Mailchimp vs MailerLite: Which Is Better in 2026?
Mailchimp vs MailerLite is the email tool decision most small businesses get stuck on, because both look cheap at first and both promise the same thing: send newsletters without a big bill. The short answer is that MailerLite wins on price and simplicity for most small senders, while Mailchimp wins on ecosystem and ecommerce depth. The rest of this guide shows the numbers behind that verdict, so you can pick based on your list size and needs rather than a headline. If neither of these feels right, our Mailchimp vs ConvertKit comparison covers a third option built for creators.
The Verdict Up Front
- Pick MailerLite if you mainly send newsletters and simple automations and want the lowest bill.
- Pick Mailchimp if you run an online store, need deep segmentation and ecommerce reporting, or rely on an integration only Mailchimp offers.
- Start free either way. Both free plans are small now, but free is still the right way to test which dashboard you prefer.
Free Plans: Small, but Not Equal
Both free plans now stop at 250 contacts. The difference is what you can send and do with them:
| MailerLite free | Mailchimp free | |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Up to 250 subscribers | Up to 250 contacts |
| Monthly sends | 2,500 emails | 500 emails (250 a day) |
| Automations | Included, with limits | Not included |
| What counts | Active subscribers only | Every contact, including unsubscribed |
MailerLite’s free plan is clearly more useful for a real newsletter: five times the sends, plus automations. Neither plan is a long-term home, though. Plan to outgrow free within a few months if your list is growing.
Paid Pricing: Where the Gap Opens Up
Prices change often and both companies run promotions, so treat these October 2026 figures as a guide and check the pricing pages before you buy:
| List size | MailerLite | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| 500 contacts | Comfort about $10.80/month billed yearly | Essentials from about $8/month with promotions, Standard about $12/month |
| 10,000 contacts | Comfort about $89/month | Standard about $135/month |
Two pricing details matter more than the headline rate. First, MailerLite counts only active subscribers, while Mailchimp counts unsubscribed and bounced contacts too, so the same list can cost more on Mailchimp than the contact number suggests. Second, MailerLite’s paid plans include its full feature set, with limits rising by tier, while Mailchimp reserves customer journeys and send-time optimization for Standard and above. At 500 contacts, Mailchimp Essentials can look cheaper — until you need the features that live on Standard.
Features Side by Side
Automations
MailerLite includes automation on every tier, including free with limits. Mailchimp’s free plan has none, and its useful journey builder starts on Standard. For a welcome sequence and basic follow-ups, MailerLite gets you there cheaper.
Templates and editor
Both offer drag-and-drop editors and ready templates. MailerLite’s editor is widely described as simpler and cleaner, which suits beginners. Mailchimp’s editor is more powerful but busier, with more options to learn.
Integrations
Mailchimp wins clearly here, with 300 or more integrations against roughly 100 for MailerLite, plus deeper ecommerce connections to Shopify and WooCommerce. If your business depends on a specific integration, check it exists on MailerLite before switching.
Ecommerce and reporting
Mailchimp’s strength is purchase-based reporting: revenue per campaign, predictive segments, and customer lifetime value. MailerLite covers store basics well but does not go as deep. A content site will never miss the difference; a store doing regular campaigns will.
Deliverability
Independent deliverability tests give mixed results and change over time, with MailerLite often scoring slightly higher in recent small-scale tests and Mailchimp’s large-scale infrastructure holding up at high volume. Treat any single “deliverability winner” claim with care: your list hygiene, sending habits, and domain setup matter more than the platform for most small senders. Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC properly on either tool.
Ease of Use: Who Will You Actually Enjoy?
MailerLite is the easier first tool. The dashboard is uncluttered, the learning curve is short, and most small businesses can send their first campaign within an hour of signing up. Mailchimp takes longer to learn but rewards that time if you use its segmentation, testing, and reporting. If you dislike fiddly software, that alone may settle it in MailerLite’s favor.
Switching: How Hard Is It to Move?
Moving is easier than most people expect. MailerLite offers a one-click importer from Mailchimp that transfers subscribers and field data; templates and automations need rebuilding by hand, which usually takes a few hours for a small account. Moving from MailerLite to Mailchimp is similar, using Mailchimp’s import tools. Either way, export and keep a backup of your list before you start, and do not delete the old account until the first campaign has gone out cleanly from the new one.
Who Should Pick Which?
- Bloggers, creators, and newsletter writers: MailerLite. Lower cost, simpler automations, more generous free plan.
- Small businesses sending regular campaigns: MailerLite, unless you need Mailchimp-only integrations or deep segmentation.
- Online stores with regular campaigns: Mailchimp, for ecommerce reporting and integrations — if the higher price is justified by the revenue it tracks.
- Teams that want phone support: Mailchimp Premium includes phone support; MailerLite relies on email and chat support, which is available around the clock on paid plans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mailchimp vs MailerLite
Is MailerLite really cheaper than Mailchimp?
At most list sizes, yes, especially once you need automations or pass 500 contacts. The gap is widest at larger lists, and MailerLite’s active-subscriber-only counting widens it further.
Can I switch from Mailchimp to MailerLite later?
Yes. MailerLite’s importer moves your subscribers from Mailchimp, and you rebuild templates and automations by hand. Keep your old account until the new setup has sent successfully.
Is Mailchimp still worth it in 2026?
Yes, for stores and teams that use its integrations, predictive segments, and ecommerce reporting. For a simple newsletter, its smaller free plan and higher prices make it harder to justify.
Do both tools work for a small list under 250 contacts?
Yes, both have free plans at that size. MailerLite’s is more generous, so it is the better free starting point for most people.
Which tool is better for beginners?
MailerLite, for its simpler dashboard and gentler learning curve. Mailchimp suits beginners who plan to grow into its advanced features and accept the steeper start.
Last updated: October 2026. Prices were checked against vendor pricing pages and October 2026 comparisons; both companies change prices and promotions often, so confirm the current price before buying.
