Mailchimp vs SendGrid: Full Comparison (2026)
Pricing, features, scores, and a clear verdict on which one is right for you.
The bottom line
Mailchimp positions itself as "all-in-one marketing platform" while SendGrid goes after "email delivery api and marketing platform" — so the right pick depends on which problem you're actually solving. Both use freemium pricing, but Mailchimp charges per contact while SendGrid charges per email — a meaningful difference for larger teams. Mailchimp (founded 2001) has had more time to build out its ecosystem and integrations, while SendGrid (2009) tends to move faster on modern UX and newer workflows.
At a glance
| Mailchimp | SendGrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 78/100 | 81/100 |
| Starting price | $13/mo | $20/mo |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | All-in-one marketing platform | Email delivery API and marketing platform |
Pricing comparison
Calculate your cost
Feature comparison
core
| Feature | Mailchimp | SendGrid |
|---|---|---|
| Email builder | Yes | No |
| Automation | Yes | No |
| A/B testing | Yes | No |
| Landing pages | Yes | No |
| Signup forms | Yes | No |
| Email API | No | Yes |
| SMTP relay | No | Yes |
| Webhooks | No | Yes |
| Templates | No | Yes |
| Analytics | No | Yes |
Ratings breakdown
What the data tells us
How costs scale
Mailchimp's pricing curve is steeper — the jump from its entry plan to its top tier is more dramatic than SendGrid's. If you're a growing team, model the 12-month cost at your projected team size, not just today's. SendGrid tends to stay more predictable as you add seats or usage.
Key capabilities you'd miss
Choosing Mailchimp means going without Email API, SMTP relay, Webhooks (which SendGrid offers). Choosing SendGrid means losing Email builder, Automation, A/B testing. These are the features that typically drive the final decision — check whether your workflow depends on any of them before committing.
Choose Mailchimp if...
- You want a free tier to get started
- You value an intuitive, easy-to-use interface
- You need enterprise-grade capabilities
Choose SendGrid if...
- You want a free tier to get started
- You value an intuitive, easy-to-use interface
- You need enterprise-grade capabilities
Frequently asked questions
Is Mailchimp or SendGrid better?
SendGrid scores 81/100 compared to Mailchimp's 78/100 on VendorVS. However, the best choice depends on your needs — Mailchimp excels at ease of use (9/10) while SendGrid scores 8/10.
How much does Mailchimp cost compared to SendGrid?
Mailchimp starts at $13/mo (free tier available). SendGrid starts at $20/mo (free tier available). Mailchimp is the more affordable option.
Does Mailchimp or SendGrid have a free plan?
Yes, both Mailchimp and SendGrid offer free tiers, so you can try each before committing to a paid plan.
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