MailerLite offers superior automation and lower pricing starting at $0/month with unlimited contacts, while Mailchimp charges based on contact count and provides more advanced segmentation tools for enterprise users. MailerLite wins for cost-conscious creators and small businesses, while Mailchimp suits larger enterprises needing complex workflows.
MailerLite vs Mailchimp — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose MailerLite if you're a content creator, small business, or startup prioritizing affordable automation and an intuitive interface—its free plan with unlimited contacts and automations is unmatched for budget-conscious users. Choose Mailchimp if you need enterprise-level segmentation, extensive third-party integrations, 24/7 support, or operate a complex e-commerce business requiring advanced customer data tools.
All-in-one email marketing platform with advanced automation and landing pages.
Email marketing, automation, and CRM platform with extensive templates and free tier.
MailerLite vs Mailchimp — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for MailerLite vs Mailchimp with 248 attributes.
Base Paid Plan Price (1,000-10,000 subs)
Contact List Size Limit (Standard Pricing)
Price Scaling Factor at 5,000 Subscribers
Starter Tier Monthly Cost (50k contacts)
Automation Workflow Steps (Free/Starter Tier)
MailerLite vs Mailchimp — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for MailerLite vs Mailchimp.
Can I use the free plan indefinitely on MailerLite?
Yes, MailerLite's free plan has no expiration date and includes unlimited subscribers, up to 5 automated workflows, 150+ templates, and basic segmentation. It's one of the most generous free email marketing plans available. You only upgrade when you need advanced features like advanced segmentation or custom integrations.
How much will Mailchimp cost me with 100,000 subscribers?
Mailchimp's pricing for 100,000 contacts ranges from $200-$350/month depending on features selected. With MailerLite, the same list would cost approximately $99/month on their highest standard plan, making MailerLite roughly 3x cheaper at scale. Mailchimp becomes significantly more expensive as your contact list grows.
Which platform is better for e-commerce businesses?
Mailchimp has a slight edge for complex e-commerce with 300+ integrations and native Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce connections plus built-in CRM. However, MailerLite now offers solid e-commerce features including product recommendations, abandoned cart automation, and integrations with major platforms at a fraction of the cost, making it suitable for growing e-commerce brands.
Does MailerLite have automation workflows on the free plan?
Yes, MailerLite includes unlimited automations on its free plan, which is exceptional. Mailchimp limits free users to 5 automations. This gives MailerLite a significant advantage for users building complex customer journeys without paying for upgrades.
What's the learning curve difference between the two platforms?
MailerLite has a significantly easier learning curve with a cleaner, more modern interface designed for non-technical users. Mailchimp's interface is more feature-rich but also more complex, requiring more time to master. For beginners and small business owners, MailerLite is typically easier to adopt. For agencies managing multiple accounts, Mailchimp's power-user features may justify the steeper learning curve.