Mailchimp vs ConvertKit

A detailed comparison of Mailchimp and ConvertKit — features, pricing, pros & cons, and which one is right for you.

Last updated: April 2, 2026

Option A

Mailchimp

★★★★4.3/5

The most popular email marketing platform for small businesses. Offers email campaigns, automations, landing pages, and audience management.

Pricing: Free (up to 500 contacts), $13/mo (Essentials), $20/mo (Standard), $350/mo (Premium)
Free plan: Yes
Best for: Small businesses and beginners wanting an easy-to-use email marketing platform with a free plan
Founded: 2001
Option B

ConvertKit

★★★★4.4/5

Email marketing platform built specifically for creators — bloggers, YouTubers, podcasters, and course creators. Focuses on simplicity and subscriber growth.

Pricing: Free (up to 10,000 subscribers), $25/mo (Creator), $50/mo (Creator Pro)
Free plan: Yes
Best for: Content creators, bloggers, and solopreneurs who want simple yet powerful email marketing
Founded: 2013

Feature Comparison

FeatureMailchimpConvertKit
Drag Drop Editor
Email AutomationsStandardAdvanced
A/B Testing
Landing Pages
Signup Forms
SegmentationStandardAdvanced
Analytics Reporting
API
Sms Marketing
Template Library100+50+
Deliverability Tools
Free Tier

Pros & Cons

Mailchimp

✓ Pros
  • Industry-leading brand recognition
  • Easy drag-and-drop editor
  • Generous free plan for starters
  • Good template library
  • Built-in landing pages and forms
✗ Cons
  • Gets expensive as contacts grow
  • Automations are basic on lower plans
  • Limited advanced segmentation on free plan
  • Support can be slow on free tier

ConvertKit

✓ Pros
  • Built for creators and solopreneurs
  • Excellent visual automation builder
  • Tag-based subscriber management
  • Clean, simple interface
  • Great deliverability rates
✗ Cons
  • Limited design customization for emails
  • No built-in CRM features
  • Reporting is relatively basic
  • Higher price per subscriber than some alternatives

The Verdict: Mailchimp or ConvertKit?

Choose Mailchimp if you prioritize small businesses and beginners wanting an easy-to-use email marketing platform with a free plan.

Choose ConvertKit if you prioritize content creators, bloggers, and solopreneurs who want simple yet powerful email marketing.

Both tools offer free plans — we recommend trying both before committing. The best choice depends on your team size, workflow complexity, and specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mailchimp better than ConvertKit?

It depends on your needs. Mailchimp is best for small businesses and beginners wanting an easy-to-use email marketing platform with a free plan, while ConvertKit excels at content creators, bloggers, and solopreneurs who want simple yet powerful email marketing. Both have free plans you can try.

Can I switch from Mailchimp to ConvertKit?

Yes, most email marketing tools offer data migration or import features. ConvertKit can typically import data from Mailchimp via export or direct integration. Plan for a transition period as your team adapts to the new workflow.

Which is cheaper, Mailchimp or ConvertKit?

Mailchimp pricing starts at Free (up to 500 contacts). ConvertKit pricing starts at Free (up to 10. Both offer free tiers — compare features at each price point to find the best value.

Do Mailchimp and ConvertKit have free plans?

Mailchimp offers a free plan. ConvertKit offers a free plan.