AWeber vs MailerLite
AWeber and MailerLite are both popular choices in the email marketing platform space. AWeber has been around since 1998, giving it a 12-year head start over MailerLite (founded 2010). MailerLite is the more affordable option at $12/mo, which is $3 less than AWeber's $15/mo entry point. Both offer free plans to get started. Both tools work well for small businesses and bloggers.
Quick Verdict
AWeber wins on deliverability, integrations.
MailerLite wins on price, rating.
Best for most users: MailerLite (small businesses).
AWeber
Powerfully simple email marketing
AWeber is one of the original email marketing platforms, serving small businesses since 1998. It offers the largest template library (600+) and an impressive integration ecosystem. While its automation isn't as advanced as newer competitors, its reliability and excellent affiliate program make it a solid choice.
MailerLite
Email marketing tools for growing businesses
MailerLite is known for its simplicity, affordability, and clean design. It's one of the best options for small businesses and beginners who want professional email marketing without complexity. The built-in website builder and digital product sales features add extra value.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | AWeber | MailerLite |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Starting Price | $15/mo | $12/mo |
| Free Plan | 500 subscribers, 3,000 emails/month | 250 subscribers, 2,500 emails/month |
| Founded | 1998 | 2010 |
| Email Templates | 600 | 90 |
| Integrations | 750 | 140 |
| Deliverability Rate | 97.8% | 97% |
| Marketing Automation | Yes | Yes |
| A/B Testing | Yes | Yes |
| Landing Pages | Yes | Yes |
| Segmentation | Yes | Yes |
| Drag & Drop Editor | Yes | Yes |
| SMS Marketing | No | No |
| Ecommerce Features | Yes | Yes |
| API Access | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Language | No | No |
| Web Push Notifications | Yes | No |
| Live Chat | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Analytics | Yes | Yes |
AWeber: Pros & Cons
Pros
- + 600+ email templates (largest library)
- + 750+ integrations
- + Established and reliable (since 1998)
- + Free plan available
- + Excellent affiliate program (up to 50% recurring)
Cons
- − Interface feels dated compared to newer tools
- − Automation capabilities lag behind competitors
- − Free plan is limited
- − Lite plan restricts automations to 3
- − No SMS marketing
MailerLite: Pros & Cons
Pros
- + Excellent value for money — most affordable paid plans
- + Clean, intuitive interface perfect for beginners
- + Built-in website and landing page builder
- + Sell digital products directly
- + Strong drag-and-drop email editor
Cons
- − Free plan limited to 250 subscribers and 2,500 emails/month
- − No SMS marketing
- − Fewer integrations than competitors
- − Strict approval process for new accounts
- − Limited automation compared to ActiveCampaign
The Verdict
MailerLite edges ahead with a 4.6/5 rating compared to AWeber's 4.2/5. The gap comes mainly from value for money (4.8 vs 4.2) and support (4.7 vs 4.2). On deliverability, AWeber reports 97.8% compared to 97% for MailerLite — a meaningful difference if inbox placement is critical for your campaigns.
| Criterion | Weight | AWeber | MailerLite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | 30% | $15/mo | $12/mo Winner |
| Deliverability | 25% | 97.8% Winner | 97% |
| Rating | 25% | 4.2/5 | 4.6/5 Winner |
| Integrations | 10% | 750 Winner | 140 |
| Free Tier | 10% | Yes | Yes |
Weights determine how much each criterion counts toward the final score. See full methodology
Choose AWeber if…
- + You're a solopreneurs
- + You're a creators
- + 600+ email templates (largest library)
Choose MailerLite if…
- + You want lower starting costs ($12/mo)
- + You're a beginners
- + You're a freelancers