Updated June 30, 2026 · Pricing and features verified 2026
Key takeaways
- HubSpot wins as a full marketing-and-CRM platform that scales with you.
- Mailchimp wins for simple, affordable email marketing.
- Both have free tiers; HubSpot's is a CRM, Mailchimp's is contact-limited email.
- Choose by ambition: a growth platform (HubSpot) versus easy email (Mailchimp).
The short version: choose HubSpot if you want email as part of a full CRM and growth platform; choose Mailchimp if you want simple, affordable email marketing without the overhead.
HubSpot vs Mailchimp at a glance
| HubSpot | Mailchimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free, then ~$15/seat/mo | $13/mo (Essentials) |
| Free plan | Yes (free CRM) | Yes (250 contacts) |
| CRM | Full, native | Light |
| Automation | Strong, platform-wide | Basic to moderate |
| Best for | Growth platform | Simple email marketing |
Pricing
Mailchimp is simpler and cheaper to start, free for 250 contacts, then $13/month, with costs rising by contact count. HubSpot has a free CRM and entry Marketing Hub from ~$15/seat/month, but its powerful features start at Professional and scale steeply with marketing contacts.
Verdict: Mailchimp for affordable simplicity; HubSpot when you will grow into the platform.
CRM and automation
HubSpot is far ahead here: a full native CRM, platform-wide automation, lead scoring, and attribution. Mailchimp offers a light CRM and basic automation suited to small businesses.
Verdict: HubSpot for CRM and automation depth; Mailchimp for simple needs.
Ease of use
Mailchimp is more approachable for a solo marketer who just wants to send campaigns. HubSpot is polished but larger, with more to learn as you adopt more of the platform.
Verdict: Mailchimp for quick email; HubSpot for a platform you grow into.
Scale and reporting
HubSpot scales from startup to enterprise with deep reporting across marketing, sales, and service. Mailchimp is best for small to mid-sized email programs.
Verdict: HubSpot for scale and reporting; Mailchimp for focused email.
Choose HubSpot if…
- You want email unified with a full CRM and sales.
- You expect to grow into automation, reporting, and attribution.
- You can budget for the platform over time.
Choose Mailchimp if…
- You want simple, affordable email marketing.
- You do not need a full CRM or deep automation.
- Ease of use matters most.
Frequently asked questions
Is HubSpot better than Mailchimp? For a full marketing-and-CRM platform, yes. For simple, affordable email, Mailchimp is the better fit.
Does HubSpot have a free plan? Yes, a free CRM with basic marketing tools. Mailchimp’s free plan covers 250 contacts.
Which is cheaper? Mailchimp is cheaper to start and run for simple email; HubSpot’s advanced tiers scale steeply with marketing contacts.