Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing Vs ActiveCampaign Marketing: Which Shopify App Is Best For Your Store In September 2026?

Discover the power of Shopify apps as we compare Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing side by side. Evaluate their features, explore their unique benefits, compare their pricing plans and user ratings, and find the perfect fit for your business needs. Let's dive into the comparison table and unlock the possibilities that await your Shopify store.

Compare Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing

Mailchimp Email SMS MarketingMailchimp Email SMS MarketingView on Shopify
ActiveCampaign MarketingActiveCampaign MarketingView on Shopify
General Information
Ratings
4.8(1,369 reviews)
4.6(239 reviews)
Developed byIntuit MailchimpActiveCampaign
Launch Date11/28/20182/24/2012
PricingFree, $13/month, $20/month, $350/month$19/month, $59/month, $89/month, $159/month
ObjectiveIncrease sales and visitors with automated marketing and email campaigns.ActiveCampaign: Customer Service and Marketing Automation
CategoriesEmail marketing, SMS marketingEmail marketing, SMS marketing
Key Features & Highlights
PurposeThe email marketing tool that suggests improvements for content, targeting and automated processes.Automated tools for email marketing, generating leads, SMS marketing, managing abandoned carts, CRM, forms, and additional needs.
Features List
  1. Automate personalized email and SMS campaigns to re-engage customers.
  2. Use AI-generated content for faster and optimized marketing messages.
  3. Recover abandoned carts with automated reminders and targeted discounts.
  1. Automatically recover abandoned carts with targeted email reminders.
  2. Send personalized SMS discounts based on past purchases.
  3. Create segments and triggers using real-time and historical data.
Highlights
  1. Based in United States
-
User Reviews and Ratings
Recommended %88.2%88.8%
Pros
  1. Multiple users highlight prompt, helpful, and personalized assistance from support agents like Clarisse, Lori, Rafael, and Dean.
  2. The app syncs well with Shopify and Mailchimp, with users noting smooth setup and automatic customer data transfer.
  3. Many reviews mention the app’s intuitive installation process and clear instructions.
  4. Several users report the app functions as expected, with no major technical issues post-integration.
  5. Support teams are praised for resolving problems efficiently, often with follow-up communication.
  6. Specific agents (e.g., Troy, David, Karol) are repeatedly commended for their expertise and patience.
  7. Some users appreciate the free plan option, especially during transitions from other platforms.
  1. Extensive pre-built templates and seamless integration for creating effective marketing and sales automations.
  2. Deep, reliable connection with Shopify for tracking purchases, customer behavior, and triggering targeted campaigns.
  3. Responsive and knowledgeable support team, offering real-time assistance, training, and troubleshooting.
  4. Intuitive interface and ready-made automations simplify setup for non-technical users.
  5. Robust segmentation, tagging, and pipeline management for B2B and B2C use cases.
  6. Automates repetitive tasks, freeing up time for business owners to focus on strategy.
  7. Effective email campaigns with strong open rates and minimal spam issues.
  8. Suitable for businesses of all sizes, with features that grow alongside customer needs.
  9. Detailed tracking of campaign performance, customer journeys, and revenue impact.
  10. Regular updates and new features keep the platform competitive and adaptable.
Cons
  1. Users report unexpected charges, inflated fees, and unclear billing tiers, with some feeling misled by pricing structures.
  2. Instances of faulty automation (e.g., unsolicited emails, incorrect syncs) and integration errors disrupt user workflows.
  3. Free-tier users face delays or lack of responses, with chat support often requiring paid plans.
  4. Unsubscribed or spam contacts are inadvertently synced, leading to compliance and financial risks.
  5. Users describe cumbersome processes to disconnect integrations or close accounts, with misleading warnings.
  1. Complex setup and advanced features may require technical assistance or training.
  2. Multiple reports of payment errors, unexpected charges, and poor resolution from support.
  3. Contact organization and account-based features are less optimized for B2B workflows.
  4. Occasional syncing problems with Shopify and third-party apps disrupt automation.
  5. Premium pricing, especially for higher-tier plans, may be prohibitive for small businesses.
Pricing and Plans
Total Pricing Plans44
Free PlanAvailableNot available
Free TrialNoYes, for 14 day(s)
Technical Information
Rating
4.8
4.6
Total Reviews799309
Launch Date11/28/20182/24/2012
SD Points886N/A

Shopify Apps Detailed Comparison: Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing vs ActiveCampaign Marketing

In this comprehensive comparison, we'll delve into the details of two Shopify apps: Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing. Whether you're seeking to optimize marketing efforts, streamline operations, or improve customer engagement, our in-depth analysis will help you make an informed decision.

