Thinking about signing up but feeling unsure about constant contact pricing? Wondering what each plan really includes, how much it costs, or whether it’s worth the investment? You’re not alone.
Choosing the right email marketing platform can be tricky—especially when prices change depending on your contact list, features, and business goals. Should you go with the Core plan, the Plus plan, or just try the free trial first? And how does Constant Contact compare to cheaper tools like MailerLite or Aweber?
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about constant contact pricing so you can confidently choose the plan that fits your needs, your budget, and where your business is headed. Let’s take a closer look at what each option offers and how to make the smartest decision for your marketing.
Overview Of Constant Contact Pricing Plans (2024 Update)
Constant Contact has evolved its pricing to meet the growing needs of creators, nonprofits, and ecommerce brands. Here’s how each plan compares in cost and features.
Whether you’re just starting or scaling fast, understanding what’s included in each plan—and what it will actually cost per month—makes all the difference. Let’s break it down tier by tier.
Breakdown of Pricing Tiers for Email Marketing and Ecommerce
Constant Contact currently offers three primary plans: Free Trial, Core, and Plus. Each plan is built to support different stages of business growth.
- Free Trial Plan: This is a 60-day trial with no credit card required. It gives you a taste of key features like email creation, contact importing, and limited automation. However, it does come with contact and feature caps.
- Core Plan: Designed for beginners and small teams. It includes email templates, basic reporting, signup forms, and limited automation.
- Plus Plan: This one is geared toward growing businesses that need advanced tools like dynamic content, ecommerce integrations, customer segmentation, and more robust automation.
If you run an online store, both Core and Plus support ecommerce—but Plus is where the serious functionality kicks in. You’ll be able to sell products, track purchases, and automate product follow-ups.
What’s Included in the Core vs. Plus vs. Free Trial Plans
Here’s a quick side-by-side look at key features:
Feature | Free Trial | Core Plan | Plus Plan |
Email templates | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Custom branding | Limited | Yes | Yes |
Marketing automation | No | Basic | Advanced |
A/B subject line testing | No | No | Yes |
Contact segmentation | No | Basic | Advanced |
Ecommerce tools | No | Limited | Full Integration |
Landing pages | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Social media posting | No | Yes | Yes |
Reporting and analytics | Limited | Standard | Enhanced |
The Free Trial gives just enough functionality to test the platform, while Core provides a solid foundation. Plus adds the growth tools that become essential as your audience expands.
Monthly vs. Annual Billing Costs Explained
Pricing is based on how many contacts you have and whether you pay monthly or annually. The more contacts, the higher the rate. Going annual typically saves you 10–15% overall.
Here’s an example of Core plan pricing (as of 2024):
- Up to 500 contacts: $12/month on annual billing, or $15 month-to-month
- 501–2,500 contacts: Around $35/month
- 2,501–5,000 contacts: About $55/month
The Plus plan for up to 500 contacts starts at $30/month with annual billing or $45/month if paid monthly. For growing lists, this number increases quickly.
So if you’re committed to using the platform, the annual plan is usually a smarter financial move.
Who Should Use The Core Plan — Features And Limitations

The Core plan is best for people who need an intuitive email marketing tool without overpaying for features they won’t use. Think freelancers, small service businesses, or local nonprofits.
It gives you the essentials to build and maintain email campaigns without all the bells and whistles.
Ideal Use Cases: Solopreneurs, Local Businesses, Nonprofits
If your marketing is mostly email-based and you don’t need advanced audience targeting or ecommerce automation, Core is a solid starting point.
Here are examples of ideal users:
- Coaches and consultants sending newsletters or free resources to nurture leads
- Local retailers or cafes looking to promote events or seasonal sales
- Nonprofits wanting to stay connected with donors or volunteers via monthly updates
The simplicity of Core means you can spend more time focusing on your message and less on figuring out the platform.
Core Plan Pricing by Subscriber Count
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll pay depending on how many contacts are in your list:
- 0–500 contacts: $12/month (annual), $15/month (monthly)
- 501–2,500 contacts: ~$35/month
- 2,501–5,000 contacts: ~$55/month
- 5,001–10,000 contacts: ~$80/month
You can import your contacts manually or use integrations to sync lists from other tools.
Keep in mind, Constant Contact bills based on active contacts, not total subscribers. So if someone unsubscribes or is inactive, you can remove them to stay under pricing thresholds.
