Introduction

Choosing the right email marketing platform is crucial for businesses, bloggers, and e-commerce store owners looking to grow their audience and increase engagement. Two of the most popular options are MailerLite and Mailchimp. Both tools offer a range of features, from email automation and segmentation to analytics and integrations. However, they cater to different types of users and have key differences that can impact your decision.

In this comparison, we will break down MailerLite vs Mailchimp based on factors like pricing, ease of use, automation, and customer support. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which platform is the best fit for your email marketing needs.

Ease of Use & User Interface

When comparing MailerLite vs Mailchimp, ease of use is a key factor, especially for beginners and small business owners who need a simple and intuitive platform.

MailerLite: A Clean and Minimalist Interface

MailerLite is known for its minimalist design and straightforward navigation. The platform keeps things simple with a clean dashboard, making it easy for users to create email campaigns, manage subscribers, and track performance.

The drag-and-drop email editor is beginner-friendly and intuitive.
The dashboard is clutter-free, ensuring smooth navigation.
The learning curve is minimal, making it a great choice for those new to email marketing.

Mailchimp: Feature-Rich but Slightly Complex

Mailchimp, on the other hand, provides a more feature-rich interface, which can be overwhelming for beginners. While it offers a drag-and-drop editor similar to MailerLite, its dashboard contains more options, making it a bit harder to navigate.

The interface has more advanced settings, which may require some learning.
The dashboard includes multiple menus and settings, making it feel a bit cluttered.
It’s a great option for users who need detailed customization and advanced marketing features

Which One is More User-Friendly?

If you prefer a simple and streamlined experience, MailerLite is the better choice. However, if you need more advanced features and don’t mind a slight learning curve, Mailchimp may be a better fit.

Pricing & Plans

Pricing is one of the most important factors when choosing between MailerLite vs Mailchimp. Both platforms offer free and paid plans, but they have different pricing structures that cater to different types of users.

MailerLite Pricing

MailerLite is known for its affordable pricing and value-packed free plan. Here’s a breakdown of its pricing structure:

Free Plan:
- Up to 1,000 subscribers
- 12,000 emails per month
- Access to basic email automation, landing pages, and signup forms
- MailerLite branding on emails
Premium Plans (Pricing based on the number of subscribers):
- Starts at $10/month for up to 1,000 subscribers
- Includes unlimited emails, advanced automation, A/B testing, and custom branding
- Higher-tier plans offer features like priority support and advanced reporting

Mailchimp Pricing

Mailchimp’s pricing is based on both the number of subscribers and features included in each plan. While it offers a free plan, its paid plans can get expensive as your list grows.

Free Plan:
- Up to 500 subscribers
- 1,000 emails per month
- Limited automation and basic email templates
- Mailchimp branding on emails
Essentials Plan (Starts at $13/month for up to 500 subscribers):
- Removes Mailchimp branding
- Includes A/B testing, basic automation, and custom templates
Standard Plan (Starts at $20/month for up to 500 subscribers):
- Includes more automation features, retargeting ads, and advanced audience insights
Premium Plan (Starts at $350/month):
- Designed for large businesses with advanced segmentation, multivariate testing, and priority support

Which One Offers Better Value?

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a generous free plan, MailerLite is the better choice. It provides more features for free and has lower-cost premium plans. On the other hand, Mailchimp can be a better fit for businesses needing advanced marketing tools, but it comes at a higher price.

Email Templates & Customization

Creating visually appealing and engaging emails is essential for successful email marketing campaigns. In this comparison of MailerLite vs Mailchimp, we’ll evaluate their email templates, customization options, and overall design flexibility.

MailerLite: Simple Yet Customizable Email Templates

MailerLite is known for its minimalist yet effective approach to email design. While its template library is smaller compared to Mailchimp, it provides essential customization features for businesses that want a clean, professional look.

Pre-designed Templates: MailerLite offers a selection of responsive email templates, but users on the free plan must create emails from scratch.
Drag-and-Drop Editor: Users can easily customize emails using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, adding elements like text blocks, buttons, images, and social media icons.
HTML & Rich Text Editing: Advanced users can create custom designs using HTML or plain-text emails.
Saved Blocks: Users can save frequently used design blocks for future campaigns, making it easier to maintain consistent branding.
Mobile-Optimized Designs: All templates are automatically responsive, ensuring they look great on desktop and mobile devices.

