John had spent weeks crafting the perfect email campaign for his new online store. He designed eye-catching templates, wrote persuasive copy, and set up automation to nurture leads. But when he hit send, disaster struck—his emails landed in spam, open rates were abysmal, and conversions? Almost zero.
Frustrated, he realized the problem wasn’t his content but the email marketing platform he was using. That’s when he faced the ultimate dilemma: Sendinblue or Mailchimp?
Choosing the right email marketing tool can mean the difference between a thriving business and wasted effort. One promises advanced automation and affordable pricing, while the other is known for its sleek templates and vast integrations.
But which one truly delivers the best results? Let’s compare Sendinblue vs Mailchimp to see which tool wins the email marketing battle.
Table of Contents
Ease of Use: Which platform has the best user-friendly experience?
Choosing the right email marketing platform can feel like navigating a maze. Let’s break down the user-friendliness of Sendinblue and Mailchimp to help you find your way.
Getting Started: First Impressions Matter
When you first log into these platforms, you’ll notice:
- Mailchimp: Features a sleek, modern interface with a playful vibe. The dashboard is intuitive, guiding you through creating your first campaign with ease.
- Sendinblue: Offers a clean, straightforward design. The dashboard presents all essential tools upfront, making navigation simple, even for beginners.
Table: Onboarding Experience
| Feature | Mailchimp | Sendinblue |
| Interface Design | Sleek and modern | Clean and straightforward |
| Navigation | Intuitive with guided steps | Simple with essential tools upfront |
| Learning Curve | Gentle, suitable for beginners | Minimal, user-friendly for all levels |
Email Creation: Crafting Your Message
Designing emails should be a joy, not a chore. Here’s how both platforms stack up:
- Drag-and-Drop Editors: Both offer intuitive editors that let you easily add text, images, and buttons.
- Template Variety:
- Mailchimp: Provides over 100 templates, though the free plan offers a limited selection.
- Sendinblue: Offers around 130 templates, all responsive and customizable.
- Customization: Both platforms allow for easy tweaks to match your brand’s style.
Bullet List: Email Design Highlights
- Mailchimp:
- Extensive template library
- User-friendly editor
- Limited templates on free plan
- Sendinblue:
- Ample responsive templates
- Easy customization
- All templates available across plans
Automation and CRM: Beyond Basic Emails
Automation can save you time, and CRM tools help manage your contacts efficiently.
- Automation:
- Mailchimp: Offers automation features, but advanced options require higher-tier plans.
- Sendinblue: Provides robust automation, including workflows and triggers, accessible even on free plans.
- CRM Capabilities:
- Mailchimp: Basic CRM functions focusing on contact management.
- Sendinblue: Advanced CRM features like deal pipelines and sales task management.
Table: Automation and CRM Features
| Feature | Mailchimp | Sendinblue |
| Automation | Available, advanced features on paid plans | Robust, accessible on free plans |
| CRM Capabilities | Basic contact management | Advanced tools with sales pipelines |
User Feedback: What Others Are Saying
Hearing from fellow users can provide valuable insights.
- Mailchimp: Praised for its analytics and tracking features. pcmag.com
- Sendinblue: Users appreciate its ease of use and comprehensive features. campaignrefinery.com
Bullet List: User Highlights
- Mailchimp:
- Strong analytics and tracking
- Modern interface
- Advanced features may require higher-tier plans
- Sendinblue:
- User-friendly design
- Comprehensive free plan features
- Advanced CRM tools
Which Platform Suits You?
- Choose Mailchimp if:
- You value a modern interface with strong analytics.
- You’re comfortable with potential additional costs for advanced features.
- Opt for Sendinblue if:
- You prefer a straightforward platform with robust free features.
- Advanced CRM tools are essential for your operations.
Ultimately, both platforms offer excellent tools. Your choice depends on your specific needs and which features you prioritize.
Email Automation: Comparing workflow features for automated campaigns
Email automation is a game-changer in marketing, allowing you to send timely, personalized messages without manual effort. According to OptinMonster, automated emails generate 320% more revenue than non-automated ones.
