Brevo vs Competitors: Detailed Comparison (Mailchimp, Constant Contact, ConvertKit, etc.)

Choosing the right email and marketing platform in 2025 is less about brand names and more about fit: which tool gives you the channels, features and pricing that match your growth, team and budget. Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) has carved out a strong position as an all-in-one platform — but competitors like Mailchimp, Constant Contact and ConvertKit (now Kit) each have their strengths. In this comparison I’ll walk through the key differences, updated pricing signals, real business use cases, and a practical recommendation so you can pick the best platform for your needs.

Quick summary: who wins at what (short)

• Brevo — Best all-in-one value for businesses that want email + SMS + chat + CRM in one place and prefer send-based pricing.
• Mailchimp — Best for broad integrations and marketing teams who prioritize an established ecosystem and ecommerce tooling.
• Constant Contact — Best for small businesses that want simple onboarding, strong support and event/email tools.
• ConvertKit / Kit — Best for creators and publishers who need elegant landing pages, creator monetization tools and a creator-first workflow.

1) Pricing models — how you’ll actually pay

Understanding pricing models is crucial because two vendors with similar features can cost very differently depending on how they bill.

• Brevo: Charges primarily based on email send volume, not contact count. There is a permanent Free tier (up to 300 emails/day) and paid tiers that start at roughly $9/month (Starter) and $18/month (Business) for entry send volumes; enterprise pricing is custom. This model benefits businesses with large lists that send infrequently.
• Mailchimp: Uses contact-based pricing with multiple plan tiers (Free, Essentials, Standard, Premium). Starting figures often quoted are around $13/month for entry paid tiers (for small contact bundles), and prices rise with audience size. Mailchimp also has transactional options and pay-as-you-go credits.
• Constant Contact: Contact-based tiers that begin in the low double digits (Lite ≈ $12/month, Standard ≈ $35/month, Premium ≈ $80/month entry points). It’s straightforward but can get expensive as contacts grow.
• ConvertKit / Kit: Creator-focused pricing that often lists a Free plan and paid Creator/Creator Pro tiers. Paid entry points reported in 2025 vary by list size, with common starting ranges shown around $15–$39/month depending on subscriber count and billing cadence. Creator plans scale with subscriber numbers.

Takeaway: If you have a very large contact base and low send frequency, Brevo’s send-based pricing is often cheaper. If you run frequent broadcasts to moderate lists, contact-based vendors can be competitive for small lists but scale up quickly in cost.

2) Feature comparison — what each platform really offers

Below are the practical capabilities you’ll use day-to-day (not the marketing buzzwords):

Brevo (all-in-one)

• Email builder, templates, A/B testing, automation workflows.
• Built-in CRM, chat widget, SMS and WhatsApp support, transactional SMTP.
• Integration marketplace (150+ apps).
• Send-based pricing and a generous free tie
  Why businesses pick it: Replace multiple point tools with one platform and avoid paying by contact.

Mailchimp

• Deep integration with ecommerce (Shopify, BigCommerce), audience segmentation, creative tools and advanced reporting.
• Extensive third-party ecosystem and templates for marketers.
  Why businesses pick it: Strong for ecommerce brands that depend on native store integrations and advanced ad/retargeting features.

Constant Contact

• Easy email builder, event management, strong onboarding and phone support.
• Good fit for local businesses, nonprofits and event-driven communications.
  Why businesses pick it: Simplicity and support—less configuration, reliable help desk.

ConvertKit / Kit

• Creator workflows, visual automations, integrated landing pages and commerce tools for selling digital products.
• Built for newsletters, course creators and solo entrepreneurs.
  Why creators pick it: Focused features for audience monetization and creator workflows.

3) Deliverability, compliance and support

Deliverability depends on IP reputation, authentication and list hygiene more than brand. Brevo, Mailchimp and ConvertKit maintain good deliverability practices and provide guides for SPF/DKIM/DMARC. If compliance (GDPR, data residency) matters, Brevo highlights EU-friendly data handling; Mailchimp and others provide region controls and compliance tools as well. For phone support and hands-on help, Constant Contact still leads for small businesses.

4) Integrations & ecosystem

• Brevo: 150+ integrations (CMS, ecommerce, CRM, analytics). Works well where you want a single platform to absorb many functions.
• Mailchimp: Very broad third-party ecosystem and marketplaces for plugins, especially ecommerce and creative platforms.
• Constant Contact: Integrates with common small business tools; focus is on simplicity rather than breadth.
• ConvertKit / Kit: Integrations optimized for creators (Shopify, Gumroad, membership and course platforms).

