Constant Contact vs Mailchimp Pricing: Which Is Cheaper?
Choosing the right email marketing platform can feel overwhelming, especially when budget is a key factor. Both Constant Contact and Mailchimp are popular choices, but their pricing structures differ significantly. Understanding these differences is crucial to ensure you get the best value for your specific needs.
This comparison dives deep into the ‘constant contact vs mailchimp pricing’ models. We’ll explore the various plans, features, and hidden costs associated with each platform. Our goal is to empower you to make an informed decision that aligns with your marketing goals and financial constraints.
Whether you’re a small business owner or a seasoned marketer, this guide will provide valuable insights. We’ll break down the pricing tiers, highlighting the key features included in each plan. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which platform offers the most cost-effective solution for your email marketing endeavors.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Constant Contact | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Email Templates | Yes | Yes |
| Contact Management | Yes | Yes |
| Segmentation | Yes | Yes |
| Automation | Yes | Yes |
| A/B Testing | Yes | Yes |
| Reporting & Analytics | Yes | Yes |
| Landing Pages | Yes | Yes |
| E-commerce Integrations | Yes | Yes |
| Social Media Integration | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Support | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Free Plan | No | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Pricing Structure
- Constant Contact: Constant Contact offers tiered pricing based on the number of contacts. Plans range from basic to premium, with features increasing at each level. They often have promotional offers for new customers. The pricing can be straightforward, but can become expensive for large lists.
- Mailchimp Pricing: Mailchimp uses a freemium model with a free plan for up to a certain number of contacts. Paid plans are tiered based on contact count and features, with options for monthly or pay-as-you-go. Mailchimp’s pricing can be complex with various add-ons and feature bundles.
- Winner: Tie
Free Plan Availability
- Constant Contact: Constant Contact does not offer a truly free plan. They provide a free trial, but it is limited in time.
- Mailchimp Pricing: Mailchimp offers a free plan with limited features, a specific number of contacts and email sends per month, making it a good option for beginners.
- Winner: Mailchimp
Contact Limits & Tiering
- Constant Contact: Pricing tiers in Constant Contact are defined by the number of contacts. Plans scale upward, with the price increasing as your list grows. Offers more flexibility with how you manage your contacts.
- Mailchimp Pricing: Mailchimp’s plans are based on contact count, with limits on the number of emails sent per month. They also offer different tiers of features based on the plan. This can be restrictive if you have a large contact list.
- Winner: Tie
Email Sending Limits
- Constant Contact: Constant Contact’s paid plans generally have generous email sending limits, often allowing unlimited sends within the plan’s terms. It is a good choice for businesses that send frequent emails.
- Mailchimp Pricing: Mailchimp’s free plan has significant sending limits, and paid plans have sending limits tied to the chosen tier. This can be a factor for businesses that send large volumes of emails.
- Winner: Constant Contact
Feature Set (Automation)
- Constant Contact: Constant Contact offers robust automation features, including triggered emails, autoresponders, and segmentation capabilities. They provide a good range of marketing automation tools.
- Mailchimp Pricing: Mailchimp provides advanced automation features, including multi-step workflows, customer journey mapping, and a visual automation builder. They offer extensive automation capabilities.
- Winner: Mailchimp
Feature Set (Templates & Design)
- Constant Contact: Constant Contact offers a variety of customizable email templates and a drag-and-drop editor. The templates are generally easy to use and mobile-responsive.
- Mailchimp Pricing: Mailchimp provides a vast library of templates and a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor. They have advanced design tools and customization options.
- Winner: Mailchimp
Customer Support
- Constant Contact: Constant Contact offers customer support via phone, email, and live chat, with a comprehensive knowledge base. Provides good customer support.
- Mailchimp Pricing: Mailchimp’s customer support varies by plan, with email support available on all paid plans. Live chat and phone support are available on higher-tier plans.
- Winner: Constant Contact
Integrations
- Constant Contact: Constant Contact integrates with popular platforms, including e-commerce, CRM, and social media. The number of integrations is somewhat limited compared to Mailchimp.
- Mailchimp Pricing: Mailchimp offers a wide range of integrations with various tools and platforms, including e-commerce, CRM, and social media, with an extensive API.
- Winner: Mailchimp
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Constant Contact |
| Pricing (Free Plan) | Mailchimp |
| Customer Support | Constant Contact |
| Advanced Automation | Mailchimp |
| E-commerce Integrations | Mailchimp |
| Event Marketing | Constant Contact |
What They Have in Common
- Email Templates: Both platforms offer a wide variety of pre-designed email templates to help users create visually appealing campaigns quickly and easily. These templates are customizable to fit specific branding needs.
- Contact Management: Both Constant Contact and Mailchimp provide robust contact management features, allowing users to import, organize, and segment their subscriber lists effectively. This includes the ability to add custom fields.
- Automation: Both offer automation features that allow users to set up automated email sequences based on triggers like new subscribers, purchases, or specific actions, helping to nurture leads and engage customers.
- Reporting & Analytics: Comprehensive reporting and analytics are available on both platforms, providing insights into campaign performance, open rates, click-through rates, and other key metrics to help users optimize their strategies.
- Segmentation: Both enable users to segment their email lists based on various criteria, such as demographics, behavior, and purchase history, allowing for targeted messaging and improved engagement.
- A/b Testing: Both include A/B testing capabilities, allowing users to test different subject lines, content, and send times to optimize their campaigns for better results.
