Mailchimp vs Omnisend: Which Marketing Platform Fits Your Business?
Last updated August 21, 2026
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Compare Mailchimp and Omnisend Side by Side
Mailchimp and Omnisend both offer free plans, marketing automation, SMS add-ons, and AI content tools, but they structure pricing and features differently. Mailchimp's Essentials plan starts at $13/month but caps automation at 4 flow steps, and AI content assist isn't included until you reach the $20/month Standard plan. Omnisend's automation is listed as available on all plans, including its free tier, and its Pro plan ($41.30/month, discounted) bundles AI-powered personalization with per-SMS pricing starting at $0.007. Businesses that want unlimited contacts and don't mind a higher price point may look toward Mailchimp's Premium plan at $350/month. Teams prioritizing SMS credits and automation access at lower price points, or wanting to try automation on a free plan, may find Omnisend's tiers more accessible. Companies already under 250 contacts can test either free plan before committing, and both vendors publish specific limits worth checking against current contact volume and messaging needs.
Review pricing tiers, automation limits, SMS options, and AI features for both platforms before you commit to a plan.
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Feature | Mailchimp | Omnisend | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing automation workflows | 3/5 | 4/5 | Mailchimp limits automation to 4 flow steps on Essentials, expanding to 200 flows on Standard and above. Omnisend lists marketing automation as available on all plans, including free, per its comparison table. |
| SMS marketing | 3/5 | 4/5 | Mailchimp offers SMS as a paid add-on starting on Essentials, with MMS added on Standard/Premium (US/Canada only). Omnisend includes SMS/MMS credits across plans, with Pro offering per-SMS pricing from $0.007. |
| AI content assistant | 3/5 | 3/5 | Mailchimp includes generative AI at no extra cost on Standard and Premium, but not on Essentials. Omnisend advertises AI-powered personalizations specifically on its Pro plan. |
| Free forever plan | 3/5 | 4/5 | Mailchimp's free plan supports under 250 contacts with core features only. Omnisend's free plan also caps at 250 contacts but explicitly states no credit card required and includes 500 emails/mo and 500 Web Push notifications. |
Frequently asked questions
How does Mailchimp pricing compare to Omnisend pricing?
Mailchimp's paid plans start at $13/month (Essentials) and range up to $350/month (Premium, with a promotional rate of $297.50/mo for 12 months). Omnisend's paid plans start at $11.20/month (Standard) and go up to $41.30/month (Pro); both Omnisend prices reflect a 30% discount for 3-month upfront payment, billed monthly thereafter.
Do both Mailchimp and Omnisend offer a free plan?
Yes. Mailchimp's free plan is for accounts under 250 contacts with core features only. Omnisend's free plan is $0/month, includes 500 emails/mo, 250 contacts, and 500 Web Push notifications, and requires no credit card.
Can I switch from Mailchimp to Omnisend or vice versa?
The provided data doesn't detail a specific migration tool or import process for either platform. Check each vendor's current documentation for contact and campaign migration options before switching.
Which plans include SMS marketing?
Mailchimp offers SMS as an add-on starting on its Essentials plan, with SMS and MMS add-ons on Standard and Premium (MMS limited to US/Canada). Omnisend includes SMS/MMS credits across its plans, with Pro offering SMS starting at $0.007 per message.
Is AI content assistance included on lower-tier plans?
No, for both platforms. Mailchimp includes generative AI features at no additional cost only on Standard and Premium, not Essentials. Omnisend's AI-powered personalization is listed specifically under its Pro plan.
Who is Mailchimp vs Omnisend best suited for?
Based on the listed plans, Mailchimp's Premium tier offers unlimited contacts, users, and audiences for larger operations willing to pay $350/month. Omnisend's tiered structure, with automation and SMS credits available from lower price points, may suit businesses wanting these features without reaching Mailchimp's higher-priced plans.