Head-to-head
Klaviyo vs Mailchimp
The DTC ecommerce standard with AI built into the data platform.
4.5$20/mo (email, ~500 contacts)
Two of the best-known names in email, aimed at different jobs. Mailchimp is the approachable SMB all-in-one; Klaviyo is the ecommerce-focused CRM with deep store data and predictive analytics.
At a glance
| Feature | Klaviyo | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Ecommerce stores | General SMB marketing |
| Ecommerce data | Deep, native | Basic via integrations |
| Predictive analytics | Native (CLV, churn) | Limited |
| Ease of use | Moderate | Beginner-friendly |
| Free tier | 250 contacts | 500 contacts |
| Starting price | $20/mo | $13/mo |
Where Klaviyo wins
- Shopify/WooCommerce revenue attribution
- Predictive analytics and ecommerce flows
- Email + SMS on store data
Where Mailchimp wins
- Beginners and general small businesses
- Largest integration ecosystem
- All-in-one extras
The verdict
For ecommerce, Klaviyo's native data and attribution pay back the price difference quickly. For general small-business marketing, Mailchimp is easier to pick up and slightly cheaper to start.
Stores that began on Mailchimp often graduate to Klaviyo as revenue reporting becomes the priority.
Frequently asked questions
- Should an ecommerce store choose Klaviyo or Mailchimp?
- Klaviyo, in most cases — its native Shopify integration and revenue-attributed reporting are built for stores.
- Is Mailchimp cheaper?
- It starts slightly lower ($13/mo vs $20/mo), but both scale with contacts, and Mailchimp can climb quickly too.