Mailchimp vs MailerLite (2026)
The household name — but is it still worth it? — against — The best value all-rounder. Same table, same scoring system, clear verdict.
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Head-to-head
Pricing and terms last verified 31 October 2026 — vendors change them often.
| Mailchimp | MailerLite 🏆 | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes: free plan (500 contacts, basic features) | Yes: up to 1,000 subscribers |
| Paid from | Paid typically from around $13/mo | Paid typically from around $10/mo for 1,000 subscribers |
| Free trial | 14 days | None |
| Automations | ✓ | ✓ |
| Landing pages | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paid subscriptions | ✗ | ✗ |
| Ecommerce features | ✓ | ✓ |
| Our score | 3.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
Choose Mailchimp if…
- You're primarily companies that need one vendor for everything
- Brand everyone recognizes; huge integration library
- You can live with: pricing now expensive for what you get
Choose MailerLite if…
- You're primarily small businesses that want max value
- Consistently the cheapest reputable option for small lists
- You can live with: fewer advanced growth features than beehiiv/kit for creators
Mailchimp vs MailerLite: FAQ
Mailchimp or MailerLite — which is better in 2026?
For most people matching MailerLite's strengths (small businesses that want max value), MailerLite is the stronger choice — it scores 4.5/5 on our four-factor score. But "better" depends on you: choose Mailchimp for companies that need one vendor for everything, and MailerLite for small businesses that want max value.
Is Mailchimp cheaper than MailerLite?
Mailchimp has a free plan (Paid typically from around $13/mo), while MailerLite has a free plan (Paid typically from around $10/mo for 1,000 subscribers). Vendors reprice several times a year — check both pricing pages before deciding.
Can I switch from Mailchimp to MailerLite (or back)?
Yes. Subscribers export as CSV/JSON from either platform and import into the other. Automation sequences usually need rebuilding — map your tags and forms before migrating.