Mailerlite vs EmailOctopus: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Mailerlite and EmailOctopus 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:
Mailerlite
Email marketing made simple
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • MailerLite is an email marketing platform for small businesses and creators
- • It provides email campaigns, automation, and landing pages with simplicity
EmailOctopus
Email marketing made easy with intuitive tools and competitive pricing.
Best for you if:
- • Simplifies email marketing with a drag-and-drop editor and automation.
- • Offers competitive pricing and a generous free plan for up to 2,500 subscribers.
| At a Glance |  EmailOctopus | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Email Marketing | Email Marketing |
Rating | 74/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Mailerlite | EmailOctopus |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 74 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Email MarketingMarketing Automation | Email MarketingNewsletter Tools |
Understanding the Differences
Both Mailerlite and EmailOctopus solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Mailerlite positions itself as "email marketing made simple" while EmailOctopusfocuses on "email marketing made easy with intuitive tools and competitive pricing.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Mailerlite
Mailerlite makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 74/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose EmailOctopus
EmailOctopus 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, Mailerlite lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Mailerlite
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Mailerlite handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Mailerlite
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: Mailerlite
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Mailerlite, 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 Mailerlite higher (74/100). But the community has upvoted EmailOctopus more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Mailerlite Does Better
- Higher overall score (74/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider EmailOctopus 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 Mailerlite (74/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Mailerlite scores higher in our analysis, but EmailOctopus 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 Mailerlite or EmailOctopus better?
Based on our analysis, Mailerlite scores higher with 74/100. Mailerlite isfreemium while EmailOctopus 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 Mailerlite to EmailOctopus 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 Mailerlite and EmailOctopus offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Mailerlite is freemium with a free tier.EmailOctopus is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.