Updated 24/7/26
If you’ve been running your business for a few years and keep hearing that you "should really have an email list", you’re not alone.
One of the first questions that usually comes up is: which platform should I choose? With so many options out there, it can quickly feel overwhelming.
In this blog, I’m focusing on two of the most popular platforms - Mailerlite and Mailchimp - and breaking them down in plain English so you can decide which feels right for you.
Why Do I Need an Email List?
However, before we look at the platforms, it’s worth touching on why having an email list matters. Unlike social media, where only a small percentage of your followers will actually see your posts, emails land directly in your subscribers’ inboxes - giving you far better visibility.
Email open rates are typically much higher than the reach of a social post. Best of all, your email list belongs to you. It’s your own intellectual property, not tied to a platform you don’t control, and you can take it with you if you ever decide to switch providers - yay!
If you’d like to dive deeper into the benefits of building an email list (and what to actually send your subscribers), I’ve written a blog all about it here: Email Newsletters – Why, How and What To Include but for now, let’s look at the two platforms most small business owners often compare: Mailerlite and Mailchimp.
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The Cost of Mailerlite v Mailchimp
When you’re starting an email list, cost is usually the first thing on your mind - especially if you’re not sure how quickly you’ll grow it. Both Mailerlite and Mailchimp offer free plans, but what’s included (and what’s not) can make a big difference.
💡 All details below are accurate as of 24th July 2026. Pricing and feature availability can change, so it’s always worth double-checking on the provider’s website before making a final decision.
Mailerlite
- Free plan for up to 250 subscribers
- Allows 2500 emails per month
- Includes basic automations (so you can send a welcome email and deliver a freebie)
- Paid plans start at around $12/month, with more templates, branding removal, and advanced features unlocked as you upgrade
Mailchimp
- Free plan for up to 250 contacts
- Limited to 500 email sends per month (with a daily cap of 250)
- Free plan does not include advanced automations, so you may need to upgrade sooner if you plan on using a lead magnet
- Paid plans start at around $13/month (Essentials tier), but costs rise quickly as your list grows
Pros and Cons at a Glance
- Mailerlite Pros: Beginner-friendly automations included, slightly lower starting cost
- Mailerlite Cons: Fewer design templates on the free plan
- Mailchimp Pros: Well-known brand, integrates with almost everything, lots of features on higher tiers
- Mailchimp Cons: Smaller free allowance, automations not included on free plan, costs add up quickly
Features: Mailerlite v Mailchimp
Once cost is out of the way, the next question is usually: what can each platform actually do for me? Both Mailerlite and Mailchimp cover the basics - sending emails, building sign-up forms, and managing your list - but the way they do it (and what’s included on the free plans) can make a big difference.
Mailerlite
- Clean, drag-and-drop editor for building emails, landing pages, forms, and even a simple website
- Automations are included on the free plan (so you can send a welcome email or deliver a freebie right away)
- Subscriber organisation uses Groups, which makes it easy to segment your audience without over-complication
- Extras like pop-ups, surveys, and countdown timers are available even on the Free plan, with more advanced features unlocked as you move into paid tiers
Mailchimp
- Drag-and-drop editor for emails and landing pages, with more template variety once you’re on paid plans
- Automation is more advanced overall, however automation isn't available on the free plan - for automation, you’ll need at least the Essentials or Standard plans
- Subscriber organisation is built around Segments and Tags rather than Groups - powerful, but can be confusing if you’re new
- Paid tiers (Essentials, Standard, Premium) unlock additional features such as A/B testing, more detailed reporting, predictive insights, and advanced automation
Pros and Cons at a Glance
- Mailerlite Pros: Automations included on Free plan, Groups make list organisation simple, extras like pop-ups and surveys available right away
- Mailerlite Cons: Some of the more polished templates and advanced automation options require upgrading
- Mailchimp Pros: Very flexible on paid plans, wide range of templates, strong reporting and segmentation options
- Mailchimp Cons: Free plan is restrictive (especially for automation), terminology can feel complicated if you’re just starting out
Ease of Use: Mailerlite v Mailchimp
For many small business owners, how easy a platform feels to use day-to-day can matter just as much as cost or features. If a system feels overwhelming, you’re less likely to actually send emails - and that defeats the whole purpose!
