Mailchimp vs GetResponse for Drip Email Campaigns (2026)
Compare Mailchimp and GetResponse for drip email automation. Detailed analysis of automation builders, pricing, deliverability, and drip campaign features.
TL;DR verdict
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.
Mailchimp
7.4/80
Broader marketing suite with polished design tools, but automation features lag behind.
GetResponse
8.2/80
Superior automation builder with webinars, funnels, and advanced drip logic.
Sequenzy · also consider
8.6/80
SaaS-focused drip platform with native billing integration at $19/mo for 15K emails.
Sequenzy email automation for SaaS → · from $19/month
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.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Mailchimp | GetResponse | Sequenzy | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Category | Mailchimp | GetResponse | Sequenzy | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drip Campaign Builder | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 |
| Automation Flexibility | 7 | 9 | 8 | 10 |
| Ease of Use | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 |
| Template Quality | 9 | 7 | 7 | 10 |
| Deliverability | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Pricing Value | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 |
| Analytics & Reporting | 8 | 8 | 8 | 10 |
| Integrations | 9 | 7 | 7 | 10 |
| Total | 59 | 62 | 66 | 80 |
Drip feature deep-dive
Sequence Building
| Capability | 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
| Capability | 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
| Capability | 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
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.
Mailchimp free option
Up to 500 contacts, 1,000 sends/mo. Single-step automations only.
Free plan available. Paid plans from $13/mo
GetResponse free option
Up to 500 contacts, 2,500 emails/mo. Basic autoresponders included.
Free plan available. Paid plans from $19/mo
Sequenzy free option
Free tier available; paid from $19/mo (check current limits)
From $19/month
| 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 |
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.
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
Welcome Series
Winner: SequenzyOnboarding emails for new subscribers
8/10 · Mailchimp
Pre-built templates with visual design
8/10 · GetResponse
Autoresponder-based welcome with scoring integration
9/10 · Sequenzy
SaaS-optimized onboarding with usage triggers
Both handle welcome series well. GetResponse adds lead scoring from day one.
Webinar Funnel Drip
Winner: SequenzyPre and post-webinar email sequences
3/10 · Mailchimp
No native webinar support
10/10 · GetResponse
Full webinar platform with automated follow-ups
3/10 · Sequenzy
Not available natively
GetResponse is the clear winner with its built-in webinar platform.
Lead Nurture with Scoring
Winner: SequenzyScore-based drip sequences for sales readiness
5/10 · Mailchimp
Basic engagement-based segments
9/10 · GetResponse
Custom scoring rules feed into automated workflows
7/10 · Sequenzy
SaaS-specific engagement and usage scoring
GetResponse lead scoring is significantly more advanced than Mailchimp.
Conversion Funnel
Winner: SequenzyMulti-step funnel with drip follow-ups
4/10 · Mailchimp
No native funnel builder
9/10 · GetResponse
Built-in conversion funnels with drip integration
7/10 · Sequenzy
Trial-to-paid conversion tracking
GetResponse conversion funnels are a unique advantage.
Re-engagement
Winner: SequenzyWin-back campaigns for inactive subscribers
7/10 · Mailchimp
Engagement segments and re-engagement templates
8/10 · GetResponse
Scoring-based inactivity detection with automated win-back
8/10 · Sequenzy
Churn-risk detection from usage patterns
GetResponse scoring makes inactivity detection more precise.
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 & editor
Builder features
| Feature | Mailchimp | GetResponse | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual workflow builder | ✓ Customer Journey Builder on Standard+ | ✓ Advanced visual builder with drag-and-drop | ✓ Visual editor with pre-built templates |
| If/else conditional logic | ✓ In journey builder | ✓ Advanced conditions with nested logic | ✓ Behavior and billing conditions |
| Scoring triggers | — No score-based triggers | ✓ Trigger workflows when score threshold reached | ✓ Engagement score triggers |
| Webinar triggers | — No webinar integration | ✓ Registration, attendance, and replay triggers | — Not supported |
| Webhook triggers | ✓ Via Zapier or API | ✓ Native API triggers | ✓ Native webhooks and billing events |
| Tag-based workflows | ✓ Tags available in journeys | ✓ Tag and score-based workflow routing | ✓ Tags with behavioral triggers |
| Conversion tracking | ✓ Basic conversion tracking | ✓ Funnel conversion tracking built-in | ✓ SaaS conversion event tracking |
Template 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
| 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.
