ActiveCampaign Review: Automation Powerhouse
ActiveCampaign is where email marketing meets serious automation. While Mailchimp targets beginners, ActiveCampaign is built for marketers who want to create sophisticated, behavior-driven campaigns.
We used ActiveCampaign to run complex automation sequences, integrate with our CRM, and track customer journeys. This review covers who it's for and whether the learning curve is worth it.
The Verdict: ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign is the go-to for marketers who need advanced automation and CRM integration. The learning curve is worth it for the power you get.
Pros
- Best-in-class automation
- Built-in CRM included
- Excellent deliverability rates
Cons
- Steeper learning curve
- No free plan available
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
What Sets ActiveCampaign Apart
ActiveCampaign's automation builder is genuinely in a league of its own. You can create complex, branching workflows that respond to almost any trigger: email opens, link clicks, page visits, purchase behavior, CRM deal stage changes, and more.
The platform also includes a built-in CRM (called "Deals"), making it a true sales and marketing platform rather than just an email tool.
Key Features
- Visual Automation Builder: Create complex, multi-branch workflows with drag-and-drop ease.
- CRM with Deals: Built-in sales pipeline to track leads and customers.
- Site & Event Tracking: Trigger automations based on website behavior or custom events.
- Predictive Sending: AI determines the optimal send time for each contact.
- Lead Scoring: Automatically score contacts based on engagement and behavior.
- Split Actions: A/B test entire automation paths, not just subject lines.
- Conversations: Live chat and chatbots connected to your automations.
- Deliverability: Consistently high inbox placement rates.
Pricing Overview
- Lite ($29/month for 1,000 contacts): Email marketing, automations, inline forms.
- Plus ($49/month): CRM, landing pages, lead scoring, SMS marketing.
- Professional ($149/month): Predictive sending, split automations, site messaging.
- Enterprise (Custom): Custom objects, HIPAA compliance, dedicated rep.
ActiveCampaign vs HubSpot
| Feature | ActiveCampaign | HubSpot |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $29/mo | $50/mo |
| Automation Power | Excellent | Good |
| CRM Included | Yes | Free CRM |
| Best For | Email-focused | All-in-one |
| Learning Curve | Moderate | Moderate |
| Deliverability | Excellent | Good |
Ideal Users
- E-commerce Businesses: Abandoned cart, post-purchase, and win-back sequences.
- B2B Companies: Lead nurturing, sales handoff, and account-based marketing.
- Agencies: Manage multiple client accounts with white-labeling options.
- Course Creators: Drip content based on enrollment and progress.
Considerations
- Learning Curve: Expect 2-4 weeks to become proficient with automation.
- No Free Plan: 14-day trial only. Plan your test carefully.
- Feature Overwhelm: Start with basics; don't try to use everything at once.
Final Verdict
ActiveCampaign is the best email marketing platform for automation-focused marketers. If you're sending basic newsletters, it might be overkill. But if you want to create sophisticated, personalized customer journeys, it's unmatched.
Our recommendation: Worth every penny if email automation is core to your marketing strategy. The learning curve pays dividends in campaign performance.