What You Don’t Get With Core: Limitations To Consider
The Core plan is great for simple campaigns, but as your marketing needs grow, you may feel some friction. Here’s what’s missing:
- No advanced automation workflows (like abandoned cart emails or behavior-based series)
- No dynamic content for personalized messages
- No integration with Shopify or WooCommerce
- Limited contact segmentation
- No event marketing features or A/B testing
If you want to trigger emails based on user actions or build ecommerce sequences, Core won’t cut it. You’ll want to upgrade to Plus for that kind of flexibility.
Why The Plus Plan Works Best For Growing Brands
The Plus plan is Constant Contact’s most comprehensive option. It’s built for brands ready to automate, scale, and personalize their customer experience. If you’re investing in your email list and seeing returns, this is where you’ll get the most ROI.
It’s not just about more tools—it’s about more control over how, when, and why your messages reach your audience.
Advanced Automation, Segmentation, and Event Tools
Where Core gives you basic drip sequences, Plus unlocks powerful automation options like:
- Triggered email series based on behavior or signups
- Abandoned cart recovery
- Welcome journeys for new subscribers
- Lead nurturing funnels
You can also create audience segments based on purchase history, interests, or engagement. This lets you send more targeted emails—and typically get higher open and click rates.
Planning a webinar or in-person event? The Plus plan includes RSVP tools, event reminders, and ticketing options, which save time and reduce third-party costs.
Comparison of Plus vs. Core: Real Differences That Matter
Here’s a practical side-by-side comparison:
Feature | Core Plan | Plus Plan |
Automation | Basic | Advanced, behavioral |
Segmentation | Limited | Custom, dynamic |
Ecommerce tracking | Not included | Yes, full integration |
A/B Testing | No | Subject line testing |
Event Management | No | Included |
Surveys and Polls | Basic | Advanced |
CRM Features | Not available | Yes |
These tools make a big difference if you’re trying to drive sales, improve customer journeys, or re-engage your list over time.
How The Plus Plan Scales With Ecommerce And CRM Needs
If you’re running an ecommerce store—especially on platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, or WooCommerce—Plus is where the magic happens.
Here’s how it supports ecommerce growth:
- Connect your store and track which emails drive revenue
- Send product recommendations based on past purchases
- Recover abandoned carts automatically
- Use real-time purchase behavior to segment your audience
It also acts as a lightweight CRM. You can view customer histories, add tags, and create smart lists based on who’s buying what.
For example, if someone buys a yoga mat from your store, you could automatically enroll them in a campaign offering a discount on yoga accessories. That level of smart marketing leads to higher conversion rates and better customer retention.
Free Trial Plan: What You Can Do Without Paying

If you’re curious about Constant Contact but not quite ready to commit, the free trial is a great starting point. It gives you a real sense of the platform before spending a dime.
The free trial doesn’t just offer a limited preview — it’s a generous 60-day access period that lets you explore essential features and decide if it fits your goals.
How Long the Free Trial Lasts and What’s Included
The Constant Contact free trial lasts for 60 days, which is longer than what most email marketing platforms offer. That’s two full months to test out tools, build emails, and understand how it fits into your marketing strategy.
Here’s what you get access to during the free trial:
- Drag-and-drop email editor
- Email templates
- Basic contact list management
- Signup forms and landing pages
- Basic reporting (opens, clicks, bounces)
- Social posting and scheduling
- 100 contacts max
It’s enough functionality to run basic campaigns, test engagement, and see if the workflow suits your style.
Free vs. Paid Plans: Where the Line Is Drawn
The free trial offers many core features, but there are a few key limitations that you’ll notice as your list and needs grow. Here’s a breakdown of what’s not included in the free version:
- No advanced automation (like abandoned cart emails)
- No ecommerce integrations
- No A/B testing
- Limited to 100 contacts and capped email sends
- Constant Contact branding appears in your emails
You can still send emails and build signup forms, but you’re limited in terms of reach and customization. Paid plans remove these barriers and unlock automation, segmentation, and ecommerce tools.
When to Upgrade and Avoid Getting Limited
Upgrading becomes necessary when:
- You reach the 100-contact limit and want to grow
- You want your emails to be fully branded
- You need automation to save time
- You’re running an online store and need ecommerce tools
- You want deeper reporting insights
If you’re using the trial and starting to feel constrained, it’s usually a sign that your strategy is evolving — and your tools should evolve too.
