Smartlead vs Mailerlite: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Smartlead 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:
Smartlead
Cold email outreach tool
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.8/10 vs 7.4/10)
- • Smartlead is an email outreach platform for cold email at scale
- • It warms up domains, rotates inboxes, and automates follow-ups
Mailerlite
Email marketing made simple
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • MailerLite is an email marketing platform for small businesses and creators
- • It provides email campaigns, automation, and landing pages with simplicity
| At a Glance |  Smartlead |  Mailerlite |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Email Marketing | Email Marketing |
Rating | 78/100 | 74/100 |
| Feature | Smartlead | Mailerlite |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 78 | 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 Smartlead and Mailerlite Compare
Smartlead
Cold email outreach tool
Paid · 78/100 score
Mailerlite
Email marketing made simple
Free tier available · 74/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Mailerlite has a free tier. Smartlead is paid only.
Go with: Mailerlite
Want the highest-rated option?
Smartlead: 78/100. Mailerlite: 74/100.
Go with: Smartlead
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Smartlead
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Smartlead is paid. Mailerlite is freemium. Mailerlite lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are email marketing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Smartlead scores higher: 78/100 vs 74/100.
Key Takeaways
Smartlead
- Higher score: 78/100 vs 74
- Our pick for this comparison
Mailerlite
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Smartlead (78/100) is our pick. Mailerlite has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smartlead or Mailerlite better?
Smartlead scores 78/100 in our evaluation. Smartlead is paid and Mailerlite is freemium.
What are Smartlead and Mailerlite used for?
Smartlead: Cold email outreach tool. Mailerlite: Email marketing made simple.
What does Smartlead cost vs Mailerlite?
Smartlead is a paid tool. Mailerlite is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.