Listmonk vs MailerSend: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Listmonk and MailerSend 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:
Listmonk
Self-hosted, open-source platform for managing newsletters, mailing lists, and transactional messages.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need email marketing features specifically
- • Self-hosted, open-source newsletter and mailing list manager.
- • High-performance with multi-threaded email queues and low resource footprint.
MailerSend
MailerSend
Best for you if:
- • You need transactional email features specifically
- • You need mailersend
- • You want to start free and upgrade later
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Email Marketing | Transactional Email |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Listmonk | MailerSend |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Email MarketingNewsletter Tools | Transactional EmailEmail Deliverability |
Understanding the Differences
Both Listmonk and MailerSend solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Listmonk positions itself as "self-hosted, open-source platform for managing newsletters, mailing lists, and transactional messages." while MailerSendfocuses on "mailersend". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Listmonk
Listmonk makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution.
When to Choose MailerSend
MailerSend 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, Listmonk lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Listmonk
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. MailerSend is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: MailerSend
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: Listmonk
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Listmonk is completely free.
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 Listmonk higher (/100). But the community has upvoted MailerSend more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Listmonk Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider MailerSend 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 Listmonk. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Listmonk scores higher in our analysis, but MailerSend 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 Listmonk or MailerSend better?
Based on our analysis, Listmonk scores higher with high/100. Listmonk isfree while MailerSend 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 Listmonk to MailerSend 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 Listmonk and MailerSend offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Listmonk is completely free.MailerSend is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.