MailerLite vs Mailchimp (2026)
MailerLite is cheaper at almost every list size and has a simpler, well-liked editor and automation builder. Mailchimp has more integrations, a bigger ecosystem and more advanced features on its higher plans. For most small businesses and newsletters, MailerLite gives you what you need for less.
Price
Monthly list prices on monthly billing:
| Subscribers | MailerLite Comfort | Mailchimp Essentials | Mailchimp Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | $12 | $13 | $20 |
| 5,000 | $49 | $75 | $100 |
| 10,000 | $89 | $110 | $135 |
| 50,000 | $289 | $385 | $450 |
Paying yearly takes 10% off MailerLite. Mailchimp often discounts the first months. Full tables: MailerLite pricing and Mailchimp pricing.
Side by side
| MailerLite | Mailchimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | 250 subscribers, 2,500 emails a month | 250 contacts, 500 emails a month |
| Automations on the cheaper plan | 50 active automations on Comfort | Up to 4 steps on Essentials |
| Monthly sends | 10 times your tier on Comfort, unlimited on Power | 10 times contacts on Essentials, 12 on Standard |
| Segmentation and A/B tests | Included on paid plans | Standard and up |
| Website and landing pages | Website builder and landing pages | Landing pages and a website builder |
| Integrations | Good coverage of common tools | One of the largest directories |
| Contacts billed | Active subscribers | Includes unsubscribed and non-subscribed contacts unless archived |
Which to pick
Small business or newsletter that wants the most for the money: MailerLite. Automations you can actually use start on its cheapest paid plan.
A business tied into many tools, or a team that wants one platform for email, ads and landing pages: Mailchimp. Its integration directory and ecosystem are its real advantage.
A growing list where both bills keep rising: consider self-hosting. Broadcast is $250 once and sends through Amazon SES at about $0.10 per 1,000 emails, with automations and segments included. At 10,000 subscribers sending weekly, that is about $4 a month in sending against $89 on MailerLite or $135 on Mailchimp Standard.
Frequently asked questions
Is MailerLite better than Mailchimp?
For most small lists, it is better value: cheaper, with automations on its entry paid plan. Mailchimp is better if you need its integrations or advanced features.
Is MailerLite cheaper than Mailchimp?
Yes, at every size we compared. At 10,000 subscribers, MailerLite Comfort is $89 a month against $110 for Mailchimp Essentials and $135 for Standard.
Can I move from Mailchimp to MailerLite?
Yes. Export your audience from Mailchimp as a CSV and import it into MailerLite. MailerLite reviews new accounts before they can send, so allow a little time.