But when it comes to choosing the right platform, how do Sendinblue and Mailchimp compare? Let’s dive into their workflow features to help you decide.
Automation Features Overview
Both platforms offer robust automation capabilities, but they have distinct approaches:
- Mailchimp: Provides pre-built automation templates for common scenarios like welcome emails and abandoned cart reminders. Advanced automation features are available but often require higher-tier plans.
- Sendinblue: Offers a visual workflow editor, allowing you to create complex automation sequences with ease. Features like lead scoring and advanced segmentation are included, even in lower-tier plans.
Table: Automation Feature Comparison
| Feature | Mailchimp | Sendinblue |
| Pre-built Templates | Available for common scenarios | Available for various scenarios |
| Visual Workflow Editor | Limited capabilities | Intuitive drag-and-drop editor |
| Advanced Segmentation | Requires higher-tier plans | Included in all plans |
| Lead Scoring | Not available | Included in most plans |
| A/B Testing | Available in higher-tier plans | Included in most plans |
Building Automation Workflows
Creating automation workflows should be intuitive and flexible. Here’s how each platform handles it:
- Mailchimp: Offers a straightforward setup for basic automations. However, building complex workflows can be challenging due to limited visual tools.
- Sendinblue: Features a drag-and-drop workflow editor, making it easy to visualize and create intricate automation sequences. You can set up triggers, conditions, and actions without hassle.
Bullet List: Sendinblue’s Workflow Builder Highlights
- Drag-and-drop interface for easy workflow creation.
- Set triggers based on user behavior, such as email opens or link clicks.
- Apply conditions to personalize the customer journey.
- Assign actions like sending emails or updating contact attributes.
Segmentation and Personalization
Effective automation relies on precise segmentation and personalization:
- Mailchimp: Allows segmentation based on various criteria, but advanced options are locked behind higher-tier plans. Personalization is possible but may require additional setup.
- Sendinblue: Offers advanced segmentation and personalization features across all plans. You can tailor content based on user behavior, demographics, and more.
Bullet List: Benefits of Advanced Segmentation
- Sends targeted messages to specific audience groups.
- Increases engagement by delivering relevant content.
- Improves conversion rates through personalized experiences.
Lead Scoring and CRM Integration
Integrating lead scoring and CRM features enhances automation effectiveness:
- Mailchimp: Lacks built-in lead scoring but integrates with various CRM systems. However, seamless integration may require additional configuration.
- Sendinblue: Includes lead scoring and CRM functionalities within the platform. This integration allows for more cohesive automation strategies.
Table: Lead Scoring and CRM Features
| Feature | Mailchimp | Sendinblue |
| Lead Scoring | Not available | Included in most plans |
| Built-in CRM | Limited capabilities | Comprehensive CRM features |
| Third-Party CRM | Integration available | Integration available |
User Feedback and Expert Opinions
Understanding user experiences and expert insights can provide valuable context:
- Mailchimp: Users appreciate its user-friendly interface but note that advanced automation features can be costly.
- Sendinblue: Praised for its comprehensive features at competitive pricing. According to Website Planet, “Sendinblue consistently does things just a bit better than Mailchimp.”
Bullet List: User Feedback Highlights
- Mailchimp:
- Easy to set up basic automations.
- Advanced features may require higher-tier plans.
- Limited visual workflow tools.
- Sendinblue:
- Intuitive visual workflow editor.
- Advanced features available in lower-tier plans.
- Integrated CRM and lead scoring.
Which Platform Suits Your Needs?
When comparing Sendinblue vs Mailchimp in terms of email automation, consider the following:
- Choose Mailchimp if:
- You need basic automation and value a user-friendly interface.
- You’re willing to invest in higher-tier plans for advanced features.
- Opt for Sendinblue if:
- You require advanced automation capabilities with an intuitive workflow editor.
- Integrated CRM and lead scoring are important to your strategy.
- You prefer comprehensive features at a competitive price point.
Ultimately, both platforms offer valuable tools for email automation. Your choice depends on your specific needs and budget. Evaluate your marketing goals to select the platform that aligns best with your automation requirements.
Pricing Breakdown: Which tool offers better value for money?