Mailerlite
- Known for its clean, uncluttered dashboard that feels intuitive, even if you’re not tech-confident
- Drag-and-drop tools make it straightforward to build emails, landing pages, and forms without fuss
- Terminology is simple - for example, subscribers are organised into Groups, which most people find easy to understand
- The learning curve is gentle, so you can get set up and start sending quickly
Mailchimp
- Offers lots of functionality, but the dashboard can feel busy and overwhelming when you’re new
- Terminology (Audiences, Tags, Segments) can be confusing until you’ve spent time with it
- Automation setup is more complex - powerful once you get the hang of it, but not beginner-friendly
- Some users describe Mailchimp as a bit “clunky” to navigate compared with Mailerlite’s cleaner design
Pros and Cons at a Glance
- Mailerlite Pros: Simple interface, beginner-friendly, easy terminology, gentle learning curve
- Mailerlite Cons: May feel “too simple” if you’re someone who wants very advanced customisation right away
- Mailchimp Pros: Once mastered, extremely flexible and capable of handling complex campaigns
- Mailchimp Cons: Steeper learning curve, dashboard can feel cluttered, terminology less intuitive for beginners
Integrations: Mailerlite v Mailchimp
It’s one thing to choose an email platform, but another to make sure it connects smoothly with the tools you already use - like your website, booking system, or online shop. This is where integrations matter.
Mailerlite
- Works well with most popular website builders (WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, Shopify, etc.)
- Connects to booking and scheduling systems such as Acuity and Calendly
- Integrates with Zapier/Pabbly, opening up hundreds of extra connections if your tool isn’t listed directly
- For most small businesses, the main systems you’ll want to connect (website forms, booking links, payment gateways) are covered without fuss
Mailchimp
- Has been around longer, so it integrates with almost everything out there
- Particularly strong links with e-commerce platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, etc.)
- Also works with a wide range of CRMs, social media advertising tools, and analytics platforms
- If you’re running a more complex or multi-channel marketing setup, Mailchimp’s integrations may give you more flexibility
Pros and Cons at a Glance
- Mailerlite Pros: Covers the main integrations most small businesses need, and Zapier/Pabbly adds extra connections
- Mailerlite Cons: Doesn’t always have the same depth of direct integrations as Mailchimp
- Mailchimp Pros: Extensive integration library, especially strong for e-commerce and complex setups
- Mailchimp Cons: You may end up paying for advanced features you don’t need if your setup is simple
Support: Mailerlite v Mailchimp
When you’re not confident with tech, having good support can make a huge difference. Both Mailerlite and Mailchimp offer resources to help, but the experience of getting answers feels a little different.
Mailerlite
- Free plan users can access a knowledge base, tutorials, and email support (with a slightly longer response time)
- Paid plans unlock 24/7 live chat support, which many users say is friendly and responsive
- Tutorials are clear and step-by-step, making it easier to follow along if you’re not naturally techy
Mailchimp
- Free plan users are limited to the help centre and community forums - direct support isn’t included
- Paid plans include email and chat support, with Premium offering phone support
- Knowledge base is extensive, but can feel overwhelming if you’re just trying to solve one simple problem
Pros and Cons at a Glance
- Mailerlite Pros: Accessible tutorials, good live chat once you’re on a paid plan, beginner-friendly resources
- Mailerlite Cons: Free users may wait longer for email replies
- Mailchimp Pros: Huge knowledge base, more support options on higher tiers (including phone support at Premium level)
- Mailchimp Cons: Free users get email support, for the first 30 days. Help content can feel heavy and jargon-filled
Mailerlite v Mailchimp: Which Should You Choose?
As you can see, both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses. The truth is, there isn’t a single “best” option - it really depends on what matters most to you and your business.
- If you want something simple to pick up and use straight away, Mailerlite is often the easier choice. Automations are included from the Free plan, so you can set up a welcome sequence or deliver a lead magnet without needing to upgrade first, and the interface stays easy to navigate as you grow.
- If you're thinking long-term and need lots of integrations or more advanced features, Mailchimp may give you the flexibility you'll need as your marketing grows, though you'll likely be paying more, sooner, and automation isn't available until you're on a paid plan.
A tip for deciding
Before you make your choice, think about the systems you already use (such as your booking software, website, or CRM). Check which platform will connect most smoothly with those tools. This will save you headaches later and ensure your marketing feels seamless rather than like another chore.
A quick note from me
I use Mailerlite for my own business and know the platform inside out. I’ve also worked with Mailchimp in the past, but personally found it more complicated. That said, lots of businesses do use Mailchimp successfully - so whichever route you choose, I can help you weigh up the options in a way that feels right for you.
Your email list belongs to you
Remember, if you ever feel unhappy with your existing platform, your subscribers can be exported and moved to another provider. The only thing you’ll need to do manually is download any past emails or workflows and recreate them in your new system. That way, you always stay in control.
At the end of the day, the best platform is the one you’ll actually feel comfortable using. Because sending consistent, helpful emails to your audience matters far more than choosing the “perfect” tool.
Feeling Stuck?
If you’d like a friendly chat about which platform would suit your business best, I’d love to help. You can book a free Get To Know You Call with me, and together we’ll look at your current systems and goals so you can make a confident, stress-free decision.
