Mailchimp vs Substack: Complete Comparison (2026)
Updated: March 7, 20268 min read
VS
Quick Comparison
Mailchimp
Substack
Starting Price
$13/mo
10% of revenue
Free Plan
Yes
Yes
Users
13M+
35M+ readers
Founded
2001
2017
Rating
4.4/5
4.5/5
Best For
Small businesses and creators starting email marke...
Writers wanting to launch and monetize a paid news...
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
MailchimpSubstack
90Ease of Use92
92Features94
92Value for Money94
83Customer Support85
85Integrations87
86Mobile App88
AI Verdict
Substack leads with a ToolScout Score of 90 vs 88 for Mailchimp. Substack is best suited for Writers wanting to launch and monetize a paid newsletter business, while Mailchimp excels for Small businesses and creators starting email marketing. Both are strong options in the Email Marketing space.
CHOOSE MAILCHIMP IF:
Small businesses and creators starting email marketing.
CHOOSE SUBSTACK IF:
Writers wanting to launch and monetize a paid newsletter business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mailchimp better than Substack?
Substack scores 90/100 on ToolScout compared to Mailchimp's 88/100. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Mailchimp is best for Small businesses and creators starting email marketing. Substack is best for Writers wanting to launch and monetize a paid newsletter business.
Does Mailchimp have a free plan?
Yes, Mailchimp offers a free plan. Paid plans start from $13/mo.
Does Substack have a free plan?
Yes, Substack offers a free plan. Paid plans start from 10% of revenue.
Can I migrate from Mailchimp to Substack?
Migration between Mailchimp and Substack depends on the specific features you use. Both tools are in the Email Marketing category. Check each tool's import/export options for data portability before switching.