Constant Contact vs MailerLite
Constant Contact is a all-in-one marketing platform while MailerLite is a email marketing platform. Constant Contact has been around since 1995, giving it a 15-year head start over MailerLite (founded 2010). MailerLite is the more affordable option at $10/mo — that's $2 less than Constant Contact's $12/mo entry point. MailerLite offers a free plan (500 subscribers), while Constant Contact does not. Constant Contact has the edge with SMS marketing. Both tools work well for small businesses.
Quick Verdict
Constant Contact wins on integrations.
MailerLite wins on price, rating, free tier.
Best for most users: MailerLite (small businesses).
Constant Contact
Small business marketing made easy
Constant Contact is one of the most established email marketing platforms, particularly strong for small businesses and nonprofits. Its event marketing capabilities and social media integration set it apart, though its automation features lag behind newer competitors.
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 | Constant Contact | MailerLite |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Starting Price | $12/mo | $10/mo |
| Free Plan | No free plan | 500 subscribers |
| Founded | 1995 | 2010 |
| Email Templates | 300 | 90 |
| Integrations | 300 | 140 |
| Deliverability Rate | 97% | 97% |
| Marketing Automation | ✓ | ✓ |
| A/B Testing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Landing Pages | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segmentation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Drag & Drop Editor | ✓ | ✓ |
| SMS Marketing | ✓ | ✕ |
| Ecommerce Features | ✓ | ✓ |
| API Access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-Language | ✕ | ✕ |
| Web Push Notifications | ✕ | ✕ |
| Live Chat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Advanced Analytics | ✓ | ✓ |
Constant Contact: Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Longest 60-day free trial in the industry
- +Excellent event marketing features
- +300+ templates and integrations
- +Strong brand recognition and trust
- +Social media posting included
Cons
- −No free plan
- −Automation is basic on lower tiers
- −Gets expensive with larger lists
- −Interface feels outdated in places
- −Limited advanced features
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 1,000 subscribers
- −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 Constant Contact's 4.1/5. The gap comes mainly from value for money (4.8 vs 4) and deliverability (4.4 vs 3.9).
| Criterion | Weight | Constant Contact | MailerLite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | 30% | $12/mo | $10/mo |
| Deliverability | 25% | 97% | 97% |
| Rating | 25% | 4.1/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Integrations | 10% | 300 | 140 |
| Free Tier | 10% | No | Yes |
Weights determine how much each criterion counts toward the final score. See full methodology
Choose Constant Contact if…
- + You need SMS marketing
- + You're a nonprofits
- + You're a event marketing
Choose MailerLite if…
- + You want lower starting costs ($10/mo)
- + You need a free plan to get started
- + You're a beginners
- + You're a bloggers