MailerLite vs Mailchimp (2026): Which Email Tool Fits Better?
Compare MailerLite and Mailchimp on free-plan limits, email features, pricing structure and the types of business each may suit.
MailerLite and Mailchimp both offer email marketing tools for smaller organisations, but their plan limits and product ecosystems differ. The better fit depends on your contact count, send frequency, integrations and how much room you need to grow—not on a single free-plan headline.
Compare like with like
MailerLite currently lists a Free plan for up to 250 active subscribers and 2,500 monthly emails. Mailchimp’s pricing information describes a Free plan with 250 contacts and 500 monthly email sends, with a 250-send daily cap. These limits are not equivalent: the monthly email allowance differs, and each provider defines its account limits in its own way.
Both providers change plan structures. Compare the features you will actually use—automation, templates, forms, landing pages, reporting, team seats and integrations—at the audience size you expect to have in six months. MailerLite’s limit is based on active subscribers; Mailchimp describes an audience/contact limit. Check how each account treats suppressed, inactive or duplicate records before importing.
| Check | MailerLite Free | Mailchimp Free |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | Up to 250 active subscribers. | Up to 250 contacts; one audience. |
| Email sends | Up to 2,500 per month. | Up to 500 per month, with a 250-per-day cap. |
| Automation | Up to 3 automations on the current Free plan. | Includes a one-click automated welcome email, according to Mailchimp’s plan help. |
| Useful fit signal | A small list sending more than one campaign a month, if the other Free limits fit. | A small audience already using Mailchimp tools or integrations, if the lower send limit is enough. |
Where each may fit
MailerLite may appeal to a small business or creator looking for campaigns with forms, landing pages and basic automation in a relatively focused tool. Mailchimp may be a better fit for businesses already relying on its integrations or broader marketing features, but its contact and send allowances should be checked carefully.
A migration has a cost beyond the subscription: moving contacts, templates, sign-up forms, consent records and automations. Do not switch only to chase a free allowance if the operational work outweighs the savings.
How to choose
Make a small test plan: count billable contacts, estimate monthly sends, list two must-have automations and check the integrations your business depends on. Price both platforms at those requirements, then test a sample campaign and sign-up flow before committing.
A worked example shows why sending pattern matters: with 220 contacts and two full-list newsletters in a month, you would send about 440 emails. That fits both published Free send allowances, but leaves only about 60 sends under Mailchimp’s 500-per-month limit for welcome or other messages. A third full-list newsletter would take the total to about 660; MailerLite’s 2,500 monthly cap has more headroom, assuming its other Free limits fit.
MailerLite’s current limits are covered in our pricing guide and free plan guide. For a third option, see MailerLite vs Brevo.
Frequently asked questions
Is MailerLite cheaper than Mailchimp?
It depends on list size, billing term and required features. Compare current provider quotes at your expected contact count rather than relying on entry-level prices.
Which has the better free plan?
MailerLite and Mailchimp use different monthly send limits and feature restrictions. Which is better depends on how many contacts you have, how often you send and which features you need.
Can I move from Mailchimp to MailerLite?
You can plan a migration, but first review contact consent, unsubscribes, forms, templates, integrations and automation dependencies. Follow each provider’s current import rules.
Sources and further reading
Product details can change. Confirm them on the provider’s current pages before purchasing.
Product details and prices can change; confirm them with the cited provider sources. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.