5) Who should pick which platform? (practical recommendations)

• Choose Brevo if: you want a single platform for email, SMS, chat and CRM, and your sending patterns mean send-based pricing saves money. Good for e-commerce, agencies and SMBs that want automation without a large tech stack.
• Choose Mailchimp if: you prioritize rich ecommerce integrations, ad tools, and a long list of third-party connectors. Good for marketers who want a mature ecosystem.
• Choose Constant Contact if: you’re a local business, event organizer or nonprofit that values phone support and an easy setup.
• Choose ConvertKit / Kit if: you’re a creator, author, podcaster or course seller who needs simple commerce, landing pages and creator-focused automations.

6) Commercial checklist: 25 reasons businesses switch to Brevo (short bullets)

1. Send-based pricing saves money for large contact lists.
2. Free tier for testing and list building.
3. Built-in CRM reduces need for separate software.
4. SMS & WhatsApp support in the same dashboard.
5. Transactional email + marketing email in one provider.
6. Visual automation builder for real journeys.
7. Landing pages and forms included.
8. Unlimited contacts in many plans.
9. 150+ integrations.
10. Predictable scaling as volume increases.
11. Pay-as-you-go credit options for SMS.
12. Improved inbox deliverability controls.
13. Role-based access for teams.
14. Subaccounts for agencies (Enterprise).
15. GDPR compliance and EU data options.
16. Centralized reporting and dashboards.
17. Easy migration paths from legacy platforms.
18. Remove platform branding on paid tiers.
19. A/B testing and advanced segmentation.
20. Multi-channel sequences (email→SMS→chat).
21. Affordable mid-tier features (automation, landing pages).
22. Support tiers scale with paid plans.
23. Lower total cost of ownership vs multiple point tools.
24. Good for seasonal businesses with pay-as-you-go options.
25. Strong mix of marketing and transactional capabilities.

7) Comparison table (short, updated pricing signals)

Note: These are starting reference prices and vary by region, list size and billing frequency — always verify with the vendor for exact quotes.

Final verdict — pick by problem, not hype

If your priority is consolidation (fewer apps, unified customer data, multichannel outreach) and smart pricing for large lists, Brevo is an excellent choice. If you need a deep ecommerce and marketing ecosystem, Mailchimp remains a strong option. For small businesses that want simplicity and support, Constant Contact still makes sense. And if you’re a creator or publisher focused on list monetization and elegant creator tools, ConvertKit / Kit is built for that workflow.

Want a recommendation tailored to your case? Tell me your monthly send volume, number of contacts, and the channels you need (email only, or email+SMS+chat) and I’ll suggest the best plan and migration path.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)

1. Is Brevo better than Mailchimp for small businesses?

Answer:
Brevo is often a better choice for small businesses that need affordable, all-in-one marketing tools. Unlike Mailchimp, Brevo charges based on emails sent instead of contact count, which makes it more cost-effective for growing lists. It also includes email, SMS, chat, and CRM features under one dashboard, helping small businesses manage marketing and communication efficiently without paying for multiple tools.

2. What makes Brevo different from Constant Contact and ConvertKit?

Answer:
Brevo stands out for its multi-channel marketing, offering email, SMS, WhatsApp, chat, and CRM in one platform. Constant Contact focuses mainly on email and event marketing, while ConvertKit (now Kit) is built for creators and content publishers. Brevo’s pricing model is based on email sends, not subscribers, making it more budget-friendly for businesses with large contact lists.

3. Which email marketing platform is the most affordable in 2025?

Answer:
In 2025, Brevo remains one of the most affordable platforms thanks to its usage-based pricing.

• Brevo Starter plan begins at $9/month.
• Mailchimp starts around $13/month for small lists.
• Constant Contact starts at $12/month.
• ConvertKit’s paid plans start near $15/month.
  If you send emails less frequently but have a large audience, Brevo generally offers the best long-term value.

4. Does Brevo offer better automation features than Mailchimp or ConvertKit?

Answer:
Yes. Brevo provides a visual automation builder that combines email, SMS, and CRM triggers in one workflow. You can automate customer journeys like onboarding, abandoned cart recovery, or post-purchase follow-ups. Mailchimp and ConvertKit also have automation, but Brevo’s multi-channel automation (email + SMS + WhatsApp) gives it a unique edge for advanced customer engagement.

5. Which platform has the best deliverability and customer support?

Answer:
All major platforms—Brevo, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and ConvertKit—maintain strong deliverability. However, Brevo is known for its transactional email reliability and EU-based data centers, ensuring GDPR compliance and better privacy. Constant Contact leads in phone and live support, while Brevo and Mailchimp offer chat and email support with detailed documentation and onboarding help.