ActiveCampaign vs Sendinblue
ActiveCampaign and Sendinblue are both email marketing and CRM platforms, but ActiveCampaign emphasizes automation and advanced workflows, while Sendinblue (now Brevo) offers a more affordable entry point with built-in SMS and chat features.
ActiveCampaign
A comprehensive CRM and marketing automation platform designed for SMBs and enterprises. Known for powerful automation workflows, segmentation, and integrations.
Starting Price
$9/month (Lite plan)
SMS Included
No, requires separate billing
Primary Strength
Marketing automation and CRM
Best For
Mid-market B2B and ecommerce
Pros
- Advanced automation and workflow builder with conditional logic
- Robust CRM features with contact management and deal tracking
- Extensive third-party integrations and API capabilities
Cons
- Higher pricing tier makes it less accessible for startups
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- SMS functionality requires additional paid add-on
Sendinblue (Brevo)
An all-in-one marketing platform combining email, SMS, chat, and CRM. Recently rebranded to Brevo; targets startups and SMBs with affordable bundled features.
Starting Price
Free plan available; Lite from $20/month
SMS Included
Yes, in most paid plans
Primary Strength
Multi-channel marketing (email, SMS, chat)
Best For
Startups and small ecommerce businesses
Pros
- SMS and chat channels included in most plans at no extra cost
- More affordable entry price, especially for multi-channel use
- Simpler, more intuitive interface for newer users
Cons
- Automation capabilities less sophisticated than ActiveCampaign
- CRM features are lighter and less deal-focused
- Smaller ecosystem of third-party integrations
Sendinblue (Brevo) wins
Sendinblue offers better overall value for most SMBs and startups, bundling SMS and chat at lower cost, while ActiveCampaign wins only for teams prioritizing advanced automation and CRM depth.
ActiveCampaign
Best for mid-market B2B companies and complex sales processes requiring sophisticated automation and deal tracking.
Sendinblue (Brevo)
Best for startups and small ecommerce businesses needing affordable, multi-channel marketing without extensive CRM features.
Feature & Automation Comparison
Email Marketing
Both excel, but ActiveCampaign offers more granular segmentation and behavioral triggers.
Automation Workflows
ActiveCampaign's workflow builder is more advanced with conditional branching; Sendinblue is functional but simpler.
CRM Features
ActiveCampaign has full deal tracking and sales pipeline; Sendinblue's CRM is contact-focused and lighter.
Multi-Channel (SMS, Chat)
Sendinblue bundles SMS and chat; ActiveCampaign requires add-ons or third-party integrations.
Ease of Use
Sendinblue has a more approachable UI for beginners; ActiveCampaign is powerful but requires more onboarding.
Integration Ecosystem
ActiveCampaign integrates with 700+ apps via Zapier and native connectors; Sendinblue offers fewer native integrations.
Pricing & Included Channels
| Aspect | ActiveCampaign | Sendinblue (Brevo) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Price | $9/month (Lite, 1,000 contacts) | Free plan (300 emails/day); Lite at $20/month |
| Email Campaigns | Included at all tiers | Included at all tiers |
| SMS | Add-on, separate billing (SMS credits start ~$50+) | Included in Lite and above plans |
| Live Chat | Not native; requires third-party | Included in higher tiers |
| Contact Limit on Entry Plan | 1,000 contacts | Unlimited contacts on Lite (free has 300 contacts) |
| Best Value For | Advanced automation and CRM workflows | Multi-channel bundled features and cost savings |
Ideal Use Cases & Scenarios
Choose ActiveCampaign if you need sophisticated automation, deal management, and are willing to invest in a platform that scales with complex B2B or high-touch ecommerce operations. Choose Sendinblue (Brevo) if you want to launch quickly with multi-channel campaigns (email, SMS, chat) on a tighter budget and don't need advanced CRM or workflow complexity.
When to choose each
Choose ActiveCampaign if…
Best for mid-market B2B companies and complex sales processes requiring sophisticated automation and deal tracking.
Choose Sendinblue (Brevo) if…
Best for startups and small ecommerce businesses needing affordable, multi-channel marketing without extensive CRM features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sendinblue includes SMS in most paid plans at no extra cost, making it significantly cheaper for SMS campaigns. ActiveCampaign requires a separate SMS add-on, adding $50+ per month to your bill.
ActiveCampaign has enterprise-grade CRM with deal pipelines, sales forecasting, and detailed contact intelligence. Sendinblue's CRM is lighter, focusing on contact management and basic segmentation, not ideal for complex sales teams.
ActiveCampaign integrates with 700+ apps and has a robust API; Sendinblue has fewer native integrations but covers the most popular tools. ActiveCampaign is the clear winner for integration depth.
Sources & references
Suggested sources to verify product details, pricing, reviews, and specifications.
- OfficialActiveCampaign Pricing
Official pricing and plan details
- OfficialActiveCampaign Integrations
Complete integration marketplace and available connectors