Mailchimp vs Klaviyo
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: Klaviyo (4.5/5)
We tested Mailchimp and Klaviyo side-by-side. Klaviyo comes out ahead overall, but Mailchimp may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | Mailchimp | Klaviyo |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Ease of Use | 9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Value for Money | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Customer Support | 7/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Overall | 7.8/10 | 8.8/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Mailchimp | Klaviyo |
|---|---|---|
| Email Builder | Yes | No |
| Automation | Yes | No |
| Landing Pages | Yes | No |
| Analytics | Yes | Yes |
| CRM | Yes | No |
| Social Posting | Yes | No |
| Email Campaigns | No | Yes |
| Flows | No | Yes |
| Segmentation | No | Yes |
| SMS Marketing | No | Yes |
| Predictive Analytics | No | Yes |
| Product Recommendations | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
Mailchimp: Free – $350/mo
Klaviyo: Free – $150+/mo
Mailchimp Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best email template builder in the industry
- Creative Assistant generates brand-matched designs
- Generous (if reduced) free plan
- Built-in landing pages and social ads
- Excellent reporting with industry benchmarks
Cons
- Free plan reduced to 500 contacts
- Pricing scales quickly with list size
- Automations less powerful than Klaviyo/ActiveCampaign
- Phone support only on $350+ plan
- Increasing upsells since Intuit acquisition
Klaviyo Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best-in-class Shopify integration
- Revenue attribution for every email
- Powerful segmentation based on purchase behavior
- SMS and email in one platform
- Predictive analytics for customer lifetime value
Cons
- More expensive than Mailchimp and alternatives
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Email template builder could be more polished
- Not suited for non-e-commerce businesses
Key Specifications
| Spec | Mailchimp | Klaviyo |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Pricing | Free – $350/mo | Free – $150+/mo |
| Year Founded | 2001 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, GA | Boston, MA |
| Employees | 1,200+ | 1,500+ |
| Best For | Small businesses | E-commerce brands |
| Free Plan | Yes (500 contacts) | Yes (250 contacts) |
| SMS Marketing | N/A | Yes |
Our Verdict
Klaviyo wins overall. Choose Mailchimp if you value Small businesses just starting email marketing. Choose Klaviyo if you prioritize Shopify and WooCommerce store owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mailchimp better than Klaviyo?
Based on our testing, Klaviyo scores higher with a rating of 4.5/5 compared to Mailchimp's 4.3/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the main difference between Mailchimp and Klaviyo?
Mailchimp is known for: The most recognized email marketing platform with templates, automations, landing pages, and a basic CRM for small businesses.. Klaviyo is known for: The email and SMS marketing platform purpose-built for e-commerce revenue..
Which is cheaper, Mailchimp or Klaviyo?
Mailchimp pricing: Free – $350/mo. Klaviyo pricing: Free – $150+/mo.
Can I use Mailchimp and Klaviyo together?
While both tools serve similar purposes in the Email Marketing category, some users do use complementary features from both platforms.
What are the pros of Mailchimp?
Best email template builder in the industry. Creative Assistant generates brand-matched designs. Generous (if reduced) free plan
What are the pros of Klaviyo?
Best-in-class Shopify integration. Revenue attribution for every email. Powerful segmentation based on purchase behavior
Which email marketing should I choose?
Choose Mailchimp if you value Small businesses just starting email marketing. Choose Klaviyo if you prioritize Shopify and WooCommerce store owners.