Constant Contact Vs Mailchimp Pricing Buying Guide
Understanding Your Email Marketing Needs
Before diving into pricing, assess your specific email marketing requirements. Consider factors like the size of your email list, the frequency of your campaigns, and the complexity of your desired features. Do you need advanced automation, A/B testing, and segmentation capabilities? Are you focused on e-commerce integrations or simply sending newsletters? Accurately defining your needs will help you choose the plan that offers the best value for your investment. This understanding will prevent overspending on features you don’t require or underspending and missing crucial functionalities.
Constant Contact Pricing Structure
Constant Contact offers a tiered pricing structure primarily based on the number of contacts in your list. They have two main plans: Core and Plus. The Core plan provides essential features like email sending, list management, and basic templates. The Plus plan includes more advanced features such as automation, event marketing, and e-commerce integrations. Constant Contact often offers discounts for non-profits and pre-payment options. Evaluate your list size and desired features carefully to determine the best Constant Contact plan.
Mailchimp Pricing Structure
Mailchimp’s pricing is also tiered, but it incorporates a freemium model and a more complex structure than Constant Contact. They offer a Free plan for up to a certain number of contacts, making it attractive for startups. Paid plans include Standard, Premium, and a new “Essentials” plan. Pricing is influenced by the number of contacts and the features you need. Mailchimp’s pricing can be more dynamic due to their credit system and add-ons. Consider your list size, sending volume, and desired features to compare plans.
Feature Comparison: Constant Contact vs. Mailchimp
Both platforms provide core email marketing features, but differences exist. Constant Contact often excels in ease of use and customer support, making it a good choice for beginners. Mailchimp offers more advanced automation and segmentation capabilities, particularly in their paid plans. Consider which features are most important to your business. Does your business need intricate automation, or is ease of use a higher priority? Thoroughly compare the feature sets of each platform.
Long-Term Cost Considerations
Beyond the initial monthly fees, consider long-term cost implications. Evaluate the scalability of each platform. As your list grows, how will the pricing change? Some platforms offer more competitive rates for larger lists. Assess the availability of add-ons and their associated costs. Factor in the time investment required to learn and utilize each platform. The platform that minimizes ongoing expenses and maximizes your return on investment is the most cost-effective solution.
Trial Periods and Free Plans
Take advantage of free trials and free plans to test each platform before committing. Constant Contact offers a free trial of its paid plans. Mailchimp’s Free plan allows you to send emails to a limited number of contacts. Use these opportunities to experiment with different features and assess user-friendliness. This hands-on experience will help you make an informed decision. These trials and free plans are a fantastic way to determine if a platform suits your business needs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Constant Contact If…
- You prioritize ease of use and a user-friendly interface.
- You need responsive customer support, especially for beginners.
- You want a platform with strong event marketing features.
- You value a platform that offers phone and live chat support.
Buy Mailchimp If…
- You have a small budget and want a free plan to get started.
- You need advanced segmentation and automation features.
- You are looking for a platform with more e-commerce integrations.
- You need more advanced design capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary pricing models of Constant Contact and Mailchimp?
Both Constant Contact and Mailchimp primarily base their pricing on the number of contacts in your email list. Constant Contact usually offers a tiered structure with Core and Plus plans. Mailchimp uses a freemium model, offering a free plan and paid plans like Standard and Premium, with pricing affected by contact count and features. They both adjust pricing based on features and list size, but the specifics differ.
Which platform offers a free plan?
Mailchimp offers a free plan. This free plan provides access to basic email marketing features for a limited number of contacts. This makes Mailchimp a popular choice for small businesses and those just starting with email marketing. The free plan allows you to test out the platform before committing to a paid plan. Constant Contact has a free trial, but not a free plan.
How does the pricing change as my email list grows?
As your email list grows, both platforms increase their pricing. Constant Contact and Mailchimp have multiple tiers. As you exceed the contact limits of your current plan, you’ll be automatically or manually moved to the next tier, which comes with a higher monthly fee. This scalability is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a platform, especially if you anticipate list growth.
Are there any discounts available?
Yes, both Constant Contact and Mailchimp occasionally offer discounts. Constant Contact frequently provides discounts for non-profit organizations and may offer promotional pricing. Mailchimp might offer discounts or promotional deals. Always check the official websites for the most up-to-date information on discounts and special offers. Prepayment options may also reduce the monthly cost.
Which platform is easier to use for beginners?
Constant Contact is generally considered easier to use for beginners due to its intuitive interface and readily available customer support. Mailchimp, while user-friendly, can have a steeper learning curve, particularly with its more advanced features. Constant Contact’s simpler design makes it easier to navigate, create campaigns, and manage your lists. Both platforms offer tutorials and support resources.
Does pricing include customer support?
Yes, both Constant Contact and Mailchimp provide customer support with their paid plans. The level of support may vary depending on the plan you choose. Constant Contact often emphasizes its customer support, offering phone, email, and live chat. Mailchimp provides support through email and live chat, with more extensive support available on higher-tier plans. Ensure the support aligns with your needs.
What are the hidden costs to consider?
Hidden costs can include the prices of add-ons, exceeding sending limits, and any fees associated with migrating from one platform to another. Evaluate if you need any additional features, and understand how they affect your monthly bill. Also consider the cost of your time in learning to use the platform. It’s important to understand all costs before making a decision.
Final Verdict
Choosing between Constant Contact and Mailchimp depends on your specific needs and budget. Constant Contact is a strong choice for beginners and those prioritizing ease of use and customer support. Mailchimp offers more advanced features and a free plan, making it suitable for growing businesses. Consider your list size, desired features, and long-term goals to make the best decision.
Winner: [This example is Mailchimp]