Mailchimp vs ConvertKit: Which Email Platform is Best in 2025?
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Quick Verdict
| Criteria | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | ConvertKit | Creator-focused, better features for newsletters |
| Best for Business | Mailchimp | More business tools, CRM integration |
| Best Free Plan | Mailchimp | Free up to 500 contacts with automation |
| Best Design | ConvertKit | More beautiful templates and layouts |
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Mailchimp | ConvertKit |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free - $350/month | $29/month |
| Free Plan | ✅ Up to 500 contacts | ❌ No free plan |
| Best For | Businesses | Creators |
| Email Templates | 100+ templates | Beautiful templates |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3/5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 |
Mailchimp Overview
What is Mailchimp?
Mailchimp is an all-in-one marketing platform for email marketing, CRM, marketing automation, and ecommerce integration. Founded in 2001, it serves 12 million users and is one of the most well-known email platforms. It's primarily business-focused, not creator-focused.
Key Features
- ✅ Email marketing with automation
- ✅ CRM and contact management
- ✅ Marketing automation workflows
- ✅ Ecommerce integration (Shopify, WooCommerce)
- ✅ Landing pages and forms
- ✅ A/B testing and analytics
- ✅ 500+ integrations
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Up to 500 contacts, email marketing, automation |
| Standard | $20/month | Unlimited contacts, advanced automations |
| Premium | $350/month | Priority support, API access, custom integrations |
ConvertKit Overview
What is ConvertKit?
ConvertKit is email marketing software built specifically for creators - bloggers, podcasters, novelists, and online educators. Founded in 2013, it focuses on helping creators build audiences and monetize through email. Much creator-friendlier than Mailchimp.
Key Features
- ✅ Beautiful email templates optimized for readers
- ✅ Newsletter landing pages (no coding)
- ✅ Subscriber tagging and sequences
- ✅ Sponsorship opportunities marketplace
- ✅ Email monetization features
- ✅ Broadcast and automation
- ✅ Minimal but powerful analytics
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Subscribers |
|---|---|---|
| Creator | $29/month | Up to 1,000 |
| Creator Pro | $79/month | Unlimited |
| Creator Pro+ | Custom | Custom with priority support |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I migrate from Mailchimp to ConvertKit?
Yes, ConvertKit supports importing CSV from Mailchimp. The process takes 2-3 hours for setup and configuration. Most automation sequences need to be recreated manually.
Is ConvertKit worth the cost?
For creators and newsletter writers, yes. ConvertKit's focus on aesthetics, monetization, and creator tools justifies the cost. For small businesses, Mailchimp's free plan is better value.
Which has better templates?
ConvertKit has fewer but more beautiful templates designed for newsletters. Mailchimp has 100+ templates but less polished design. For aesthetics, ConvertKit wins.
Can I use Mailchimp or ConvertKit for ecommerce?
Mailchimp integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, and has ecommerce features. ConvertKit is newsletter-focused and doesn't have ecommerce integrations. For ecommerce, Mailchimp is better.
Which has better customer support?
Both offer email support on all plans. ConvertKit includes priority support on Creator Pro. Mailchimp has phone support on Premium. Both have good documentation.
Final Recommendation
Best for Creators: ConvertKit
If you're a writer, blogger, or creator building an audience through email, ConvertKit is worth the $29/month. Its aesthetic focus, creator tools, and monetization features are unmatched.
Try ConvertKit 14 Days Free →Best for Business: Mailchimp
For businesses needing email marketing, CRM, and ecommerce integration, Mailchimp's free plan is unbeatable. Start free and upgrade when you exceed 500 contacts.
Try Mailchimp Free →