Mailchimp vs MailerLite
If you like how Mailchimp works but not what it costs, MailerLite is the swap that changes the least. Same drag-and-drop workflow, landing pages and a website builder — for less money, and with automation still on the free tier.
The short version: MailerLite is the closest like-for-like replacement for Mailchimp for most small businesses and solo senders. The editor, automations, forms, landing pages and light website builder cover the same ground, the interface is arguably cleaner, and the cheapest paid plan — Comfort — starts around $12/month versus Mailchimp's Essentials at ~$13/month, with more headroom as you grow.
Where MailerLite wins
Two things stand out. First, it's cheaper at almost every list size and doesn't nickel-and-dime the same way. Second — and this matters after January 2026 — MailerLite keeps automation on its free tier, whereas Mailchimp removed automation from free entirely. MailerLite's approvals-based onboarding also keeps deliverability tidy.
Where Mailchimp still leads
Mailchimp has the bigger integration catalogue, more advanced reporting and audience segmentation, and features like predictive send-time. Its ecosystem of agencies and templates is larger. Honest caveat on the other side: MailerLite trimmed its own free plan to 250 subscribers / 2,500 emails a month — still five times Mailchimp's send allowance, but no longer the 1,000-subscriber free tier it once had.
| Mailchimp | MailerLite | |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | 250 contacts / 500 sends/mo | 250 subs / 2,500 sends/mo |
| Automation on free | removed Jan 2026 | ✓ |
| Cheapest paid | ~$13/mo (Essentials) | ~$12/mo (Comfort) |
| Website builder | ✓ | ✓ |
| Landing pages / forms | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrations | ✓ larger | good, smaller |
Compiled July 2026. Sources: MailerLite pricing · Mailchimp pricing
Switch to MailerLite if you want the Mailchimp experience for less, with automation you don't have to pay to unlock. Stay on Mailchimp if you depend on a specific integration it has and MailerLite doesn't, or on its more advanced segmentation and reporting. For most people leaving over cost, MailerLite is the least disruptive move.
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