Klaviyo vs Mailchimp: What is the Best Tool for Your Business?

Klaviyo vs Mailchimp comparison
Table of Contents

    When you look for an email marketing platform, like Mailchimp or Klaviyo, to employ for your business, it’s critical not to take the influence of this decision lightly. The success of your marketing efforts and even your brand’s growth could be at stake. One mistake, and you might waste time and money on something that doesn’t meet your requirements and objectives. With the right choice, however, you can gain from helpful features and services. 

    When it comes to the most popular services, both Klaviyo and Mailchimp are close competitors with established markets and big client bases. However, they’re not quite the same, having different strong and weak points that you need to be aware of before purchasing one of the services. In this article, we’ll compare Klaviyo and Mailchimp to help you with the decision.

     

    Klaviyo vs. Mailchimp Compared

    Let’s start our comparison with a general overview of these services and highlight their objectives. 

    KlaviyoMailchimp
    FocusEcommerce marketingAll-in-one marketing solution
    PricingFree plan available; Paid plans start at $20/month;
    Billing is based on the number of active subscribers and correlates with the level of advanced features
    Free plan available; Paid plans start at $13/month; Becomes increasingly expensive as contact lists grow
    Ease of useHas an easy-to-use interface, but there is a significant learning curve due to the complexity of some of its functions.Intended for a broad audience, with a focus on small business owners. Beginners can learn it quickly.
    AutomationsHighly regarded for their sophisticated and customizable workflows, particularly for ecommerceEasy to use and efficient to build workflows. Advanced features are only available with higher-tier services and may not be as reliable as alternatives.
    Feature SetRobust and comprehensive, offering advanced functionality for ecommerce businessesUser-friendly and comprehensive for basic to intermediate email marketing needs
    Integrations350+ native integrations; available custom API integrations and more via Zapier300+ native integrations; integrations through Zapier

    Highlights: Mailchimp is an email marketing tool designed for any type of business, whereas Klaviyo is an ecommerce-focused platform.

    Klaviyo is the best for ecommerce firms who are serious about stepping up their marketing game and looking for advanced features. Mailchimp places a greater priority on simplicity and ease of use.

    Klaviyo Overview

    Klaviyo overview image.

    Klaviyo is an amazing marketing CRM that combines marketing, analytics, and customer support on one platform for seamless expansion, real-time personalization, and improved decision-making. It generates billions of dollars for both big and small businesses worldwide.

    The primary goal of Klaviyo is to assist ecommerce companies. It is a significant player in the email marketing industry and offers data-driven marketing automation technology.

    Klaviyo is regarded as one of the top platforms by numerous companies, including the email marketing firm Flowium. More than 100,000 firms can boost income through various channels they control, with this advanced customer data platform.

    Top features:

    • Drag-and-drop automation builder. 
    • Segmentation. 
    • Campaigns. 
    • Email templates. 
    • Built-in forms and pop-ups. 
    • Automated A/B testing. 
    • Multichannel attribution. 
    • Customer profiles with details. 
    • Personalized product recommendations and benchmarks.

    Mailchimp Overview

    Email marketing software Mailchimp

    The greatest option for rookies and small organizations seeking a comprehensive marketing platform is Mailchimp. It provides a vast array of marketing tools, including social media, websites, and advertisements, along with very sophisticated AI and automation capabilities. 

    The platform has more than 11 million users globally. With the claimed 99% delivery rate and connection with more than 300 tools, Mailchimp gives companies simple methods to engage with clients, encourage recurring business, and create enduring brand loyalty.

    Top features:

    • Custom and pre-built email templates.
    • Multivariable and A/B testing.
    • Automated customer journeys.
    • Campaign management.
    • Reporting and analytics.
    • Email scheduling.
    • Predictive segmentation.

    Klaviyo vs Mailchimp: Pros and Cons

    It can be difficult to decide on Klaviyo versus Mailchimp. For businesses looking to invest in email marketing, both of these solutions are great options. They are feature-rich, easy to use, and packed with helpful analytics and automation. Let’s see what advantages each of them has to offer and what drawbacks you need to be wary of.

    Klaviyo Advantages and Disadvantages

    Klaviyo Pros:

    • Prioritized Ecommerce

    Klaviyo’s market-specific capabilities and smooth integration with multiple ecommerce platforms make it an excellent tool for businesses interested in online sales.

