MailerLite vs Mailchimp: Which Email Platform is Best in 2025?

Read Time: 12 minutes

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Quick Verdict

🏆 Best Overall: MailerLite - Modern interface, better value, beautiful templates

🏢 Best for Business: Mailchimp - More features, ecommerce integration, free plan

🎨 Best Design: MailerLite - Superior template aesthetics

💰 Best Value: MailerLite - Better pricing at scale

Quick Comparison Table

FeatureMailerLiteMailchimp
Starting PriceFree - $90/monthFree - $350/month
Free SubscribersUp to 1,000Up to 500
Email TemplatesBeautiful modern100+ diverse
AutomationGoodAdvanced
Rating⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6/5⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3/5

MailerLite Overview

MailerLite is a modern email marketing platform focused on simplicity and beautiful design. Founded in 2010, it has grown to serve 600,000+ users. MailerLite combines powerful features with an intuitive interface and stunning email templates.

Key Features

  • ✅ Beautiful, modern email templates
  • ✅ Drag-and-drop email builder
  • ✅ Automation workflows
  • ✅ Landing pages with templates
  • ✅ Subscriber segmentation
  • ✅ Analytics and reporting
  • ✅ 150+ integrations

Pricing

  • Free: Up to 1,000 subscribers
  • Growing Business: $18/month - $99/month based on subscribers
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing

Mailchimp Overview

Mailchimp is an all-in-one marketing platform serving 12 million users. It combines email marketing, CRM, automation, and ecommerce integration. More comprehensive than MailerLite but more complex.

Key Features

  • ✅ Email marketing with 100+ templates
  • ✅ CRM and contact management
  • ✅ Marketing automation
  • ✅ Landing pages and forms
  • ✅ Ecommerce integration
  • ✅ Ads and social media
  • ✅ 500+ integrations

Pricing

  • Free: Up to 500 contacts
  • Standard: $20/month
  • Premium: $350/month

Detailed Comparison

Email Design & Templates

MailerLite Winner: MailerLite's templates are more modern and beautifully designed. Mailchimp has more templates but less polished aesthetics.

Ease of Use

MailerLite Winner: MailerLite is slightly simpler with a more intuitive interface. Mailchimp is still user-friendly but has more features to navigate.

Features & Functionality

Mailchimp Winner: Mailchimp includes CRM, ecommerce integration, and ads. MailerLite is email-focused with landing pages.

Pricing for Growing Lists

MailerLite Winner: Better pricing at 5,000+ subscribers. Mailchimp charges per contact after 500 limit.

Customer Support

Both offer email support. Mailchimp's Premium plan includes phone support. MailerLite has active live chat support on all plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I switch from Mailchimp to MailerLite?

Yes, if you want better email design, simpler interface, or better pricing at scale. Switch if email aesthetics are important and you don't need ecommerce features.

Can I migrate subscribers from Mailchimp to MailerLite?

Yes, MailerLite supports importing from Mailchimp. Export your list from Mailchimp as CSV, import to MailerLite. Takes 2-3 hours for full setup.

Which is better for ecommerce?

Mailchimp is better for ecommerce with Shopify and WooCommerce integration. MailerLite focuses on email marketing without ecommerce features.

Which has better automation?

Mailchimp has more advanced automation capabilities. MailerLite has good automation but is simpler. For complex workflows, Mailchimp is better.

Final Recommendation

🎨

Best Overall: MailerLite

MailerLite wins for most businesses. Better email design, simpler interface, better pricing at scale, and sufficient automation. Perfect for email-focused marketing.

Try MailerLite Free →

Choose Mailchimp If:

  • ✓ You need ecommerce integration
  • ✓ You want comprehensive business features
  • ✓ Your list is under 500 (free plan)
  • ✓ You need advanced CRM integration