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GetResponse vs Mailchimp 2026: Which Email Tool Wins?

ToolCheckr Team·March 13, 2026·4 min read

Choosing between GetResponse and Mailchimp is one of the most common dilemmas in email marketing. Both are established platforms with millions of users, but they take different approaches. We put them head to head to help you decide.

Overview

GetResponse positions itself as an all-in-one marketing platform with email, automation, landing pages, webinars, and even ecommerce features built in. Mailchimp started as a simple email tool and has grown into a broader marketing platform. It is known for its user-friendly interface and strong brand recognition.

Email Builder

GetResponse offers a modern drag-and-drop email editor with AI-powered design suggestions. You get access to 100+ pre-designed templates and can save custom templates for reuse. The editor is responsive and produces clean HTML. Mailchimp also has a drag-and-drop editor with a large template library. Its Creative Assistant uses AI to generate email designs based on your brand. The interface is slightly more polished but offers fewer customization options. Winner: Tie. Both editors are excellent and produce professional results.

Marketing Automation

This is where the two platforms diverge significantly. GetResponse offers powerful automation workflows on plans starting at $19/month. You can build complex sequences with conditions, actions, and filters. Features include lead scoring, tagging, and event-based triggers. Mailchimp provides basic automation on its free plan (single-step) and more advanced Customer Journeys on paid plans starting at $20/month. The automation builder is visual and easy to use but less powerful than GetResponse. Winner: GetResponse. Its automation engine is more advanced and available at a lower price point.

Landing Pages

GetResponse includes a landing page builder on all plans, even the free one. You get access to templates, A/B testing, and basic analytics. Mailchimp also offers landing pages on all plans, but with fewer templates and limited customization options. Winner: GetResponse. Its landing page builder is more robust and feature-rich.

Pricing

GetResponse:
  • Free: up to 500 contacts, basic email
  • Email Marketing: $19/month for 1,000 contacts
  • Marketing Automation: $59/month for 1,000 contacts
  • Ecommerce Marketing: $119/month for 1,000 contacts
Mailchimp:
  • Free: up to 500 contacts, basic email
  • Essentials: $13/month for 500 contacts
  • Standard: $20/month for 500 contacts
  • Premium: $350/month for 10,000 contacts
Winner: GetResponse offers better value at scale. Mailchimp is slightly cheaper for very small lists but gets expensive as your list grows.

Unique Features

GetResponse Exclusives:
  • Built-in webinar hosting
  • Conversion funnels
  • Website builder
  • Push notifications
  • SMS marketing
Mailchimp Exclusives:
  • Creative Assistant AI
  • Content Optimizer
  • Social media posting
  • Postcards (physical mail)
  • Stronger brand recognition

Deliverability

Both platforms maintain strong email deliverability rates. GetResponse consistently scores in the top tier for inbox placement in independent tests. Mailchimp also performs well but has seen some fluctuation in recent years due to its large user base. Winner: GetResponse by a small margin.

Ease of Use

Mailchimp wins on ease of use. Its interface is clean, modern, and intuitive. Most users can send their first campaign within minutes. GetResponse has a steeper learning curve, especially when setting up advanced automation workflows. However, once you learn the platform, it becomes very efficient. Winner: Mailchimp for beginners. GetResponse for experienced marketers.

Our Verdict

Choose GetResponse if:
  • You need advanced marketing automation
  • You want landing pages, webinars, and funnels included
  • You plan to scale your email list significantly
  • You want better value at higher contact counts
Choose Mailchimp if:
  • You are just getting started with email marketing
  • Ease of use is your top priority
  • You have a small list under 500 contacts
  • You want strong social media integration
For most growing businesses, we recommend GetResponse. It offers more features for the price and its automation capabilities will serve you well as you scale. But if simplicity is what you need, Mailchimp remains an excellent choice.

Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend tools we genuinely believe in.