GetResponse vs Mailchimp for Small Business (2026)
GetResponse vs Mailchimp compared for small business — pricing, automation, landing pages, and which is worth paying for in 2026.
2 min read · Updated 2026-05-02

Short answer
GetResponse wins on automation and value — more features per dollar, built-in landing pages, and webinar hosting on mid-tier plans. Mailchimp wins on ease of use and brand recognition — better for beginners who just need a newsletter with no automation.
Price comparison (1,000 contacts)
| Plan | GetResponse | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 500 contacts, basic email | 500 contacts, basic email |
| Entry paid | $19/mo (Email plan) | $20/mo (Essentials) |
| With automation | $19/mo (included) | $175/mo (Standard) |
| Landing pages | Included from $19/mo | Included on all paid |
GetResponse includes full marketing automation from the $19/month plan. Mailchimp requires the $175/month Standard plan for comparable automation.
Where GetResponse wins
- Automation at a lower price — visual workflow builder included from $19/month
- Built-in landing pages — unlimited landing pages on all paid plans
- Webinars — host webinars directly inside GetResponse (unique to this category)
- Conversion funnels — build full sales funnels (opt-in → email sequence → sale) in one tool
- Better value as you grow — pricing scales more predictably than Mailchimp
Where Mailchimp wins
- Easier to start — simpler interface, better onboarding for first-time email marketers
- More integrations — 300+ native integrations vs GetResponse's smaller library
- Stronger free plan — 500 contacts, 1,000 emails/month, audience segmentation
- Brand recognition — clients and partners are more likely to recognise it
Which to choose
Choose GetResponse if: You want automation, landing pages, or webinars — and you're on a budget. It's the better long-term platform for small businesses that plan to grow.
Choose Mailchimp if: You're sending a simple monthly newsletter to under 500 contacts and don't need automation yet. Start free, switch if you outgrow it.
Already on Mailchimp? Consider switching if your monthly bill has risen above $50 and you're not using its advanced features — GetResponse will cost less for the same capability.
Related questions
Frequently asked questions
- Is GetResponse better than Mailchimp?
- GetResponse is better than Mailchimp for automation and value — it includes marketing automation, webinars, and landing pages on plans where Mailchimp charges extra or doesn't offer them. Mailchimp has a better free plan and is easier for absolute beginners sending simple newsletters.
- Is GetResponse free?
- GetResponse offers a free plan for up to 500 contacts with basic email and one landing page. Paid plans start at $19/month for up to 1,000 contacts with full automation. Mailchimp's free plan is more generous at 500 contacts with no landing page limit.
- Why is Mailchimp so expensive now?
- Mailchimp raised prices significantly in 2023–2024 and moved most automation features to paid tiers. Many small businesses that used to rely on Mailchimp's free plan now find GetResponse, MailerLite, or Brevo better value as they grow beyond 500 contacts.
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