Have you ever sent out an email to your customers and then wondered, Did anyone actually see that? You put time and effort into crafting the perfect message, but what if it just ended up in spam, or worse—never got opened at all?
I know the feeling.
When I first started with email marketing, I tried out a few platforms, hoping to find one that would make everything easier. But, honestly, I was frustrated. Some platforms were too complicated, others were too expensive, and I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted. I knew email marketing had the potential to bring big rewards (I mean, $42 for every $1 spent is no joke, right?), but I didn’t know the right tools could make such a difference.
That’s when I realized: the platform you choose can change everything. It’s not just about sending emails—it’s about working smarter, not harder. Picking the right tool can save you time, money, and help you get better results.
That’s why today, we’re diving into a showdown between two popular email platforms:
MailerLite vs Mailchimp. They’re both well-known, but how do they compare when it comes to pricing, features, ease of use, and more? I’ll break it all down so you don’t have to wonder.
Stick with me, and I’ll help you figure out which platform works best for your business—no more guessing!
First Impressions: Meet MailerLite & Mailchimp
What is MailerLite?
MailerLite is like that friend who’s always super helpful and easy to work with. It’s perfect for small businesses, startups, and solo entrepreneurs who need a simple way to create and send emails without the headache of complicated setups. What makes MailerLite really stand out is how affordable and user-friendly it is. You don’t need to be a tech expert to use it. Plus, it offers all the essentials you need, like automation, email templates, and landing pages, at a price that won’t break the bank. For small businesses or people just starting out, MailerLite is a great choice that gets the job done without any stress.
What is Mailchimp?
Mailchimp has been around for a long time and has earned its reputation as a leader in email marketing. It’s one of the biggest names in the industry and offers a robust set of features, which is why it’s especially popular with larger businesses or marketers who want more flexibility and control. With tools like advanced reporting, A/B testing, and automation, Mailchimp is built to handle complex campaigns and large lists. It’s a great option for companies that need more customization and are ready to scale their email marketing to the next level.
MailerLite vs Mailchimp – Features
Campaign Creation & Design
MailerLite
If you’re new to email marketing or want something quick and simple, MailerLite has you covered. Its drag-and-drop editor makes creating emails a breeze, so you don’t need to know any coding. Plus, it comes with customizable templates that you can tweak to fit your brand in just a few clicks. Whether you’re building your first campaign or you’re a small business owner, MailerLite keeps things clean and straightforward—perfect for beginners.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp takes things up a notch with more advanced design tools. Their content studio lets you access all your assets in one place, which is great for marketers who need to create polished, professional campaigns. If you want more control over every detail of your email design, Mailchimp offers highly customizable templates and a variety of design options. It’s perfect for marketers with a bit more experience who want to push their creativity and have more flexibility.
Segmentation & Targeting
MailerLite
MailerLite keeps things simple when it comes to segmentation. You can easily sort your contacts using tags or basic demographics like age or location. This makes it perfect for small businesses or beginners who want to get started with targeted campaigns without feeling overwhelmed. It’s an easy way to make sure your emails are reaching the right people!
Mailchimp
If you need something more advanced, Mailchimp has powerful segmentation options. You can target people based on things like behavior, purchase history, and even predictive analytics. This gives you a deeper understanding of your audience, letting you create highly personalized and targeted campaigns. It’s ideal for larger businesses or marketers who want to dive into detailed data and fine-tune their campaigns to reach the right people at the right time.
Automation & Workflows
MailerLite
MailerLite is all about keeping automation simple. If you want to set up welcome emails, drip campaigns, or email triggers based on actions like sign-ups, it’s super easy to do. You don’t need to be a tech expert to set up these automations. It’s perfect for small businesses or beginners who want to automate basic tasks and save time without the complexity.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp offers multi-step automation for more advanced email flows. This means you can create complex email journeys where one action triggers another, giving you more control over your campaigns. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with eCommerce platforms, so you can build customer journeys that are personalized based on your customer’s behavior, purchases, and interactions. If you’re looking for more sophisticated automation to grow your business, Mailchimp’s got you covered.
