ConvertKit vs Mailerlite: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between ConvertKit 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.
Bottom line: ConvertKit is our overall pick for email marketing workflows. Pick Mailerlite 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
Mailerlite
Simple, affordable email marketing for growing businesses
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 |  ConvertKit |  Mailerlite |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Email Marketing | Email Marketing |
Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose ConvertKit or Mailerlite?
Choose ConvertKit if
Email marketing for creators: newsletters, landing pages, and monetization
- Built specifically for creators
- Simple automation builder
- Good free tier
Choose Mailerlite if
Simple, affordable email marketing for growing businesses
- Affordable email marketing
- Good free tier
- Easy to use
| Feature | ConvertKit | Mailerlite |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 4,453 reviews | ★4.7/5 1,179 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
Mailerlite
Simple, affordable email marketing for growing businesses
Strengths
- +Affordable email marketing
- +Good free tier
- +Easy to use
- +Landing pages included
- +Automation
Weaknesses
- -Less powerful automation
- -Basic segmentation
- -Support response time
- -Limited for advanced users
- -Some features removed
Key features
Pricing: ConvertKit vs Mailerlite
| Plan | ConvertKit | Mailerlite |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Newsletter | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $33 Creator | $10/month Growing Business |
| Tier 3 | $66 Pro | $20/month Advanced |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on ConvertKit pricing and Mailerlite pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: ConvertKit
Want the highest-rated option?
ConvertKit: 4.5/5 (4,453 reviews). Mailerlite: 4.7/5 (1,179 reviews).
Go with: Mailerlite
Value user reviews?
ConvertKit: 4,453 reviews (4.5/5). Mailerlite: 1,179 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: ConvertKit
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?
Mailerlite is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
ConvertKit
- Larger review base (4,453 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Mailerlite
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.5/5
The Bottom Line
ConvertKit is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ConvertKit or Mailerlite better?
ConvertKit is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are ConvertKit and Mailerlite used for?
ConvertKit: Email marketing for creators: newsletters, landing pages, and monetization. Mailerlite: Simple, affordable email marketing for growing businesses.
What does ConvertKit cost vs Mailerlite?
ConvertKit is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Mailerlite is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.