Mailchimp vs MailerLite
The biggest name against the user-friendly challenger that keeps winning converts.
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Mailchimp
The biggest name, no longer the best deal.
MailerLite
The friendliest tool for beginners, with an honest free plan.
Prices last checked on
| Feature | Mailchimp | MailerLite |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 3.9 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
| Price | From $13/mo | From $10/mo |
| Free plan | ||
| Best for | Existing Mailchimp users | Beginners |
| Category | Free to start | Free to start |
| Provider | Intuit Mailchimp | MailerLite |
| Visit Mailchimp | Visit MailerLite |
Our verdict
Mailchimp has the largest integration catalog and the biggest brand, but the gutted free plan (250 contacts since early 2026) and fast-climbing tiers make it hard to recommend for anyone starting now. MailerLite gives you a nicer editor, automation in the free plan, and honest pricing. MailerLite wins this one comfortably.
Only those dependent on a specific Mailchimp integration should stay.
“Still a mature platform that connects to almost everything, but the free plan was gutted in early 2026 and prices climb fast with your list. New users are better off starting elsewhere.”Editorial team, on Mailchimp
“The most pleasant editor of this line-up and a free plan you can genuinely start a business on. For beginners, this is our first recommendation.”Editorial team, on MailerLite
Frequently asked questions
Is MailerLite better than Mailchimp?
Yes, comfortably, for anyone starting now. You get a nicer editor, automation inside the free plan and honest pricing that does not spike as your list grows. Mailchimp still has the largest integration catalogue and the biggest name, so the one solid reason to stay is depending on a specific Mailchimp integration you cannot replace.
Which costs less, Mailchimp or MailerLite?
MailerLite. Its Growing Business plan is $10 a month, or $120 a year, against $13 a month and $156 a year for Mailchimp Essentials (US dollars, checked August 2026). The MailerLite rate assumes annual billing. The gap widens further up, because Mailchimp's tiers climb fast with list size while MailerLite stays predictable.
What happened to Mailchimp's free plan?
It was cut back in February 2026 to 250 contacts and 500 emails a month, with a Mailchimp logo in your emails. MailerLite's free plan also stops at 250 subscribers but allows 2,500 emails a month and includes automation, so the same subscriber count buys you five times the sending room.
I have used Mailchimp for years. Should I move?
Not urgently. If your setup works and your integrations are wired in, there is no crisis forcing a migration, and moving a live list always costs time. But if you are opening an account today, or your Mailchimp bill has started climbing with your list, MailerLite gives you more for less and is the better place to land.