Mailchimp vs Substack — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Mailchimp and Substack to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Substack takes the lead with a 4.2 rating and is best for writers who want the simplest path to publishing a newsletter with paid subscriptions.. Mailchimp (4.1) is the better pick if you need small businesses starting with email marketing who want an all-in-one platform..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Mailchimp | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.1(456) | ★★★★ 4.2(312) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | free |
| Starter Price | $13/mo (Essentials, 500 contacts) | N/A |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web, ios, android | web, ios, android |
| Learning Curve | easy | easy |
| API Available | Yes | No |
| Best For | Small businesses starting with email marketing who want an all-in-one platform. | Writers who want the simplest path to publishing a newsletter with paid subscriptions. |
| Verdict | situational | situational |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Mailchimp | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Drag-and-drop email builder | — | |
| Marketing automation | — | |
| Landing pages | — | |
| A/B testing | — | |
| Customer journey builder | — | |
| Analytics and reporting | — | |
| 300+ integrations | — | |
| Clean writing editor | — | |
| Paid subscriptions built in | — | |
| Web archive for every post | — | |
| Podcast hosting | — | |
| Substack Notes (social) | — | |
| Network discovery | — |
Mailchimp
Pros
- ✓Most beginner-friendly email marketing platform
- ✓Comprehensive beyond email — landing pages, ads, CRM
- ✓Massive integration ecosystem with 300+ apps
Cons
- ✕Per-contact pricing makes it expensive as lists grow
- ✕Free plan has been significantly limited over time
- ✕Automation features lag behind ActiveCampaign and ConvertKit
Substack
Pros
- ✓Zero monthly cost — only pay when you earn
- ✓Simplest writing and publishing experience available
- ✓Built-in paid subscriptions with no setup
Cons
- ✕10% revenue cut is expensive at scale
- ✕Virtually no email marketing or automation features
- ✕Zero customization — every Substack looks the same
The Bottom Line
Both Mailchimp and Substack are solid tools in the Email Marketing space. Substack edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.2 vs 4.1) and is the better choice for writers who want the simplest path to publishing a newsletter with paid subscriptions.. However, if you prioritize small businesses starting with email marketing who want an all-in-one platform., Mailchimp is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.