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ActiveCampaign vs Buttondown: cost by list size

At 1,000 subscribers Buttondown is cheaper: $108/yr billed monthly vs $180/yr. At 5,000 subscribers Buttondown is cheaper: $348/yr billed monthly vs $948/yr.

Last checked 2026-10-18 on the official pages.

The lowest stated yearly-billing price for each list size, from ActiveCampaign ↗ and Buttondown ↗ official pricing, checked 2026-10-18. Base plans only; features differ between plans.

Subscribers	ActiveCampaign	Buttondown
500	Starter: $180/yr	Basic: $108/yr (billed monthly; no yearly price stated)
1,000	Starter: $180/yr	Basic: $108/yr (billed monthly; no yearly price stated)
2,500	Starter: $468/yr	Standard: $348/yr (billed monthly; no yearly price stated)
5,000	Starter: $948/yr	Standard: $348/yr (billed monthly; no yearly price stated)
10,000	Starter: $1,788/yr	Professional: $948/yr (billed monthly; no yearly price stated)
25,000	Plus: $4,668/yr	no plan / pending
50,000	Plus: $7,308/yr	no plan / pending
100,000	no plan / pending	no plan / pending
250,000	no plan / pending	no plan / pending

Visit ActiveCampaign ↗ · Visit Buttondown ↗

Disclosure: the beehiiv and AWeber sign-up links are affiliate links, so we may earn a commission if you subscribe through it. Prices, tiers and the cheapest-first ordering are calculated identically for every platform and never depend on affiliate status. Other platform links are plain.

See the per-plan tiers with sources on the ActiveCampaign and Buttondown pages. Alternatives: ActiveCampaign · Buttondown

Frequently asked questions

Is ActiveCampaign cheaper than Buttondown?

At 1,000 subscribers Buttondown is cheaper: $108/yr billed monthly vs $180/yr. At 5,000 subscribers Buttondown is cheaper: $348/yr billed monthly vs $948/yr.

Is ActiveCampaign free?

No. ActiveCampaign's pricing page lists the Starter, Plus, Pro and Enterprise plans and a free trial, not a free plan.

Is Buttondown free?

Yes, up to 100 subscribers.