Tool Review · Updated 2026-04
Mailchimp
Mailchimp is where most UK Shopify stores start. The free tier, brand recognition, and template library make it an easy first choice. The problem: Mailchimp removed its native Shopify integration in 2019, prices have risen significantly since the Intuit acquisition, and US-only data storage is the weakest GDPR position on this list. Most stores are better served by switching to Omnisend, Klaviyo, or GetResponse.
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links.
Mailchimp is on this site because it is where the majority of UK Shopify stores begin their email marketing journey. Its brand recognition, free tier, and extensive template library make it the default first choice for new store owners who have not researched the alternatives. This review exists to explain why most UK Shopify stores eventually move on from it — and to help you decide whether that time has come.
Why Mailchimp was the default
Before 2019, Mailchimp had a native Shopify integration that synced customers, orders, and purchase behaviour directly. Combined with its generous free tier and well-documented setup process, it was the logical starting point for a new Shopify store.
What changed
In 2019, Mailchimp and Shopify had a dispute over data sharing and Shopify removed the official Mailchimp app from its App Store. The native integration has not been restored. Shopify stores that want to use Mailchimp now do so via a third-party connector — ShopSync is the most common — which works but introduces an additional dependency, additional configuration, and occasional sync issues that the native integrations from Klaviyo and Omnisend do not have.
Since 2021, Mailchimp has been owned by Intuit. Pricing has increased significantly. The free tier now caps sends at 1,000 emails/month rather than being genuinely unlimited, which frustrates stores with growing lists.
The GDPR limitation
Mailchimp stores all data in the United States. There is no EU or UK residency option. For UK businesses processing personal data through Mailchimp, this requires SCC documentation for lawful transfer under UK GDPR.
Still on Mailchimp? Here are your options
If you are currently using Mailchimp for a UK Shopify store and considering switching, these are the most common migration paths:
Switching because of the Shopify integration: Omnisend or Klaviyo. Both have native Shopify integrations that give you the abandoned cart, post-purchase, and purchase behaviour automation that Mailchimp’s ShopSync workaround does not.
Switching because of price: GetResponse has a larger permanent free tier (500 contacts, unlimited sends) and competitive paid pricing. Brevo’s per-email model can be cheaper for stores with large lists.
Switching because of GDPR: Omnisend, GetResponse, or Brevo — all have EU data residency by default.
See our migrating from Mailchimp guide for the step-by-step process.
Our verdict
Mailchimp is not a bad product. It is a mature email marketing platform with a polished interface and extensive documentation. For UK Shopify stores specifically, however, the combination of the 2019 integration removal, US-only data storage, and rising prices since the Intuit acquisition has eroded the advantages it once had over its competitors.
If you are already on Mailchimp and it is working for your business, there is no urgent reason to switch. If you are evaluating email marketing tools for the first time, start with Omnisend or GetResponse instead.
Pricing (GBP)
| Plan | Price/mo | Contacts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | £0 | Up to 500 contacts, 1,000 emails/month | Get free → |
| Essentials | £10/mo | Up to 500 contacts | Get started → |
| Standard | £14/mo | Up to 500 contacts | Get started → |
| Premium | £299/mo | Up to 10,000 contacts | Get started → |
Mailchimp prices in USD. GBP amounts shown were accurate at time of verification (April 2026). Note: Mailchimp removed its native Shopify integration in 2019. Shopify integration now requires a third-party connector (ShopSync is most common).
Last verified: April 2026
UK GDPR Compliance
US data storage only — Mailchimp is owned by Intuit (US company) and stores all data in the United States. No EU or UK data residency option is available. UK businesses must rely on standard contractual clauses (SCCs) for lawful data transfer under UK GDPR.
Mailchimp's Standard Data Processing Addendum is available in account settings. However, US-only data storage means UK businesses cannot achieve EU or UK data residency through Mailchimp. The GDPR consent tools are functional — GDPR-specific opt-in forms, double opt-in, and unsubscribe management are all available.
Shopify Integration
Integration type: third-party
Strengths
- +ShopSync bridge (third-party) provides order and customer sync
- +Abandoned cart sequences available via ShopSync
Limitations
- −Native Shopify integration removed in 2019 — requires ShopSync or similar
- −Third-party connector introduces an additional dependency and occasional sync issues
- −Lowest effective Shopify integration quality of any tool on this list
What we like
- + Well-known brand with extensive documentation and tutorials
- + Free tier covers 500 contacts
- + Large template library
- + Familiar interface for users who have used it before
What we don't like
- − Native Shopify integration removed in 2019 — requires ShopSync workaround
- − US data storage only — weakest GDPR position on this list
- − Pricing has increased significantly since Intuit acquisition
- − No affiliate programme — this site earns nothing from Mailchimp referrals
Who it's best for
- ✓ Businesses already on Mailchimp that have not yet evaluated alternatives
- ✓ Non-Shopify stores (WooCommerce, Squarespace) where the integration issue does not apply
- ✓ Users who specifically want Mailchimp's template library and email builder
Not ideal if
- ✗ UK Shopify stores — the integration removal is a material disadvantage
- ✗ GDPR-conscious businesses — US-only data storage
- ✗ Stores evaluating for the first time — there are better options at similar price points