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Last updated: October 29, 2026
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MailerLite vs Mailchimp (2027): Which Should You Choose?
Short answer: choose MailerLite if you want more automation for less money. Choose Mailchimp if you need its integration ecosystem. Both free plans now stop at about 250 contacts, so the real difference is on paid plans.
MailerLite includes 50 active automations on Comfort from $12/month, while Mailchimp Essentials limits flows to 4 steps and its price rises after 12 months.
Try MailerLite free → Free plan
At a glance
| MailerLite | Mailchimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | 250 subscribers, 2,500 emails/month | 250 contacts, 500 emails/month |
| Entry paid plan | Comfort from $12/month | Essentials $13/month (12-month intro offer) |
| Trial | Free plan | Free plan |
| Best for | small businesses on a budget | brand recognition and integrations |
Free plans
MailerLite is free for 250 subscribers and 2,500 emails a month. Mailchimp is free for 250 contacts and 500 emails a month.
Paid plans
MailerLite Comfort starts at $12/month and Power at $25; annual billing saves 10%. Mailchimp Essentials is offered at $13/month and Standard at $20 for 12 months, then rises.
Automation
MailerLite Comfort allows 50 active automations with up to 100 steps each. Mailchimp Essentials allows up to 4 flow steps; Standard up to 200 flows.
Which one should you choose?
| If you are… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A small business on a budget | MailerLite | More automation for less |
| A team needing a specific integration | Mailchimp | Largest ecosystem |
| A beginner | MailerLite | Simple editor and clear pricing |
Try MailerLite free → Free plan
Try Mailchimp free → Free plan
1. 
MailerLite — best for small businesses on a budget
Pricing: Comfort from $12/month. Free option: 250 subscribers, 2,500 emails/month. Official pricing.
- Pros:
- Low entry price
- 50 active automations on Comfort
- Clean, beginner-friendly editor
- Cons:
- Free plan limited to 250 subscribers
- No CRM
Choose it if: you want the best value.
Try MailerLite free → Free plan
2. 
Mailchimp — best for brand recognition and integrations
Pricing: Essentials $13/month (12-month intro offer). Free option: 250 contacts, 500 emails/month. Official pricing.
- Pros:
- Largest integration ecosystem
- Mature templates and reporting
- Cons:
- Small free plan
- Intro prices rise after 12 months
- Overage charges above your limits
Choose it if: you need its integrations.
Try Mailchimp free → Free plan
Pick in 10 seconds
- Best value → MailerLite
- Integrations first → Mailchimp
FAQ
Is MailerLite cheaper than Mailchimp?
Usually yes, especially after Mailchimp's 12-month intro price ends.
Which free plan is better?
MailerLite: 2,500 emails a month versus 500 for Mailchimp, both around 250 contacts.
Can I switch easily?
Yes. Export your Mailchimp audience as CSV and import it into MailerLite.
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