If you’re trying to grow your business, connect with your audience, or nurture leads, email marketing remains one of the most powerful tools in your digital arsenal. But with so many platforms to choose from, how do you know which one is best for your business?
Three of the most popular contenders, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, and HubSpot each have its strengths — and its limitations. And as a marketer with nearly two decades of experience, I’ve had the opportunity to work with all three — from campaign planning to execution and analysis — and each has left me with a distinct perspective.
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Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a nonprofit, or part of a growing marketing team, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each platform to help you make the right choice.
Mailchimp: Best for Beginners and Budget-Conscious Creators
Mailchimp is the first email marketing engine I started to use when I began my agency in 2020. It’s often the first stop for small businesses, nonprofits, and solo marketers — and for good reason. It’s easy to use, visually appealing, and offers a generous free plan.
Pros:
Simple drag-and-drop email builder
Free plan with up to 500 contacts and 3,500 monthly sends
Automated customer journeys and e-commerce integrations
Stylish templates and visual customization
Integrates with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Squarespace
Cons:
Customer support is limited unless you’re on a paid plan
Pricing scales quickly as your list grows
Reporting and analytics are basic compared to competitors
Best for: New businesses, freelancers, and marketers who want to hit the ground running without spending much up front.
Constant Contact: Best for Event-Driven Marketing and Support
Constant Contact has been around since the early days of email marketing. Its platform is clean and approachable, and it’s especially well-suited for businesses that regularly host events or need reliable support. Note that Constant Contact does not offer a free plan but it is still affordable so you will need to budget for this line item in your marketing expenses.
Pros:
Provides excellent customer service (chat, email, and phone)
Event management tools (RSVPs, registrations, reminders)
High deliverability rates
Straightforward list management
Cons:
Fewer automation options than Mailchimp or HubSpot
Email design customization is more limited
User interface can feel a little dated
Best for: Local businesses, nonprofits, and organizations that rely on events or need hands-on help with setup and strategy.
HubSpot: Best for Scaling Businesses with Automation Needs
If you’re ready to go beyond email and build a full inbound marketing strategy, HubSpot might be your best bet. It’s a powerhouse platform that integrates email, CRM, sales, and customer service all in one place. Personally, it is my favorite tool out there and has taught me a lot about best practices in marketing.
Pros:
Built-in CRM and full contact history tracking
Advanced automation and segmentation tools
Comprehensive analytics and reporting
Seamless alignment between marketing and sales teams
Cons:
Pricing can escalate quickly, especially with larger contact lists
More complex than Mailchimp or Constant Contact
Overkill for basic email campaigns
Best for: Growth-focused businesses, agencies, or teams that want a unified marketing and sales platform.
Final Takeaway
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to email marketing platforms. Here’s my guidance:
Mailchimp is great if you’re just getting started and want creative freedom on a budget.
Go with Constant Contact if events and customer support are essential to your strategy.
Invest in HubSpot if you’re scaling fast and want powerful automation and CRM tools built in.
Trying them out with a free trial is a smart move — what looks good on paper might feel totally different in practice.
Have you used any of these platforms? What’s your go-to email marketing tool? Let me know in the comments!