    • Advanced Segmentation

    Targeted and customized email marketing is made possible by the platform’s ability to carry out comprehensive segmentation based on customer behavior.

    • Capabilities for Automation

    With the help of Klaviyo’s robust automation capabilities, businesses may design intricate automated processes that are activated by particular occasions or customer actions.

    • Customization

    The platform’s personalization feature enables businesses to produce dynamic, tailored content based on customer data.

    • Reporting and Analytics

    Businesses can monitor the effectiveness of their email campaigns and make data-driven choices using Klaviyo’s extensive analytics and reporting capabilities.

    • Usability

    Many customers also mention how simple Klaviyo is to use.

    • Campaign Timing Powered by AI

    To maximize interaction, Klaviyo also knows when to send emails.

    Klaviyo Cons:

    • The Learning Curve

    Compared to more straightforward email marketing platforms, some customers can find Klaviyo’s comprehensive features more challenging to understand.

    • Cost

    Depending on the size and requirements of the business, Klaviyo could seem more costly than alternative email marketing options. Smaller businesses might find it difficult to pay for this.

    • More Complex Tailored Integrations

    Klaviyo may require more work to integrate with unique or unusual systems, even though it works well with well-known e-commerce platforms.

    • Analytics Limitations

    If a more thorough analysis is required, analytics might have limits.

    • Requires Extra Optimization

    Although they need to be optimized, pre-built flows are available.

    Mailchimp Benefits and Drawbacks

    Mailchimp Pros:

    • Easy-to-use Interface

    Beginners can generate professional-looking emails with Mailchimp’s drag-and-drop email builder and user-friendly interface without any technical knowledge.

    • Strong Automation Features

    With the platform’s automation features, companies can send customized emails depending on consumer behavior or predetermined triggers, increasing productivity and engagement.

    • All-inclusive Analytics

    To improve future emails, users may monitor campaign results, open rates, and conversions with the aid of Mailchimp’s comprehensive reporting and analytics.

    • Numerous Integration Choices

    Its smooth integration with other systems, like Shopify, WordPress, and Salesforce, makes it possible to streamline marketing initiatives across multiple platforms.

    • Availability of Free Tiers

    Small businesses and startups can utilize Mailchimp because it offers a free plan that lets users send up to 10,000 emails to 2,000 subscribers each month.

    Mailchimp Cons:

    • Limited Possibilities for Customization

    Despite their ease of use, templates only allow for a limited amount of customization, which might not satisfy the demands of companies looking for fully customized email designs.

    • Advanced Features’ Complexity

    Some customers believe that Mailchimp’s more sophisticated features—like segmentation and automation—are difficult to use and take some expertise.

    • Limitations of Customer Support

    One disadvantage for those in need of help is that users on the free plan have restricted access to customer care, with priority support reserved for pricier programs.

    • Affiliate Marketing Support Is Limited

    Affiliate marketing is not allowed on Mailchimp’s platform due to its regulations. Although some affiliate links may be allowed, users may become confused because the rules are frequently ambiguous. For companies and marketers who largely rely on affiliate marketing tactics, this restriction can be very difficult.

    Email Editor Comparison

    Klaviyo Email Builder

    With the help of this tool, you may use premium templates with a modern design and conversion objectives. Even without prior experience, users can easily navigate the template builder thanks to its simple drag-and-drop interface. Klaviyo’s email builder allows you to include basic, editable text, images, buttons, columns, and tables.

    Klaviyo Email Builder image.

    Mailchimp Email Builder

    Mailchimp offers two email builders: the classic builder and the new builder. Although they differ slightly in appearance, functionality, and use, both have the same basic functionality. With Mailchimp’s new visual email builder, users can easily create eye-catching marketing emails. Choose from one of the offered designs, add your text, graphics, and branding, and mix and match content blocks.

    Mailchimp Email Builder image.

    Verdict: Both platforms offer intuitive drag-and-drop email builders that are easy to use
    Score: Klaviyo 1–1 Mailchimp

    Templates in Klaviyo and Mailchimp

    Klaviyo Template Library

    Thanks to Klaviyo’s library of pre-made, editable email templates, users can quickly create the ideal customer journey with newsletters, birthday discounts, welcome series, and more for any occasion. To get the email design process started, the email template collection provides more than 160 suggested templates. When creating their email messages, brands can utilize bespoke HTML, the drag-and-drop editor, or both. You can also import your custom HTML templates into Klaviyo.

