Startups need tools that move fast, integrate easily, and don’t break the bank. You can’t afford to piece together multiple apps and still waste hours syncing data. That’s why finding a true all-in-one platform makes sense. Among the top choices for lean teams are Brevo, MailerLite, and Mailchimp. Each brings its own strengths: Brevo offers automation + CRM at low cost, MailerLite offers powerful design and simple landing pages, and Mailchimp offers broad marketing features and brand tools. This guide dives deep into how each platform supports startup growth, and which one offers the most value when you’re scaling smart from day one.
Why Startups Need an All-in-One Platform
Startups often juggle limited budgets, small teams, and rapid growth demands. That means your marketing stack must do more with less—it should support:
- email marketing
- automation and sequences
- landing pages and forms
- CRM or lead tracking
- audience segmentation
- multichannel messaging
- easy integrations
- quick setup and minimum learning curve
When you pick a platform that tries to be “everything,” you risk complexity. The right solution balances features with simplicity, cost control, and time-to-value.
Feature Breakdown
1. Setup Speed & Onboarding
- Brevo: Quick setup with minimal configurations. CRM + automation included. Ideal for fast launch.
- MailerLite: Very fast for newsletters and landing pages. Automation is basic but effective.
- Mailchimp: Slightly slower due to features and options. Requires learning time.
2. Automation & Workflow Features
- Brevo: Strong workflow builder with email, SMS, WhatsApp automation and CRM triggers right out of the box.
- MailerLite: Good for introductory automation, but branching and advanced flows are limited.
- Mailchimp: Better automation than starter tools, but some features locked behind higher tiers and upgrades.
3. CRM & Lead Management
- Brevo: Full-featured CRM included, perfect for startups that want lead tracking, deals, and follow-ups in one place.
- MailerLite: Lacks a true CRM; not ideal if you need pipeline management.
- Mailchimp: Basic CRM features, but not as robust as Brevo.
4. Landing Pages & Forms
- Brevo: Simple and functional landing page builder, enough for MVP campaigns.
- MailerLite: Excellent landing pages and lead capture forms with design flexibility and conversion focus.
- Mailchimp: Good landing pages but often more design-heavy and less efficient.
5. Multichannel & Scale Potential
- Brevo: Built-in multichannel (SMS, WhatsApp, email) making it scalable without adding stack complexity.
- MailerLite: Email-first; multichannel requires integrations or add-ons.
- Mailchimp: Broad features across email, ads, social, but costs rise quickly.
6. Pricing & Growth Path
- Brevo: Low entry cost, clear growth path, automation included in core pricing.
- MailerLite: Affordable for newsletters; automation and growth features may require higher tiers.
- Mailchimp: Entry cost low but escalates quickly as list size grows and features increase.
Use Cases
Best for Lean Startup Teams
Brevo wins by offering CRM, automation, email, multichannel tools—all in one affordable package.
Best for Design-Led Startups
MailerLite wins when your product marketing relies on strong brand visuals, newsletters, and easy landing pages.
Best for Marketing-Heavy Startups
Mailchimp is ideal when your strategy demands email, ads, audience retargeting, brand identity, and broad marketing features.
Best for Rapid Growth Without Multiple Tools
Brevo stands out because you don’t need separate CRM, SMS tool, or WhatsApp tool—everything in one workflow.
Best for Launching New Products or Campaigns
MailerLite is great for quick launches with beautiful pages + newsletters.
Brevo is better if you expect follow-up automation and pipeline tracking.
Pricing Table
| Plan | Brevo | MailerLite | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | $9/month (5,000 emails) | $10/month (1,000 subscribers) | $13/month (500 contacts) |
| Standard | $18/month | $21–$35/month | $26–$60/month |
| Advanced | $499/month | $100–$190/month | $350–$600+/month |
| Enterprise | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing |
Pros & Cons
Brevo Pros
- Full-suite marketing + CRM for startups
- Automation + multichannel built-in
- Low-cost entry
- Easy to manage and scale
Brevo Cons
- Template designs are not as stylish as MailerLite
- Analytics are simpler than enterprise-level
MailerLite Pros
- Best design value for newsletters and pages
- Simple UI, easy to use
- Great for branding and marketing-first startups
MailerLite Cons
- Automation limited compared to full-growth platforms
- No true CRM built-in
Mailchimp Pros
- Strong marketing suite: email, ads, social, retargeting
- Wide brand recognition
- Good templates and design tools
Mailchimp Cons
- Price escalates quickly as you grow
- Interface can become complex and heavy
- Automation features locked behind higher tiers
Final Verdict
For startups looking for a full marketing stack without multiple tools, choose Brevo.
If your focus is on brand visuals, newsletter engagement, and fast landing pages, choose MailerLite.
If you require expansive marketing features, ad integration, retargeting, and you’re ready to invest more—choose Mailchimp.
Pick Brevo if you want a scalable all-in-one system that keeps costs low. Pick MailerLite if you prioritize design, ease, and brand engagement. Pick Mailchimp if your startup already has marketing budgets and needs a broad toolset.