Klaviyo vs Mailchimp — a side-by-side look at two leading tools, scored and reviewed by DigiJaws. Pricing verified June 2026 and re-checked weekly.
Full reviews: Klaviyo review · Mailchimp review
Quick verdict
- Choose Klaviyo if you want: Best-in-class ecommerce segmentation and predictive analytics across email + SMS. Best for Ecommerce/DTC brands.
- Choose Mailchimp if you want: The most approachable all-in-one marketing platform, with huge brand recognition. Best for Small businesses and beginners.
Side-by-side comparison
| Klaviyo | Mailchimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Best for | Best-in-class ecommerce segmentation and predictive analytics across email + SMS. | The most approachable all-in-one marketing platform, with huge brand recognition. |
| Pricing model | contact-based tiered subscription | contact-based tiered subscription |
| Free tier | yes (250 contacts, 500 emails/mo) | yes (250 contacts, 500 emails/mo) |
| Entry price | No published flat tier; assembled by product and profile count ($20/mo still in Klaviyo’s structured data) | Essentials from $13/mo |
| Ideal team | Ecommerce/DTC brands | Small businesses & beginners |
| Learning curve | Medium-High | Low |
| Full review | Klaviyo review | Mailchimp review |
The bottom line
Klaviyo (4/5) is the pick when best-in-class ecommerce segmentation and predictive analytics across email + sms. matters most; Mailchimp (3.5/5) wins when the most approachable all-in-one marketing platform, with huge brand recognition. is your priority. Watch-outs: Klaviyo — Cost compounds steeply as your list grows, and it is overkill outside ecommerce. Mailchimp — It bills for all contacts (including unsubscribed), and the once-generous free plan is now tiny. Compare the whole field in our tools guide or the Tool Finder.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Klaviyo or Mailchimp?
Mailchimp’s Essentials plan starts from $13/mo. Klaviyo no longer publishes a flat entry tier: its cost is assembled from the products you select and your profile count, though its own structured data still lists an Email plan at $20/mo.
Which has a better free plan?
Both Klaviyo and Mailchimp offer a free plan covering 250 contacts and 500 emails per month, so their free tiers are effectively tied.
Which is better for ecommerce?
Klaviyo offers best-in-class ecommerce segmentation and predictive analytics across email and SMS, making it the stronger choice for ecommerce/DTC brands, while Mailchimp is the more approachable all-in-one option for small businesses and beginners.
Which is easier to learn?
Mailchimp has a low learning curve, while Klaviyo’s learning curve is medium to high.