Mailchimp: Extensive Template Library & Advanced Design Tools

Mailchimp provides a wider selection of email templates and offers more advanced customization tools, making it a preferred choice for users who want polished, professional email designs.

Large Template Library: Unlike MailerLite, Mailchimp provides a broad range of pre-designed templates tailored for different industries and email campaign types.
Advanced Customization: The drag-and-drop builder allows for more detailed design tweaks, including custom content blocks, columns, and image overlays.
AI-Powered Creative Assistant: Mailchimp’s AI tool suggests design improvements based on your brand’s style.
Dynamic Content Blocks: Users can personalize emails based on audience segments, displaying different content based on subscriber preferences.
HTML & Custom Coding: Like MailerLite, Mailchimp allows advanced users to edit email designs using custom HTML and CSS.

Which One is Better for Email Customization?

If you prefer a simple, easy-to-use editor with essential customization features, MailerLite is a solid choice.
If you need a large variety of templates, advanced customization, and AI-powered design features, Mailchimp offers better flexibility.

Automation & Workflow Capabilities

Automation is a crucial feature for email marketing, allowing businesses to send targeted emails based on user behavior and engagement. In this comparison of MailerLite vs Mailchimp, we’ll evaluate their automation tools, ease of use, and advanced workflow capabilities.

MailerLite: Simple Yet Effective Automation

MailerLite provides a straightforward automation system that is ideal for beginners and small businesses. It focuses on ease of use while offering essential automation features.

Visual Automation Builder – Users can create automation workflows using a simple drag-and-drop interface.
Trigger-Based Emails – Send emails based on subscriber actions, such as sign-ups, link clicks, or purchases.
Pre-Built Automation Templates – MailerLite includes basic automation templates for welcome emails, abandoned cart reminders, and re-engagement campaigns.
Conditional Steps – Users can add if/then logic, allowing emails to be sent based on subscriber behavior.
Limited Advanced Features – While MailerLite provides solid automation tools, it lacks the advanced AI-powered automation that Mailchimp offers.

Mailchimp: Powerful and Advanced Automation Tools

Mailchimp excels in advanced email automation, offering a more sophisticated set of tools that cater to businesses with complex marketing needs.

Pre-Built and Custom Workflows – Mailchimp provides automation templates for welcome sequences, cart abandonment, product recommendations, and more.
Multi-Step Automation – Unlike MailerLite, Mailchimp allows users to create multi-step workflows with advanced branching logic.
AI-Powered Optimization – Mailchimp uses machine learning to optimize send times and improve engagement.
Behavior-Based Targeting – Users can send dynamic emails based on user activity, purchase history, and engagement.
Transactional Emails – Mailchimp supports transactional emails, which are useful for e-commerce businesses.

Which One is Better for Automation?

If you need a simple and easy-to-use automation tool for basic email sequences, MailerLite is a great choice.
If you require more advanced automation with AI-powered features, behavior-based targeting, and multi-step workflows, Mailchimp is the better option.

List Management & Segmentation

Effective email marketing requires organizing your audience into targeted groups to send personalized content. In this MailerLite vs Mailchimp comparison, we’ll evaluate how each platform handles list management, segmentation, and subscriber organization.

MailerLite: Simplicity with Powerful Segmentation

MailerLite provides a clean and user-friendly approach to list management, making it easy to segment and organize your email subscribers.

Single List Structure – MailerLite uses a single subscriber list with segmentation, avoiding duplicate contacts and extra costs.
Custom Fields & Tagging – Users can add custom fields (e.g., name, location, preferences) to personalize campaigns.
Basic & Advanced Segmentation – Segments can be created based on subscriber behavior, sign-up forms, email engagement, and custom fields.
Automated List Cleanup – The platform allows you to automatically remove inactive subscribers to maintain a healthy email list.
Easy Import & Export – Seamlessly upload existing subscriber lists via CSV or integrate with third-party tools.

