kitio.aiMailchimp vs Sendster
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Mailchimp starts at $13/mo and Sendster starts at $49 one-time. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Email templates
- Customer journeys
- Intuit Assist AI
- Landing pages
- SMS marketing
- AI email writer
- Lead capture forms
- Autoresponders and campaigns
- Built-in email verification
- Deliverability tools
| Feature | Mailchimp | Sendster |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Email marketing and automation with Intuit Assist AI | Self-hosted newsletter script with a built-in AI email writer |
| Category | Marketing | Marketing |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting price | $13/mo | $49 one-time |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Made by | Intuit | Teknikforce |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Pricing compared
Mailchimp starts at $13/mo and Sendster starts at $49 one-time. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
4 plans
Free
Free
- Up to 250 contacts
- 500 sends/mo (250/day)
- 1 seat
Essentials
$13/mo
- Starting price, scales with contacts
- Sends up to 10x contacts
- 3 seats
Standard
$20/mo
- Starting price, scales with contacts
- Generative AI and enhanced automations
- Sends up to 12x contacts, 5 seats
Premium
$350/mo
- Starting price, scales with contacts
- Predictive segmentation
- Sends up to 15x contacts, unlimited seats
2 plans
Personal Use
$49 one-time
- One-time payment
- All upgrades free
Commercial Use
$69 one-time
- One-time payment
- Use for client work
- All upgrades free
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Mailchimp
- Very well known and easy to start
- Many integrations
- Good templates
- Small free plan
- Price rises quickly with contacts
Sendster
- One-time payment instead of a subscription
- No contact or send limits in the software
- 30-day refund offered
- You must host and maintain it yourself
- Amazon SES sending costs are extra
- Fewer integrations than hosted platforms
Which one should you choose?
Choose Mailchimp if you want:
- Very well known and easy to start
- Many integrations
- Good templates
Watch out: small free plan.
Choose Sendster if you want:
- One-time payment instead of a subscription
- No contact or send limits in the software
- 30-day refund offered
Watch out: you must host and maintain it yourself.
Mailchimp vs Sendster FAQ
What is the difference between Mailchimp and Sendster?
Mailchimp: Email marketing and automation with Intuit Assist AI. Sendster: Self-hosted newsletter script with a built-in AI email writer. Both are marketing tools.
Is Mailchimp or Sendster cheaper?
Mailchimp starts at $13/mo and Sendster starts at $49 one-time. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Mailchimp and Sendster have free plans?
Mailchimp: Yes. Sendster: No.
Who makes Mailchimp?
Mailchimp is made by Intuit, based in United States.
Who makes Sendster?
Sendster is made by Teknikforce.
Which should I choose, Mailchimp or Sendster?
Choose Mailchimp if you value very well known and easy to start and many integrations. Choose Sendster if you value one-time payment instead of a subscription and no contact or send limits in the software.