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Mailchimp is the default choice, but its per-contact pricing climbs fast, and you can’t run it yourself. Broadcast runs on your own server for a one-time license: own your data, escape per-contact billing, and keep the campaigns, segmentation, and automation most senders actually use.
The short answer
The best Mailchimp alternatives in 2026 fall into three camps: cheaper hosted SaaS (MailerLite, Brevo), creator-focused platforms (Kit/ConvertKit, Beehiiv), and self-hosted/owned tools. Broadcast is the self-hosted, one-time-purchase ($250) option: it runs on your own server, supports unlimited subscribers with no per-contact billing, and sends through Amazon SES, Postmark, Mailgun, or any SMTP. Pick a cheaper SaaS to stay fully managed; pick Broadcast to own your platform and stop the per-contact meter. Mailchimp itself still wins on its free tier and breadth of native integrations.
At a Glance
Straight answer: there’s no self-hosted edition of Mailchimp: it’s SaaS only. If you want a cheaper managed tool, MailerLite or Brevo undercut Mailchimp without changing your hosting model. If your real goal is to own the platform, keep your subscriber data on your own server, and stop paying per contact, Broadcast is the self-hosted, buy-once option. Mailchimp still earns its place for teams that lean on its free tier, its huge integration directory, and a fully managed experience, and this page is honest about that.
Mailchimp alternatives compared
Seven tools people switch to, and who each one suits
| Tool | Hosting | How it charges | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| MailerLite | Hosted | Free tier, then monthly by subscriber count | Small businesses that want Mailchimp’s features for less |
| Brevo | Hosted | Free tier, then monthly by emails sent, not contacts | Large lists that you email only now and then |
| Kit (ConvertKit) | Hosted | Free tier, then monthly by subscriber count | Creators selling courses and digital products |
| Beehiiv | Hosted | Free tier, then monthly by subscriber count | Newsletter publishers who want growth and ad tools |
| Listmonk | Self-hosted | Free, open source. You pay for the server and email provider | Developers who want a lean list manager and don’t need automations |
| Sendy | Self-hosted | One-time license. Sends through Amazon SES only | Cheap bulk newsletters on SES |
| Broadcast | Self-hosted | $250 once. Unlimited subscribers, any email provider | Teams that want campaigns, sequences and segments without a monthly bill |
Hosted tools change their plans often, so check current prices on their sites. To see what each hosted tool costs at your list size, use the pricing calculator. The rest of this page compares Broadcast and Mailchimp directly.
Feature Comparison
Where Broadcast and Mailchimp each pull ahead
| Feature | Broadcast | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Self-hosted | Yes, your server | No (SaaS only) |
| Pricing | $250 one-time | Monthly, scales w/ contacts |
| Free tier | No (30-day guarantee) | Yes (limited) |
| Subscribers/contacts | Unlimited | Tiered by count |
| Campaigns & templates | Built-in | Built-in |
| Automations / sequences | Built-in (conditions) | Yes (tiered) |
| Segmentation | Tags, lists, custom fields | Advanced |
| Native integration directory | API + webhooks | Large |
| ESP choice | SES, Postmark, any SMTP | Built-in only |
| Data ownership / residency | Your server (EU-friendly) | US-based SaaS |
| Setup & maintenance | You self-host | Fully managed |
Mailchimp wins on its free tier, integration breadth, and zero-setup convenience. Broadcast wins when owning your platform and dropping per-contact billing matters more. For plan-by-plan prices, see Mailchimp pricing. For the cost math at 10k / 50k / 250k subscribers, see the self-hosted Mailchimp cost breakdown.
Who Should Choose What
Choose Broadcast if you…
- • Want to self-host and own your data (Mailchimp can’t be self-hosted)
- • Are tired of per-contact pricing that climbs with your list
- • Need solid campaigns, segmentation, and automation
- • Care about EU data residency / GDPR control
- • Prefer a one-time license to a monthly subscription
Mailchimp (or a cheaper SaaS) may be better if you…
- • Want a free tier to start and a fully managed tool
- • Rely on Mailchimp’s large native integration directory
- • Have a non-technical team and no server to run
- • Just want cheaper SaaS, look at MailerLite or Brevo
Frequently Asked Questions
Own your email marketing
Self-hosted, buy-once, no per-contact billing.
Still deciding?
Comparisons cover the tradeoffs. How To covers whether Broadcast does the specific thing you need, organized by what you are trying to accomplish rather than by feature name. If the answer is no, it says no.
Choose Your License
One-time payment, unlimited emails forever
"I was tired of spending hundreds per month on Beehiiv to send emails. […] Then I found Broadcast and now I can scale at my own pace without burning money I worked hard for."
@bensnichedsitesRegular License Most popular
One server, for your own business
$150
$250
Agency License
Up to 5 servers, for client work
$450
Extended License
Up to 25 servers, for many clients
$1,000
Every license has every feature, unlimited subscribers and all 2.x updates.