Kit (ConvertKit) vs MailerLite
Kit (ConvertKit) and MailerLite are both popular choices in the email marketing platform space. MailerLite is the more affordable option at $12/mo, which is $27 less than Kit (ConvertKit)'s $39/mo entry point. Both offer free plans to get started. MailerLite has the edge with a drag-and-drop editor. Both tools work well for bloggers.
Quick Verdict
Kit (ConvertKit) wins on deliverability.
MailerLite wins on price, integrations.
Best for most users: MailerLite (small businesses).
Kit (ConvertKit)
Email marketing built for creators
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is purpose-built for online creators including bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers, and course creators. It emphasizes simplicity and deliverability over complex design features, making it ideal for text-based newsletters and automated sequences.
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 | Kit (ConvertKit) | MailerLite |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Starting Price | $39/mo | $12/mo |
| Free Plan | 10,000 subscribers | 250 subscribers, 2,500 emails/month |
| Founded | 2013 | 2010 |
| Email Templates | 50 | 90 |
| Integrations | 90 | 140 |
| Deliverability Rate | 98.2% | 97% |
| Marketing Automation | Yes | Yes |
| A/B Testing | Yes | Yes |
| Landing Pages | Yes | Yes |
| Segmentation | Yes | Yes |
| Drag & Drop Editor | No | Yes |
| SMS Marketing | No | No |
| Ecommerce Features | Yes | Yes |
| API Access | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Language | No | No |
| Web Push Notifications | No | No |
| Live Chat | No | Yes |
| Advanced Analytics | Yes | Yes |
Kit (ConvertKit): Pros & Cons
Pros
- + Excellent creator ecosystem with built-in monetization
- + Intuitive visual automation builder
- + Generous free plan up to 10,000 subscribers
- + Strong deliverability rates
- + Creator-focused features like tip jars and paid newsletters
Cons
- − Limited email template design options
- − Gets expensive at higher subscriber counts
- − No native SMS; texting needs the third-party SlickText app
- − Basic reporting compared to competitors
- − No drag-and-drop email editor
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
Kit (ConvertKit) and MailerLite are closely matched — both score within 0.0 points of each other in our overall rating. Your decision should come down to specific needs rather than overall quality. On deliverability, Kit (ConvertKit) reports 98.2% compared to 97% for MailerLite — a meaningful difference if inbox placement is critical for your campaigns.
| Criterion | Weight | Kit (ConvertKit) | MailerLite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | 30% | $39/mo | $12/mo Winner |
| Deliverability | 25% | 98.2% Winner | 97% |
| Rating | 25% | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Integrations | 10% | 90 | 140 Winner |
| Free Tier | 10% | Yes | Yes |
Weights determine how much each criterion counts toward the final score. See full methodology
Choose Kit (ConvertKit) if…
- + You're a creators
- + You're a solopreneurs
- + Excellent creator ecosystem with built-in monetization
Choose MailerLite if…
- + You want lower starting costs ($12/mo)
- + You're a small businesses
- + You're a beginners