Skip the detailed comparison and head straight to the final verdict section.

Overview of the apps

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing vs ActiveCampaign Marketing: Overview

Let's dive into the overview of these two apps: Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing, and uncover how these Shopify apps can elevate your online business and empower you with powerful tools and features.

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing Overview

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing is a Shopify app developed by Unknown Developer to help merchants with Increase sales and visitors with automated marketing and email campaigns. With an average rating of 4.8 stars from 1,369 reviews , Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing is one of the top-rated Email marketing Shopify apps.

Launch Date: Nov 28, 2018

Purpose: The email marketing tool that suggests improvements for content, targeting and automated processes.

Pricing summary: Free plan available

ActiveCampaign Marketing Overview

ActiveCampaign Marketing is a Shopify app developed by Unknown Developer to help merchants with ActiveCampaign: Customer Service and Marketing Automation With an average rating of 4.6 stars from 239 reviews, ActiveCampaign Marketing is one of the top-rated Email marketing Shopify apps.

Launch Date: Feb 24, 2012

Purpose: Automated tools for email marketing, generating leads, SMS marketing, managing abandoned carts, CRM, forms, and additional needs.

Pricing summary: From $19/month. Free trial available.

Salient Features

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing vs ActiveCampaign Marketing: Features Comparison

While both apps are designed to optimize your Shopify store, their intended uses may vary. Let's take a more in-depth look at each of these apps' features.

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing Features

Here are the salient features of Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing:

  • ✅Start email processes such as reminders for abandoned carts, welcoming new customers, and re-engaging previous customers.
  • ✅Use Content Studio to quickly reuse your creative materials across different channels.
  • ✅Improve your text and images using the AI-based tool, Content Optimizer.
  • ✅Use data from millions of industry campaigns to gain insights.
  • ✅Pre-made pop-up forms and landing pages are ready to be published instantly.
ActiveCampaign Marketing Features

Here are the salient features of ActiveCampaign Marketing:

  • ✅Automatically send emails to recover abandoned carts and boost checkouts.
  • ✅Transform one-off shoppers into regular clients using up-sell and cross-sell automation strategies.
  • ✅Send customers text message discounts based on their previous buys.

Pricing Details

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing vs ActiveCampaign Marketing: Pricing Plans

There are tons of Shopify apps for small businesses and enterprises alike. From Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing to ActiveCampaign Marketing, each offers a range of pricing packages to accommodate different business needs.

Let's see how the prices of Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing measure up.

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing Pricing Details

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing has 4 pricing plans: 1 free and 3 paid. The paid plans cost $13/ month, $20/ month, $350/ month and have no free trial period.

Free

$0/month

  • Email

  • Marketing CRM

  • Creative Assistant

  • Sign Up Forms

  • Landing Pages

Essentials

$13/month

  • Everything in Free, plus

  • Email Templates

  • Marketing Automation - Up to 4

  • 24/7 Email/Chat Support

  • SMS is available as an add-on

Standard

$20/month

  • Everything in Essentials, plus

  • Marketing Automation - Up to 200

  • Send Time Optimization

  • Behavioral Targeting

  • Pricing based on number of contacts.

Premium

$350/month

  • Everything in Standard, plus

  • Advanced Segmentation

  • Multivariate Testing

  • Unlimited Seats & Role-Based Access

  • Phone Support

ActiveCampaign Marketing Pricing Details

ActiveCampaign Marketing offers 4 paid plans, which cost $19/ month, $59/ month, $89/ month, $159/ month. The paid plans also come with a 14-day free trial period.

