In 2026, email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to build an audience, grow engagement, and even generate revenue. But with so many platforms available, choosing the right tool can feel overwhelming. Two of the most talked-about options are Substack and Mailchimp.
Whether you’re a content creator, small business owner, or marketing professional, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each platform is key to making an informed decision. This guide will break down every aspect of Substack vs Mailchimp, including features, pricing, ease of use, analytics, monetization, and more—so you can decide which tool is right for you.
What is Substack? Overview and Key Features
Substack is an all-in-one newsletter platform designed primarily for writers and creators who want to publish and monetize email content directly to their audience. It’s grown rapidly because of its simplicity and focus on paid newsletters.
Key Features of Substack:
- Direct Email Publishing: Send newsletters straight to subscribers without complex setup.
- Monetization Tools: Offer free or paid subscriptions. Substack handles payments and subscriptions automatically.
- Community Features: Subscribers can comment and interact, fostering engagement.
- Simple Interface: Minimal learning curve for beginners.
- Analytics: Basic stats on open rates, click rates, and subscription growth.
Example Usage:
A writer launching a paid newsletter on finance tips can quickly set up Substack, send weekly updates, and earn revenue from subscribers without needing a separate website.
What is Mailchimp? Overview and Key Features
Mailchimp is a robust email marketing and automation platform geared toward businesses of all sizes. Unlike Substack, Mailchimp focuses on marketing campaigns, automation, and data-driven insights.
Key Features of Mailchimp:
- Email Campaigns: Create visually appealing newsletters with drag-and-drop templates.
- Marketing Automation: Automate follow-ups, drip campaigns, and behavioral triggers.
- Segmentation: Target specific audiences based on demographics or engagement.
- Analytics and Reporting: Advanced metrics on opens, clicks, conversions, and revenue.
- Integrations: Connect with Shopify, WordPress, social media, and other tools.
Example Usage:
A small e-commerce store can use Mailchimp to send promotional emails, segment audiences, and track conversion rates from email campaigns.
Pricing Comparison: Substack vs Mailchimp
| Feature | Substack | Mailchimp (Standard Plan 2026) |
| Free Plan | Yes, with 10k+ subscribers | Yes, with 500 contacts |
| Paid Plan | 10% commission on revenue | $17+/month depending on contacts |
| Transaction Fees | Included in 10% commission | None on emails, payment gateway fees apply |
| Subscriber Management | Simple, unlimited lists | Advanced segmentation options |
| Automation | Basic drip sequences | Advanced automation & workflows |
Key Takeaways:
- Substack is ideal if your main goal is monetization with minimal setup.
- Mailchimp is better suited for businesses needing marketing automation and detailed analytics.
Ease of Use: Which Platform is More Beginner-Friendly?
Substack scores high for simplicity. Its clean interface lets creators start sending emails in minutes. There’s no steep learning curve, and you don’t need coding knowledge.
Mailchimp, while user-friendly, has a more complex dashboard because of its wide range of marketing features. Beginners might take a week or more to fully understand all options like automation workflows, segmentation, and A/B testing.
Example:
- Writer → Substack: Easy setup, focus on content.
- Business → Mailchimp: Investment in learning but gains marketing power.
Design and Customization Options
- Substack: Minimal design options, focuses on clean, readable email layouts. Ideal if content is more important than visuals.
- Mailchimp: Extensive templates, drag-and-drop editor, and branded themes. Perfect for visually-driven campaigns.
Pro Tip: If brand identity is crucial, Mailchimp offers more flexibility. Substack prioritizes simplicity and content-first design.
Audience Management and Segmentation
Segmentation is critical for targeting your audience effectively.
- Substack: Offers basic subscriber lists. Paid vs. free subscribers can be distinguished, but advanced segmentation is limited.
- Mailchimp: Powerful audience segmentation, including demographics, engagement behavior, purchase history, and tags.
