Constant Contact is more focused and less overwhelming for pure email marketers who just want to send campaigns.
Consider Mailchimp if...
- You want a free plan to get started without committing
- You need a wider range of templates and design options
- You want better analytics and reporting at lower price points
- You plan to use integrations with many third-party tools
Choose Constant Contact if...
- You want phone support and a more hands-on onboarding experience
- You run events and want built-in event management tools
- You prefer a simpler interface with fewer options to get lost in
- You are a nonprofit: Constant Contact offers nonprofit discounts
The bottom line
These two tools are broadly comparable and neither is a standout recommendation. Mailchimp has a free plan and more integrations. Constant Contact has better support and a simpler experience. If you are starting fresh, both have stronger alternatives at similar price points.
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.