A/B Testing & Optimization
MailerLite
MailerLite offers A/B testing, but it’s fairly basic. You can test things like subject lines or send times to see what works best for your audience. It’s easy to set up and can help improve your results without being overwhelming, which is great for small businesses or those just getting into email marketing.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp takes A/B testing to the next level. Not only can you test subject lines and send times, but you can also do multivariate testing—meaning you can test multiple elements at once (like images, copy, and design) to see what combination performs best. This allows for deeper insights into your audience’s preferences, helping you make even more data-driven decisions to optimize your campaigns.
Analytics & Reporting
MailerLite
MailerLite keeps things simple when it comes to analytics. It provides the essentials like open rates, click-through rates (CTR), and basic reporting tools. For smaller businesses or those just starting out with email marketing, this is all you really need to track your performance. It’s easy to read and understand, helping you get a clear picture of how your emails are doing without feeling overwhelmed by too much data.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp offers detailed analytics that go much deeper. It tracks things like conversion rates and eCommerce sales, and gives you insights into how your campaigns are performing at every level. If you’re looking for in-depth reports that break down exactly how your emails are impacting your business, Mailchimp has you covered. It’s great for marketers who want to optimize their campaigns and make data-driven decisions.
Deliverability & Inbox Placement
When it comes to email marketing, getting your emails delivered to the inbox (not the spam folder) is one of the most important things. High deliverability rates are key to making sure your emails actually reach your audience and get read.
MailerLite
MailerLite generally has a good deliverability rate of 92.7%, with many users reporting that their emails land in the inbox. Since it’s designed to be simple, MailerLite does a good job of keeping your emails clean and straightforward, which helps improve deliverability. However, as with any email marketing platform, there’s always a chance that emails can get caught in spam filters if your list isn’t well-maintained.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp has a strong reputation for deliverability rate of 92.6% as well, and it offers more tools to help ensure your emails make it to your subscribers’ inboxes. It follows industry standards to avoid spam filters and provides tips for improving deliverability. Many users report consistently high inbox placement, especially when they use Mailchimp’s tools to clean up their email lists and follow best practices.
Usability: Which One Feels Like a Breeze to Use?
User Interface (UI)
MailerLite
MailerLite’s user interface is designed to be clean and simple. The layout is minimalist, which makes it easy to navigate—even if you’re new to email marketing. The whole platform feels intuitive, so you don’t have to spend a ton of time figuring out how things work. It’s perfect for beginners who just want to jump in, create a campaign, and get things moving without any hassle.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp, on the other hand, has a lot more features—which is great if you need them. But because of all the tools and customization options, the interface can feel a little overwhelming at first. Recently, Mailchimp has made some updates to its UI, trying to make it more user-friendly. However, for someone who’s just starting out, the abundance of options can still feel like a lot to handle. It’s better suited for marketers who need advanced features and are willing to spend the time learning how to use them.
Learning Curve
MailerLite
MailerLite is designed for people who want to start using the platform right away, without needing too much training. You’ll find it easy to get your first campaign up and running in no time, even if you’ve never used an email marketing tool before. It’s all about quick setup and getting you results fast. So, if you’re looking for a tool that doesn’t require a steep learning curve, MailerLite is the way to go.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp comes with a steeper learning curve because it offers a wider range of advanced features and customization options. While it’s not overly difficult to learn, it does take a bit more time to get the hang of everything. If you’re someone who needs more flexibility and wants to create highly customized email flows, Mailchimp will give you the tools to do so. But if you prefer something that’s easy to jump into, it may take a bit longer to get comfortable with all the options.
Mobile Experience
MailerLite
If you like to manage your campaigns on the go, MailerLite’s mobile app offers a smooth experience. It’s easy to use, and you can keep track of your campaigns, check stats, and even create emails right from your phone. It’s a great option if you want to manage everything while you’re away from your computer.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp also has a mobile app, but it’s not as intuitive as MailerLite’s. While it offers a full range of features, the app can feel a little more complicated, especially if you’re new to the platform. You’ll be able to manage campaigns and check your stats, but it might take a bit more effort to get used to compared to MailerLite’s smoother app experience.
Performance: Growing With You
MailerLite: Ideal for Small Teams and Startups
MailerLite is an excellent choice for small teams, startups, or anyone just starting out in email marketing. It’s affordable, and perfect for businesses with small email lists or those just beginning to build their customer base. You don’t need a big budget to get started, and as your business grows, MailerLite’s features can scale up with you. It’s a solid option if you want to keep things simple without sacrificing quality or results.
