Mailchimp vs ConvertKit
Mailchimp and ConvertKit are two of the most popular email marketing tools, so choosing between them is a common dilemma. Mailchimp is best known for email campaigns and suits small business, content, e-commerce teams, while ConvertKit stands out for visual automations and is a strong fit for creators, bloggers, course creators. Below we break down pricing, features, pros and cons so you can decide quickly.
Quick verdict
If budget is the priority, ConvertKit is the more accessible option ($0-$2000/mo). For overall user satisfaction, ConvertKit edges ahead with a 4.5/5 rating. Most teams should pick Mailchimp for small business use cases and ConvertKit for creators use cases — and many growing companies end up running both together.
| Feature | Mailchimp | ConvertKit |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Price range | $0-$350/mo | $0-$2000/mo |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Category | Email Marketing | Email Marketing |
| Best for | Small Business, Content, E-commerce | Creators, Bloggers, Course creators |
| Key features |
|
|
| User rating | ★ 4.2 (8,500) | ★ 4.5 (2,100) |
Choose Mailchimp if…
- ✓You're focused on small business, content, e-commerce
- ✓Beginner-friendly editor
- ✓Generous free plan
- ✓All-in-one marketing suite
- ✓You want to start on a free plan
Choose ConvertKit if…
- ✓You're focused on creators, bloggers, course creators
- ✓Built for creators & newsletters
- ✓Simple visual automations
- ✓Great deliverability
- ✓You want to start on a free plan
Mailchimp vs ConvertKit: pros & cons
Mailchimp
Pros
- ✓Beginner-friendly editor
- ✓Generous free plan
- ✓All-in-one marketing suite
Cons
- ✕Gets pricey as lists grow
- ✕Weaker e-commerce automation than Klaviyo
- ✕Contact-based billing counts unsubscribed
ConvertKit
Pros
- ✓Built for creators & newsletters
- ✓Simple visual automations
- ✓Great deliverability
Cons
- ✕Limited design templates
- ✕Light on e-commerce features
- ✕Pricing scales with subscribers
Frequently asked questions
Is Mailchimp or ConvertKit cheaper?
ConvertKit is generally the more affordable option ($0-$2000/mo). Mailchimp is priced at $0-$350/mo and ConvertKit at $0-$2000/mo, so the best value depends on your data volume and which features you need.
Is Mailchimp free?
Yes, Mailchimp offers a free tier ($0-$350/mo), which is great for getting started before you scale up.
Is ConvertKit free?
Yes, ConvertKit offers a free tier ($0-$2000/mo), so you can trial it without commitment.
Can I use Mailchimp and ConvertKit together?
Yes. Many teams run Mailchimp and ConvertKit side by side — Mailchimp for small business and ConvertKit for creators. A customer data platform (like Segment or RudderStack) makes it easy to send the same events to both.
Which is better for small business, Mailchimp or ConvertKit?
For small business, Mailchimp is typically the stronger choice thanks to email campaigns and audience insights. ConvertKit is the better pick when you need visual automations.