My suggestion? Use the free trial to build out a small campaign, track performance, and set clear goals. If you can prove engagement in those 60 days, upgrading becomes a smart investment rather than a guess.
Pricing For Ecommerce: Online Store & Shopify Users
For online sellers, email marketing is more than newsletters — it’s abandoned cart emails, product recommendations, and post-purchase follow-ups. Constant Contact offers ecommerce support, but costs and capabilities vary across plans.
It’s important to know where ecommerce fits into their pricing structure so you can avoid surprises and make the right call for your store.
Extra Charges for Ecommerce Add-Ons or Integrations
The Core plan offers basic ecommerce functionality, but real integration and automation features are unlocked in the Plus plan.
Here’s what you might pay extra for:
- Shopify integration: Included in Plus, unavailable in Core
- Abandoned cart emails: Plus plan only
- Product recommendations: Plus only
- Purchase behavior segmentation: Plus only
- Transaction tracking and revenue reports: Plus plan features
If you’re on the Core plan and need Shopify integration, you’ll have to upgrade — there’s no add-on for that. So the cost jump isn’t just a feature difference; it’s a tier difference.
What Ecommerce Tools Are Included at Each Pricing Level
Here’s a clearer view of what ecommerce looks like across the board:
- Free Trial: No ecommerce tools at all
- Core Plan:
- Product listings
- Basic online store builder
- Accepting payments via Stripe
- Plus Plan:
- Full integration with Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce
- Abandoned cart recovery
- Post-purchase automations
- Inventory management
- Real-time tracking of sales through email
If your store is your main source of income, the Plus plan isn’t optional — it’s necessary.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out for When Selling Online
Ecommerce tools can quietly add up. Here are a few hidden fees or limits that might not be obvious at first glance:
- Stripe transaction fees: While Constant Contact supports payments, Stripe charges 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction.
- Higher list pricing: As your customer list grows, your monthly cost increases. 5,000+ contacts could mean $85+/month on Plus.
- Image and file storage limits: You may need to upgrade if you use lots of product photos or media in your campaigns.
- Store limits: Some plans cap the number of products you can list if you’re not on the ecommerce-focused plan.
Always double-check the features list and contact thresholds so you don’t outgrow your plan without realizing it.
Add-On Costs That Affect Your Final Monthly Bill

Your base Constant Contact pricing might look affordable, but there are additional costs that can sneak up and push your bill higher. Knowing what they are helps you budget smarter from day one.
Let’s look at common add-ons and feature-based upgrades that could influence your total cost.
Email Volume Upgrades and Extra Contact Tiers
Constant Contact prices its plans based on how many active contacts you have. If you cross a tier threshold, you’re automatically bumped to the next pricing level.
Here’s how that usually breaks down:
- 0–500 contacts: Base plan pricing
- 501–2,500: Moderate increase
- 2,501–5,000: Steeper jump
- 10,001–15,000: Can exceed $150/month
If you’re growing fast, it’s a good idea to clean your list regularly. Inactive or duplicate contacts still count toward your limit.
Also note: Sending more emails than allowed under your plan may trigger an upsell, especially during high-volume campaigns.
SMS Marketing, Social Posting, and AI Features Pricing
Constant Contact has expanded into multi-channel marketing with SMS and AI content tools. Some are included, while others require additional spend.
- SMS marketing: Currently offered as an add-on (pricing depends on volume)
- AI-powered content creation: Some templates and subject line tools are free, but advanced content generation may come with future costs
- Social media scheduling: Included in most paid plans, but integrations with more networks or higher volume may require upgrades
Always check what’s “lite” vs. “premium” when it comes to newer tools like AI and SMS.
Cost of Premium Support and Design Services
Need extra help? Constant Contact offers optional services, including:
- Marketing advisor consultations: Around $50/session or bundled monthly
- Custom email design: Starting at $79 and up, depending on scope
- List growth services: You can pay for help with landing pages or lead magnets
These are great if you’re short on time or design skills, but they’re not included in base pricing.
Before purchasing, compare these services to freelancers or agencies — especially if you’re scaling.
Constant Contact Nonprofit Discount: Real Savings?
Constant Contact has long supported nonprofits with tailored tools and discounted pricing. But how much can you actually save — and is it the right fit?
Let’s explore how the nonprofit pricing works and what you should consider before signing up.
