Choosing the right email marketing platform isn’t just a software decision — it directly affects your leads, conversions, and long-term growth.
If you’re comparing GetResponse vs ActiveCampaign, you’re already looking at two of the most powerful tools in the email marketing space. Both platforms offer automation, segmentation, and advanced marketing features. But they’re built for different types of businesses.
This guide is for:
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Online marketers and bloggers
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Small businesses and creators
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Agencies and SaaS companies
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Anyone choosing a long-term email automation platform
Quick verdict:
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Choose GetResponse if you want an all-in-one marketing platform with funnels and webinars.
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Choose ActiveCampaign if you need advanced automation and a strong CRM.
Let’s break it down in detail.
Quick Comparison: GetResponse vs ActiveCampaign
| Feature | GetResponse | ActiveCampaign |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | All-in-one marketing | Advanced automation & CRM |
| Starting price (1,000 contacts) | ~$19/month | ~$15/month |
| Free plan | Yes | No (trial only) |
| Automation strength | Strong | Industry-leading |
| CRM | Basic | Advanced sales CRM |
| Landing pages | Yes (advanced) | Yes (basic) |
| Webinars | Built-in | Not available |
| Ease of use | Beginner-friendly | Moderate learning curve |
GetResponse Overview
GetResponse started as an email marketing tool but has evolved into a full marketing platform.
Core strengths
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Email marketing and autoresponders
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Visual automation workflows
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Landing page and website builder
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Conversion funnels
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Built-in webinars
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E-commerce automation
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AI email and content tools
One of its biggest advantages is that it replaces multiple tools. Instead of paying for separate landing page software, webinar tools, and email automation, you can manage everything in one dashboard.
Who should use GetResponse
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Bloggers and content creators
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Coaches and course sellers
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Small businesses
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Marketers who want funnels + email in one system
Start GetResponse free trial!
ActiveCampaign Overview
ActiveCampaign is designed for businesses that want deep customer automation and lifecycle management.
Core strengths
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Advanced automation builder
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Built-in sales CRM
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Lead scoring and tagging
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Behavioral tracking
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SMS and multi-channel messaging
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Predictive sending and personalization
ActiveCampaign focuses less on “all-in-one” and more on precision automation.
Who should use ActiveCampaign
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Agencies and marketing teams
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SaaS companies
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E-commerce brands
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Businesses with complex customer journeys
Try ActiveCampaign free
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Email Marketing & Templates
Both platforms offer:
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Drag-and-drop editors
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Prebuilt templates
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A/B testing
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Segmentation
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Autoresponders
GetResponse is simpler and faster for everyday campaigns.
ActiveCampaign offers more advanced personalization using conditional content.
Winner: Tie (GetResponse for simplicity, ActiveCampaign for advanced users)
Marketing Automation
This is where the difference becomes clear.
ActiveCampaign
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Advanced branching logic
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Workflow split testing
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Predictive sending
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Behavior-based triggers
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Deep tagging and segmentation
GetResponse
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Visual automation builder
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Event-based workflows
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E-commerce triggers
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Unlimited automation steps
If your business relies heavily on automation sequences, ActiveCampaign has the edge.
Winner: ActiveCampaign
CRM & Sales Automation
ActiveCampaign
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Full sales pipeline
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Deal management
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Lead scoring
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Sales task automation
GetResponse
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Basic contact management
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Limited CRM functionality
For businesses managing sales teams or high-value leads, ActiveCampaign is significantly stronger.
Winner: ActiveCampaign
Landing Pages & Funnels
GetResponse stands out here.
Features include:
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AI landing page builder
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Conversion funnel templates
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Sales and lead funnels
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Payment integrations
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Website builder
ActiveCampaign offers landing pages, but they’re not designed for full funnel building.
Winner: GetResponse
Webinars & Course Features
This is one of GetResponse’s biggest advantages.
GetResponse includes:
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Live webinars
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On-demand webinars
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Registration funnels
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Up to 500 attendees (plan dependent)
ActiveCampaign does not include webinar functionality.
