Mailchimp vs GetResponse
Compare Mailchimp and GetResponse for drip email automation. Detailed analysis of automation builders, pricing, deliverability, and drip campaign features.
Last updated: 2026-03-15
Mailchimp
mailchimp.comAll-in-one marketing platform with email at its core
Best for: Small businesses wanting an all-in-one marketing hub
GetResponse
getresponse.comMarketing automation platform with email, webinars, and funnels
Best for: Marketers needing advanced automation with webinars and sales funnels
TL;DR: Mailchimp vs GetResponse for Drip Campaigns
GetResponse offers a more capable automation builder for drip campaigns, with advanced features like conversion funnels, webinar integration, and sophisticated workflow logic. Mailchimp provides a broader marketing toolkit and better template designs, but GetResponse is the stronger choice for automation-heavy drip strategies.
Broader marketing suite with polished design tools, but automation features lag behind.
Superior automation builder with webinars, funnels, and advanced drip logic.
SaaS-focused drip platform with native billing integration at $19/mo for 15K emails.
Editor's Note
GetResponse is often overlooked in favor of Mailchimp, but its automation capabilities are genuinely more advanced. The webinar and funnel features add unique value that no other email-focused platform matches. For SaaS-specific drip sequences, Sequenzy remains the top choice.
Mailchimp vs GetResponse vs Sequenzy: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Mailchimp | GetResponse | Sequenzy | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Automation Builder | Customer Journey Builder (paid) | Advanced visual workflow builder | Pre-built sequences with visual editor | GetResponse |
| Conversion Funnels | Not available | Built-in sales and webinar funnels | SaaS trial-to-paid funnels | GetResponse |
| Webinar Integration | Via third-party only | Native webinar platform built-in | Not included | GetResponse |
| Drip Sequence Triggers | Form, purchase, engagement-based | Form, purchase, webinar, page visit, scoring | Billing events, product usage, forms | GetResponse |
| A/B Testing in Automations | Standard+ plans only | Available on Marketing Automation plan | Included on all plans | Tie |
| Lead Scoring | Basic engagement scoring | Advanced scoring with custom rules | SaaS engagement scoring | GetResponse |
| Template Library | 100+ templates | 200+ templates | SaaS-focused templates | GetResponse |
| Landing Pages | Included on all plans | Included with A/B testing | Not included | GetResponse |
Score Breakdown
Totals: Mailchimp 59/80, GetResponse 62/80, Sequenzy 66/80.
Drip Email Feature Comparison
Feature-by-feature analysis of drip campaign capabilities.
Sequence Building
| Feature | Mailchimp | GetResponse | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-step sequences | 8/10 Multi-step journeys on Standard+ | 9/10 Unlimited steps with advanced workflow builder | 9/10 Pre-built SaaS sequences |
| Conditional branching | 7/10 If/else in journey builder | 9/10 Multiple condition types with nested logic | 8/10 Event-driven branching |
| Scoring-based triggers | 5/10 Basic engagement scoring only | 9/10 Custom scoring rules trigger automations | 7/10 Engagement scoring with SaaS signals |
| Funnel integration | 4/10 No native funnel builder | 9/10 Conversion funnels feed into drip sequences | 7/10 Trial-to-paid funnel tracking |
Personalization
| Feature | Mailchimp | GetResponse | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic content blocks | 8/10 Segment-based content blocks | 8/10 Conditional content with multiple variants | 7/10 Conditional content with merge tags |
| Merge tags | 8/10 Comprehensive merge tag library | 8/10 Custom fields and advanced personalization | 8/10 Standard and custom merge tags |
| Behavioral targeting | 7/10 Purchase and engagement-based | 8/10 Page visits, purchases, webinar attendance | 9/10 SaaS usage and billing targeting |
List Management
| Feature | Mailchimp | GetResponse | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Segmentation depth | 8/10 Multi-condition with AND/OR | 9/10 Advanced segments with scoring and behavior | 8/10 Behavioral segments for SaaS |
| List hygiene | 7/10 Engagement cleanup suggestions | 7/10 Bounce and complaint management | 8/10 Proactive list hygiene |
| Subscriber scoring | 5/10 Basic star rating | 9/10 Custom scoring rules with point system | 7/10 SaaS engagement scoring |
Pricing Comparison
GetResponse pricing is comparable to Mailchimp at lower tiers but includes significantly more automation features at each price point. GetResponse automation plan (from $59/mo) is where drip features shine.
