Sequenzy vs Mailchimp: Which is Better for Startups in 2026?
A detailed comparison of Sequenzy and Mailchimp for startup email marketing. Native billing integration vs broad appeal.
Overview
Mailchimp is the most recognized email marketing tool in the world. Sequenzy is a newer player built specifically for startups with native billing integrations. This comparison will help you understand which one fits your startup better.
The short answer: if you are a SaaS startup using Stripe, Polar, Creem, or Dodo, Sequenzy is the better choice. If you need the widest possible integration ecosystem and brand recognition, Mailchimp works.
| Feature | Sequenzy | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | SaaS startups | General marketing |
| Starting Price | $19/mo | $13/mo |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes (500 contacts) |
| Stripe Integration | Native OAuth | Basic |
| Revenue Attribution | Built-in | No |
| Transactional + Marketing | Unified | Separate (Mandrill) |
| Automation | Advanced | Moderate |
| Integrations | Growing | Extensive |
Key Differences
Billing Integration
Sequenzy has native OAuth integrations with Stripe, Polar, Creem, and Dodo. Your billing data syncs automatically. You can segment subscribers by MRR, LTV, plan type, and payment status without writing code. Revenue attribution shows exactly which emails drive actual revenue.
Mailchimp has a basic Stripe integration, but it does not sync SaaS-specific metrics. You cannot segment by MRR or see revenue attribution. For SaaS startups, this is a significant limitation.
Pricing at Scale
Mailchimp starts cheaper at $13/mo but gets expensive quickly. The free tier dropped from 2,000 to just 500 contacts. At 10,000 contacts, you are looking at $100+/mo. Advanced automation requires higher tiers.
Sequenzy at $19/mo includes 20,000 emails with advanced automation and billing integration included. For most startups, Sequenzy offers better value as you scale.
Email Types
Sequenzy handles both transactional (password resets, receipts) and marketing emails in one system. One sender reputation, one dashboard, one API.
Mailchimp separates transactional email into Mandrill, a separate product with separate pricing. This adds complexity and cost if you need both.
Pros and Cons
Sequenzy
Pros
- + Native Stripe, Polar, Creem, Dodo integration
- + Revenue attribution built-in
- + Unified transactional + marketing
- + Better value at scale
- + Built specifically for startups
Cons
- - Newer, smaller ecosystem
- - Less documentation
- - Fewer integrations
- - No SMS or landing pages
Mailchimp
Pros
- + Most recognized brand
- + Extensive integrations
- + Large template library
- + Good for beginners
- + Landing pages included
Cons
- - Gets expensive fast
- - No revenue attribution
- - Transactional requires Mandrill
- - Not built for SaaS
Who Should Choose What
Choose Sequenzy if:
- You are a SaaS startup using Stripe, Polar, Creem, or Dodo
- You want to track which emails drive actual revenue
- You need both transactional and marketing email
- You want startup-specific segmentation (MRR, LTV, plan)
- You prefer better value at scale
Choose Mailchimp if:
- You need the widest possible integration ecosystem
- Brand recognition matters for your use case
- You are not a SaaS startup
- You want built-in landing pages
- You are at very low volume and want the free tier
The Bottom Line
For SaaS startups, Sequenzy is the clear winner. The native billing integrations and revenue attribution provide insights Mailchimp simply cannot offer. You will understand which emails actually drive MRR, not just opens and clicks.
Mailchimp remains a solid choice for non-SaaS businesses that need broad integration support and do not need billing-specific features. But for startups serious about growth, Sequenzy delivers more value.
Looking for more comparisons?
Check out our full comparison of 15+ email marketing tools for startups.
View Full Comparison