Mailchimp: Built for Businesses That Scale
Mailchimp, on the other hand, is designed for businesses that are growing fast or already have a large email list. With its range of advanced features and customization options, it’s built to handle the demands of larger businesses. Whether you’re managing thousands of subscribers or running complex campaigns, Mailchimp can scale to meet your needs. If your business is growing, it’s a great platform to grow with.
Speed & Reliability
MailerLite
MailerLite performs well under normal circumstances, with quick email sending speeds and reliable uptime. However, if you’re sending emails to a large list or running multiple campaigns at once, you might notice a slight slow-down compared to more robust platforms. But for most small businesses and teams, MailerLite holds up well and provides solid performance for the price.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp excels when it comes to speed and reliability, especially as your email list grows. The platform is built to handle large volumes of emails and heavy loads. Its uptime and sending speeds are generally faster than MailerLite’s, making it a strong choice for larger businesses or high-volume campaigns. You can count on Mailchimp to perform under pressure, especially if your business needs to scale quickly.
Customer Support & Resources
Support Channels
MailerLite
MailerLite provides email support, and for users on premium plans, you get access to live chat support. Plus, there’s a huge knowledge base full of articles and guides to help you troubleshoot and solve any issues on your own. If you’re just starting out or have basic questions, this is usually all you need.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp offers 24/7 support via chat for users on premium plans, and email support for everyone else. On top of that, they have a comprehensive knowledge center where you can find answers to nearly any question. So whether you’re in the middle of a campaign or planning something new, you can get the help you need quickly.
Training Resources
MailerLite
MailerLite offers a lot of guides and step-by-step resources to help you get started. If you’re looking to dive deeper, there are webinars and tutorials available to teach you how to grow your email marketing efforts. It’s all about making sure you feel confident using the platform, even if you’re a beginner.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp takes things to the next level with an extensive library of tutorials, courses, and webinars. These resources are geared more towards advanced users who want to master the platform and take full advantage of its complex features. So, if you’re looking to dive deep into advanced email marketing strategies, Mailchimp has plenty of resources to guide you.
Community
- MailerLite
MailerLite has a helpful community where users can exchange tips and ideas. While it might not be as big as some other platforms, you can still find Facebook groups and forums where you can get advice and share experiences with other users. - Mailchimp
Mailchimp has a much larger and more active community, including forums, Facebook groups, and even dedicated user groups. This is great for finding user-driven support, learning new tricks, and sharing best practices with other marketers. If you need help or want to learn from others, Mailchimp’s community has a lot to offer.
Integration Capabilities: Does It Fit With Your Tools?
Third-Party Integrations
MailerLite
MailerLite offers integrations with essential platforms like WordPress, Shopify, and Zapier. While it covers the basics that most small businesses need, it doesn’t have as many integrations as Mailchimp. If you’re just starting out or running a smaller operation, these integrations should work just fine. However, if you rely on many different tools, you might find MailerLite a little limited in this area.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp shines when it comes to third-party integrations. It connects with a wide range of platforms, including Salesforce, Shopify, WordPress, and even social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Whether you’re looking to integrate with your CRM, eCommerce store, or social media accounts, Mailchimp likely has the integration you need. If you use a lot of different tools in your business, Mailchimp offers more options to make everything work together seamlessly.
API Access
MailerLite
Both MailerLite and Mailchimp offer API access, meaning you can create custom integrations if you need to connect to other tools or platforms. However, MailerLite’s API functionality is more basic and may be enough for most small businesses or simple custom integrations.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp is known for its advanced API functionality. It’s a great option for businesses that need more customized integrations or if you’re looking to build a more complex system. If your business requires deeper, more tailored integrations, Mailchimp gives you more flexibility and control through its API.
Security & Compliance
GDPR Compliance
MailerLite
Both MailerLite and Mailchimp are GDPR compliant, meaning they follow strict guidelines to protect the personal data of users in the EU. If you’re handling customer data from European countries, both platforms ensure that your email marketing practices meet these important privacy regulations.
Mailchimp
Like MailerLite, Mailchimp also follows GDPR guidelines. This helps ensure your subscribers’ data is protected, and you’re meeting the required legal standards if you’re operating in or working with customers in the EU.
