Constant Contact vs Mailchimp 2026: Which Email Platform Wins?
Updated May 27, 2026 · 11 min read · CMZ Reviews Team
Constant Contact and Mailchimp are two of the longest-running email marketing platforms. Constant Contact has been around since 1995 and focuses on small businesses. Mailchimp has grown from a simple email tool to a comprehensive marketing platform.
We tested both platforms daily for 3 months on ease of use, features, deliverability, customer support, and value.
Customer Support
Constant Contact offers phone support, live chat, and email support. This is their strongest advantage — when you need help, you can actually talk to a real person on the phone. They also offer in-person workshops and webinars for local businesses.
Mailchimp's support is primarily through email, chat, and a knowledge base. Phone support is limited to higher-tier plans. Mailchimp's knowledge base and community forums are excellent resources, but there's no substitute for phone support when you're stuck.
Constant Contact wins on customer support. If having phone access to support is important to you, Constant Contact is the better choice.
Features & Flexibility
Mailchimp offers more features including advanced automation (with conditional branching and split testing), custom-coded templates, A/B testing at the campaign level, and integrations with thousands of apps. Mailchimp also has a CRM, landing pages, and website builder.
Constant Contact has all the essential features: drag-and-drop email builder, basic automation, list segmentation, and A/B testing. Their new features in 2026 include AI-powered content suggestions and improved analytics.
Mailchimp wins on features. Constant Contact provides everything most small businesses need, but Mailchimp offers more depth.
How We Test Email Marketing Platforms
🔬 Our Testing Methodology
We create real accounts on each platform and run actual email campaigns to a test list of 500+ subscribers over 60+ days. We evaluate every feature hands-on — no vendor demos or sponsored access.
- Deliverability: We monitor inbox placement rates across Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and Apple Mail
- Automation: We build complex automation workflows and test trigger accuracy and timing
- Templates: We test drag-and-drop editors with real content and measure mobile rendering
- Analytics: We verify open/click tracking accuracy and compare reporting depth
- Support: We submit real questions and measure response time and helpfulness
Last updated: May 2026. We re-test all platforms quarterly.
⭐ The Verdict
Mailchimp is the better platform for most users with superior features and flexibility. Constant Contact is the better choice for local businesses and non-technical users who value phone support over advanced features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is easier to use, Constant Contact or Mailchimp?
Both are user-friendly. Constant Contact is slightly easier for complete beginners. Mailchimp offers more flexibility once you learn it.
Does Constant Contact have phone support?
Yes, Constant Contact offers phone support on all plans. Mailchimp only offers phone support on premium plans.
Which has a free plan?
Mailchimp has a generous free plan for up to 500 contacts. Constant Contact offers a 60-day free trial.
Which is better for events?
Constant Contact has strong event management features including online registration and ticketing.
Ready to get started?
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