Brevo vs Mailchimp: Which One Gives Better Automation for the Money?
If you're choosing between Brevo and Mailchimp, stop guessing. The real difference is not templates, not dashboards, not branding—it's how much automation power you get per dollar. Most marketers waste money because they pick the wrong platform for their business model. This guide breaks down what actually matters: automation depth, segmentation, deliverability, cost scaling, workflow logic, campaign control, and return on effort.
Why This Comparison Matters
Both tools have evolved fast in the past 24 months. Brevo upgraded workflows, segmentation, CRM and reporting. Mailchimp added AI, predictive analytics and stronger templates. The problem? Most reviews online are fluff and outdated. You need a breakdown from the lens that matters as a marketer: control, scalability, and cost-efficiency.
Feature Breakdown (Side-by-Side)
1. Automation Builder
Brevo: More flexible workflow builder with conditions, splits, page visits, product events, messaging across email, SMS, WhatsApp. Automation is accessible even at cheaper plans.
Mailchimp: Better visual interface but automation depth is locked behind higher paid tiers.
2. Segmentation
Brevo: Behavioral segmentation, unlimited conditions, real-time syncing, strong for e-commerce and SaaS.
Mailchimp: Solid but limited conditions on lower tiers. Advanced segments cost extra.
3. Templates & Design
Brevo: Clean, modern, efficient layouts.
Mailchimp: Massive template library, best for heavy design brands.
4. Multichannel Execution
Brevo: Email + SMS + WhatsApp + Chat + CRM integrated in one platform.
Mailchimp: Primarily email-focused with optional add-ons.
5. Deliverability
Deliverability is close, but Brevo’s dedicated IP structure and built-in domain authentication guidance gives it cleaner control.
6. CRM & Customer Data
Brevo: Native CRM + pipelines built-in.
Mailchimp: Audience manager only. No real CRM.
7. Pricing Structure
Mailchimp becomes expensive as your contacts grow. Brevo bills by emails sent, not contacts stored. This alone saves companies 40–70% yearly.
Use Cases: Which One Fits Your Business?
For E-commerce
Abandoned cart, product recommendations, price-drop alerts—Brevo has stronger automation triggers at lower cost.
For Content Creators
Mailchimp’s templates + branding tools help creators build pretty newsletters quickly.
For SaaS
Brevo’s event-based triggers, CRM and lifecycle flows offer deeper control.
For Agencies
Brevo’s cost structure + client folders = easier scaling without blowing budgets.
Pricing Breakdown (Realistic Example)
| Plan | Brevo | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Base Cost | Much cheaper | Expensive at scale |
| Automation Unlock | Early | Premium tiers only |
| Multichannel | Included | Add-ons |
| Scaling | Pay for emails sent | Pay for contacts stored |
In every scaling scenario, Mailchimp becomes 2× to 5× more expensive than Brevo. This is the biggest reason businesses switch.
Pros & Cons
Brevo Pros
- Cheapest automation at scale
- Multichannel built-in
- Strong CRM
- Better segmentation depth
- E-commerce triggers included
Brevo Cons
- Smaller template library
- UI slightly less polished for beginners
Mailchimp Pros
- Best templates in the industry
- Great branding tools
- Clean visual editor
Mailchimp Cons
- Expensive as contacts grow
- Automation locked behind premium tiers
- No real CRM
Final Verdict: Which One Wins?
If your goal is automation, segmentation, revenue lifting, workflows, customer journeys, or cost efficiency, then Brevo wins by a large margin.
If your goal is beautiful newsletters and design-heavy campaigns, Mailchimp wins.
Most serious marketers pick Brevo for one reason:
It gives enterprise-level automation at a small-business price.