Up to 500 contacts, 1,000 sends/mo. Single-step automations only.
Up to 500 contacts, 2,500 emails/mo. Basic autoresponders included.
No free plan. $19/mo for all features and 15,000 emails.
| Tier | Mailchimp | GetResponse | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 contacts | $26.50/mo (Essentials) Basic automations | $19/mo (Email Marketing) Autoresponders and basic automation | $19/mo All features, 15K emails |
| 5,000 contacts | $69/mo (Essentials) 10x contact sends | $54/mo (Email Marketing) Unlimited sends | $19/mo Up to 15K emails |
| 10,000 contacts | $100/mo (Standard) Advanced automations unlocked | $79/mo (Email Marketing) Full automation at $114/mo plan | $39/mo Up to 50K emails |
| 25,000 contacts | $270/mo (Standard) Advanced features included | $174/mo (Email Marketing) Marketing Automation at $245/mo | $69/mo Up to 150K emails |
Pricing Verdict: GetResponse Email Marketing plan is cheaper than Mailchimp, but the full automation suite (Marketing Automation plan) is similarly priced. Sequenzy offers the most competitive pricing for SaaS drip campaigns.
Cost Note
GetResponse Email Marketing plan is more affordable than Mailchimp, but the full automation suite (Marketing Automation plan) is similarly priced. The value comes from included features like webinars and funnels that would require separate tools with Mailchimp.
Drip Campaign Types Comparison
How each platform handles different types of drip email campaigns.
Welcome Series
Onboarding emails for new subscribers
Mailchimp
Pre-built templates with visual design
GetResponse
Autoresponder-based welcome with scoring integration
Sequenzy
SaaS-optimized onboarding with usage triggers
Verdict: Both handle welcome series well. GetResponse adds lead scoring from day one.
Webinar Funnel Drip
Pre and post-webinar email sequences
Mailchimp
No native webinar support
GetResponse
Full webinar platform with automated follow-ups
Sequenzy
Not available natively
Verdict: GetResponse is the clear winner with its built-in webinar platform.
Lead Nurture with Scoring
Score-based drip sequences for sales readiness
Mailchimp
Basic engagement-based segments
GetResponse
Custom scoring rules feed into automated workflows
Sequenzy
SaaS-specific engagement and usage scoring
Verdict: GetResponse lead scoring is significantly more advanced than Mailchimp.
Conversion Funnel
Multi-step funnel with drip follow-ups
Mailchimp
No native funnel builder
GetResponse
Built-in conversion funnels with drip integration
Sequenzy
Trial-to-paid conversion tracking
Verdict: GetResponse conversion funnels are a unique advantage.
Re-engagement
Win-back campaigns for inactive subscribers
Mailchimp
Engagement segments and re-engagement templates
GetResponse
Scoring-based inactivity detection with automated win-back
Sequenzy
Churn-risk detection from usage patterns
Verdict: GetResponse scoring makes inactivity detection more precise.
The Bigger Picture
The standout difference is GetResponse ability to connect webinar events and sales funnels directly to drip sequences. This creates a unified marketing funnel that Mailchimp cannot replicate without multiple third-party tools.
