GetResponse vs Mailchimp (2026)
Two of the best-known email marketing platforms — but they price very differently as your list grows. We tested both. Here's how they compare on pricing, automation, send limits and the contact-counting catch that surprises Mailchimp users.
If you're choosing an email platform in 2026, GetResponse and Mailchimp will both be on your shortlist. Mailchimp is the household name with the polished editor; GetResponse is the all-in-one challenger that bundles unlimited sends, automation and funnels into a lower, more predictable price.
The headline prices look similar — Mailchimp Essentials starts at $13/mo and GetResponse Starter at around $14/mo. But the real cost difference appears as your list grows: Mailchimp bills by total contact count (including unsubscribed contacts you haven't archived) and caps your monthly sends, while GetResponse keeps sends unlimited and includes automation from its entry plan. Below is the full side-by-side.
GetResponse vs Mailchimp at a glance
| Feature | GetResponse | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Entry paid price | ~$14/mo (Starter) | $13/mo (Essentials) |
| Free plan | 500 contacts, no card | 250 contacts, 500 sends |
| Monthly email sends | Unlimited on paid plans | Capped at 10–12× contacts |
| Automation / funnels | Included from Starter | Standard plan only ($20+/mo) |
| Counts unsubscribed contacts | No | Yes — must archive manually |
| Landing pages | Included | Included (all tiers) |
| Recurring commission billing | Predictable per-plan | Scales steeply by contact count |
Pricing verified May 2026 against official sources (getresponse.com and mailchimp.com). Mailchimp prices are base rates at 500 contacts and rise with contact count; check official sites for current rates in your region.
Our verdict
For most founders and growing businesses, GetResponse is the better value — unlimited sends, automation from the entry plan, and pricing that stays predictable as your list grows, without paying for unsubscribed contacts. Mailchimp remains a strong, polished choice if you're already in its ecosystem or want its specific integrations and template editor.
This website contains affiliate links. Our recommendations are based on independent research and editorial judgment.