GetResponse vs Mailchimp for Email Automation in 2026

Email Automation Platform Showdown

GetResponse and Mailchimp are veteran email marketing platforms, both now enhanced with AI features. Mailchimp is the most recognized name in email marketing. GetResponse offers more advanced automation at lower prices. Here’s how they compare for email automation specifically.

Feature Comparison

Feature	GetResponse	Mailchimp	Winner
AI email writer	GPT-powered	AI Creative Assistant	Tie
Automation builder	Advanced visual builder	Customer journeys	GetResponse
Automation triggers	30+ triggers	20+ triggers	GetResponse
Landing pages	Built-in builder	Basic pages	GetResponse
Webinar hosting	Built-in	Not available	GetResponse
E-commerce integration	Good	Excellent (Shopify)	Mailchimp
Deliverability	Very Good	Good	GetResponse
Templates	200+ email templates	100+ templates	GetResponse
Free tier	500 contacts	500 contacts	Tie
Price (1,000 contacts)	$19/mo	$30/mo (Essentials)	GetResponse
Price (10,000 contacts)	$79/mo	$100/mo	GetResponse

Automation Capabilities

GetResponse’s automation builder is more powerful and flexible. It offers condition-based workflows with scoring, tagging, and complex branching logic. You can build sophisticated sequences like: “If subscriber opens email but doesn’t click, wait 2 days, send a different version. If they click but don’t purchase, trigger an abandoned cart sequence.”

Mailchimp’s Customer Journeys are solid but less granular. They work well for standard automation flows but hit limitations with complex conditional logic.

AI Features

Both platforms now include AI email writing. GetResponse uses GPT-powered AI to generate subject lines, email body copy, and suggest send times. Mailchimp’s AI Creative Assistant generates email designs and copy. The quality is comparable — both save time on email creation.

Deliverability

GetResponse consistently scores higher in independent deliverability tests. Its infrastructure and sender reputation management help emails reach inboxes rather than spam folders. Mailchimp’s deliverability has declined as its user base has grown and attracted more spammers.

E-Commerce Integration

Mailchimp has superior Shopify and WooCommerce integration with built-in product recommendations, abandoned cart emails, and purchase-based segmentation. GetResponse’s e-commerce features are good but not as deeply integrated with specific platforms.

Pricing

GetResponse is consistently cheaper at every tier. At 10,000 contacts, GetResponse costs $79/month vs Mailchimp’s $100/month for comparable features. The gap widens at higher contact counts.

Our Recommendation

Choose GetResponse for advanced automation, better deliverability, and lower pricing. Best for businesses that need complex email workflows, landing pages, and webinar hosting in one platform.

Choose Mailchimp for Shopify/e-commerce businesses, brand recognition, and simplicity. Best for small businesses wanting an easy-to-use platform with strong e-commerce integration.