Starter

$19/month

  • Email Sending 10x contact limit

  • Multi step Marketing Automation

  • Site Tracking

  • CRM

  • Abandoned Cart

Plus

$59/month

  • Starter Features

  • Product Catalog

  • Coupons Block

  • Marketing Revenue Report

  • Ecommerce Dashboard

Pro

$89/month

  • Plus Features

  • Email Sending 12x contact limit

  • Shopify Plus integration

  • Predictive Sends

  • Conditional Content

Enterprise

$159/month

  • Pro Features

  • Email Sending 15x contact limit

  • Single Sign On

  • Custom Objects

  • 5 users included

Ratings and Reviews

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing vs ActiveCampaign Marketing: User Ratings

User feedback and reviews play a crucial role in assessing the quality and effectiveness of any Shopify app. Let's take a closer look at what users are saying about Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing.

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing Ratings

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing has garnered an overall rating of 4.8 stars from a total of 1,369 reviews on the Shopify app store.

4.8| 1,369 reviews

Of the total reviews, 96% are positive, 4% are neutral, and 4% are negative.

✨ AI Summary of Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing ReviewsThe app facilitates seamless integration between Shopify and Mailchimp, enabling automated synchronization of customer data, email marketing lists, and product information. Its strengths include a user-friendly setup, reliable data syncing, and responsive customer support, often highlighted for efficiency and problem-solving. The app is particularly valued for bridging the gap after Shopify and Mailchimp discontinued direct compatibility. However, notable weaknesses involve occasional technical glitches, such as incorrect syncing of unsubscribed contacts, unexpected billing escalations due to inflated contact counts, and limited troubleshooting options within the app. Some users report challenges with automation errors, delayed support for unpaid plans, and difficulties disconnecting the integration. Despite these issues, the app remains a practical solution for businesses reliant on Mailchimp for email marketing, provided they monitor syncing accuracy and billing closely.

ActiveCampaign Marketing Ratings

ActiveCampaign Marketing has garnered an overall rating of 4.6 stars from a total of 239 reviews on the Shopify app store.

4.6| 239 reviews

Of the total reviews, 92% are positive, 8% are neutral, and 8% are negative.

✨ AI Summary of ActiveCampaign Marketing ReviewsThe app is a robust Shopify integration designed for CRM and marketing automation, offering seamless synchronization with customer data to enable targeted email campaigns, behavioral segmentation, and automated workflows. Its strengths include powerful automation tools, pre-built templates for e-commerce workflows (e.g., abandoned cart recovery, post-purchase follow-ups), and deep integration with Shopify to track purchases and customer behavior. The platform is praised for its advanced features, such as tagging, drip campaigns, and multi-store support, alongside responsive customer service and onboarding resources. However, some users note challenges with the initial setup complexity, occasional technical issues (e.g., delayed data syncing, interface bugs), and limitations in B2B functionality due to contact organization. Higher-tier pricing and occasional billing discrepancies are also mentioned as drawbacks. Despite these limitations, the app is widely regarded as a scalable solution for businesses seeking advanced automation and CRM capabilities.

Pros and Cons

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing vs ActiveCampaign Marketing: Pros and Cons

Let's explore the pros and cons of Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing to better understand their strengths and limitations.

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing Pros and Cons

Pros

Multiple users highlight prompt, helpful, and personalized assistance from support agents like Clarisse, Lori, Rafael, and Dean.

The app syncs well with Shopify and Mailchimp, with users noting smooth setup and automatic customer data transfer.

Many reviews mention the app’s intuitive installation process and clear instructions.

Several users report the app functions as expected, with no major technical issues post-integration.

Support teams are praised for resolving problems efficiently, often with follow-up communication.

Specific agents (e.g., Troy, David, Karol) are repeatedly commended for their expertise and patience.

Some users appreciate the free plan option, especially during transitions from other platforms.

Cons

Users report unexpected charges, inflated fees, and unclear billing tiers, with some feeling misled by pricing structures.

Instances of faulty automation (e.g., unsolicited emails, incorrect syncs) and integration errors disrupt user workflows.

Free-tier users face delays or lack of responses, with chat support often requiring paid plans.

Unsubscribed or spam contacts are inadvertently synced, leading to compliance and financial risks.

Users describe cumbersome processes to disconnect integrations or close accounts, with misleading warnings.

ActiveCampaign Marketing Pros and Cons

Pros

Extensive pre-built templates and seamless integration for creating effective marketing and sales automations.

Deep, reliable connection with Shopify for tracking purchases, customer behavior, and triggering targeted campaigns.

Responsive and knowledgeable support team, offering real-time assistance, training, and troubleshooting.