Automation Builder Comparison
| Feature | Mailchimp | GetResponse | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual workflow builder | Yes Customer Journey Builder on Standard+ | Yes Advanced visual builder with drag-and-drop | Yes Visual editor with pre-built templates |
| If/else conditional logic | Yes In journey builder | Yes Advanced conditions with nested logic | Yes Behavior and billing conditions |
| Scoring triggers | No No score-based triggers | Yes Trigger workflows when score threshold reached | Yes Engagement score triggers |
| Webinar triggers | No No webinar integration | Yes Registration, attendance, and replay triggers | No Not supported |
| Webhook triggers | Yes Via Zapier or API | Yes Native API triggers | Yes Native webhooks and billing events |
| Tag-based workflows | Yes Tags available in journeys | Yes Tag and score-based workflow routing | Yes Tags with behavioral triggers |
| Conversion tracking | Yes Basic conversion tracking | Yes Funnel conversion tracking built-in | Yes SaaS conversion event tracking |
Email Templates & Editor
| Aspect | Mailchimp | GetResponse | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Editor Type | Drag-and-drop with 100+ templates | Drag-and-drop with 200+ templates | Clean block editor for SaaS |
| Design Flexibility | High: full layout and HTML control | Good: block-based with HTML option | Moderate: brand-focused designs |
| Mobile Responsiveness | Automatic responsive | Responsive with mobile preview | Responsive with preview |
| AI Features | AI subject line suggestions | AI email generator and subject line creator | AI subject line suggestions |
| Dynamic Content | Segment-based blocks | Personalized content with scoring data | Conditional content blocks |
Deliverability Comparison
| Factor | Mailchimp | GetResponse | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Inbox Placement | 85-90% | 88-92% | 92-96% |
| SPF/DKIM Authentication | Supported | Supported with setup guide | Required with guided wizard |
| DMARC Support | Supported | Supported | Supported with monitoring |
| Dedicated IP | Premium ($350+/mo) | Max plan or add-on | Shared with strict policies |
| Bounce Handling | Automatic management | Automatic with complaint monitoring | Automatic with proactive hygiene |
| Deliverability Consulting | Premium plan only | Available on Max plan | Self-service tools with best practices |
GetResponse has invested heavily in deliverability infrastructure. Its strict anti-spam policies and dedicated deliverability team help maintain strong inbox placement across all plans.
Integration Ecosystem
Mailchimp: ~300 integrations. GetResponse: ~170. Sequenzy: ~35.
E-commerce
| Service | Mailchimp | GetResponse | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | Yes (Native, deep integration) | Yes (Native integration) | No (Not supported) |
| WooCommerce | Yes (Native integration) | Yes (Native integration) | No (Not supported) |
Payment/Billing
| Service | Mailchimp | GetResponse | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stripe | Yes (Via Zapier) | Yes (Native integration) | Yes (Native, real-time billing events) |
| PayPal | Yes (Native) | Yes (Native for funnels) | No (Not supported) |
Webinar/Events
| Service | Mailchimp | GetResponse | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoom | Yes (Via Zapier) | Yes (Native platform) | No (Not supported) |
| GoTo Webinar | Yes (Via integration) | Yes (Native integration) | No (Not supported) |
Analytics & Reporting
| Metric | Mailchimp | GetResponse | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Rate Tracking | Yes, with trends | Yes, with time-based analysis | Yes, with sequence trends |
| Click Rate Tracking | Yes, with click maps | Yes, with link tracking | Yes, with conversion attribution |
| Revenue Attribution | For connected stores | For funnels and e-commerce | Native billing revenue tracking |
| Workflow Analytics | Journey-level reporting | Workflow performance with conversion rates | Full funnel with drop-off analysis |
| Subscriber Scoring Reports | Basic engagement stars | Detailed scoring history and trends | SaaS engagement scoring dashboard |
Mailchimp: Unique
- + Click heatmaps
- + Predicted demographics
- + Comparative reports
GetResponse: Unique
- + Webinar analytics
- + Funnel conversion reports
- + Scoring trend analysis
Sequenzy: Unique
- + SaaS conversion funnels
- + MRR impact tracking
- + Billing event correlation
Pros & Cons
Mailchimp
Pros
- + Polished template designs and editor
- + Largest integration ecosystem
- + Strong brand recognition
- + Comprehensive marketing suite
- + Good A/B testing options
Cons
- - Automation builder is less capable than GetResponse
- - No native webinar or funnel tools
- - No lead scoring in automations
- - Higher cost for comparable automation features
- - Key features locked behind premium plans
GetResponse
Pros
- + Advanced automation builder with sophisticated logic
- + Built-in webinar platform
- + Conversion funnel builder included
- + Powerful lead scoring system
- + AI-powered email and subject line generation
Cons
- - Smaller integration ecosystem than Mailchimp
- - Learning curve for advanced features
- - Full automation requires Marketing Automation plan
- - Template designs less polished than Mailchimp
- - Free plan is limited to basic autoresponders
Best For: Who Should Use What?