Eligibility for Discounted Nonprofit Pricing
To qualify for a Constant Contact nonprofit discount, you must:
- Be a registered 501(c)(3) or equivalent (depending on country)
- Provide documentation verifying your status
- Use the account for nonprofit-related communications
Once verified, nonprofits are eligible for a 30% discount on prepaid annual plans, or 20% off monthly plans.
This applies to both Core and Plus plans, which means you can access advanced features without paying the full commercial rate.
How Much Can Nonprofits Save Monthly?
Here’s a quick breakdown of estimated savings (based on typical pricing):
- Core plan (500 contacts):
- Regular: $15/month
- Nonprofit monthly: $12
- Nonprofit annual: ~$10.50/month
- Plus plan (500 contacts):
- Regular: $45/month
- Nonprofit monthly: $36
- Nonprofit annual: ~$31.50/month
Over a year, that’s a potential savings of $162 on the Plus plan. For larger lists, savings grow significantly.
Alternatives Nonprofits Should Compare Before Choosing
While Constant Contact offers solid nonprofit support, it’s not the only option. Consider these alternatives if budget or features are a concern:
- Mailchimp: Offers a 15% discount for nonprofits but can get expensive at scale.
- MailerLite: Free plan up to 1,000 subscribers, though limited automation.
- Zoho Campaigns: Affordable with basic nonprofit templates.
- ConvertKit: Strong on donor nurturing with free tier for up to 1,000 subscribers.
If your nonprofit mainly sends newsletters and event invites, Constant Contact’s template system and ease of use might be ideal. But if you’re looking for deeper automation on a tight budget, it’s worth comparing.
Comparing Constant Contact To Cheaper Alternatives
Constant Contact offers a polished, beginner-friendly platform, but it’s not always the most budget-friendly. If you’re comparing options, it helps to understand where the extra dollars go — and when a cheaper tool might actually be a better fit.
Let’s break down how Constant Contact pricing compares to MailerLite, Mailchimp, and Sendinblue, and what each tool offers for your money.
How Constant Contact Pricing Stacks Up to MailerLite, Mailchimp, and Sendinblue
Here’s a quick snapshot of starter plans (as of 2024):
Platform | Free Plan Available | Starting Paid Plan | Feature Depth (Basic Tier) |
Constant Contact | 60-day free trial | $12/month (Core) | Moderate |
MailerLite | Yes (up to 12,000) | $9/month | Strong basic features |
Mailchimp | Yes (up to 500) | $10/month | Limited automation |
Sendinblue | Yes (300 emails/day) | $8.08/month | Strong automation, pay-per-email |
MailerLite and Mailchimp offer solid value at the lower end, especially for users with small lists. Sendinblue charges based on email volume rather than list size, which can be cost-effective for some but unpredictable for others.
Constant Contact’s pricing feels a bit higher upfront, especially since its free plan is time-limited and not fully functional. But the platform does focus heavily on user experience and onboarding.
What You Get for Paying More (and Less)
Here’s what paying more with Constant Contact gives you:
- Intuitive email editor with dozens of modern templates
- Excellent customer support (chat, phone, and email)
- Pre-built automation journeys and marketing calendar tools
- Native event marketing and RSVP tools
- Landing pages with drag-and-drop design
By contrast, MailerLite keeps things lean — great for budget-focused users but less rich in features like dynamic content or ecommerce integrations. Mailchimp’s basic plans often look affordable but quickly get expensive as your contact list grows.
Sendinblue is great for transactional emails and multilingual support, but its UI is less beginner-friendly and deliverability varies.
If support, ease-of-use, and all-in-one convenience are your priorities, Constant Contact is worth the premium. But if your goal is minimal spend with maximum control, a cheaper tool could make sense.
When Switching to a Cheaper Tool Makes Sense
Switching to a cheaper email platform might be a smart move when:
- You’re just building your list and sending basic newsletters
- You don’t need CRM features or ecommerce automation
- Budget is your top priority and you’re tech-savvy enough to manage setup
- You’re comfortable using third-party integrations to bridge feature gaps
However, switching tools later can be time-consuming — you may need to rebuild templates, re-tag your contacts, or manually migrate automations.
If you’re seeing traction and growth, the extra cost of Constant Contact might save you hours of setup and troubleshooting elsewhere. But for hobbyists or ultra-lean startups, starting with a simpler tool can be a great stepping stone.
Choosing The Right Plan Based On Your Business Goals
Choosing the right Constant Contact plan isn’t just about features — it’s about matching those features to your actual goals. A plan that works for one business might be overkill (or underwhelming) for another.
