Brevo vs Mailchimp: Which Should You Choose?
Mailchimp is the email tool most people start with — and the one most European teams eventually question once GDPR and data residency come up. Brevo is the closest like-for-like European replacement: all-in-one email, SMS and CRM, hosted in France. Here's how the two actually compare, and when switching makes sense.
The verdict
If you're an EU business and compliance is on your radar, Brevo is the clear move: you get Mailchimp-class email plus native SMS and CRM, hosted in France, at comparable cost. Stay on Mailchimp only if you're deeply embedded in its US-centric integrations and GDPR isn't a constraint for you. For everyone else weighing the switch, Brevo removes the data-jurisdiction risk without forcing a downgrade.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brevo a true replacement for Mailchimp?
For most use cases, yes. Brevo covers email campaigns, automation, signup forms and segmentation, and adds native SMS and a CRM. The main differences are interface familiarity and a few advanced Mailchimp integrations.
Why does Mailchimp raise GDPR concerns?
Mailchimp is US-owned, so subscriber data falls under US jurisdiction (CLOUD Act, FISA). After Schrems II, transferring EU personal data to US-controlled services carries legal risk that an EU-hosted tool like Brevo avoids.
Can I migrate my list from Mailchimp to Brevo?
Yes — Brevo supports CSV import and offers migration guidance. Your subscribers, segments and basic automations can be moved across without starting from scratch.