Mailchimp’s website builder is powered by Wix, which means it’s easy to use but also very limited compared to the full Wix platform. If you need a basic, no-fuss website that integrates directly with Mailchimp’s email marketing, it’s a decent choice. However, if you want full customization, advanced SEO tools, or a feature-rich online store, it doesn’t hold up against Wix itself, Squarespace, or Shopify.
In short, this builder is best for beginners and small businesses that need a simple website, but it’s not ideal for long-term growth or advanced customization. Now, let’s break it down.
1. Design & Templates
Since it’s powered by Wix, Mailchimp’s website builder has a similar drag-and-drop design system. However, it doesn’t give you full access to Wix’s design flexibility—you get a stripped-down version with fewer templates and customization options.
The designs are clean, professional, and mobile-responsive, but they feel generic because you can’t tweak them as much as you can on Wix itself. Unlike Wix, which lets you freely move elements anywhere, Mailchimp’s builder locks you into a structured layout.
What You Can Customize:
- Fonts & Colors – You can adjust styles, but customization is limited.
- Layouts – Uses a block-based system rather than full drag-and-drop freedom.
- Images & Branding – You can upload logos and photos, but custom design control is minimal.
Bottom Line on Design
Since it’s built on Wix, it’s better than many DIY website builders, but far more limited than Wix itself. If you like the Wix platform, you’re better off just using the full version instead.
2. Ease of Use
Since it’s powered by Wix, Mailchimp’s builder is one of the easiest website builders out there. It’s built for non-technical users who just want to get online quickly.
The drag-and-drop interface is intuitive, and the setup process is very simple—Mailchimp walks you through the basics, so you don’t have to figure things out on your own. However, unlike full Wix, you can’t customize every little detail, which makes it less flexible.
Why It’s Easy to Use:
- Step-by-step guided setup – Great for beginners.
- Pre-built sections – Less freedom than Wix, but easier for non-designers.
- No coding required – Just drag and drop elements into place.
Bottom Line on Ease of Use
If you need a no-hassle website, this works. But if you want creative freedom, it feels too restrictive compared to Wix itself.
3. Features & Functionality
Since this is a lighter version of Wix, you’re getting some great core features, but you lose access to Wix’s full power. For example, Mailchimp’s builder doesn’t include a full blogging tool or advanced SEO settings.
E-commerce is basic—you can sell products, but don’t expect deep inventory management, advanced checkout options, or marketing tools like you’d get on Shopify or full Wix.
What It Includes:
- Basic Pages – Home, About, Contact, and service pages.
- Lead Capture Forms – Built-in Mailchimp forms for email marketing.
- SEO Settings – You can add titles and descriptions, but there’s no deep SEO control.
E-Commerce Capabilities:
- You can sell products using Stripe for payments.
- No advanced e-commerce tools (like subscriptions, upsells, or multi-currency support).
- Very limited product page customization.
Bottom Line on Features
If you need a simple website with email marketing built-in, it’s great. But if you want a serious blog, strong SEO, or an advanced online store, you’ll outgrow this fast.
4. Pricing & Plans
One of the biggest selling points is that Mailchimp offers a free plan, unlike full Wix, which limits free users more aggressively.
However, the free plan includes Mailchimp branding, which looks unprofessional. If you want to remove branding or connect a custom domain, you’ll need a paid plan ($10/month+).
Pricing Breakdown:
- Free Plan – Includes one website, Mailchimp branding, and basic features.
- Paid Plan ($10/month+) – Removes Mailchimp branding and adds a custom domain.
- Extra Costs – No option for third-party apps or plugins like full Wix.
Bottom Line on Pricing
Mailchimp is cheaper than full Wix, but you’re also getting fewer features. If you like the Wix system, just use Wix directly for better flexibility.
5. Customer Support
Mailchimp’s support is decent, but limited. Free users only get email support, while paid users get live chat. There’s no phone support.
Since this is a Mailchimp-branded product, you won’t get direct Wix support. That means if something breaks or glitches, you’ll be relying on Mailchimp’s help center instead of Wix’s well-established support system.
What You Get:
- Help Center – Self-help guides and FAQs.
- Email Support – Available for free users.
- Live Chat – Only for paid users.
Bottom Line on Support
If you’re okay with self-service support, it’s fine. But if you want fast, in-depth help, Wix’s own support team is better.
6. Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
✔️ Easy to use – Great for beginners.
✔️ Free plan available – Unlike full Wix, you can build a site without paying upfront.
✔️ Seamless Mailchimp integration – Great for email marketing.
❌ Cons:
❌ Less flexible than full Wix – You can’t move elements freely.
❌ Basic e-commerce – Good for small stores, but not scalable.
❌ Limited SEO and customization – You don’t get full Wix features.
Bottom Line
If you just need a simple site that works with Mailchimp, it’s a solid option. But if you want Wix’s full power, use Wix directly instead.
7. Final Verdict
Mailchimp’s website builder is powered by Wix, but it’s a limited version of Wix’s full platform. If you just need a basic, no-fuss website, it’s fine. But if you want full control, advanced SEO, or e-commerce growth, Wix, Shopify, or Squarespace are better choices.
Would I use it for a serious business? No. But if you want a quick landing page with built-in email tools, it’s an easy free option.
Want the full Wix experience? Skip this and just use Wix instead.
