If you’re running an ecommerce brand in 2025, choosing the right email platform isn’t just a technical decision — it’s a growth decision. Email is still one of the highest ROI channels available, but the tool you use can either accelerate or stall your results.
Klaviyo and Mailchimp are two of the most popular platforms for ecommerce businesses. But they’re built with fundamentally different philosophies. In this guide, we’ll compare them side-by-side to help you pick the right platform for your goals, budget, and brand stage.
Contents
- What Are Klaviyo and Mailchimp?
- Core Differences (2025 Update)
- Ecommerce Integrations
- Automations & Flows
- Design & Usability
- Pricing Comparison
- Deliverability & Support
- Which Should You Choose?
- Mini Strategy: Win with Either Tool
- Final Verdict + CTA
1. What Are Klaviyo and Mailchimp?
Mailchimp was originally designed for sending newsletters and basic email campaigns. Over the years, it’s evolved with more automation features — but still largely serves creators, small businesses, and agencies.
Klaviyo, on the other hand, was purpose-built for ecommerce. From day one, it focused on deep data integration with platforms like Shopify and gave marketers tools to create sophisticated automations and segmentations.
🧠 Mini Lesson: In our Email Marketing Course, we walk through live setups inside both Klaviyo and Mailchimp using real ecommerce examples.
2. Core Differences (2025 Update)
| Feature | Klaviyo | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Built for Ecommerce | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Partial |
| Automation Power | ✅ Advanced Flows | 🟡 Basic Automation |
| Predictive Analytics | ✅ Built-In | ❌ Not Available |
| SMS Integration | ✅ Native | ⚠️ Limited via Twilio |
| Shopify Integration | ✅ Deep Integration | ⚠️ Rebuilt Post-2023 |
Klaviyo offers native features built around ecommerce lifecycle marketing. Mailchimp has tried to catch up, but still lacks depth in key areas.
3. Ecommerce Integrations
Klaviyo integrates deeply with platforms like:
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Shopify
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WooCommerce
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BigCommerce
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Recharge (subscriptions)
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Postscript/SMSBump
It syncs customer data in real time — so if someone views a product, adds to cart, or purchases, Klaviyo knows immediately and can trigger flows.
Mailchimp’s ecommerce integrations are less seamless, especially for Shopify (after their 2023 reconnection).
🎓 We demo Klaviyo’s ecommerce flow setup in full inside our Email Marketing Course.
4. Automations & Flows
Klaviyo
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Drag-and-drop visual builder
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Branching logic, predictive timing, and advanced triggers
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Dynamic product blocks and event-based emails
Mailchimp
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Basic automation builder
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Limited conditional logic
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Fewer ecommerce triggers
Try This: ✅ Map out your first 3-flow setup: Welcome Flow → Abandoned Cart → Post-Purchase Review Request
5. Design & Usability
Mailchimp has more beginner-friendly templates and a simpler UI.
Klaviyo gives you more power and flexibility — but requires a bit more onboarding. However, for ecommerce teams running offers, flash sales, or complex segmenting, that power is crucial.
Visual: Screenshot comparison of both builders (recommended addition)
6. Pricing Comparison (2025)
| Contacts | Klaviyo (Email Only) | Mailchimp (Standard Plan) |
| 1,000 | ~$30/month | ~$20/month |
| 5,000 | ~$100/month | ~$75/month |
| 10,000 | ~$175/month | ~$120/month |
Important: Klaviyo includes unlimited email sends. Mailchimp often charges extra when limits are exceeded.
7. Deliverability & Support
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Klaviyo: Strong ecommerce deliverability, smart send-time optimization, live chat support
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Mailchimp: Decent inboxing, but lacks some advanced tools for high-volume ecommerce
8. Which Should You Choose?
Choose Klaviyo if:
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You're scaling or operating a Shopify brand
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You want to automate more than just newsletters
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You need real-time product and customer sync
Choose Mailchimp if:
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You're a small creator or freelancer
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You only send occasional campaigns
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You value simplicity over power
🧠 In our course, we show you how to migrate from Mailchimp to Klaviyo in under 30 minutes: Email Marketing for Ecommerce.
9. Mini Strategy: Win with Either Tool
Regardless of platform, success comes down to:
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Segmenting by customer behavior (opens, clicks, purchases)
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Building automations that match the customer journey
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Continuously testing subject lines, CTAs, and send times
10. Final Verdict + CTA
Klaviyo wins for ecommerce brands. It’s more advanced, more integrated, and more profitable for DTC operators and growth marketers.
If you want to learn how to set up high-converting email flows, segment your audience like a pro, and grow revenue on autopilot — check out our full Email Marketing for Ecommerce Course.