Intuitive interface and ready-made automations simplify setup for non-technical users.

Robust segmentation, tagging, and pipeline management for B2B and B2C use cases.

Automates repetitive tasks, freeing up time for business owners to focus on strategy.

Effective email campaigns with strong open rates and minimal spam issues.

Suitable for businesses of all sizes, with features that grow alongside customer needs.

Detailed tracking of campaign performance, customer journeys, and revenue impact.

Regular updates and new features keep the platform competitive and adaptable.

Cons

Complex setup and advanced features may require technical assistance or training.

Multiple reports of payment errors, unexpected charges, and poor resolution from support.

Contact organization and account-based features are less optimized for B2B workflows.

Occasional syncing problems with Shopify and third-party apps disrupt automation.

Premium pricing, especially for higher-tier plans, may be prohibitive for small businesses.

Integrations

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing vs ActiveCampaign Marketing: Featured Integrations

Seamless integration with other tools and platforms is crucial for maximizing the functionality and efficiency of your Shopify store. Let's explore the integration capabilities of Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing, and see how effortlessly these apps can enhance your store operations.

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing Integrations

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing offers a wide range of integration options, allowing you to connect with popular third-party tools and services seamlessly. The developer has provided an extensive list of integration tools:

  • •Checkout
  • •Shopify Flow
  • •Shopify Admin
  • •2048 Variants
  • •judge.me
  • •QuickBooks Online
  • •Smile.io
  • •Yotpo

ActiveCampaign Marketing Integrations

ActiveCampaign Marketing offers a wide range of integration options, allowing you to connect with popular third-party tools and services seamlessly. The developer has provided an extensive list of integration tools:

  • •Checkout
  • •Google Ads
  • •Google Sheets
  • •Meta Advertising
  • •Quickbooks
  • •Square
  • •Typeform

Support

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing vs ActiveCampaign Marketing: Support

The support team plays a vital role in resolving queries, offering guidance, and addressing concerns related to Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing. Their expertise and responsiveness are key considerations for ensuring a seamless app experience.

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing User Support

For any inquiries or assistance regarding Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing, their dedicated support team is here to assist you. You can reach out to them via email at [email protected]. To address common concerns, Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing offers an extensive FAQ section on its website, providing helpful information and troubleshooting tips.

ActiveCampaign Marketing User Support

For any inquiries or assistance regarding ActiveCampaign Marketing, their dedicated support team is here to assist you. You can reach out to them via email at [email protected]. To address common concerns, ActiveCampaign Marketing offers an extensive FAQ section on its website, providing helpful information and troubleshooting tips.

Final Verdict

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing vs ActiveCampaign Marketing: Final Verdict

When choosing the ideal Shopify app for your business, both Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing offer unique strengths and considerations.

The choice between Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider your business requirements, goals, and the features that align most closely with your objectives. Take into account factors such as pricing, user reviews, support quality, and integrations while making a decision.

We recommend thoroughly exploring the features and functionalities of each app. Remember, what works best for one business may not be ideal for another.

Here's a breakdown of key factors to help you choose a winner.

Average Rating (High priority factor)

While considering user reviews, take note of the average ratings for Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing. These ratings reflect users' overall satisfaction and can provide valuable insights into the reliability and effectiveness of each app. In this case, Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing holds an average rating of 4.8 stars, whereas ActiveCampaign Marketing has 4.6 star ratings.

🥇 Winner: Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing

🥈 Runner Up: ActiveCampaign Marketing

For a comprehensive analysis, head to the Ratings and Reviews section.

Total Reviews (High priority factor)

Consider the total number of reviews Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing have received. A higher number of reviews generally indicates a larger user base and more feedback, which can provide additional insights into the app's performance and user experience. Here, Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing has received a total of 1,369 reviews and ActiveCampaign Marketing has 239 reviews.

🥇 Winner: Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing

🥈 Runner Up: ActiveCampaign Marketing

For a comprehensive analysis, head to the Ratings and Reviews section.

Launch Date (Low priority factor)

While not a direct measure of quality, consider the launch date of each app - Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing to gain some context. A more established app brings years of experience and refinement to the table, but it's important to balance this factor with the app's average rating and total reviews. Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing were launched on Nov 28, 2018 and Feb 24, 2012 respectively.

