Mailchimp is the incumbent. Moosend is the challenger that has been quietly winning on features per dollar for several years. If you are considering both, you are probably either migrating away from Mailchimp or comparing the two before committing to one.
The short version: Moosend has a stronger automation builder, better e-commerce features, and lower pricing at comparable tiers. Mailchimp has broader brand recognition and a larger integration ecosystem.
| Feature | Mailchimp | Moosend |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $13/mo | $9/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ Yes (up to 500 contacts) | ✗ No |
| Free trial | Free plan available | 30 days |
| Automation builder | Basic on lower tiers | Full visual builder |
| E-commerce | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes (stronger at entry level) |
| CRM built-in | Basic | ✗ No |
| SMS | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Ease of use | Beginner-friendly | Moderate |
Pricing
Moosend is cheaper. $9/mo vs $13/mo at entry level, and the gap widens as your list grows. Mailchimp also has a history of price increases and charges for unsubscribed contacts on some plans. Moosend's pricing is more predictable.
Automation
Moosend's automation builder is more capable at entry-level pricing. Mailchimp's automation improves on higher tiers but the visual builder is not as flexible as Moosend's for complex workflows.
E-commerce
Both integrate with Shopify and WooCommerce. Moosend's product recommendation engine and purchase-based segmentation are more developed at the entry price point. For a store that wants serious e-commerce automation without paying premium prices, Moosend has an edge.
When to stick with Mailchimp
If you are already on Mailchimp, have a large template library, and rely on specific integrations, migration has a cost. That cost may not be worth it unless you are hitting real limitations. The Mailchimp ecosystem is deep.
Choose Moosend if...
- You want a better automation builder at a lower price
- E-commerce is central to your marketing and you need strong integrations
- You are not yet on Mailchimp and want to start with the better value tool
- You want a 30-day trial to evaluate properly before paying
Consider Mailchimp if...
- You are already on Mailchimp and migration cost outweighs the savings
- You need a specific Mailchimp integration that Moosend does not support
- You want a free plan to start before committing to any paid tool
- Brand familiarity matters for client work or team adoption
The bottom line
If you are starting fresh, Moosend is the better choice for most businesses. Better automation, lower cost, and no list-based pricing. If you are already on Mailchimp, switch if you have a concrete reason: better automation, lower costs, or features you are missing.
Still not sure? Take the Marketing Automation Buyer's Guide quiz. It asks six questions and recommends the right platform based on your specific needs and budget.