When choosing an email marketing platform, pricing plays a pivotal role in determining which tool offers the best value for your investment. Let’s delve into the pricing structures of Sendinblue and Mailchimp to see how they stack up.
Overview of Pricing Models
Mailchimp and Sendinblue adopt distinct pricing strategies:
- Mailchimp: Charges based on the number of contacts in your database. As your subscriber count grows, so does your monthly fee.
- Sendinblue: Offers pricing based on the number of emails sent, allowing unlimited contacts. This model can be more cost-effective for businesses with large contact lists but lower email frequency.
Free Plans: What Do You Get?
Both platforms provide free plans, but with notable differences:
- Mailchimp: Allows up to 500 contacts and 1,000 emails per month. However, features like A/B testing and advanced analytics are reserved for paid tiers.
- Sendinblue: Offers unlimited contacts with a daily sending limit of 300 emails. While some advanced features are restricted, the generous contact allowance is advantageous.
Table: Free Plan Comparison
| Feature | Mailchimp | Sendinblue |
| Contact Limit | Up to 500 | Unlimited |
| Email Sends | 1,000/month | 300/day |
| Advanced Features | Limited | Limited |
Paid Plans: Which Offers More Bang for Your Buck?
Let’s break down the paid plans to see where each platform stands:
Mailchimp:
- Essentials: Starts at $13/month for 500 contacts. Includes email templates and basic analytics.
- Standard: Begins at $20/month for 500 contacts. Adds advanced audience insights and automation.
- Premium: Starts at $350/month for 10,000 contacts. Offers advanced segmentation and multivariate testing.
Sendinblue:
- Lite: Starts at $25/month for up to 20,000 emails. Includes email support and advanced statistics.
- Premium: Begins at $65/month for up to 20,000 emails. Adds marketing automation, landing pages, and telephone support.
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for high-volume senders with dedicated account management.
Table: Paid Plan Comparison
| Plan | Mailchimp Price (per month) | Sendinblue Price (per month) |
| Basic | $13 (500 contacts) | $25 (20,000 emails) |
| Mid-Tier | $20 (500 contacts) | $65 (20,000 emails) |
| Advanced | $350 (10,000 contacts) | Custom |
Feature Availability Across Plans
It’s essential to consider which features are available at each pricing tier:
- Mailchimp: Advanced features like multivariate testing and comparative reporting are exclusive to the Premium plan.
- Sendinblue: Offers marketing automation and landing pages starting from the Premium plan, which is more accessible than Mailchimp’s top-tier offerings.
Bullet List: Key Feature Differences
- Mailchimp:
- Advanced segmentation in Premium plan.
- Multivariate testing available at higher tiers.
- Sendinblue:
- Marketing automation in Premium plan.
- Landing page creation included in mid-tier plans.
Scalability: How Do Costs Increase with Growth?
As your business grows, understanding how costs scale is crucial:
- Mailchimp: Costs increase significantly with the number of contacts. For instance, managing 10,000 contacts can escalate monthly fees substantially.
- Sendinblue: Since pricing is based on email volume, you can maintain a large contact list without incurring additional costs, provided your email sending remains within your plan’s limits.
Table: Cost Scaling with Growth
| Number of Contacts | Mailchimp Monthly Cost | Sendinblue Monthly Cost |
| 1,000 | ~$30 | $25 (20,000 emails) |
| 5,000 | ~$50 | $25 (20,000 emails) |
| 10,000 | ~$75 | $25 (20,000 emails) |
Note: Sendinblue’s costs are based on email volume, not contact count.
Additional Costs to Consider
Be aware of potential extra charges:
- Mailchimp: Charges for additional contacts and premium features. A dedicated IP costs $29.95/month. zapier.com
- Sendinblue: Offers SMS marketing at additional costs, depending on the volume and destination.
Bullet List: Potential Extra Charges
- Mailchimp:
- Additional contacts beyond plan limits.
- Dedicated IP address.
- Sendinblue:
- SMS marketing services.
User Feedback on Pricing
Understanding user experiences can provide valuable insights:
- Mailchimp: Some users find the pricing steep as their contact list grows, especially when needing advanced features.
