Best ActiveCampaign Alternatives (2026)
ActiveCampaign is email marketing and crm automation platform, starting at $15/mo. Here are the best alternatives — whether you need something cheaper, simpler, or with different features.
Why people switch from ActiveCampaign
- →No free plan
- →Learning curve for automations
- →UI can feel complex
- →Pricing scales up quickly
Email marketing and automation platform
Mailchimp
Email marketing and automation platform
Mailchimp is one of the most widely used email marketing platforms, offering email campaigns, automations, landing pages, and basic CRM functionality. Popular with small businesses and e-commerce brands.
Klaviyo
Marketing automation platform built for e-commerce
Klaviyo is a powerful email and SMS marketing platform purpose-built for e-commerce brands. Known for its deep Shopify integration, advanced segmentation, and revenue-focused analytics.
Kit (ConvertKit)
Email platform built for creators and solopreneurs
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is an email marketing platform built specifically for content creators, bloggers, podcasters, and online course sellers. It prioritises simplicity, deliverability, and audience segmentation.
HubSpot
All-in-one CRM, marketing, and sales platform
HubSpot is a cloud-based CRM platform that helps businesses grow by aligning sales, marketing, and customer service teams. It offers a free CRM with optional paid hubs for Marketing, Sales, Service, and Operations.
ActiveCampaign vs alternatives: quick comparison
| Tool | Starting price | Free plan | Pricing model | G2 score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ActiveCampaign (current) | $15 | ✗ | paid | 4.5/5 |
| Mailchimp | $13 | ✓ | freemium | 4.3/5 |
| Klaviyo | $20 | ✓ | freemium | 4.6/5 |
| Kit (ConvertKit) | $25 | ✓ | freemium | 4.4/5 |
| HubSpot | $15 | ✓ | freemium | 4.4/5 |
How to switch from ActiveCampaign
- 1. Export your data first
Before cancelling, export everything from ActiveCampaign — contacts, projects, records, or reports. Most tools offer a CSV export under Settings → Data Export. Download and store it as a backup even if you don't need it immediately.
- 2. Trial the alternative with a real project
Mailchimp and Klaviyo both offer free plans — sign up and run a live project in parallel before committing. Most paid alternatives also offer 14–30 day trials.
- 3. Import and run both tools briefly
Use the import wizard in your chosen alternative to bring across your exported data. Run both tools in parallel for 2–4 weeks so your team can adapt without losing continuity. Most migrations take less than a day for small teams.
- 4. Cancel before the next billing cycle
Cancel ActiveCampaign before renewal to avoid being charged for another month or year. Check whether you're on a monthly or annual plan — annual plans often have no mid-cycle refunds. Keep your final data export on file.
Our verdict
If you are switching from ActiveCampaign, Mailchimp is our top pick — email marketing and automation platform, with a G2 score of 4.3/5. For a free option, Mailchimp is worth considering. Use the comparison links above to do a side-by-side before committing.
ActiveCampaign alternatives: frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to ActiveCampaign?
Mailchimp is our top-ranked alternative. It starts at $13/mo with a free plan and scores 4.3/5 on G2.
Is there a free alternative to ActiveCampaign?
Yes — Mailchimp, Klaviyo, Kit (ConvertKit) all offer free plans.
What is the cheapest alternative to ActiveCampaign?
Mailchimp offers the lowest entry point with a free plan. Paid plans start at $13/mo.
Not sure which tool to pick?
See a detailed breakdown of ActiveCampaign pricing before you decide.
See ActiveCampaign pricing →