Buttondown vs Mailerlite: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Buttondown and Mailerlite comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Buttondown
Simple newsletter tool
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 7.4/10)
- • Buttondown is a simple email newsletter tool for writers and creators
- • It provides a clean writing experience with Markdown support and subscriber management
Mailerlite
Email marketing made simple
Best for you if:
- • MailerLite is an email marketing platform for small businesses and creators
- • It provides email campaigns, automation, and landing pages with simplicity
| At a Glance |  Buttondown | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Email Marketing | Email Marketing |
Rating | 82/100 | 74/100 |
| Feature | Buttondown | Mailerlite |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 74 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Email MarketingNewsletter Tools | Email MarketingMarketing Automation |
Understanding the Differences
Both Buttondown and Mailerlite solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Buttondown positions itself as "simple newsletter tool" while Mailerlitefocuses on "email marketing made simple". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Buttondown
Buttondown makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 82/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Mailerlite
Mailerlite is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Buttondown lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Buttondown
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Buttondown handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Buttondown
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Buttondown
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Buttondown, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Buttondown higher (82/100). But the community has upvoted Mailerlite more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Buttondown Does Better
- Higher overall score (82/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Mailerlite If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Buttondown (82/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Buttondown scores higher in our analysis, but Mailerlite might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buttondown or Mailerlite better?
Based on our analysis, Buttondown scores higher with 82/100. Buttondown isfreemium while Mailerlite is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Buttondown to Mailerlite easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Buttondown and Mailerlite offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Buttondown is freemium with a free tier.Mailerlite is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.