Data Privacy & Security
MailerLite
MailerLite takes data security seriously by offering SSL encryption, which protects your data while in transit. It also includes basic two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of protection to your account. While MailerLite’s security features are solid for smaller businesses, it may not have the most advanced protections compared to bigger platforms.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp offers robust data security with SSL encryption to protect your data during transfers. They also offer two-factor authentication (2FA) for additional account security, which is a standard feature for protecting sensitive information. Additionally, Mailchimp has regular data backups to ensure your information is safe and recoverable in case of any issues. Their security measures are well-suited for larger businesses and those handling more sensitive customer data.
Spam Laws
MailerLite
MailerLite follows anti-spam laws like CAN-SPAM (U.S.) and CASL (Canada), ensuring that all emails sent through the platform are compliant. The platform also makes it easy to include unsubscribed links in your emails, so recipients can easily opt out if they no longer wish to receive your emails.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp also follows anti-spam regulations such as CAN-SPAM and CASL, making sure you stay compliant when sending marketing emails. Just like MailerLite, Mailchimp ensures that all your emails include clear unsubscribe options for recipients who want to opt out of receiving further emails.
Customization & Branding: Make It Yours
Design Flexibility
MailerLite
MailerLite is perfect for beginners when it comes to design. It offers a range of customizable templates that you can easily tweak to fit your brand. The drag-and-drop editor makes creating emails super simple, even if you don’t have a design background. You’ll be able to create professional-looking emails without feeling overwhelmed by too many options. It’s all about making design easy and accessible for everyone.
Mailchimp
If you want more design control, Mailchimp takes things a step further. It offers advanced design features that let you get creative with every detail of your email campaigns. You can customize elements like colors, fonts, images, and layouts to match your exact vision. Whether you’re looking to design from scratch or adjust templates, Mailchimp gives you full control over how your emails look. This is ideal for marketers or businesses that want to create highly customized campaigns.
Dynamic Content
MailerLite
MailerLite makes it easy to add dynamic content to your emails, such as personalizing emails with your subscriber’s name or details like their location. It’s a simple, effective way to make your emails feel more personal, but its dynamic content features are relatively basic. It’s great for businesses looking to give a personal touch without getting into complicated setups.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp is a powerhouse when it comes to dynamic content. You can personalize your emails with customer names, purchase history, location, and more. It offers more advanced personalization options, like sending tailored content based on a person’s previous interactions or behavior. This makes Mailchimp perfect for businesses that want to go beyond the basics and create highly personalized experiences for their subscribers.
User Feedback & Reviews: What Are Customers Saying?
MailerLite Customer Reviews
Positive Reviews
Customers love how affordable and easy to use MailerLite is. Many small business owners and startups appreciate how simple it is to set up campaigns without feeling overwhelmed by complex features. The platform’s clean design and drag-and-drop editor also get a lot of praise for making email marketing accessible to beginners.
Common Complaints
On the flip side, some users wish MailerLite offered more integrations with other tools. As businesses grow and their needs become more complex, they sometimes feel limited by MailerLite’s fewer integration options, especially at higher pricing tiers.
Mailchimp Customer Reviews
Positive Reviews
Mailchimp is often praised for its powerful features and scalability. Customers love how it can handle larger lists and more advanced marketing needs as their business grows. The wide range of integrations and detailed analytics also make it a favorite among marketers who need more control over their campaigns.
Common Complaints
However, many beginners find Mailchimp’s complexity a bit overwhelming. The platform offers so many features that it can be hard to know where to start, which leads to a steeper learning curve. Additionally, some users mention that Mailchimp’s pricing can get expensive, especially as your email list grows and you need more advanced features.
Review Sites Comparison
Here’s a quick look at what users are saying on popular review sites:
G2:
MailerLite gets solid feedback for ease of use and value for money. Users often mention how the platform is great for small businesses and startups. Mailchimp, on the other hand, is praised for its advanced features, but many users note its complexity and the learning curve.
Trustpilot:
MailerLite’s affordability and simplicity shine through in user reviews. However, some users feel that the platform is limited in integration options. Mailchimp receives high marks for its features and scalability, but cost and complexity are common concerns.
Capterra:
On Capterra, users consistently rate MailerLite highly for being user-friendly and a great option for beginners. Mailchimp, meanwhile, gets excellent reviews for its powerful tools, but many users mention that it’s not ideal for beginners due to its steep learning curve
The Verdict: MailerLite vs Mailchimp—Which One is Right for You?
