ConvertKit vs Mailerlite — Pricing, Plans, and Verified Costs (2026)
ConvertKit starts at $39/mo. Mailerlite starts at $12/mo. Mailerlite is $27/mo cheaper on the entry tier than ConvertKit.
See price history: ConvertKit · Mailerlite
How pricing works
These two tools don't price the same way, so the headline numbers below aren't directly comparable until you plug in your own volume.
- ConvertKit (Per Usage) — ConvertKit bills purely on usage — Subscribers. There is no fixed per-seat fee, so the monthly cost depends entirely on how much you consume.
- Mailerlite (Per Usage) — Mailerlite bills purely on usage — Subscribers. There is no fixed per-seat fee, so the monthly cost depends entirely on how much you consume.
Per-minute, per-credit and per-token rates exclude any downstream model, speech or telephony costs unless the vendor states otherwise.
Email platform built specifically for creators and course sellers, rebranded from ConvertKit to Kit in 2024. Distinctive for tag-based (not list-based) subscriber management, which fits how creators segment audiences. Popular with newsletter operators, course creators, and one-person media businesses. Free plan up to 10K subscribers, paid plans add automation and commerce features. Facing pressure from Beehiiv (creator-native) and Substack (built-in monetization).
European (Lithuanian) email platform positioned as the value alternative to Mailchimp for SMBs. Distinctive for its transparent pricing (public tiers, no per-contact games) and formerly generous free tier. Restructured June 16, 2026: Growing Business renamed 'Comfort', paid tiers up 10-30% on effective per-subscriber basis (headline held, coverage shrank), free plan cut to 250 subs / 2,500 emails effective July 1, 2026. Priced $9-$12/mo Comfort tier (annual/monthly). Owned by Vista Equity Partners since 2021. Popular with creators and small businesses in Europe.
All plans compared
| Tier role | Plan | ConvertKit monthly | ConvertKit annual | Mailerlite monthly | Mailerlite annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free / starter | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Entry paid | Creator / Comfort | $39 | $33 | $12 | $10.8 |
| Pro / power | Creator Pro / Power | $79 | $66 | $25 | $22.5 |
| Enterprise | — / Enterprise | — | — | Custom | Custom |
Tier names differ across vendors. Rows are aligned by tier role, not name. Full tier structures on each tool's page.
What each is best for
ConvertKit is worth it if… ConvertKit (now Kit) is worth it for creators — authors, coaches, course sellers, newsletter operators — who need subscriber-first email marketing with strong tagging, landing pages, and one-click resends. Free covers up to 10K subscribers; Creator adds automations; Creator Pro adds Facebook custom audiences and referral tracking.
Mailerlite is worth it if… creators and SMBs (post-restructure: under 500 subscribers) who want polished email marketing at lower price than Mailchimp — particularly if you value modern templates and drag-and-drop simplicity. Free covers newsletters with under 250 subs (post-July 2026 cut); Comfort adds landing pages, automations, and covers up to 500 subs.
Bottom line: Similar positioning, closer to a preference call than a strategic one.
Choose ConvertKit over Mailerlite if…
Choose ConvertKit if…
- You want to pay only for actual usage (per usage, from $39/mo).
- You match the profile ConvertKit is built for: ConvertKit (now Kit) is worth it for creators — authors, coaches, course sellers, newsletter operators — who need subscriber-first email marketing with strong tagging, landing pages, and one-click resends.
- You need a general-purpose marketing & email option rather than a vertical-specific one.
Choose Mailerlite if…
- You want to pay only for actual usage (per usage, from $12/mo).
- You match the profile Mailerlite is built for: creators and SMBs (post-restructure: under 500 subscribers) who want polished email marketing at lower price than Mailchimp — particularly if you value modern templates and drag-and-drop simplicity.
- You need a general-purpose marketing & email option rather than a vertical-specific one.
At a glance
| ConvertKit | Mailerlite | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Entry price | $39/mo | $12/mo |
| Enterprise available | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Per Usage | Per Usage |
| Last verified | September 14, 2026 | September 13, 2026 |
| Full pricing | View full pricing | View full pricing |
Pricing last verified September 14, 2026. Tracked daily.
Frequently asked questions
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Common questions about ConvertKit and Mailerlite
- How much does ConvertKit cost in 2026?
- Does ConvertKit have a free plan?
- How often does ConvertKit change prices?
- What are the best ConvertKit alternatives in 2026?
- How much does Mailerlite cost in 2026?
- Does Mailerlite have a free plan?
- How often does Mailerlite change prices?
- What are the best Mailerlite alternatives in 2026?