Mailchimp vs MailerLite
Last updated July 6, 2026
Deciding between Mailchimp and MailerLite? Here's how they stack up on price, fit and migration effort — so you can pick the right email marketing tool without second-guessing.
Pricing disclaimer: All prices are list prices in USD, shown for general information only as of July 6, 2026, and may have changed since. Plans, tiers and features vary by region and are frequently updated by each vendor. Nothing here is financial, legal or purchasing advice — always confirm current pricing and terms on the provider's official website before you buy.
| Mailchimp | MailerLite | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free (paid from ~$13/mo) | Free |
| Free tier | — | Yes |
| Best for | Established users on its plans | Small businesses and creators who want simple, affordable newsletters. |
| Migration effort | — | Easy |
| Rating | — | 4.5 ★ |
Why teams switch from Mailchimp
- ✕Pricing is billed by number of contacts — costs balloon as your list grows, even if you email rarely.
- ✕It counts unsubscribed and inactive contacts toward your paid limit on some plans.
- ✕Repeated price increases and feature gating into higher tiers.
- ✕The free plan was cut back, and automation depth trails specialists.
Where MailerLite wins
- ✓Simple and pleasant to use
- ✓Cheaper than Mailchimp at most sizes
- ✓Good free tier
…and where it doesn't
- ✕Still subscriber-based pricing
- ✕Fewer integrations than Mailchimp
- ✕Approval process to sign up
The verdict on MailerLite
MailerLite is the choice for people who found Mailchimp bloated and overpriced but still want a subscriber-based newsletter tool that's just... nicer. The editor is clean, automations and landing pages are included, and it consistently undercuts Mailchimp at comparable list sizes, with a genuinely useful free tier up to 1,000 subscribers. It's still priced by subscribers (so it doesn't solve that model the way Brevo does), and its integration catalog is smaller. But for creators and small businesses who want an elegant, affordable newsletter without Mailchimp's price creep, MailerLite is a favorite. Migration and import are straightforward.
Try MailerLite freeWhat real users say: Mailchimp vs MailerLite
Real Mailchimp-vs-MailerLite discussions from Reddit — click any thread to read it at the source.
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Frequently asked questions
Is MailerLite cheaper than Mailchimp?
MailerLite starts at Free, including a free tier, compared with Mailchimp from Free (paid from ~$13/mo). Free up to 1,000 subscribers. Comfort ~$12/mo, Power ~$25/mo (verified Jul 6, 2026), scaling with subscribers.
Is it hard to migrate from Mailchimp to MailerLite?
Migration difficulty is rated Easy. Migration and import are straightforward.
Who should choose MailerLite over Mailchimp?
MailerLite is best for: Small businesses and creators who want simple, affordable newsletters. If that describes your situation, it's a strong Mailchimp alternative.
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