    Klaviyo Template Library image.

    In addition to email templates, the platform offers more than 60 ready-made sign-up forms and 70+ flows.

    Mailchimp Templates

    Mailchimp’s template library features mobile-optimized and conversion-boosting designs targeted at today’s users. Choose from more than 250 templates tailored to your business to get started on your next email.

    Mailchimp Templates image.

    Verdict: While both software provide a wide range of customizable templates, Mailchimp has a slightly bigger template library
    Score: Klaviyo 1–2 Mailchimp

    Mailchimp vs Klaviyo for Segmentation

    Klaviyo Segmentation

    With Klaviyo’s segmentation capability, customers may use the already available consumer data to create an unlimited number of highly customized categories. The main objective of the feature is to use behavioral segmentation to optimize personalization. Predictive segmentation is another Klaviyo function that is highly favored by marketers. It helps in forecasting customer behavior and defining high-value categories because of state-of-the-art machine learning techniques. Customer segments in Klaviyo automatically update.

    Visual representation of Klaviyo segmentation, showcasing key metrics and analytics in a screenshot format.

    Mailchimp Segmentation

    You can target and filter contacts into segments with Mailchimp by using audience and contact data. With the correct data, you can generate targeted contact segments for advertising, emails, or texts. Because of its wide range of segmentation choices, you can target the appropriate contacts by selecting a single condition or combining up to five conditions with both positive and negative associations.

    Mailchimp Segmentation image.

    Verdict: Mailchimp and Klaviyo both offer convenient pre-built segments that are simple to modify. However, Klaviyo wins this round thanks to the more advanced and unlimited dynamic segmentation.
    Score: Klaviyo 2–2 Mailchimp

    Klaviyo/Mailchimp Automation

    Automated Flows in Klaviyo

    Klaviyo gives you a comprehensive picture of every customer by leveraging data from every part of your integrated tech stack to power marketing automation.

    Automations can be divided, triggered, and customized using a variety of tactics, including loyalty points, promotions, in-store visits, and reviews. Klaviyo usually concentrates on behavioral triggers, designating specific actions as the first steps in specific processes.

    With Klaviyo’s easy-to-use flow builder, users can design new flows and alter old ones. Conditional splits, delays, and other components can be used to create complex automation sequences with a drag-and-drop interface.

    Klaviyo automation workflows include:

    Automations in Mailchimp

    Mailchimp’s classic automation function allows you to design targeted emails that will be sent when a certain date, event, or contact activity triggers them. With the help of its robust segmentation, scheduling, and design capabilities, its classic automation builder enables you to automatically send emails that engage, inform, and reward your contacts. Mailchimp will decide who should receive your emails and when based on contact information and activity. It will handle your queue and send once you’ve set up a classic automation, ensuring that certain people receive your emails at the right time.

    To get you started, Mailchimp offers more than 100 automation templates. For instance, templates are available for:

    • Greetings to new subscribers;
    • Giving your VIP clients rewards;
    • Celebrating the birthday of a subscriber;
    • After a transaction, thanking a customer;
    • A reminder to go back to their abandoned cart.

    Aside from the classic type of automation, you can design customized, automated marketing workflows for your contacts with Mailchimp’s Customer Journey Builder. Customer Journeys can help you with crucial things like sending targeted emails and adding tags.

    Mailchimp automation templates

    Verdict: Both software offer effective automation functionality with slightly different focus points (Klaviyo’s with the focus on data; Mailchimp’s on multichannel reach).
    Score: Klaviyo 3–3 Mailchimp

    Email Campaigns

    Klaviyo Campaigns

    Users can send one-time emails or SMS messages to a specific list or segment using Klaviyo’s Campaigns feature. To maximize engagement and conversions, it provides comprehensive statistics, A/B testing, and sophisticated filtering.

    Campaigns in Mailchimp

    Mailchimp offers a wide range of customizable settings and design options when you create a campaign, along with builder tools that guide you through each stage of the process. With the help of this feature, clients can build and send audience-focused emails, advertisements, and social media posts. To maximize marketing outcomes, it incorporates scheduling, performance monitoring, and A/B testing tools.

    Campaigns in Mailchimp
image.