Mailchimp: Robust but Can Be Complex

Mailchimp offers advanced list management features, but its structure can be slightly more complicated for beginners.

Multiple Lists (Audiences) – Unlike MailerLite, Mailchimp allows users to create multiple lists (audiences), but this can lead to duplicate subscribers and higher costs.
Advanced Tagging & Groups – Mailchimp provides tags, groups, and segments, allowing businesses to organize their lists in multiple ways.
Behavior-Based Segmentation – Users can create dynamic audience segments based on engagement, purchase history, and email activity.
Predicted Demographics – Mailchimp’s AI-powered segmentation predicts subscriber demographics, which can improve targeting.
Automated Audience Growth Tools – Mailchimp offers AI-powered tools to recommend audience growth strategies.

Which One is Better for List Management?

MailerLite is best for users who prefer a simple and efficient list management system without duplicate contacts.
Mailchimp is ideal for businesses that need advanced segmentation, AI-powered insights, and behavior-based targeting.

Deliverability & Spam Compliance

One of the most critical aspects of email marketing is ensuring that your emails actually reach your subscribers' inboxes. In this MailerLite vs Mailchimp comparison, we’ll evaluate how both platforms handle email deliverability and spam compliance to maximize your email marketing success.

MailerLite: Strong Deliverability with a Focus on Compliance

MailerLite has a solid reputation for email deliverability, ensuring that your emails land in inboxes rather than spam folders.

High Deliverability Rates – MailerLite consistently achieves deliverability rates above 95%, thanks to its strong sender reputation.
Email Authentication – Supports DKIM, SPF, and DMARC authentication to prevent spoofing and phishing.
Built-in Spam Testing – The platform automatically analyzes emails for potential spam triggers before sending.
GDPR & Anti-Spam Compliance – MailerLite strictly follows GDPR, CAN-SPAM, and CASL regulations, ensuring your email marketing remains legally compliant.
Dedicated IP Option – Advanced users can apply for a dedicated IP address for improved sender reputation.

Mailchimp: Advanced Spam Filters & AI-Powered Deliverability

Mailchimp also offers high deliverability rates but includes more AI-driven tools to enhance inbox placement.

AI-Powered Inbox Optimization – Mailchimp uses machine learning to determine the best time to send emails for optimal engagement.
Smart Delivery Features – Features like Timewarp and Send Time Optimization adjust email delivery based on subscriber time zones.
Comprehensive Email Authentication – Mailchimp provides SPF, DKIM, and DMARC authentication to improve sender reputation.
Compliance with Global Email Laws – Mailchimp follows GDPR, CAN-SPAM, and other regulatory guidelines to prevent blacklisting.
Automatic List Cleaning – Mailchimp helps maintain a clean subscriber list by identifying hard bounces and inactive emails.

Which One is Better for Deliverability?

MailerLite offers strong deliverability rates, built-in spam testing, and a compliance-first approach, making it great for businesses that want high inbox placement without complexity.
Mailchimp provides AI-powered tools and send-time optimization, making it ideal for businesses that need advanced deliverability features and engagement-based sending.

Integrations & Third-Party Apps

Integrations play a vital role in email marketing, allowing businesses to connect their email platform with e-commerce stores, CRM software, analytics tools, and more. In this MailerLite vs Mailchimp comparison, we’ll examine how both platforms handle integrations and third-party app compatibility.

MailerLite: Essential Integrations for Small Businesses

MailerLite offers a good selection of integrations, though it is not as extensive as Mailchimp’s. However, it covers the most important tools businesses need.

E-commerce Integrations – Seamlessly connects with Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and other e-commerce platforms to automate abandoned cart emails and product recommendations.
Website & CMS Integrations – Works with WordPress, Squarespace, Webflow, and other website builders to embed sign-up forms.
Automation & CRM Tools – Integrates with Zapier, HubSpot, Pipedrive, and other CRM tools for seamless contact management.
Analytics & Tracking – Connects with Google Analytics and Facebook Pixel to track campaign performance.
Limited Native Integrations – While MailerLite supports key apps, some integrations require Zapier or third-party connectors.

