Mailchimp remains one of the most accessible ways to start building an email list, whether you are launching a first product, sending a newsletter, or keeping customers updated. Its free plan and drag-and-drop builder make it a reasonable starting point before you need more advanced marketing automation.
Key features
- Free plan covers up to 250 contacts and 500 sends a month
- Drag-and-drop email builder with templates, no design experience needed
- Essentials plan adds automation flows and A/B testing as your list grows
- Standard and Premium plans add advanced segmentation and priority support for larger lists
Pricing
Mailchimp’s Free plan covers up to 250 contacts and 500 sends a month. The Essentials plan starts once you pass 500 contacts and adds automation and testing features. Standard and Premium plans scale up to 100,000 and 200,000 contacts with more advanced segmentation and support. Pricing is based on contact count and changes often, so confirm current rates on Mailchimp’s site before committing.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Generous free tier to start with no cost | Costs rise quickly as your contact list grows |
| Easy to use for non-designers | Automation features are locked behind paid tiers |
| Scales with list growth into more advanced features |
Who it’s for
Entrepreneurs building an email list for a first product launch, newsletter, or customer updates, from solo founders to small teams.
Who should skip it
If you need advanced CRM-style automation from day one, or your e-commerce platform already bundles email marketing you are happy with, skip Mailchimp for now.
How to get started
Create a free account, import or start building your contact list, and send your first campaign before deciding whether you need a paid tier.
FAQ
Can I use Mailchimp for free indefinitely?
Yes, as long as you stay under 250 contacts and 500 monthly sends, the Free plan has no time limit.
Does Mailchimp charge based on subscribers or emails sent?
Pricing is based mainly on your total contact count, not the number of emails you send, though send limits scale with your plan.
Disclosure: Africapreneurs may earn a commission if you sign up for Mailchimp through the links in this article. This does not change what you pay, and it does not influence which tools we choose to cover.