    Verdict: Building campaigns is easy using both platforms, so it’s a tie for this round.
    Score: Klaviyo 4–4 Mailchimp

    User Experience and User Interface

    Klaviyo

    Klaviyo has a user-friendly interface, but because some of its features are sophisticated, there is a considerable learning curve. Your experience will be much easier with the latest Klaviyo feature that uses intelligent artificial intelligence to make up for it.

    Mailchimp

    Because of its user-friendly design, users quickly get acquainted with Mailchimp’s features and functionalities. Creating an account is simple and only just a few clicks and a few minutes. A left sidebar for easy access and a handy “Create” button make it intuitive to create campaigns, automations, forms, and more without having to do a lot of searching. Overall, the platform’s navigation is simple.

    Verdict: Klaviyo has a more steep learning curve due to the advancement level than Mailchimp. Users consider the latter more user-friendly.
    Score: Klaviyo 4–5 Mailchimp

    AI Features

    We also chose to include the advancement of AI features in the Mailchimp vs Klaviyo comparison. We think that offering AI-powered functionality is a big plus for forward-thinking email service providers.

    Klaviyo AI-powered Features

    Klaviyo AI is an advanced tool that gives customers increased functionality by utilizing cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, and others.

    Klaviyo AI-powered Features image.

    Users can anticipate crucial factors like the next purchase date, lifetime value, spending potential, and churn risk with the aid of Klaviyo’s AI capabilities. By making personalized product recommendations, the technology improves customer engagement and sales. Klaviyo’s AI also optimizes email delivery, form display timing, and SMS marketing to guarantee maximum effectiveness and engagement. The service’s AI-powered features for email subject lines, review responses, and content blocks streamline marketing efforts and enable businesses to achieve better outcomes with less effort.

    AI in Mailchimp

    With features like content creation, send-time optimization, and predictive segmentation, Mailchimp’s AI capabilities aid in marketing optimization. Users can automatically enhance campaign efficiency and personalize messaging with these AI-driven recommendations.

    An image of AI in Mailchimp.

    For users without a design team, Mailchimp’s Creative Assistant uses AI technology to automatically create customized email and ad designs using the color scheme, typefaces, and logo of your website.

    Mailchimp’s Customer Journeys tool, which was recently improved using AI, helps non-experts create complex processes more quickly by suggesting triggers and automations based on your objectives.

    Verdict: While both software integrate AI-powered features in their sets, Klaviyo provides more in terms of predictive data analytics.
    Score: Klaviyo 5–5 Mailchimp

    Reporting and Analytics

    Analytics in Klaviyo

    The main benefit of this Klaviyo product that many businesses like is its emphasis on analytics.

    Comprehensive information on KPIs like as open rates, click-through rates (CTRs), conversion rates, total revenue from email campaigns as well as from individual campaigns, and other important metrics is available on the advanced analytics and reporting dashboard. Additionally, Klaviyo offers tools for predictive analytics on order date, expected lifetime value, and churn risk.

    an image of Analytics in Klaviyo.

    Klaviyo provides information on engagement rates and conversions by various categories, which you can use to enhance your segmentation strategy. One significant benefit of Klaviyo over Mailchimp is its sophisticated revenue tracking. It enables marketers to observe and track the results of their efforts, which include campaign income and sales.

    Analytics and Reporting in Mailchimp

    Strong reporting and analytics features from Mailchimp offer insightful information for improving email marketing campaigns. Click-through rates, open rates, bounces, and unsubscribe trends are among the key indicators that the platform monitors. It also offers sophisticated capabilities like click maps, social media performance metrics, and email client statistics, which provide a thorough understanding of audience interactions. Email performance is the primary emphasis of Mailchimp’s analytics.

    For owners of ecommerce businesses, Mailchimp offers the most crucial indicator of all: the amount of money each email brings in. This enables you to determine and put into practice tactics that will increase future email revenue.

    Custom reports and comparative analytics are unlocked by higher-tier plans, enabling companies to customize insights to meet their unique requirements.

    Verdict: Klaviyo and Mailchimp offer this functionality for paid plans only, so we can consider it a tie.
    Score: Klaviyo 6–6 Mailchimp

    Integrations

    Integrations in Klaviyo

    You have unrestricted access to all the ecommerce data from your store since Klaviyo makes real-time data integration possible. The platform provides more than 300 pre-built connectors in total. These are a few of the most prominent.

    • Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, Magento, and BigCommerce are examples of ecommerce platforms.
    • Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zoho CRM are examples of CRM systems.
    • PayPal, Stripe, and Square Up are examples of payment processors.
    • Hotjar, Facebook Pixel, and Google Analytics are examples of analytics and tracking tools.
    • Drupal is a content management system (CMS), as is WordPress.
    • Twilio and Attentive are examples of SMS and messaging platforms.
    • Among the product suggestion engines are Dynamic Yield and Nosto.
    • Platforms for reviews and comments include Trustpilot and Yotpo.

    Are you thinking about connecting with a different platform? Klaviyo’s native connectors allow you to get started immediately. This is feasible due to the API’s flexibility. 

    Mailchimp’s Integrations

    Mailchimp, on the other hand, offers more than 100 native connections to link with other programs. These consist of:

    • Based on consumer behavior, ecommerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and Wix generate tailored ads by syncing your business data.
    • Your contacts and email list are synced by CRM software such as Copper CRM and Zoho CRM.
    • Apps for social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and X are used to upload content straight to social media. Google and social media advertising retarget your current audience, recorded brand interactions, and audiences that are comparable to your current clientele.

    In addition to these, you can use its API or Zapier integration to connect with thousands of more apps.

    Verdict: The compared platforms offer a vast variety of integrations, however Klaviyo wins due to the bigger number of native connectors.
    Score: Klaviyo 7–6 Mailchimp

    Digital Marketing Channels

    Available Marketing Channels in Klaviyo

    While this service is mostly known as one of the best email marketing platforms, it also follows the trend of a multichannel approach and introduces more and more capabilities for it. Here are the available digital channels that you can manage on the platform.

    • Email marketing 

    Naturally, this channel is the focal point of the platform. It is used to create and distribute automated messages, newsletters, and promotions.

    • SMS marketing

    With Klaviyo SMS marketing, you can create customized, cross-channel experiences to interact with your audience faster. Klaviyo text message marketing features let you build and maintain deep relationships with customers. The implementation of SMS marketing strategies is simpler with these Klaviyo features. 

    • Push notifications

    Beyond email and SMS, Klaviyo’s push notification marketing enables you to deliver targeted, real-time communications to users’ smartphones, increasing engagement and conversions.

    • Social media marketing and ads

    With the use of Klaviyo’s social media marketing tools, you can combine client information to develop Facebook and Instagram ad campaigns that are specifically tailored to your email and SMS marketing tactics. By integrating posts and advertisements, you can reach audiences through Meta (Instagram, Facebook), Google Ads, Pinterest, TikTok, and Criteo.

    • Sign-up forms and landing pages 

    With the help of Klaviyo’s Web Forms, companies can create bespoke forms that increase marketing revenue by engaging visitors, capturing leads, and gathering data. It can help you expand and interact with your audience.

    Digital Marketing Channels in Mailchimp

    With a variety of tools to improve and expedite your marketing activities, Mailchimp is a flexible tool for putting your cross-channel marketing plan into practice.

    • Email marketing

    Compared to Klaviyo, Mailchimp also has its main focus on this channel. Its purpose is to engage your audience, create, send, and automate customized email messages.

    • SMS marketing

    The service provides a wide range of capabilities to engage consumers with timely, relevant text messages (available in limited locations).

    • Social media marketing

    Through this channel, it allows plan content and run advertisements on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

    • Digital Advertising

    You can use our Mailchimp account to start and control Google, Facebook, and Instagram advertisements.

    • Landing Pages

    The software offers tools to create unique landing pages to support campaigns, gather leads, or advertise goods.

    • Signup Forms

    You can also use hosted, pop-up, or embedded forms to acquire new subscribers.

    • Postcards

    Postcards can be used as part of direct mail marketing to reinforce online promotions. It enables ecommerce brands to enhance their marketing strategies by combining digital and physical outreach. With only a few fast clicks, you can choose your audience and create a postcard in Mailchimp. The company will then forward it on your behalf.

    • Websites

    With Mailchimp’s Website Builder, you can establish online stores and websites to promote your brand and sell goods directly to consumers.

