Mailchimp keeps raising prices
Mailchimp has changed its pricing model multiple times. Many users now pay for unsubscribed contacts. Pigeon charges only for active subscribers.
Comparison
Pigeon vs Mailchimp: The Honest Comparison
If Mailchimp feels overcomplicated and overpriced for what you actually need, you're not alone. Here's an honest look at both platforms.
Why marketers switch
Send limits are frustrating
Mailchimp limits how many emails you can send per month based on your plan. Pigeon has no send limits on any plan.
Too many features I don't use
Mailchimp has evolved into a full marketing suite. If you just need email, you're paying for a lot of tools you'll never open.
Pricing & Value
Pigeon
Pigeon prices by subscriber count and includes unlimited sends on every plan. That keeps monthly costs predictable as your audience grows.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp is powerful, but pricing can rise quickly as contacts grow and some plans count contacts you may not actively email.
Verdict: Pigeon is strongest when you want clear pricing and frequent sending without surprise overages.
Email Builder & Ease of Use
Pigeon
Pigeon keeps the builder focused on newsletter creation with reusable content blocks and fewer distractions.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp has a mature builder and many template options, though the wider suite can make simple sends feel heavier.
Verdict: Pigeon is easier for teams that want to create and send quickly.
Deliverability
Pigeon
Pigeon sends from your own verified domain with DKIM, SPF, and DMARC guidance, plus automatic bounce and complaint handling.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp has strong infrastructure and reputation tooling, but setup and compliance choices still require careful account configuration.
Verdict: Pigeon gives small teams a practical, domain-first deliverability setup.
Automation
Pigeon
Pigeon currently focuses on welcome flows and simple lifecycle sending rather than complex multi-branch automation.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp offers deeper automation than Pigeon, including journeys and branching workflows on eligible plans.
Verdict: Pigeon covers simple automation well, while advanced workflow needs may favor larger suites.
Analytics & Reporting
Pigeon
Pigeon includes opens, clicks, bounces, complaints, top links, and delivery health signals without locking reports behind higher tiers.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp reporting is broad and useful, especially for teams using its full marketing suite.
Verdict: Pigeon covers the core campaign analytics most SMBs need.
Support
Pigeon
Pigeon offers direct email support across plans, including the free plan, with a product built for small business workflows.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp support access depends on plan level, with free-plan help more limited than paid tiers.
Verdict: Pigeon keeps support access simple instead of tying help to enterprise tiers.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Pigeon | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | ✅ 500 subscribers | ⚠️ 250 contacts only |
| Monthly send limit | ✅ Unlimited | ❌ Capped by plan |
| Charges for unsubscribed | ✅ Never | ❌ Yes on some plans |
| Price for 1K subscribers | ✅ €12/month | ❌ ~$26/month |
| Price for 5K subscribers | ✅ €24/month | ❌ ~$69/month |
| EU data hosting | ✅ AWS Frankfurt | ❌ US-based |
| Email builder | ✅ Simple, fast | ⚠️ Powerful but complex |
| Automation | ⚠️ Welcome flow | ✅ Full automation suite |
| A/B testing | ✅ Subject line, from name & content testing | ✅ Available |
| Link in Bio | ✅ Free with every plan | ❌ Not available |
| Support on free plan | ✅ Email support | ❌ Very limited |
| GDPR compliance | ✅ Built-in | ⚠️ Available but setup required |
Pricing comparison
| Subscribers | Pigeon | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| 500 | Free | ~$13/mo |
| 1,000 | €12/mo | ~$26/mo |
| 3,000 | €17/mo | ~$45/mo |
| 5,000 | €24/mo | ~$69/mo |
| 10,000 | €44/mo | ~$110/mo |
All Pigeon plans include unlimited sends. Mailchimp caps sends based on your plan tier.
Switch to Pigeon today
No contracts. No hidden fees. Cancel anytime.