ActiveCampaign vs Benchmark Email
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Email marketing + automation + CRM.
Simple email marketing.
The verdict
Both ActiveCampaign and Benchmark Email are credible marketing automation tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose ActiveCampaign if you want a longer free trial (14 days), broader platform coverage and a higher overall rating (4.5/5). Email marketing + automation + CRM.
Choose Benchmark Email if you'd rather have a lower starting price (free – $13/mo) and a free plan to start on. Simple email marketing.
ActiveCampaign vs Benchmark Email: side by side
| Dimension | ActiveCampaign | Benchmark Email |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $15/mo | Free – $13/moWinner |
| Free plan | No | YesWinner |
| Free trial | 14 daysWinner | — |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Best for | Smb, Marketers | Smb |
| Platforms | Web, Ios, Android, ApiWinner | Web |
| Rating | 4.5/5Winner | 4.3/5 |
ActiveCampaign key facts
- Vendor
- ActiveCampaign
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $15/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (14 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android, Api
- Best for
- Smb, Marketers
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2003
- Headquarters
- Chicago, IL, USA
Benchmark Email key facts
- Vendor
- Benchmark
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $13/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web
- Best for
- Smb
- Editor rating
- 4.3 / 5
- Founded
- 2004
- Headquarters
- Los Angeles, CA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is ActiveCampaign better than Benchmark Email?
Neither is universally better — ActiveCampaign edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is ActiveCampaign or Benchmark Email cheaper?
Benchmark Email is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $13/mo. ActiveCampaign starts at from $15/mo; Benchmark Email starts at free – $13/mo.
Can ActiveCampaign replace Benchmark Email?
Yes for most teams — both are marketing automation tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.