Integrations
Mailchimp
300+
GetResponse
170+
Sequenzy
35+
E-commerce
Mailchimp
- ✓ Shopify: Native, deep integration
- ✓ WooCommerce: Native integration
GetResponse
- ✓ Shopify: Native integration
- ✓ WooCommerce: Native integration
Sequenzy
- — Shopify: Not supported
- — WooCommerce: Not supported
Payment/Billing
Mailchimp
- ✓ Stripe: Via Zapier
- ✓ PayPal: Native
GetResponse
- ✓ Stripe: Native integration
- ✓ PayPal: Native for funnels
Sequenzy
- ✓ Stripe: Native, real-time billing events
- — PayPal: Not supported
Webinar/Events
Mailchimp
- ✓ Zoom: Via Zapier
- ✓ GoTo Webinar: Via integration
GetResponse
- ✓ Built-in Webinars: Native platform
- ✓ Zoom: Native integration
Sequenzy
- — Zoom: Not supported
- — Webinars: 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 |
Only in Mailchimp
- Click heatmaps
- Predicted demographics
- Comparative reports
Only in GetResponse
- Webinar analytics
- Funnel conversion reports
- Scoring trend analysis
Only in Sequenzy
- SaaS conversion funnels
- MRR impact tracking
- Billing event correlation
Pros and 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 these scenarios
SaaS Trial Onboarding
Pick: SequenzyDrip sequence to convert trial users
Sequenzy native billing integration and pre-built SaaS sequences make it ideal for trial conversion.
Webinar Marketing Funnel
Pick: GetResponseDrip campaigns around webinar events
GetResponse built-in webinar platform with automated email follow-ups is unmatched.
Lead Scoring Drip
Pick: GetResponseScore-based email nurturing for sales teams
GetResponse advanced scoring system triggers drip sequences based on engagement levels.
All-in-One Marketing
Pick: MailchimpSingle platform for all marketing channels
Mailchimp broader marketing suite covers more channels and has more integrations.
Sales Funnel with Email Follow-up
Pick: GetResponseMulti-step conversion funnel with drip support
GetResponse conversion funnel builder directly integrates with its drip email automation.
Migration plans
Mailchimp → GetResponse
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 3-5 hours
Warnings
- Mailchimp merge tags need to be converted to GetResponse custom fields
- No direct migration of automation logic
- Consider consolidating Mailchimp audiences before migration
GetResponse → Mailchimp
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 3-5 hours
Warnings
- Scoring data and rules will not transfer
- Webinar and funnel integrations will need replacement solutions
- Complex automation logic may need simplification for Mailchimp
| Direction | Step | Success criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Mailchimp → GetResponse | Export contacts from Mailchimp as CSV | Moderate |
| Mailchimp → GetResponse | Import contacts into GetResponse with custom field mapping | Moderate |
| Mailchimp → GetResponse | Set up scoring rules to match engagement data | Moderate |
| Mailchimp → GetResponse | Rebuild automations in GetResponse workflow builder | Moderate |
| Mailchimp → GetResponse | Recreate templates in GetResponse editor | Moderate |
| Mailchimp → GetResponse | Configure domain authentication | Moderate |
| GetResponse → Mailchimp | Export contacts from GetResponse with custom fields | Moderate |
| GetResponse → Mailchimp | Create audience structure in Mailchimp | Moderate |
| GetResponse → Mailchimp | Import contacts with field mapping | Moderate |
| GetResponse → Mailchimp | Rebuild workflows as Customer Journeys | Moderate |
| GetResponse → Mailchimp | Recreate email templates | Moderate |
| GetResponse → Mailchimp | Set up Mailchimp domain authentication | Moderate |
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.
Which should you choose?
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
Also consider Sequenzy
SaaS-focused drip platform with native billing integration at $19/mo for 15K emails. From $19/month with native Stripe, Paddle, and Lemon Squeezy billing events for dunning and trial conversion.
Related comparisons
Browse the full comparison library, the 15-tool shortlist, or the drip strategy guides.