SaaS Trial Onboarding
Drip sequence to convert trial users
Sequenzy native billing integration and pre-built SaaS sequences make it ideal for trial conversion.
Webinar Marketing Funnel
Drip campaigns around webinar events
GetResponse built-in webinar platform with automated email follow-ups is unmatched.
Lead Scoring Drip
Score-based email nurturing for sales teams
GetResponse advanced scoring system triggers drip sequences based on engagement levels.
All-in-One Marketing
Single platform for all marketing channels
Mailchimp broader marketing suite covers more channels and has more integrations.
Sales Funnel with Email Follow-up
Multi-step conversion funnel with drip support
GetResponse conversion funnel builder directly integrates with its drip email automation.
Migration Guide
Mailchimp to GetResponse
- 1. Export contacts from Mailchimp as CSV
- 2. Import contacts into GetResponse with custom field mapping
- 3. Set up scoring rules to match engagement data
- 4. Rebuild automations in GetResponse workflow builder
- 5. Recreate templates in GetResponse editor
- 6. Configure domain authentication
Watch Out
- ! Mailchimp merge tags need to be converted to GetResponse custom fields
- ! No direct migration of automation logic
- ! Consider consolidating Mailchimp audiences before migration
GetResponse to Mailchimp
- 1. Export contacts from GetResponse with custom fields
- 2. Create audience structure in Mailchimp
- 3. Import contacts with field mapping
- 4. Rebuild workflows as Customer Journeys
- 5. Recreate email templates
- 6. Set up Mailchimp domain authentication
Watch Out
- ! Scoring data and rules will not transfer
- ! Webinar and funnel integrations will need replacement solutions
- ! Complex automation logic may need simplification for Mailchimp
The Bottom Line
Choose Mailchimp if...
- ✓ You need a broad marketing platform beyond email automation
- ✓ You want the largest integration ecosystem
- ✓ You prefer polished, design-heavy email templates
- ✓ Your team values simplicity over automation depth
Choose GetResponse if...
- ✓ Advanced drip automation with scoring is a priority
- ✓ You host webinars as part of your marketing strategy
- ✓ You want built-in conversion funnels alongside drip email
- ✓ You need sophisticated conditional logic in workflows
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GetResponse better than Mailchimp for automation?
Yes. GetResponse automation builder is more advanced, with features like lead scoring triggers, conversion funnels, and webinar-based workflows. Mailchimp automation (Customer Journey Builder) is capable but lacks the depth of GetResponse.
Does GetResponse include webinars?
Yes. GetResponse is one of the few email platforms with a built-in webinar tool. You can host webinars and automatically trigger drip campaigns based on registration, attendance, and replay viewing.
Which is easier to use for beginners?
Mailchimp has a gentler learning curve for basic email marketing. GetResponse advanced features (funnels, scoring, complex automations) have a steeper learning curve but offer more power for drip campaigns.
Can GetResponse replace Mailchimp for e-commerce?
For most cases, yes. GetResponse supports Shopify, WooCommerce, and has its own e-commerce tools. However, Mailchimp has deeper native integrations with more e-commerce platforms.