Mailchimp's 2026 Free Plan Changes: What Creators Need to Know
Intuit Mailchimp has announced updates to its free plan starting in 2026. These changes reduce the contact limit and monthly sends. They also remove several key features.
This shift could impact small newsletter creators and businesses relying on free tools. Understanding the details helps you prepare and explore alternatives.
In this post, we break down:
The history of Mailchimp's free plan.
What’s new for 2026.
Features removed from free plans
How Mailchimp compares to other platforms
A Brief History of Mailchimp's Free Plan
Mailchimp's free tier has evolved over the years. Here is a quick timeline:
2009 to 2022: Up to 2,000 contacts and 10,000 sends per month.
2023 to 2025: Up to 500 contacts and 2,500 sends per month.
Starting 2026: Up to 250 contacts and 500 sends per month.
This latest reduction halves the current limits. It reflects a trend toward encouraging paid upgrades.
What Is Changing in 2026
The core updates focus on scale and functionality.
Contact limit drops to 250.
Monthly sends fall to 500.
These restrictions make it harder for growing lists to stay on the free plan. Beyond limits, several features are no longer available for free users.
Why Trust Me: I’ve led content strategy at beehiiv for over two years, working hands-on across the newsletter space, the content economy, and growth strategy.
Features Removed From the Free Plan
Mailchimp is stripping out tools that many creators rely on.
Here is what free users will lose:
Automations
Publications
Web posts
Custom domain
Email scheduling
User roles
AI credits
These cuts limit automation and customization. Free plans become more basic as a result.
Why These Changes Matter for Newsletter Creators
Tighter limits mean faster upgrades to paid plans for growing audiences. Removed features reduce testing and personalization options.
If your list is approaching 250 contacts, you may hit walls soon. The low send limit restricts frequent newsletters.
This push toward paid tiers aligns with Intuit's strategy. But it leaves room for competitors with stronger free offerings.
Comparing to Alternatives Like beehiiv
Other platforms maintain generous free plans. For example, beehiiv offers:
Unlimited sends per month
Up to 3 publications
Up to 2,500 contacts
Advanced segmentation
Advanced automations
Free AI credits
Custom domain
Full website builder
Recommendation network
Campaign analytics
API access
beehiiv is also more affordable at higher subscriber levels. Up to 10,000 and 100,000 subscribers, costs stay competitive. Here is a MailChimp vs beehiiv comparison that might be more helpful for you.
Quick Checklist: Should You Switch Platforms?
If Mailchimp's changes affect you, consider these steps:
Review your current contact count and send volume.
Check if you use any removed features.
Test your newsletter on another platform.
Compare pricing for your subscriber level.
Migrate early to avoid disruptions.
Switching can preserve features and save money long-term.
The Bottom Line
Mailchimp's 2026 free plan cuts limits and features. This could force many users to pay or switch.
For creators, reliable delivery and tools are essential. Platforms built for newsletters prioritize these from the start.
If you run a newsletter, delivery is not abstract. It is the product.
beehiiv is built with deliverability, sender reputation, and inbox placement in mind from day one.
