Reviewed by the NexaToolkit team · Last reviewed June 2026. We compare the two on what small businesses actually weigh: cost, ease, and support. NexaToolkit may earn a commission from links on this page — it never changes what we recommend.
Mailchimp and Constant Contact are the two legacy email names small businesses know — and in 2026 both face cheaper, more modern rivals. But they still suit specific buyers: Mailchimp for its huge integration ecosystem, Constant Contact for events, nonprofits, and phone support. Here’s the honest comparison, plus when to skip both.
Mailchimp: the big ecosystem, steep scaling
Mailchimp (~$110 Standard at 10k contacts) has 800+ integrations and a polished builder, but its free plan shrank and automation is increasingly paywalled. Best if you’re already embedded in its ecosystem; otherwise you pay more per feature than newer tools.
Constant Contact: events, nonprofits, phone support
Constant Contact stands out for built-in event management and RSVP tracking, nonprofit pricing, unlimited sends on all plans, and real phone support — the preferred pick for associations, event organizers, and nonprofits that want a human on the line.
The honest caveat: cheaper rivals exist
For pure email value in 2026, MailerLite ($10 at 1k) and Brevo (free up to 100k contacts, 9,000 emails/month, automation included) deliver more for less than either legacy tool. Choose Mailchimp or Constant Contact for their specific strengths (ecosystem; events/support), not as the default.
Mailchimp vs Constant Contact
| Mailchimp | Constant Contact | |
|---|---|---|
| ~10k contacts | ~$110 (Standard) | Unlimited sends, tiered |
| Standout | 800+ integrations | Events, nonprofit pricing, phone support |
| Automation | Increasingly paywalled | Included |
| Best for | Existing Mailchimp ecosystems | Events, associations, nonprofits |
| Cheaper alternative | MailerLite / Brevo | MailerLite / Brevo |
A real scenario
A nonprofit running monthly events: Constant Contact is the right pick — built-in RSVP tracking, nonprofit pricing, and phone support when a volunteer needs help beat a cheaper generic tool. A small business already wired into Mailchimp’s 800+ integrations stays on Mailchimp. But a new business that just wants email value should look at Brevo (free to 100k contacts) or MailerLite ($10) first — both deliver more for less than these legacy names in 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Mailchimp or Constant Contact?
Mailchimp for its 800+ integrations if you’re already in its ecosystem; Constant Contact for events, nonprofit pricing, and phone support. For pure email value, cheaper modern tools (MailerLite, Brevo) often beat both.
Is Mailchimp still worth it in 2026?
Mainly if you rely on its huge integration ecosystem. Its free plan shrank and automation is paywalled, so for cost-per-feature, MailerLite or Brevo usually win.
Which is better for a nonprofit?
Constant Contact — nonprofit pricing, event/RSVP management, and phone support make it the standout for associations and event-driven organizations.
More: see our best email marketing tools and building an email list.
