Close vs Mailchimp
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Close and Mailchimp. We compare features, pricing, ease of use, and value for money to help you make the right choice in 2026.
Reviewed by the Ikaroa team · Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
Close edges ahead overall with a rating of 4.3/5. However, Mailchimp (4/5) may be the better fit if you prioritise Small businesses and creators focused on email marketing. Read on for the full breakdown.
Close vs Mailchimp at a Glance
Close
★ 4.3Close is a CRM built specifically for inside sales teams. It combines calling, email, and SMS in one platform, designed to help reps close more deals faster.
Starting from: £42/user/month
Best for: Inside sales teams that live on the phone and need built-in communication tools
Read full review →Mailchimp
★ 4The world's most recognisable email marketing platform, now owned by Intuit. Mailchimp has expanded into basic CRM, landing pages, and social media management.
Starting from: £0/month
Best for: Small businesses and creators focused on email marketing
Read full review →Close vs Mailchimp Feature Comparison
Here is how Close and Mailchimp compare across the features that matter most. We have tested both platforms extensively across client implementations.
| Feature | Close | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Available | No | Yes |
| Starting Price | £42/user/month | £0/month |
| Best For | Inside sales teams that live on the phone and need built-in communication tools | Small businesses and creators focused on email marketing |
| Our Rating | 4.3/5 | 4/5 |
| Mobile App | Yes | Limited |
| Email Marketing | No | Yes |
| Automation | Limited | Yes |
| Reporting | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Extensive | Extensive |
| API Access | Limited | Limited |
| Ikaroa Partner Discount | 14-day extended trial + 20% off | 15% off Standard plan for 6 months |
Close vs Mailchimp Pricing
Pricing is often the deciding factor. Here is a full breakdown of what each platform charges at every tier:
Close Pricing
Startup
£42/user/month
- ✓Pipeline view
- ✓Task management
- ✓Built-in calling
- ✓SMS
Professional
£66/user/month
- ✓Everything in Startup
- ✓Email sequences
- ✓Power dialer
- ✓Call recording
Enterprise
£105/user/month
- ✓Everything in Professional
- ✓Predictive dialer
- ✓Custom roles
- ✓Call coaching
Mailchimp Pricing
Free
£0/month
- ✓500 contacts
- ✓1,000 sends/month
- ✓Basic email templates
- ✓Landing pages
Essentials
£10/month
- ✓Everything in Free
- ✓5,000 sends/month
- ✓A/B testing
- ✓24/7 support
Standard
£15/month
- ✓Everything in Essentials
- ✓Automation
- ✓Retargeting ads
- ✓Custom templates
Premium
£270/month
- ✓Everything in Standard
- ✓Advanced segmentation
- ✓Multivariate testing
- ✓Phone support
Not sure which to pick?
Our team has implemented both Close and Mailchimp for clients. We can help you decide based on your specific needs.
Close Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Built-in calling, email, and SMS
- •Designed specifically for sales teams
- •Power and predictive dialer
- •Clean, fast interface
- •Excellent API
✗Cons
- •No marketing features
- •Expensive compared to alternatives
- •Limited customisation options
- •Smaller integration ecosystem
- •No free plan
Mailchimp Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Extremely well-known and trusted brand
- •Easy to use email builder
- •Good template library
- •Strong integration ecosystem
- •Useful creative tools and content optimiser
✗Cons
- •CRM features are very basic
- •Free plan has been significantly reduced
- •Pricing increases sharply with contact count
- •Limited automation on lower tiers
- •Contact-based pricing means paying for unsubscribed contacts
Our Verdict: Close vs Mailchimp
Both Close and Mailchimp are solid options, but they serve different needs. Having implemented both for multiple clients, here is our recommendation:
Choose Close if you need Inside sales teams that live on the phone and need built-in communication tools. With a starting price of £42/user/month and a rating of 4.3/5, it offers built-in calling, email, and sms.
Choose Mailchimp if you need Small businesses and creators focused on email marketing. Starting at £0/month with a 4/5 rating, it excels at extremely well-known and trusted brand.
Still not sure? Talk to the Ikaroa team. We have helped hundreds of businesses make this exact decision, and we are happy to point you in the right direction.
🎁 Get either product at a discount through Ikaroa Partners
Need implementation help?
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