Mailchimp vs MailerLite
Compare Mailchimp vs MailerLite for email marketing. Features, pricing, automation, and our verdict on which email platform is right for you.
Quick Verdict
Choose MailerLite if you want the best free plan and a clean, simple interface. Choose Mailchimp if you need more templates, integrations, and don't mind paying sooner. Both are excellent platforms—MailerLite offers better value, Mailchimp offers more features.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Mailchimp | MailerLite |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | 500 contacts | 1,000 subscribers |
| Starting Price | $13/mo | $9/mo |
| Automation | Good | Good |
| Templates | 100+ | 30+ |
| Integrations | 300+ | 50+ |
| Ease of Use | Good | Excellent |
| Support | Email, chat | Email, chat, 24/7 |
| Best For | Growing businesses | Budget-conscious, beginners |
Pricing Comparison
MailerLite offers better value with a more generous free tier (1,000 vs 500 contacts) and lower starting price ($9 vs $13/month). Both scale pricing with list size, but MailerLite remains cheaper at every tier.
For budget-conscious users, MailerLite is the clear winner. Mailchimp justifies its higher price with more templates, integrations, and advanced features.
Features & Functionality
Mailchimp has more templates (100+ vs 30+) and integrations (300+ vs 50+). It also offers a website builder, social ads, and postcards that MailerLite lacks.
MailerLite focuses on core email marketing with a drag-and-drop builder, automation, landing pages, and a website builder. It covers essentials without overwhelming users.
Best For
**Choose MailerLite for:** Best free plan, clean interface, budget-conscious users, beginners, those wanting simplicity.
**Choose Mailchimp for:** More templates, extensive integrations, growing businesses needing advanced features, those willing to pay for more options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MailerLite really free?
Yes, MailerLite offers free email marketing for up to 1,000 subscribers with unlimited monthly emails. It's one of the most generous free plans available.
Can I switch from Mailchimp to MailerLite?
Yes, you can export your subscribers from Mailchimp and import them to MailerLite. The process takes about an hour for most lists. Automations and templates need to be recreated.
Which has better deliverability?
Both have good deliverability. Mailchimp has slightly better rates due to larger infrastructure, but MailerLite's deliverability is excellent for legitimate senders.