🥇 Winner: ActiveCampaign Marketing

🥈 Runner Up: Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing

For a comprehensive analysis, head to the Overview of the Apps section.

Budget (High priority factor)

Take the time to analyze your specific needs, budget for the same, and long-term goals to decide which plan fits your requirements. Here, Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing offers 4 pricing plans (1 free plan, 3 paid plans) with an average plan price of $95.75. ActiveCampaign Marketing, on the other hand, has a total of 4 pricing plans (0 free plans, 4 paid plans) with an average plan price of $81.50.

🥇 Winner: ActiveCampaign Marketing

🥈 Runner Up: Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing

For a comprehensive analysis, head to the Pricing Details section.

Support Channel (Medium priority factor)

Both Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing provide customer support through various channels, such as email, live chat, FAQs section, or phone. A higher number of support channels indicates better accessibility and assistance, ensuring timely help whenever you need it. Here, the two apps offer the following support channels:

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing: Email, Phone, FAQs page - 3 support options

ActiveCampaign Marketing: Email, Phone, FAQs page - 3 support options

🥇 Winner: Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing, ActiveCampaign Marketing

🥈 Runner Up: N/A

For a comprehensive analysis, head to the Support section.

Integrations (Medium priority factor)

Evaluate the integration capabilities of Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing. Consider the number and variety of integration options they offer with other tools and services - more integration options can provide flexibility and streamline your workflows. Both apps offer various integration options with popular Shopify tools and services.

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing: 8 integrations

ActiveCampaign Marketing: 7 integrations

🥇 Winner: Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing

🥈 Runner Up: ActiveCampaign Marketing

For a comprehensive analysis, head to the Integrations section.

Trial Period (Low priority factor)

Free trial periods allow you to explore the app's features and functionalities before committing. Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing has no free trial period. ActiveCampaign Marketing, on the other hand, comes with a 14-day free trial period.Take advantage of these trial periods to assess how well each app aligns with your specific business needs.

🥇 Winner: ActiveCampaign Marketing

🥈 Runner Up: N/A

For a comprehensive analysis, head to the Features section.

By comparing and weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision and determine the winner between Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing that aligns best with your requirements and preferences for a successful Shopify app experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs for Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing

1. What is the key difference between these Shopify apps: Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing?

When comparing various Shopify apps, their main objective sets them apart. Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing is designed to help merchants with Increase sales and visitors with automated marketing and email campaigns.. On the other hand, ActiveCampaign Marketing focuses on ActiveCampaign: Customer Service and Marketing Automation. Assessing these differences will help you determine which app aligns best with your unique business needs.

2. Which app between Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing offers free pricing plan options for Shopify merchants?

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing has 1 free plan.

3. What are the pricing plans for Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing?

While the specific pricing plans may vary for each app, here's a general breakdown:

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing

offers a total of 4 pricing plans: 1 free plan and 3 paid plans.

Paid plan costs: $13/ month, $20/ month, $350/ month

Free plan cost: Free

ActiveCampaign Marketing

offers a total of 4 pricing plans: 0 free plans and 4 paid plans.

Paid plan costs: $19/ month, $59/ month, $89/ month, $159/ month

Free plan costs: None

4. Is there a free trial available for Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing?

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing has no free trial period. ActiveCampaign Marketing, on the other hand, comes with a 14-day free trial period.

5. What are the integration options available for Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing?

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing

  • Checkout
  • Shopify Flow
  • Shopify Admin
  • 2048 Variants
  • judge.me
  • QuickBooks Online
  • Smile.io
  • Yotpo

ActiveCampaign Marketing

  • Checkout
  • Google Ads
  • Google Sheets
  • Meta Advertising
  • Quickbooks
  • Square
  • Typeform
6. What are the support options available for Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing?

Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing

ActiveCampaign Marketing

7. Are Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing compatible with my Shopify theme?

Generally, Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing are designed to be compatible with most Shopify themes. However, it is always advisable to review the app documentation or contact the app's support team to ensure seamless integration with your specific theme.

8. Which app between Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing is better?

Determining which app between Mailchimp Email SMS Marketing and ActiveCampaign Marketing is better depends on your specific business requirements. It is recommended to thoroughly evaluate each app based on various factors such as customer reviews, support, integrations, and functionalities to make an informed decision that aligns best with your unique requirements.

Find the full evaluation here.