Quick Verdict
Choose AWeber if you want to start free, see every price tier upfront, run automated sequences and get 24/7 support from your first paid plan.
Choose Constant Contact if you're a local business or nonprofit that wants event tools and personal coaching, and you're comfortable getting a quote rather than seeing a full price list.
AWeber's free plan, published price tiers and simple automation make it the more transparent choice for most small businesses. Constant Contact suits organizations that value its event features and coaching option.
The Core Difference
Both companies have served small businesses for many years. Constant Contact has a strong following among local businesses and nonprofits, with event marketing and an option to add a personal marketing coach.
AWeber's strengths are its free plan, transparent tiered pricing, automation heritage and round-the-clock support. If you prefer to sign up and start without speaking to sales, AWeber's model fits.
AWeber vs Constant Contact at a Glance
| Feature | AWeber | Constant Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Free option | Free plan: 500 subscribers, 3,000 sends/month | 60-day free trial of its Toolkit |
| Pricing display | Every tier published on the pricing page | Tiers shown without prices on the page we checked |
| Plans | Free, Lite, Plus, Done For You | Basic, Full Toolkit, Full Toolkit plus coach |
| Prepay discount | About 17% annually; 33% on Plus at 500 subscribers | 10% for 6 months; 15% for a year |
| Nonprofit discount | Not stated on the pricing page | 20% for 6 months or 30% for a year |
| Coaching | Done For You setup service | Plan with a personal coach |
| Support | 24/7; priority including phone on Plus | Varies by plan |
Free Plans and Trials
AWeber's free plan has no time limit: up to 500 subscribers, 3,000 sends a month, one list and one automation. You can run a real email program on it while your list grows.
Constant Contact offers a 60-day free trial of its Toolkit rather than a permanent free plan. Sixty days is a generous trial, but you'll need to choose a paid plan afterwards. If you want to start and stay free while building, AWeber is the better fit. See AWeber free plan.
Pricing and Transparency
AWeber publishes every price tier, from 500 subscribers ($15 a month on Lite, $30 on Plus) up to 150,000. You can budget for growth before you sign up. See AWeber pricing.
When we checked Constant Contact's pricing page, it described its tiers and discounts but didn't display prices. It does offer clear prepayment discounts: 10% for six months and 15% for a year, with larger nonprofit discounts of 20% and 30%. Get a quote for your list size and compare it with AWeber's published tier.
Automation
AWeber's workflows handle welcome sequences, lead magnet delivery, tag-based follow-ups and RSS-triggered emails, with one automation free, three on Lite and unlimited on Plus.
Constant Contact includes automation features that vary by plan. If automated sequences are central to your marketing, compare what each Constant Contact tier includes against AWeber Plus's unlimited workflows. See AWeber automation.
Email Editor and Templates
Both tools offer drag-and-drop editors with templates designed for small businesses. AWeber adds AI drafting tools: a writing assistant for copy and subject lines, a Newsletter Assistant that drafts a weekly email and Smart Designer, which builds branded templates from your website. Canva is built into AWeber's editor too.
For a busy owner, those AI tools shorten the gap between deciding to send an email and actually sending one. See AWeber templates and AWeber AI writing assistant.
Landing Pages and Signup Forms
AWeber includes hosted landing pages, one on the free plan, three on Lite and unlimited on Plus, plus signup forms for your website and an official WordPress plugin. Constant Contact's Full Toolkit includes landing pages as part of its Plus Campaigns.
For a local business without a website, a hosted landing page is a fast way to collect email addresses from a QR code at the counter or a link in your social profiles. See AWeber landing pages.
Events and Local Business Features
Event marketing is one of Constant Contact's long-standing strengths, and it appeals to organizations that run classes, fundraisers and community events. Its plan with a personal coach suits owners who want guided help.
AWeber doesn't have a dedicated event product, but it handles event marketing through landing pages for registration, workflows for reminders and Stripe-powered sales pages for paid tickets. See AWeber sales pages.
Nonprofits
Constant Contact publishes nonprofit discounts of 20% for six months and 30% for a year. AWeber's pricing page links to a nonprofits page but doesn't describe a discount, so contact AWeber directly to ask.
For nonprofits on tight budgets, AWeber's free plan and annual billing are still strong options. Our email marketing for nonprofits guide covers fundraising and volunteer emails.
Support
AWeber offers 24/7 support from its Lite plan, priority support including phone on Plus and free migration help. Constant Contact's support and coaching options vary by plan.
If you want help at any hour without paying for a coaching plan, AWeber is the more accessible option. See AWeber customer support.
Real-World Scenarios
A café with 300 customers on its list. AWeber's free plan covers the list, a welcome email and a monthly newsletter at no cost. Constant Contact would require a paid plan after its 60-day trial.
A nonprofit running monthly fundraising events. Constant Contact's event features and 30% annual nonprofit discount are worth pricing. Compare its quote with AWeber Plus plus landing pages for registrations.
A consultant who wants automated follow-ups. AWeber Plus offers unlimited workflows at $20 a month billed annually for 500 subscribers, with priority support.
Which Should You Choose?
You want a permanent free plan, published pricing, simple automation and 24/7 support.
You run frequent events, want a personal coach or qualify for its nonprofit discount.
You have a large list. Price both at your exact size with the features you need.
AWeber's free plan and published tiers make it easy to start today and budget for growth.
AWeber vs Constant Contact FAQs
Does Constant Contact have a free plan?
Constant Contact offers a 60-day free trial of its Toolkit. AWeber has a permanent free plan for up to 500 subscribers.
Which is better for small businesses?
AWeber suits small businesses that want to start free with published pricing and automation. Constant Contact suits local businesses focused on events or wanting coaching.
Does Constant Contact offer nonprofit discounts?
Yes. Its pricing page lists 20% off for six months or 30% off for a year for nonprofits.
Can I move from Constant Contact to AWeber?
Yes. AWeber offers free migration help for your lists, templates and automations.