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Ugh, choosing an email marketing platform. I remember sweating this decision back in 2017. I was bootstrapping my first real business, and every dollar counted. I needed something that wouldn’t break the bank, but also wouldn’t make me want to throw my laptop out the window in frustration. It was MailerLite vs. ConvertKit, in a battle for my sanity (and my subscribers).

Hey, Will Buckley here, and after years of testing and tweaking, let me cut to the chase: If you’re on a budget and want powerful automation with a surprisingly intuitive interface, MailerLite is the clear winner.

What is MailerLite?

MailerLite is an email marketing platform that punches way above its weight class. It offers a ton of features (we’re talking landing pages, automation, segmentation, the whole deal) at a price point that’s hard to beat – especially if you’re just starting out. It’s designed to be user-friendly, even if you’re not a tech whiz. And honestly, that’s a huge win in my book. The team are constantly adding new features too, so it just keeps getting better.

What is ConvertKit?

ConvertKit is positioned as the email marketing platform specifically for “creators.” Their marketing focuses on folks like bloggers, course creators, and YouTubers. They definitely have some powerful features, especially around segmentation and automation designed to sell digital products. But, real talk, you’re paying a premium for that “creator” label. And for solopreneurs on a tight budget, that premium might be better spent elsewhere. Plus, as you’ll see, you can achieve similar results using other platforms like MailerLite.

MailerLite vs. ConvertKit: Head-to-Head

Feature	MailerLite	ConvertKit
Starting Price (up to 1,000 subscribers)	Free / $10 (Lite)	$29
Ease of Use	Very intuitive, drag-and-drop builder	Slightly more complex interface
Automation	Robust automation features, visual workflow builder	Powerful automation, but can be overwhelming
Landing Pages	Yes, with plenty of templates	Yes, clean but more limited templates
Integrations	Tons of integrations via Zapier, plus direct integrations	Good integrations, focuses on creator-centric platforms
Customer Support	Excellent support, fast response times	Variable support, sometimes slow response
A/B Testing	Yes, for subject lines, content, etc.	Yes, limited to subject lines on some plans
Email Template Selection	Modern templates included on all plans	Minimalist – generally cater to mostly text-based emails

Pricing Comparison

Let’s break down the cost because that’s what really matters, right? Here’s the thing: MailerLite’s free plan is actually usable. You get up to 1,000 subscribers and 12,000 emails per month. ConvertKit doesn’t have a free plan.

For 1,000 subscribers, MailerLite’s Lite plan comes in at just $10/month. ConvertKit’s Creator plan will set you back $29/month. That’s almost three times the price! And the gap only widens as your list grows.

The honest answer is, unless you need a very specific feature that only ConvertKit offers, MailerLite gives you way more bang for your buck. Plus, I’ve saved a ton of money using MailerLite over the past few years which I promptly invested in other parts of my business and marketing.

Who Should Choose MailerLite?

MailerLite is a fantastic choice if:

* You’re on a budget and need an affordable option.
* You want a user-friendly interface that’s easy to learn.
* You need robust automation features without the complexity.
* You’re starting a new business and need a platform that can scale with you.
* You just want to get started and get results fast.

Honestly, MailerLite is my go-to recommendation for anyone looking to build an email list and automate their marketing without spending a fortune. And remember, you can sign up for MailerLite’s free plan and test it out yourself!

Who Should Choose ConvertKit?

ConvertKit might be a better fit if:

* You’re solely focused on selling digital products and courses.
* You’re happy to pay a premium for their “creator” branding.
* You need very specific integrations with certain creator platforms.
* You prefer their minimalist approach to email design (though MailerLite allows the same).

Let me be straight with you. If you decide only ConvertKit can cut it for you, you will still be able to get the job done. It’s a fine piece of kit, and you’ll find many satisfied users. I’d still implore you to take a closer look at MailerLite first though – its automation combined with its price are unmatched.

Final Verdict

Bottom line: Both MailerLite and ConvertKit are solid email marketing platforms. But for me, the combination of MailerLite’s affordability, ease of use, and powerful automation makes it the clear winner. It lets you build your list, automate your marketing, and focus on the stuff that really matters – growing your business.

Look, I built a large part of my business (and therefore my passive income streams) using MailerLite. The automation helped me get the right message to the right people at the right time — completely hands-off. I even talk about some of these automations in The 4 Minute Workday book.

So, what are you waiting for? Head over to MailerLite, sign up for a free account, and start building your email list today! Stop wasting time and start automating!

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Will Buckley is the author of The 4 Minute Workday — the no-fluff guide to replacing your income with automated systems. For free tools and strategies, visit 4minuteworkday.com.

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