Example:
A business can send a special discount only to repeat customers using Mailchimp, whereas Substack would require manual filtering.
Analytics and Reporting: How to Measure Success
- Substack Analytics: Focus on open rates, click-through rates, and subscription growth. Ideal for writers who want quick insight.
- Mailchimp Analytics: Advanced reports including conversion tracking, revenue per email, and engagement trends. Customizable dashboards let businesses track ROI in real time.
Pro Tip: For creators focusing on content quality, Substack provides enough data. For marketers tracking performance metrics, Mailchimp is superior.
Monetization Opportunities: Paid Newsletters and Beyond
- Substack: Built-in subscription model, easy to set up paid newsletters, and allows creators to monetize without a website.
- Mailchimp: Monetization is indirect; businesses can drive revenue through promotions, lead nurturing, and e-commerce integrations.
Example:
A freelance journalist can charge $5/month per subscriber on Substack, while a business can generate revenue from product sales through Mailchimp campaigns.
Integrations and Automation Capabilities
- Substack: Limited integrations; primarily designed as a standalone newsletter tool.
- Mailchimp: Extensive integrations with e-commerce platforms, CRM tools, social media, and analytics software. Advanced automation allows drip campaigns, welcome sequences, and behavior-triggered emails.
Pros and Cons: Substack vs Mailchimp
| Feature | Substack | Mailchimp |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very easy | ⭐⭐⭐ Easy but feature-rich |
| Monetization | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Paid newsletters | ⭐⭐⭐ Indirect monetization |
| Customization | ⭐⭐ Minimal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced templates |
| Analytics | ⭐⭐⭐ Basic | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced |
| Integrations | ⭐⭐ Limited | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Extensive |
| Best For | Writers, content creators, independent newsletters | Businesses, marketers, e-commerce |
Which One Should You Choose? Use Cases and Recommendations
Choose Substack if:
- You are a writer or creator focused on content.
- You want a simple, no-fuss platform to monetize newsletters.
- You prefer minimal design and setup.
Choose Mailchimp if:
- You are a business or brand aiming for growth.
- You need advanced automation and segmentation.
- You want visual customization and e-commerce integration.
Tips for Maximizing Your Email Newsletter Performance
- Personalize Your Emails: Use subscriber names and preferences for higher engagement.
- Optimize Send Times: Test what time of day yields the best open rates.
- Segment Your Audience: Send targeted content rather than generic emails.
- Track Analytics: Regularly review performance metrics and adjust content strategy.
- Consistent Publishing: Consistency builds trust and reader loyalty.
FAQs
1. Can I switch from Substack to Mailchimp easily?
Yes, but it requires exporting your subscriber list and adjusting email templates since the platforms differ in design and automation.
2. Which platform is better for monetization?
Substack is better for direct monetization through paid newsletters, while Mailchimp monetizes indirectly via sales and promotions.
3. Do both platforms offer free plans?
Yes. Substack has a free plan with unlimited subscribers but takes a 10% commission on paid subscriptions. Mailchimp offers a free plan for up to 500 contacts.
4. Can I use Mailchimp for personal newsletters?
Absolutely. While business-focused, Mailchimp works for personal or hobby newsletters, especially if you want custom designs and automation.
5. Is Substack suitable for e-commerce businesses?
Not really. Substack is content-first. For e-commerce, Mailchimp is more suitable due to integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, and other platforms.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice Between Substack and Mailchimp
Choosing between Substack and Mailchimp comes down to your goals and audience needs. Substack excels for writers and creators who want a simple, monetizable newsletter platform. Mailchimp shines for businesses needing powerful automation, advanced analytics, and customization.
By understanding the features, pricing, and use cases of each, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your growth strategy, content style, and revenue goals.
Remember: The best tool is the one that fits your workflow and helps you engage your audience effectively.
Jozaf is a visionary mind with a passion for creativity, growth, and innovation. Known for turning ideas into impact, he believes in progress driven by purpose and authenticity.