- Sendinblue: Praised for its cost-effective plans, especially beneficial for businesses with large contact lists.
Bullet List: User Feedback Highlights
- Mailchimp:
- Pricing increases with contact list size.
- Advanced features locked behind higher tiers.
- Sendinblue:
- Flexible pricing based on email volume.
- Unlimited contacts in all plans.
Which Offers Better Value?
When evaluating Sendinblue vs Mailchimp in terms of pricing:
- Choose Mailchimp if you prefer a contact-based pricing model and need advanced analytics, A/B testing, and robust e-commerce integrations.
- Choose Sendinblue if you want to manage unlimited contacts and only pay based on email volume, making it more cost-effective for larger lists.
According to Zapier, “Sendinblue’s pricing is more predictable, while Mailchimp’s costs can skyrocket as your contact list grows.” (source)
For budget-conscious businesses that send fewer emails, Mailchimp’s free plan might be enough. But if you have a growing list and need automation, Sendinblue provides more value at a fixed cost.
Deliverability Rates: Which service ensures emails actually reach inboxes?
Ensuring your emails land in your subscribers’ inboxes is crucial for any successful email marketing campaign. After all, what good is a beautifully crafted email if it never reaches its destination? I
In this section, we’ll explore the deliverability rates of Sendinblue and Mailchimp to determine which service ensures your messages hit the mark.
Understanding Email Deliverability
Before diving into the specifics, let’s clarify what email deliverability entails. It’s the ability of an email service provider (ESP) to deliver emails to subscribers’ inboxes successfully.
High deliverability rates mean your emails are more likely to reach recipients without being marked as spam or bouncing back.
Deliverability Rates: Sendinblue vs Mailchimp
When comparing Sendinblue and Mailchimp, deliverability rates are a critical factor. According to a study by EmailToolTester, the average deliverability rate across all tested ESPs is 83.1%.
In this context, Mailchimp has demonstrated a deliverability rate of 92.6%, while Sendinblue has a rate of 74.7%. campaignrefinery.com
Table: Deliverability Rates Comparison
| Email Service Provider | Deliverability Rate |
| Mailchimp | 92.6% |
| Sendinblue | 74.7% |
These figures indicate that Mailchimp has a higher likelihood of ensuring your emails reach your subscribers’ inboxes compared to Sendinblue.
Factors Influencing Deliverability
Several factors can influence an ESP’s deliverability rate:
- Sender Reputation: Consistent sending practices and low complaint rates enhance reputation.
- Authentication Protocols: Implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC protocols verifies email legitimacy.
- Content Quality: Relevant and non-spammy content reduces the chances of emails being marked as spam.
Both Sendinblue and Mailchimp offer tools to help maintain and improve these aspects, but the effectiveness of these tools can vary.
User Experiences and Feedback
User feedback provides valuable insights into real-world deliverability performance. On platforms like Reddit, users have shared their experiences:
- Sendinblue: Some users praise its deliverability-focused features, including dedicated IP options and tools to monitor sender reputation.
- Mailchimp: Generally recognized for its robust infrastructure, contributing to higher deliverability rates.
It’s essential to note that individual experiences can vary based on specific use cases and practices.
Enhancing Deliverability: Best Practices
Regardless of your chosen ESP, adhering to best practices can significantly improve your email deliverability:
- Maintain a Clean Email List: Regularly remove inactive or invalid email addresses.
- Engage Your Audience: Send relevant content that encourages interaction.
- Monitor Metrics: Keep an eye on bounce rates, open rates, and spam complaints to identify potential issues.
- Authenticate Your Emails: Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to verify your emails’ legitimacy.
Which Service Ensures Better Deliverability?
In the battle of Sendinblue vs Mailchimp, deliverability is a crucial factor. Based on available data, Mailchimp holds an advantage with a higher deliverability rate. However, individual results may vary, and implementing best practices is essential regardless of the platform you choose.
Remember, while the ESP plays a significant role, your sending habits, content quality, and list management practices are equally vital in ensuring your emails reach their intended recipients.
Best for Small Businesses vs. Enterprises: Which fits your needs?
