Mailchimp vs Substack: Which Email Marketing Is Better in 2026?
Compare pricing, features, integrations, verified reviews, AI capabilities, security, and customer satisfaction — side by side, with no marketing spin.
The Short Answer
Mailchimp vs Substack, in 15 seconds
Choose Mailchimp if…
- You want to trial before paying
- You want deeper AI and automation features
- You have strict security & compliance needs
Choose Substack if…
- You prefer Substack's approach and ecosystem
Head-to-Head Scorecard
How Mailchimp and Substack score
Mailchimp leads on 3 of 9 measured dimensions.
- Even
Customer Rating
Average score from verified user reviews
MailchimpNo reviewsSubstackNo reviews - Even
Review Volume
Number of verified reviews — a proxy for adoption
Mailchimp0Substack0 - Even
Entry Pricing
Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)
Mailchimp$13/moSubstack$0/mo - Mailchimp
Free Access
Availability of a free plan and/or free trial
MailchimpFree plan + trialSubstackFree plan - Even
Integrations
Number of listed third-party integrations
Mailchimp10Substack10 - Even
Features
Number of listed product capabilities
Mailchimp12Substack12 - Mailchimp
AI Features
Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML
Mailchimp3Substack— - Mailchimp
Security & Compliance
Number of listed compliance certifications
Mailchimp3Substack2 - Even
Platforms & Deployment
Supported platforms and deployment options
Mailchimp5Substack5
Feature Comparison
Mailchimp vs Substack feature breakdown
Search or filter the full feature matrix — core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.
Mailchimp
SubstackPricing Comparison
Mailchimp vs Substack pricing
Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.
Mailchimp
$13/mo to start- Up to 250 contacts
- 500 monthly email sends
- 1 audience
- Basic templates
- Email and landing pages
- A/B testing
- Basic automations
- Multiple audiences
- Customer Journey Builder
- Predictive segmentation
- Send-time optimization
- Dynamic content
- Advanced segmentation
- Comparative reporting
- Multivariate testing
- Unlimited seats and roles
Substack
$0/mo to start- Newsletter and web publishing
- Unlimited free subscribers
- Podcasts and video
- Publication website
- Paid subscription tiers
- Monthly/annual/founding options
- 10% revenue cut
- Stripe payments (~2.9% + $0.30)
Total cost of ownership factors
Beyond list price, factor in implementation, training, add-ons and per-seat scaling when estimating total cost of ownership.
Pros & Cons
Mailchimp vs Substack: strengths and trade-offs
Mailchimp
Pros
- Free plan available
- Free trial offered
- Compliance: SOC 2, GDPR, CCPA
- Stronger AI / automation features
- Public API available
Cons
- Higher starting price ($13/mo)
Substack
Pros
- Free plan available
- Lower starting price ($0/mo)
- Compliance: GDPR, CCPA
Cons
Buyer Fit
Who should use Mailchimp vs Substack?
Startups
Either
Either keeps early-stage costs lowest with its entry tier.
Small businesses
Either
Either offers the most accessible pricing for lean teams.
Agencies
Either
Either connects to more tools for multi-client workflows.
Enterprises
Mailchimp
Mailchimp leads on compliance and breadth for complex needs.
Ecommerce
Mailchimp
Mailchimp integrates with more of the commerce stack.
SaaS companies
Mailchimp
Mailchimp is the more developer- and automation-friendly choice.
Integration overlap
Shared integrations (2)
Only in Mailchimp (8)
Only in Substack (8)
Keep Exploring
Other alternatives worth considering
Similar email marketing products buyers compare alongside Mailchimp and Substack.
Ask SIA which solution fits your business
SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs Mailchimp and Substack against your team size, budget, integrations and compliance needs — then recommends the right fit and the questions to ask each vendor.
Get a personalised recommendationMailchimp vs Substack — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Mailchimp and Substack?
Mailchimp and Substack are both Email Marketing solutions. Mailchimp is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users, while Substack is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users. The main differences lie in pricing, features, and target audience.
Which is better, Mailchimp or Substack?
Based on user ratings, Mailchimp scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, Mailchimp or Substack?
Substack is the more affordable option, starting at $0/month.
Does Mailchimp or Substack have a free plan?
Mailchimp offers a free plan. does not have a free tier but does offer a free trial.
Can I switch from Mailchimp to Substack?
Switching between Mailchimp and Substack is possible. Both support data export. Check integration compatibility and plan for data migration to minimise disruption to your team.
Who should use Mailchimp vs Substack?
Mailchimp is best suited for teams that prioritise enterprise features. Substack works well for teams looking to start free and scale.
Our Verdict
The bottom line on Mailchimp vs Substack
Best Overall
Either
It's a tie balances user satisfaction and proven adoption.
Best for Startups
Either
It's a tie has the friendliest entry point for new teams.
Best for Enterprise
Mailchimp
Mailchimp leads on compliance and feature breadth.
Best Value
Either
It's a tie delivers the lowest cost to get started.
Best AI Features
Mailchimp
Mailchimp ships more AI and automation.
Highest Rated
Either
Both earn equal user ratings.