Winner: GetResponse
SMS & Multi-Channel Marketing
ActiveCampaign supports:
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SMS automation
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Site messages
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Facebook Custom Audience syncing
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Omnichannel workflows
GetResponse offers web push notifications and limited SMS on higher plans.
Winner: ActiveCampaign
AI & Predictive Features
ActiveCampaign
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Predictive sending
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Predictive content
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Automation suggestions
GetResponse
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AI email generator
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AI landing page builder
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Subject line suggestions
ActiveCampaign focuses on predictive behavior. GetResponse focuses on content creation.
Winner: Tie (different strengths)
Integrations
Both platforms integrate with:
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Shopify
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WooCommerce
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WordPress
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Zapier
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Stripe
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CRM tools
ActiveCampaign offers 900+ integrations, giving it a slight edge.
Winner: ActiveCampaign
Ease of Use
GetResponse has a cleaner interface and is easier for beginners.
ActiveCampaign is powerful but requires time to learn.
Winner: GetResponse
Pricing Comparison (2026)
GetResponse Pricing (1,000 contacts)
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Free plan (limited features)
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Email Marketing: ~$19/month
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Marketing Automation: ~$59/month
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Ecommerce Marketing: ~$119/month
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Enterprise: Custom pricing
Includes landing pages and funnels in lower tiers, which improves value. View detail GetResponse pricing here.
ActiveCampaign Pricing (1,000 contacts)
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Starter: ~$15/month
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Plus: ~$49/month
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Pro: ~$79/month
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Enterprise: ~$145/month
Important: Advanced automation and CRM features require Plus or higher. See ActiveCampaign plans here.
GetResponse vs ActiveCampaign Cost Scaling Insight
ActiveCampaign starts cheaper, but costs increase quickly as your list grows and you upgrade tiers.
GetResponse often provides better value if you need multiple marketing tools in one platform.
Pros and Cons
GetResponse Pros
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All-in-one marketing platform
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Built-in webinars and funnels
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Beginner-friendly interface
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Free plan available
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Strong value for money
GetResponse Cons
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Basic CRM
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Automation not as advanced
ActiveCampaign Pros
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Industry-leading automation
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Powerful sales CRM
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Advanced segmentation
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Multi-channel marketing
ActiveCampaign Cons
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No free plan
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Learning curve
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Costs increase as you scale
Which Tool Should You Choose?
Choose GetResponse if:
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You want an all-in-one marketing platform
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You need webinars or funnels
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You’re a creator, coach, or small business
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You want better overall value
Choose ActiveCampaign if:
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You need advanced automation workflows
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You manage a sales pipeline
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You want deep customer tracking
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Your business relies on lifecycle marketing
Best Alternative If Neither Fits
If you want a simpler tool with a strong free plan, consider:
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MailerLite
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ConvertKit (for creators)
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Brevo (Sendinblue)
These are good options for beginners or budget-focused businesses.
Final Verdict: GetResponse vs ActiveCampaign
There’s no universal winner — the best choice depends on your business model.
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Best all-in-one marketing platform: GetResponse
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Best automation and CRM: ActiveCampaign
If you want simplicity and bundled features, GetResponse is the smarter choice for most small businesses.
If your growth depends on advanced automation and sales workflows, ActiveCampaign is one of the most powerful CRM email marketing tools available today.
Both platforms offer free trials, so the best approach is to test the one that fits your workflow.
FAQ
1. Is GetResponse better than ActiveCampaign?
GetResponse is better for all-in-one marketing. ActiveCampaign is better for advanced automation and CRM.
2. Which is cheaper?
GetResponse often offers better value because it includes funnels and webinars.
3. Does ActiveCampaign offer a free plan?
No, only a free trial.
4. Which platform is easier to use?
GetResponse is more beginner-friendly.
5. Which is best for small businesses?
Most small businesses prefer GetResponse due to simplicity and pricing.