- Pricing:
MailerLite is more affordable and great for small businesses or startups. Mailchimp can get expensive as your list grows, especially if you need advanced features. - Ease of Use:
MailerLite is easy to use, with a simple, intuitive interface that’s perfect for beginners. Mailchimp, while offering more features, has a steeper learning curve. - Features:
MailerLite offers basic features that work well for small businesses, like drag-and-drop email editing and simple automation. Mailchimp has more advanced features like detailed analytics, complex automation workflows, and better integration options. - Scalability:
MailerLite works well for small businesses and startups, but as your needs grow, it may feel limited. Mailchimp is designed for scalability, offering powerful tools for businesses of all sizes, from small to enterprise-level.
When to Choose MailerLite
MailerLite is a fantastic option for:
Small businesses, startups, or solo entrepreneurs who need a cost-effective, easy-to-use solution. If you’re just getting started with email marketing and want a straightforward tool that won’t break the bank, MailerLite will do the job. Its simplicity, affordable pricing, and basic features are perfect for those just starting to build their email lists.
When to Choose Mailchimp
Mailchimp is best suited for:
Growing businesses, larger teams, or companies that need advanced features like complex automation, detailed reporting, and advanced segmentation. If you’re managing a larger email list, running more sophisticated campaigns, or looking to scale, Mailchimp offers the tools to support your needs. While it may require a bit more learning upfront, the flexibility and scalability it offers are great for businesses that need powerful capabilities.
Final Recommendations Based on Use Case
For beginners or small businesses: If you’re just starting with email marketing and need a simple, budget-friendly platform, MailerLite is the way to go. It’s easy to use and offers just the right amount of features to get you up and running without feeling overwhelmed.
For growing or larger businesses: If you’re managing a larger email list, need more customization, and plan to scale, Mailchimp is the better choice. Its advanced features will allow you to automate complex workflows, run more targeted campaigns, and gain deeper insights into your performance.
MailerLite vs Mailchimp – FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Which platform is easier for beginners?
If you’re new to email marketing, MailerLite is the easier option. Its simple, user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop editor make it perfect for those just starting out. You can get your campaigns up and running quickly without feeling overwhelmed by too many features.
Mailchimp has a steeper learning curve due to its advanced features and customization options. While it offers a lot more flexibility, it may take a little longer to get the hang of, especially for beginners.
How does Mailchimp’s automation compare to MailerLite’s?
Both platforms offer automation tools, but Mailchimp has more advanced automation capabilities. You can create multi-step workflows and set up complex automations based on customer behavior, which is perfect for businesses that need highly personalized email journeys.
MailerLite provides simpler automation features, like welcome emails and drip campaigns, which are great for smaller businesses or those just starting with automation. While it’s not as advanced as Mailchimp, it still covers the basics well.
Can I migrate from MailerLite to Mailchimp (or vice versa)?
Yes, you can migrate from MailerLite to Mailchimp or Mailchimp to MailerLite, but the process can take some time. You’ll need to export your contacts and campaigns from one platform and then import them into the other. Keep in mind that some settings or customizations might not transfer exactly the same, so you may need to tweak a few things once the migration is complete.
It’s always a good idea to back up your data and test everything after the migration to make sure it works as expected.
What kind of customer support is available?
- MailerLite offers email support, with live chat available for premium users. They also have a knowledge base with guides and tutorials to help you get started.
- Mailchimp provides 24/7 chat support for premium users and email support for everyone else. It also has a comprehensive knowledge center with a lot of tutorials, courses, and webinars to help you learn the platform.
Conclusion: Your Email Marketing Success Starts Here
Choosing the right email marketing platform is a big decision, but remember, it’s just the beginning. Both MailerLite vs Mailchimp offer powerful tools that can help you grow your business. To really see which one fits your needs, take advantage of their free trials and test them out for yourself!
While the platform you choose matters, the most important factor in your email marketing success is crafting the right strategy. No matter which tool you pick, your focus should be on creating valuable content, understanding your audience, and refining your campaigns over time. The right strategy will make a much bigger impact than the platform itself.
So go ahead, try both platforms, and get started on your email marketing journey today. Success is just a click away!