Mailchimp: A Wider Range of Integrations

Mailchimp stands out for its extensive third-party integrations, making it a better option for businesses that need advanced marketing automation and deep data syncing.

E-commerce Integrations – Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce, PrestaShop, and more.
Social Media & Advertising – Integrates with Facebook, Instagram, Google Ads, and LinkedIn to create and manage paid ad campaigns directly from Mailchimp.
CRM & Automation Tools – Natively supports Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zoho CRM, allowing seamless customer data syncing.
Advanced Analytics & AI – Works with Google Analytics, Hotjar, and Power BI for deeper insights into campaign performance.
API & Custom Integrations – Developers can build custom integrations using Mailchimp’s open API.

Which One is Better for Integrations?

MailerLite is great for small businesses and startups that need essential e-commerce and website integrations.
Mailchimp is the better choice for larger businesses that require advanced CRM, advertising, and AI-powered integrations.

Analytics & Reporting

Tracking and analyzing email campaign performance is crucial for improving engagement, optimizing conversions, and refining your email marketing strategy. In this MailerLite vs Mailchimp comparison, we’ll examine the analytics and reporting capabilities of both platforms.

MailerLite: Simple Yet Insightful Reports

MailerLite provides essential email analytics with an easy-to-understand interface, making it ideal for small businesses and beginners.

Basic Email Performance Metrics – Track key metrics such as open rates, click-through rates (CTR), bounce rates, and unsubscribe rates.
Click Maps – See which parts of your email get the most engagement using heatmaps.
Campaign Comparison – Compare the performance of multiple email campaigns to understand trends and audience preferences.
Real-Time Reporting – View campaign performance data as soon as emails are sent.
Limited Advanced Insights – While MailerLite provides good analytics, it lacks the AI-powered insights and predictive analytics that Mailchimp offers.

Mailchimp: Advanced Data & AI-Powered Insights

Mailchimp offers a more advanced reporting system, making it suitable for businesses that rely on data-driven decisions.

Detailed Email Analytics – Track open rates, CTR, conversion rates, revenue attribution, and more.
A/B Testing Reports – Analyze results from split tests to determine which email variations perform best.
Audience Insights & Predictive Analytics – Mailchimp uses AI-powered tools to predict customer behavior and suggest optimization strategies.
E-commerce Tracking – Integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento to track revenue generated from email campaigns.
Email Deliverability Reports – Provides detailed insights into inbox placement and spam filtering.
Custom Reports – Users can create customized reports tailored to their marketing goals.

Which One is Better for Analytics & Reporting?

MailerLite is a great choice for users who need simple, easy-to-read reports with essential email marketing insights.
Mailchimp is ideal for businesses looking for advanced analytics, AI-driven insights, and detailed e-commerce tracking.

Website Builder

Both MailerLite and Mailchimp offer built-in website builders that allow users to create landing pages, simple websites, and signup forms without needing technical skills. In this comparison of MailerLite vs Mailchimp, we’ll look at their website-building capabilities, ease of use, and available features.

MailerLite: A Simple Yet Effective Website Builder

MailerLite provides a lightweight and beginner-friendly website builder that is perfect for small businesses, bloggers, and freelancers who need a basic website.

Drag-and-Drop Editor – Easily create pages using a visual editor with pre-built content blocks.
Pre-Designed Templates – MailerLite offers responsive website templates that work well for landing pages, portfolios, and simple business sites.
Custom Domains – Users can connect their own domain or use a free MailerLite subdomain.
SEO Optimization – Allows basic SEO settings, such as meta titles, descriptions, and image alt text.
E-commerce & Subscription Pages – Includes features to create product pages and accept payments through Stripe.
Built-In Email Marketing Integration – Seamlessly connects with MailerLite’s email automation tools for lead capture.

Mailchimp: A More Robust Website Builder

Mailchimp’s website builder is more advanced, offering additional features that make it suitable for businesses looking for a more comprehensive solution.

