Reviewed 2026-10-14
Mailchimp vs MailerLite
The familiar incumbent against a cheaper tool with a free tier that is genuinely usable.
Our take
MailerLite
For a list under a few thousand, MailerLite is usually the better value: the free tier does real work and the paid steps are cheaper. Mailchimp still wins on template range and the depth of its e-commerce integrations.
Side by side
Rows marked in colour show which option we think is ahead on that point.
| Criteria | Mailchimp | MailerLite |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | Exists but limited quickly | Usable for a real starting list |
| Cost at a few thousand subscribers | Higher at the same list size | Cheaper per subscriber |
| Template library | Extensive and polished | Smaller, plainer |
| Automations and landing pages | Largely behind higher tiers | Included on paid plans |
| E-commerce depth | Strong store integrations | Basic |
Sources
These are the vendor pages we used when writing this comparison. Prices and plan limits change; confirm them before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Answers restate what this comparison records and link to the vendor pages it cites.
What is the difference between Mailchimp and MailerLite?
The familiar incumbent against a cheaper tool with a free tier that is genuinely usable.
How do Mailchimp and MailerLite compare on price?
Both are tiered, so the figure depends on your own volume. Our entries describe Mailchimp as: Free tier available; paid plans scale with contacts. And MailerLite as: Free tier available; paid plans scale with subscribers. Compare the Mailchimp pricing page and the MailerLite pricing page before you commit.
Which should I choose, Mailchimp or MailerLite?
For a list under a few thousand, MailerLite is usually the better value: the free tier does real work and the paid steps are cheaper. Mailchimp still wins on template range and the depth of its e-commerce integrations.
Where did the figures in this comparison come from?
This comparison is based on the vendor pages we read: Mailchimp pricing and MailerLite pricing. Prices and plan limits change, so check them before you commit.
How do Mailchimp and MailerLite compare on "Free tier"?
Mailchimp: Exists but limited quickly. MailerLite: Usable for a real starting list.
How do Mailchimp and MailerLite compare on "Cost at a few thousand subscribers"?
Mailchimp: Higher at the same list size. MailerLite: Cheaper per subscriber.