    Verdict: Since Mailchimp focuses on multichannel strategies, it offers more digital channels.
    Score: Klaviyo 7–7 Mailchimp

    A/B Testing

    Klaviyo Split Testing

    You can create unique A/B testing with Klaviyo to keep discovering new information that can help you grow. It’s the best way to learn how your email content performs and to enhance your content strategy. Klaviyo automatically chooses and distributes the winning A/B test variation based on statistical significance or a user-specified end date. This ensures that consumers can identify the most effective marketing version automatically and rapidly.

    In addition to different email content variations, Klaviyo users can A/B test subject lines, which helps determine the best messaging for the intended audience. Klaviyo may employ AI to provide insights and recommendations for A/B testing, such as suggested content blocks or topic lines, based on prior outcomes or industry benchmarks.

    Mailchimp A/B Tests

    To compare the effects of various parameters on your email engagement, use Mailchimp’s A/B tests. Subject lines, content, send times, from names, and the number of recipients of your test emails can all be tested.

    However, A/B testing might not be available to you, depending on your plan. A/B testing for emails and SMS is part of the Essentials plan or higher. The Standard plan or higher includes the pop-up form A/B test capability.

    Verdict: Both services provide A/B testing, but only for certain plans, so we can consider this a tie.
    Score: Klaviyo 8–8 Mailchimp

    Customer Support

    Klaviyo Support 

    Klaviyo provides a multitude of online resources, live chat, email, and other help channels.

    Klaviyo’s support ticket tracking function allows customers to keep track of the status of their inquiries and predict when they will be resolved, which increases customer satisfaction. Customers with paid plans can email or use live chat to contact customer service. Furthermore, Kira, a chatbot, is accessible around the clock to assist customers and offer information.

    Mailchimp Support and Customer Service

    To users with paid accounts, MailChimp provides 24/7 support to all users. The team will be accessible to you virtually at any time by phone, email, or live chat. Additionally, the support department has a wealth of articles and guides that offer helpful advice. The main problem with MailChimp’s customer service is how little it offers consumers of the free plan.

    Verdict: Klaviyo provides a slightly higher quality of support with quicker answer time.
    Score: Klaviyo 9–8 Mailchimp

    Deliverability

    How Klaviyo Approaches Deliverability

    In order to guarantee that emails arrive in the inbox, Klaviyo handles deliverability by emphasizing sender reputation, engagement, and list quality. The offered integrated tools and data assist marketers in audience segmentation, performance monitoring, and implementing the best practices for maximum deliverability.

    You can examine and evaluate the health of your email and SMS deliverability at the account level using Klaviyo’s Deliverability Hub.

    You can find account-level email deliverability reports on the Deliverability page, which give you information about how you’re doing with various email domains or inbox providers. 

    Reports exist for:

    • Metrics of positive engagement
    • Metrics of negative engagement
    • Volume of emails sent

    The Deliverability Hub also has a page called “Bounce Details” that tells you why your emails are bouncing. You can use this data to take remedial action and enhance your overall email deliverability if you are experiencing bounce problems.

    How Mailchimp Does Deliverability

    Email delivery and Mailchimp’s sending reputation are directly related. Receiving servers will stop transmitting emails from an IP address that has been detected by spam filters.

    By adhering to best practices and providing users with the resources they require to remain in compliance with anti-spam regulations, the software makes a concerted effort to uphold its sending reputation. It also has an automated abuse-prevention system, Omnivore. It looks for trends that point to potentially dangerous conduct (such as high bounce or complaint rates) in users’ accounts and email campaigns. Omnivore helps safeguard users’ sending reputations and the platform’s overall deliverability by identifying and stopping potentially damaging conduct before it has an impact on sending success.

    By taking these precautions, you can keep your campaigns clear of spam filters and safeguard your sender reputation.

    Verdict: Comparing the two software, both emphasize deliverability with advanced tools.
    Score: Klaviyo 10–9 Mailchimp

    Klaviyo vs Mailchimp for Ecommerce

    Klaviyo for Ecommerce

    This service is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to marketing capabilities for ecommerce businesses. After all, this segment is the main target audience, so the service provider builds most of the platform’s functionality with the thought of streamlining and enhancing operations for online stores. Apart from the advanced email marketing features and a wide range of integrations for ecommerce, Klaviyo also offers the Customer Hub that helps to optimize customer journeys. Overall, this service is the number one choice for ecommerce brands.

