ConvertKit vs Mailchimp: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between ConvertKit and Mailchimp 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.
Bottom line: Mailchimp is our overall pick for email marketing workflows. Pick ConvertKit if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
ConvertKit
Email marketing for creators: newsletters, landing pages, and monetization
Best for you if:
- • Email marketing for creators
- • Automation and sequences
Mailchimp
Grow your business with email, SMS, and AI marketing
Best for you if:
- • Leading email marketing platform with AI-powered automation, used by millions of businesses worldwide
- • Free plan supports up to 250 contacts and 500 emails/month; paid plans start at $13/month for 500 contacts
| At a Glance |  ConvertKit |  Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0/moNewsletter | $13/monthEssentials |
Best For | Email Marketing | Email Marketing |
Rating | - | - |
Choose ConvertKit or Mailchimp?
Choose ConvertKit if
Email marketing for creators: newsletters, landing pages, and monetization
- Built specifically for creators
- Simple automation builder
- Good free tier
Choose Mailchimp if
Grow your business with email, SMS, and AI marketing
- Intuitive drag-and-drop editor accessible to non-technical users
- Comprehensive free plan to get started with basic email marketing
- Powerful automation workflows rivaling dedicated automation platforms
| Feature | ConvertKit | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 4,453 reviews | ★4.4/5 30,300 reviews |
| Categories | Email MarketingMarketing Automation | Email MarketingMarketing Automation |
In-Depth Analysis
ConvertKit
Email marketing for creators: newsletters, landing pages, and monetization
Strengths
- +Built specifically for creators
- +Simple automation builder
- +Good free tier
- +Paid newsletter support
Weaknesses
- -Limited design customization
- -Basic analytics
- -More expensive than competitors at scale
Key features
Mailchimp
Grow your business with email, SMS, and AI marketing
Strengths
- +Intuitive drag-and-drop editor accessible to non-technical users
- +Comprehensive free plan to get started with basic email marketing
- +Powerful automation workflows rivaling dedicated automation platforms
- +Extensive template library with mobile-responsive designs
- +Strong deliverability rates backed by Intuit infrastructure
Weaknesses
- -Free plan capped at just 250 contacts and 500 sends per month
- -Pricing scales steeply as contact lists grow beyond initial tiers
- -Advanced segmentation and multivariate testing require Standard or Premium
- -Phone support only available on the Premium plan
- -Removing Mailchimp branding requires a paid plan
Key features
Pricing: ConvertKit vs Mailchimp
| Plan | ConvertKit | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Newsletter | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $33 Creator | $13 month Essentials |
| Tier 3 | $66 Pro | $20 month Standard |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $350 month Premium |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on ConvertKit pricing and Mailchimp pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: ConvertKit
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: ConvertKit
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Mailchimp
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are email marketing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Mailchimp
- Larger review base (30,300 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
ConvertKit
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.4/5
The Bottom Line
Mailchimp is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ConvertKit or Mailchimp better?
Mailchimp is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are ConvertKit and Mailchimp used for?
ConvertKit: Email marketing for creators: newsletters, landing pages, and monetization. Mailchimp: Grow your business with email, SMS, and AI marketing.
What does ConvertKit cost vs Mailchimp?
ConvertKit is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Mailchimp is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.