Mailchimp vs Mailerlite: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Mailchimp 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Mailchimp
Turn emails into revenue
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 7.4/10)
- • Email marketing platform
- • Marketing automation
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 |  Mailchimp |  Mailerlite |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Email Marketing | Email Marketing |
Rating | 86/100 | 74/100 |
| Feature | Mailchimp | Mailerlite |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 74 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Email MarketingMarketing Automation | Email MarketingMarketing Automation |
How Mailchimp and Mailerlite Compare
Mailchimp
Turn emails into revenue
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Mailerlite
Email marketing made simple
Free tier available · 74/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Mailchimp
Want the highest-rated option?
Mailchimp: 86/100. Mailerlite: 74/100.
Go with: Mailchimp
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?
Mailchimp scores higher: 86/100 vs 74/100.
Key Takeaways
Mailchimp
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 74
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Mailerlite
The Bottom Line
Mailchimp (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mailchimp or Mailerlite better?
Mailchimp scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Mailchimp and Mailerlite used for?
Mailchimp: Turn emails into revenue. Mailerlite: Email marketing made simple.
What does Mailchimp cost vs Mailerlite?
Mailchimp is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Mailerlite is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.