    Mailchimp for Ecommerce

    With a wide range of features and integrated channels, Mailchimp can also be an excellent option for ecommerce businesses, especially those that have only entered the market. Just like Klaviyo, it offers tools and integrations that can help online retailers grow. However, when ecommerce brands grow fast and experience the need for more advanced features attuned specifically to them, they might face some limitations of Mailchimp in this sphere.

    Verdict: Klaviyo focuses its development on ecommerce businesses as its main market, while Mailchimp services various segments.
    Score: Klaviyo 11–9 Mailchimp

    User Reviews

    To make our Mailchimp vs Klaviyo comparison even more objective, we analyzed what users write about each service on client review platforms, namely Software Advice, GetApp, and Capterra. Here are some highlights to help you form opinions and make the decision.

    Klaviyo User Reviews

    klaviyo logo
    Rating by Flowium:
    4.6
     
    Software Advice:
     
    4.6 (496 reviews)
    GetApp:
     
    4.6 (492 reviews)
    Capterra:
     
    4.6 (492 reviews)
    G2:
     
    4.6 (1,073 reviews)

    In general, Klaviyo users appreciate its user-friendly email builder, powerful automation features, and solid interaction with ecommerce platforms such as Shopify, emphasizing its efficacy in precise marketing and comprehensive analytics. 

    Some consumers report inconsistent experiences with customer assistance responsiveness and a higher learning curve for advanced capabilities.

    Mailchimp User Reviews

    mailchimp logo
    Rating by Flowium:
    4.5
     
    Software Advice:
     
    4.5 (17.5K reviews)
    GetApp:
     
    4.5 (17.5K reviews)
    Capterra:
     
    4.5 (17.5K reviews)
    G2:
     
    4.4 (5,286 reviews)

    In reviews, many people praise Mailchimp for its easy-to-use interface, powerful automation features, and extensive template library that caters to different marketing requirements, making it accessible to novices and providing scalability. 

    However, some users complain about limited sophisticated customization choices and slow customer assistance, and they notice that the price might rise dramatically as the list grows.

    Verdict: Both platforms have high ratings with listed pros and cons. While Klaviyo has more published positive comments, due to the difference in the number of reviews, we’ll count it as a tie.
    Score: Klaviyo 12–10 Mailchimp

    Klaviyo vs Mailchimp Pricing

    Klaviyo pricing vs Mailchimp billing policy is another significant factor that may affect the choice. Both service providers offer affordable and practical solutions that are useful to many enterprises. Let’s look at them.

    Klaviyo VS Mailchimp Pricing

    # of SubscribersKlaviyo Email PlanMailchimp Standard
    less than 250Included in the free plan
    (up to 500 emails/month)
    Included in the free plan
    500$20/month
    (5000 emails/month)
    $20/month ($10 with a discount) (up to 6,000 emails)
    1,000/1,500$30/month
    (10,000 emails/month)
    $45/month ($22.50 discounted) (up to 18,000 emails)
    5,000$100/month
    (50,000 emails/month)
    $100/month ($50 discounted) (up to 60,000 emails)
    10,000$175+/month
    (from 105,000 emails/month)
    $135/month ($67.50 discounted) (120,000 emails)

    Klaviyo Cost

    Klaviyo’s website shows the pricing plans and a transparent pricing calculation process that is based on the number of clients. Customers can choose the best plan and pay according to the number of subscribers and SMS/MMS credits because the company wants them to stay within their budget.

    You can choose the Email plan if you want to focus on just one channel, or you can choose the whole suite, which includes tools for both SMS and email marketing.
    Klaviyo also allows users to test the platform out with a free subscription. Of course, its toolbox is more constrained than that of subscription programs. However, it’s best suited for businesses with a small contact list and those who have only recently started using email marketing. Opting for the free plan is a great way to get to know the platform, get used to the UI, and discover the benefits of using Klaviyo. Many clients upgraded their subscriptions to employ more useful tools and boost their marketing efforts after evaluating the capabilities.

    Klaviyo Cost image.

    To get a more detailed explanation on plans and packages from Klaviyo professionals, read our latest post on Klaviyo pricing.

    Mailchimp Pricing

    This service has a 500 contact restriction on their permanently free plan, but if you want to use some of the more advanced features, you’ll probably need to upgrade to a premium plan.

