Mailchimp vs Substack
Comparing two industry leaders in email marketing. See how pricing, features, and user ratings stack up.
Mailchimp
FreemiumAll-in-one marketing platform for email campaigns, automated customer journeys, and transactional mail.
Core Features
Substack
FreemiumSubscription network for independent writers and creators to publish newsletters and podcasts directly.
Core Features
Feature Breakdown: Mailchimp vs Substack
See which capabilities are supported out of the box by each platform.
| Feature / Capability | Mailchimp | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Email Builder | ✓ Included | — |
| Customer Journeys | ✓ Included | — |
| A/B Testing | ✓ Included | — |
| Audience Segmentation | ✓ Included | — |
| Free to Send | — | ✓ Included |
| Paid Subscriptions | — | ✓ Included |
| Community Notes | — | ✓ Included |
| Podcast Hosting | — | ✓ Included |
Editorial Verdict
Which One Should You Pick?
Choose Mailchimp if:
You need Visual Email Builder and Customer Journeys, and prefer a freemium model starting at $13/month. With a 4.4 rating, it is ideal for teams focused on speed and simplicity.
Choose Substack if:
You prioritize Free to Send and Paid Subscriptions, and want a solution rated at 4.6/5.0. Its starting tier at $0/month makes it a top competitor for scaling workflows.
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Which is better: Mailchimp or Substack?
Mailchimp is rated 4.4/5.0 (starts at $13/mo), while Substack is rated 4.6/5.0 (starts at $0/mo). Choose Mailchimp for Visual Email Builder and Customer Journeys, or Substack for Free to Send and Paid Subscriptions.
Is Mailchimp cheaper than Substack?
No, Substack is more affordable starting at $0/month compared to Mailchimp ($13/month).
Do Mailchimp or Substack offer free plans?
Mailchimp offers a freemium plan, whereas Substack operates on a freemium tier. Review the side-by-side feature matrix above to see exact tier inclusions.