Mailchimp Alternatives Guide 2025

9 min read

Is Mailchimp still the best FOR EMAIL MARKETING?

Or are UK businesses finding better value elsewhere?

Email marketing continues to be one of the most effective tools for small businesses to reach customers, increase engagement, and drive revenue. While Mailchimp has long been a favourite in the UK market, a growing number of small businesses are now exploring other platforms offering more flexibility, better pricing, and stronger data protection.


1. Mailchimp

Rating: 4.7 / 5
Best for: All-rounder with strong design and ease of use

Mailchimp remains a top choice for many small businesses due to its clean interface, excellent branding tools, and vast library of integrations. It is particularly suitable for businesses that want to create professional-looking campaigns with minimal effort.

Strengths

  • Intuitive drag-and-drop builder
  • Attractive email templates
  • Reliable analytics and A/B testing
  • Integrations with platforms like Shopify, Stripe, WordPress, and Canva
  • Free plan for small lists (up to 500 contacts)

Limitations

  • Pricing increases significantly with list growth
  • Advanced features locked behind premium plans
  • US-based data storage (less ideal for sensitive sectors)

Best suited to: Start-ups, creative businesses, and retail brands focused on visually-led marketing.


DID YOU KNOW

Mailchimp processes and delivers over 1 billion emails daily. That’s more than 365 billion emails every year—an enormous volume that shows its scale and reliability.


2. Brevo

Rating: 4.6 / 5
Best for: Multi-channel marketing and GDPR-conscious businesses

Brevo offers a full suite of marketing tools, including email, SMS, WhatsApp, live chat, and CRM functionality. Its pricing model is based on email volume rather than contact count, making it cost-effective for many UK SMEs.

Strengths

  • Built-in CRM and automation
  • Multi-channel support
  • EU-based servers for GDPR compliance
  • Good value for larger contact lists

Limitations

  • Fewer design templates than Mailchimp
  • Slightly clunkier editor

Best suited to: Service-based businesses and teams needing integrated communication tools.


3. MailerLite

Rating: 4.5 / 5
Best for: Simplicity, affordability, and automation

MailerLite is known for its clean, minimal interface and excellent value. It includes all the essential tools for small businesses looking to grow via email, without the complexity or cost of larger platforms.

Strengths

  • User-friendly platform
  • Strong automation and landing page features
  • High deliverability rates
  • GDPR-compliant hosting

Limitations

  • Fewer design templates
  • Limited built-in integrations

Best suited to: Freelancers, consultants, and small teams looking for an affordable, reliable platform.


DID YOU KNOW

Over 4.5 Billion people use email every day! That’s more than half the planet. Email is one of the few channels that’s universal, reliable, and works on nearly every device—no algorithm needed.


4. Klaviyo

Rating: 4.4 / 5
Best for: eCommerce automation and personalisation

Klaviyo is built specifically for eCommerce and is highly regarded for its segmentation and integration with platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce. It enables retailers to build targeted campaigns based on customer data and behaviour.

Strengths

  • Powerful customer segmentation
  • Predictive analytics and product recommendations
  • Strong revenue attribution tools
  • Deep integrations with major eCommerce platforms

Limitations

  • Higher pricing as contact lists grow
  • More technical to set up and use

Best suited to: Online shops and retailers that want advanced automation and personalisation features.


5. Moosend

Rating: 4.3 / 5
Best for: Cost-effective email marketing with automation

Moosend offers automation, behavioural targeting, and email personalisation at a competitive price. It’s ideal for businesses wanting powerful features without the high costs.

Strengths

  • Automation builder
  • Personalised content and segmentation
  • Real-time analytics

Limitations

  • Smaller UK presence and support network
  • Limited native integrations

Best suited to: Budget-conscious SMEs and early-stage start-ups with growing marketing needs.


6. GetResponse

Rating: 4.2 / 5
Best for: Webinars, funnels, and lead generation

GetResponse offers a broad set of marketing tools, including email, landing pages, webinars, and CRM capabilities. It is particularly useful for service businesses and content creators running lead generation campaigns.

Strengths

  • Webinar hosting and sales funnel features
  • Email and landing page builder
  • List segmentation and tagging

Limitations

  • Slightly dated interface
  • Not as intuitive as some alternatives

Best suited to: Coaches, educators, and marketers running online courses or digital products.



7. Constant Contact

Rating: 4.0 / 5
Best for: Ease of use and support

Constant Contact is a well-established provider known for its reliability and strong customer support. While it lacks some of the advanced features of newer platforms, it’s perfect for businesses seeking a straightforward solution.

Strengths

  • Simple setup and campaign management
  • Event marketing and survey tools included
  • Responsive customer support

Limitations

  • Limited automation tools
  • Less flexibility compared to modern competitors

Best suited to: Local businesses, charities, and organisations with basic email marketing needs.


8. Zoho Campaigns

Rating: 3.9 / 5
Best for: Low-cost option for businesses using Zoho’s wider suite

Zoho Campaigns is part of the Zoho ecosystem and integrates seamlessly with its CRM and business tools. It provides a functional, affordable option for those already invested in Zoho software.

Strengths

  • Affordable plans
  • Strong CRM integration
  • GDPR-ready configuration

Limitations

  • Basic design and automation features
  • Less user-friendly than competitors

Best suited to: Businesses already using Zoho tools who want a simple marketing platform.


Comparison Summary

Platform

Rating

Best For

Mailchimp

4.7

All-rounder with strong design tools

Brevo

4.6

Multi-channel marketing & CRM integration

MailerLite

4.5

Affordability and ease of use

Klaviyo

4.4

Advanced eCommerce personalisation

Moosend

4.3

Powerful features at a lower price point

GetResponse

4.2

Webinars and lead generation funnels

Constant Contact

4.0

Simplicity and customer support

Zoho Campaigns

3.9

Integration with Zoho business suite


Final Thoughts

Mailchimp continues to be a solid choice for UK small businesses, especially those looking for design-led, easy-to-use tools. However, depending on your industry, budget, and marketing goals, one of the alternatives may be a better fit.

For example:

  • Choose Brevo if you need multi-channel campaigns and value GDPR compliance
  • Choose MailerLite for clean, cost-effective marketing
  • Choose Klaviyo if you're an eCommerce brand needing advanced segmentation
  • Choose Moosend or Zoho Campaigns for high functionality at a lower cost

Email marketing is far from outdated, it’s a powerful, evolving channel that continues to deliver measurable value. With the right strategy, automation, and personalisation, email can build relationships, boost conversions, and drive business growth at scale.


ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR NEXT CAMPAIGN? There's no point chasing customers if your systems aren't in place or can't cope.

Contact us now on how we can help you now and in the future.

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