    • Subscription plans range in price from $13/month for Essentials to $350/month for Premium capability, depending on how many contacts you have in your list.
    • The Standard Plan, which costs $20 a month and offers more functionality than Essentials for the same list size, is what the business advises choosing. The bigger your list, the more you’ll have to spend.

    What makes Mailchimp even more affordable is that the company also now offers a 50% discount for all plans if you pay in advance for 12 months.

    See our Mailchimp price guide for a more thorough plan overview.

    Verdict: Considering that most businesses prioritize cheaper options, in terms of cost, we can give this point to Mailchimp since it offers slightly cheaper plans.
    Score: Klaviyo 12–11 Mailchimp

     

    Mailchimp vs Klaviyo: Which One Is Better?

    Based on our analysis in this article, Klaviyo wins with a score of 12–11. Of course, your choice will still depend on the needs of your business.

    If you’re searching for sophisticated solutions with a wide range of customization possibilities, comprehensive analytics, and potent A/B testing, Klaviyo is probably the best option for you. It can provide you with additional information and assistance in engaging with your audience and creating sales if your budget is larger.

    If you’re searching for a simple email marketing platform with lots of integration options, Mailchimp is probably the best choice for you. Mailchimp is quite flexible and simple to use.

    After analyzing the comments under the Reddit discussion on Klaviyo vs Mailchimp, we can say that they only prove our conclusion. According to the most popular answer, here’s who should use these options:

    “If you prioritize advanced features and scalability, Klaviyo is a strong choice. For simplicity and affordability, MailChimp may be better. Consider your long-term goals and choose accordingly.”

    Klaviyo vs Mailchimp: Final Thoughts

    As a seasoned email marketing company, we usually recommend Klaviyo to clients who ask for recommendations for marketing automation platforms. Because of its pre-built integrations, ease of use, speedy setup, and capacity to build intricate customer journeys, we have been using it for many years. It is evident from comparing Klaviyo and Mailchimp that each platform has special benefits. We advise you to select the platform that best suits your unique ecommerce requirements, even though we often suggest Klaviyo to the majority of our clients. To have your problems fixed, get in touch with Flowium if you require any support with the selection, additional advice, or the Klaviyo migration.

    FAQ

    • Is Klaviyo better than Mailchimp?

    The choice between Mailchimp and Klaviyo for ecommerce depends on your particular needs:

    – Klaviyo’s robust behavioral segmentation, advanced automation, and wide ecommerce platform compatibility make it a popular choice. It offers useful analytics and excels at creating highly customized email campaigns.

    – Mailchimp is well known for its wide range of cross-channel marketing capabilities. Because it provides robust automation, analytics, and AI-driven insights combined with a simple interface, it is ideal for businesses that seek an all-in-one solution.

    If you appreciate thorough behavioral data and friendly email marketing, Klaviyo is better. This platform has been our top choice and victor in the Klaviyo vs Mailchimp competition for years, so we’ve fully experienced all the benefits it can provide to organizations. You can transition to Klaviyo right now with the support of Flowium’s qualified email marketers.

    If you focus on ease of use and cross-channel capability, Mailchimp might be a better choice.

    • How to choose Klaviyo vs Mailchimp for Shopify?

    Both tools are useful, but Klaviyo is the best solution for handling multilingual email marketing campaigns, particularly for Shopify.

    Klaviyo provides enhanced support for segmenting audiences by language, allowing you to send customized emails in multiple languages. With Klaviyo’s seamless interface with Shopify, you can enhance your multilingual tactics by better syncing data and tailoring emails based on consumer behavior. The outstanding segmentation and automation tools also allow you to more effectively personalize your emails based on user preferences and language. Klaviyo integrates more seamlessly with third-party Shopify apps than Mailchimp.

    • What is the primary distinction between Mailchimp and Klaviyo?

    Mailchimp is an excellent tool for sending email marketing campaigns. Klaviyo, on the other hand, is designed directly to assist ecommerce firms in increasing revenue by using relevant data to build highly tailored and targeted email campaigns.

    • Which email marketing platform is more affordable, Klaviyo or Mailchimp?

    With three different subscription tiers, Mailchimp is often less expensive than Klaviyo’s subscriber-based pricing. Experts, however, believe that Klaviyo is worth every cent of the expenditure.

     

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    four × one =

    Talk email strategy with an expert
    New black & white team image for popup.
    Request free email marketing audit from our experts!