Here’s how to think through your choice based on where you’re headed.
How to Match Pricing Plans With Your Marketing Needs
Start with a quick self-assessment:
- Are you focused on newsletters and updates? The Core plan likely has you covered.
- Running an online store or using customer journeys? You’ll need the Plus plan for automation and ecommerce integration.
- Hosting events or webinars? The Plus plan includes RSVP tools and registration forms.
- Want to create smart, behavior-based campaigns? Again, Plus is your go-to.
If you’re unsure, test the features during the 60-day trial. Watch how many contacts you gather and which tools you actually use. That insight can help you pick a plan based on facts, not guesses.
Short-Term Savings vs. Long-Term ROI Considerations
It’s tempting to choose the cheapest plan possible, especially when you’re starting out. But it’s worth asking: will saving $10/month today cost you results in the future?
Here’s where spending more pays off:
- Time saved on campaign setup (thanks to automation and templates)
- Higher engagement from segmented, personalized emails
- Revenue growth from better targeting and ecommerce tools
Sometimes the higher-tier plan actually earns you more by doing the heavy lifting. If email is a key part of your strategy, investing in the right tools often pays for itself.
That said, don’t pay for features you’ll never touch. If you’re not running automations or tracking revenue, stick to the Core plan until you need more.
Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Plan
Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:
- Overestimating contact volume: It’s easy to think your list will grow fast, but you may be able to stay on a lower tier longer than expected.
- Ignoring automation potential: If you plan to scale or want to nurture leads automatically, skipping Plus might create future headaches.
- Forgetting about list quality: Paying more for a big list only makes sense if those contacts are actually engaged.
- Choosing based on fear or FOMO: Don’t upgrade just because you might need a feature. Upgrade when you’re truly limited by the current plan.
The best approach is to grow into your plan, not outgrow it too quickly or pay for what you’re not using.
Expert Tips For Getting The Best Deal On Constant Contact
Nobody likes overpaying, especially for software you use every month. While Constant Contact isn’t the cheapest platform, there are ways to stretch your budget and make every dollar count.
Let’s look at real tips for lowering your cost and getting more out of your plan.
How to Get Free Months, Promo Codes, or Custom Quotes
Constant Contact often runs promotions, especially around key times of the year (like Black Friday or end-of-quarter sales). These can include:
- Up to 3 months free on annual billing
- 30% off for the first 3 months (monthly billing)
- Nonprofit discounts (up to 30%)
Here’s how to find and apply these deals:
- Visit the pricing page and scroll to the footer — special offers are often promoted there.
- Sign up for the 60-day trial, then wait for a follow-up email. These often include discount codes.
- Reach out via live chat and ask directly. Sales reps can sometimes offer custom rates for large lists or longer commitments.
If you already have a list of 5,000+ contacts or are migrating from another platform, don’t hesitate to negotiate. Constant Contact does offer custom pricing in some cases.
Negotiating Price When You’re Scaling or Switching Platforms
Scaling your email list often means higher pricing tiers — but also more leverage. If you’re growing fast or switching from another provider, it’s worth starting a conversation with their team.
Tips for negotiating better pricing:
- Mention competitor quotes (like Mailchimp or Klaviyo)
- Share your estimated growth trajectory
- Ask about long-term pricing locks if you prepay for 12+ months
- Request onboarding support or dedicated help if you’re importing a big list
Remember, Constant Contact wants to retain you as a long-term customer. That gives you room to negotiate for both lower costs and better support.
Bundling Constant Contact With Other Tools for Better Value
While Constant Contact is built as an all-in-one tool, it can become even more valuable when bundled or integrated with other platforms you already use.
Here are a few ideas:
- Ecommerce integration with Shopify: Automate product emails and cart recovery
- Lead capture via Typeform or Leadpages: Send new leads straight into your email workflows
- CRM tools like Salesforce or Zoho: Sync contacts and track customer behavior
Sometimes, bundling helps justify the cost — especially when it saves you the price (and effort) of using multiple disconnected tools.
You might even be able to negotiate a bundled discount if you’re using other tools from the same company or affiliate network.
Pro Tip: Before you pay for any email marketing platform, map out your next 90 days of marketing. What campaigns are you sending? What results do you want? When you align your plan with your tools, the right pricing level becomes obvious — and you avoid paying for things you don’t need.