Choosing the right email marketing platform can feel like picking the perfect pair of shoes—you want something that fits just right, whether you’re running a small business marathon or navigating the corporate catwalk.
Let’s dive into the Sendinblue vs Mailchimp debate to see which platform suits your business needs best.
Tailoring to Small Businesses 👟
Small businesses often juggle tight budgets and limited resources, making the choice of tools crucial.
Affordability and Features
- Sendinblue: Offers a free plan with up to 300 emails per day and unlimited contacts. Paid plans start at $25/month, providing advanced features like marketing automation and A/B testing.
- Mailchimp: Provides a free plan for up to 500 contacts and 1,000 emails per month. However, to access features like A/B testing, you’ll need the Standard plan, which starts at $20/month.
User-Friendly Experience
- Sendinblue: Known for its intuitive interface, making it accessible for beginners.
- Mailchimp: While powerful, some users find it has a steeper learning curve.
Customer Support
- Sendinblue: Offers email support on all plans and phone support on higher tiers.
- Mailchimp: Provides 24/7 email and chat support, with phone support available on Premium plans.
Integration Capabilities
- Sendinblue: Integrates seamlessly with platforms like WordPress, Shopify, and WooCommerce.
- Mailchimp: Offers a broader range of integrations, including e-commerce and social media platforms.
If you’re a small business seeking affordability and ease of use, Sendinblue might be your go-to. However, if you require extensive integrations and are prepared for a potential learning curve, Mailchimp is a strong contender.
Scaling Up: Enterprises in Focus 🏢
Enterprises have distinct needs, often requiring advanced features and robust support.
Advanced Features
- Sendinblue: Provides advanced segmentation, transactional emails, and SMS marketing, catering to diverse communication strategies.
- Mailchimp: Excels in advanced analytics, A/B testing, and comprehensive marketing tools, including social media integration.
Customization and Flexibility
- Sendinblue: Offers flexible API integrations, allowing for tailored solutions.
- Mailchimp: Provides extensive customization options, suitable for complex marketing strategies.
Deliverability Rates
- Sendinblue: Focuses on deliverability with dedicated IP options and tools to monitor sender reputation.
- Mailchimp: Known for its robust infrastructure, contributing to higher deliverability rates.
Customer Support
- Sendinblue: Offers priority support and dedicated account managers on higher-tier plans.
- Mailchimp: Provides premium support options, including phone support and dedicated onboarding assistance.
For enterprises requiring advanced features and extensive customization, Mailchimp stands out. However, if SMS marketing and transactional emails are priorities, Sendinblue offers valuable capabilities.
Decision Time: Which Fits Your Needs? 🤔
When choosing between Sendinblue and Mailchimp, consider the following:
- Budget: Sendinblue often provides more features at a lower cost, making it attractive for budget-conscious businesses.
- Feature Requirements: Evaluate which features are essential for your marketing strategy.
- Scalability: Consider how well the platform can grow with your business.
- User Experience: Assess the learning curve and ease of use for your team.
Table: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Sendinblue | Mailchimp |
| Free Plan | 300 emails/day, unlimited contacts | 500 contacts, 1,000 emails/month |
| Starting Price | $25/month | $20/month |
| Ease of Use | Intuitive interface | Steeper learning curve |
| Integrations | WordPress, Shopify, WooCommerce | Extensive, including e-commerce and social media |
| Support | Email support; phone support on higher tiers | 24/7 email and chat; phone support on Premium |
Both Sendinblue and Mailchimp are powerful tools in the email marketing arena. Your choice should align with your business size, budget, and specific marketing needs.
Remember, the best tool is the one that fits your unique requirements like a glove—or in this case, like the perfect pair of shoes. 🥿👠
Note: Pricing and features are subject to change. Always refer to the official websites for the most current information.
Wrapping it up
Choosing between Sendinblue vs Mailchimp comes down to your business needs, budget, and email marketing goals. If you prefer affordability, automation, and SMS marketing, Sendinblue is a great pick.
For advanced analytics, integrations, and a well-known brand, Mailchimp delivers.
Test both platforms and see which works best for you. Sign up, explore their features, and supercharge your email marketing today! 🚀