Drag-and-Drop Customization – Create fully customized web pages with flexible content blocks.
Pre-Made Website Themes – Choose from a variety of themes optimized for business, e-commerce, and personal branding.
E-commerce Functionality – Unlike MailerLite, Mailchimp allows users to create a fully functional online store with product listings, shopping carts, and checkout options.
Custom Domains & Free Hosting – Users can register a domain through Mailchimp or connect an existing one.
SEO & Analytics – Offers SEO-friendly features along with built-in analytics to track website traffic and performance.

Which One is Better for Website Building?

MailerLite is great for users who need a simple, no-fuss website or landing page with basic e-commerce options.
Mailchimp is better suited for businesses that require a full-featured website builder with advanced e-commerce capabilities.

Unique Features & Differentiators

While both MailerLite and Mailchimp offer essential email marketing tools, they each have unique features that set them apart. In this MailerLite vs Mailchimp comparison, we’ll highlight the standout functionalities that make each platform different.

MailerLite: Simplicity, Affordability & Focus on Email Marketing

MailerLite is known for its clean interface, budget-friendly pricing, and focus on essential email marketing features. Here are some key differentiators:

Affordable Pricing with More Features in Free Plan – Compared to Mailchimp, MailerLite’s free plan offers more email sends and better automation tools.
Built-in Newsletter Editor – MailerLite includes a rich-text newsletter editor, making it easy to write and format email content without an external tool.
Landing Pages & Website Builder – Users can create simple websites, landing pages, and pop-up forms with built-in SEO tools.
Email Survey & Quiz Features – Allows businesses to embed surveys and quizzes in emails to gather feedback and engage subscribers.
Advanced Drag-and-Drop Builder – Provides pre-made content blocks and design customization for creating visually appealing emails.

Mailchimp: AI-Driven Insights & E-commerce Integrations

Mailchimp offers a more feature-rich experience, incorporating AI-powered insights and e-commerce tools. Here’s what makes it unique:

AI-Powered Marketing Features – Mailchimp’s Creative Assistant suggests automated email designs based on brand colors and industry trends.
E-commerce Storefront & Payment Processing – Unlike MailerLite, Mailchimp allows users to set up an online store, manage product listings, and accept payments directly.
Predictive Audience Segmentation – Uses machine learning to predict customer behavior, helping businesses improve personalization.
Timewarp & Send Time Optimization – Ensures emails are delivered at the best time based on subscriber time zones and engagement patterns.
Social Media & Ad Campaign Integration – Unlike MailerLite, Mailchimp allows businesses to run Facebook, Instagram, and Google Ads directly from the platform.

Which One Has More Unique Features?

MailerLite stands out for its affordability, ease of use, and essential email marketing tools like surveys and a built-in newsletter editor.
Mailchimp excels in AI-powered marketing, advanced segmentation, and e-commerce capabilities, making it ideal for businesses that need more than just email marketing.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

After comparing MailerLite vs Mailchimp across various categories, it’s clear that both platforms have their strengths and cater to different types of users. The right choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and email marketing goals.

Choose MailerLite If:

✅ You need an affordable email marketing solution with a generous free plan.
✅ You prefer a clean and simple interface that is easy to use, even for beginners.
✅ You want a cost-effective automation tool for email sequences and workflows.
✅ You need built-in landing pages and website-building features at no extra cost.
✅ You are a blogger, small business, or startup looking for an intuitive email marketing tool.

Choose Mailchimp If:

✅ You need AI-powered marketing features like predictive audience segmentation.
✅ You run an e-commerce store and want built-in tools for product recommendations and purchase tracking.
✅ You want advanced automation with multi-step workflows and behavioral targeting.
✅ You need better integration options, including social media ads and CRM tools.
✅ You are a growing business or a marketing professional who needs detailed analytics and segmentation.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a cost-effective, beginner-friendly email marketing tool, MailerLite is a fantastic option. However, if you need advanced automation, AI-powered analytics, and e-commerce integrations, Mailchimp is the better choice—though it comes at a higher price.

Before making your decision, consider testing both platforms using their free plans to see which one fits your needs better.

TRY MAILERLITE

TRY MAILCHIMP

MailerLite vs Mailchimp Comparison Guide