Mailchimp vs ConvertKit: Which Is Better in 2026?

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Quick Answer: Choose Mailchimp if small businesses wanting email + basic marketing automation. Choose ConvertKit if creators and bloggers building an email audience.

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At a Glance

Mailchimp ConvertKit
Best For Small businesses wanting email + basic marketing automation Creators and bloggers building an email audience
Starting Price $13/mo $25/mo
Free Plan Yes (500 contacts) Yes (up to 1,000 subscribers)
Our Rating 7.5/10 8.2/10
Key Strength Most recognized email platform with broad integrations Creator-focused with excellent automation and landing pages
Try It Try Mailchimp Try ConvertKit

Mailchimp Overview

Mailchimp is a email marketing tool designed for small businesses wanting email + basic marketing automation. Its key differentiator is most recognized email platform with broad integrations.

Top Features:

  • Email campaigns
  • Automations
  • Landing pages
  • Basic CRM
  • A/B testing

Read our full Mailchimp review


ConvertKit Overview

ConvertKit is a email marketing tool designed for creators and bloggers building an email audience. Its key differentiator is creator-focused with excellent automation and landing pages.

Top Features:

  • Visual automations
  • Landing pages
  • Commerce features
  • Subscriber tagging
  • Newsletter templates

Read our full ConvertKit review


Feature Comparison

Feature Mailchimp ConvertKit
Email campaigns Yes
Automations Yes
Landing pages Yes Yes
Basic CRM Yes
A/B testing Yes
Visual automations Yes
Commerce features Yes
Subscriber tagging Yes

Pricing Comparison

Mailchimp ConvertKit
Free Plan Yes (500 contacts) Yes (up to 1,000 subscribers)
Starting Price $13/mo $25/mo

When to Choose Mailchimp

  • You need most recognized email platform with broad integrations
  • You are small businesses wanting email + basic marketing automation
  • You want a tool starting at $13/mo

Try Mailchimp

When to Choose ConvertKit

  • You need creator-focused with excellent automation and landing pages
  • You are creators and bloggers building an email audience
  • You want a tool starting at $25/mo

Try ConvertKit


FAQ

Is Mailchimp better than ConvertKit?

It depends on your needs. Mailchimp is better for small businesses wanting email + basic marketing automation, while ConvertKit excels at serving creators and bloggers building an email audience. Mailchimp rates 7.5/10 vs ConvertKit’s 8.2/10 in our testing.

Which is cheaper, Mailchimp or ConvertKit?

Mailchimp starts at $13/mo and ConvertKit starts at $25/mo. Mailchimp offers yes (500 contacts) while ConvertKit offers yes (up to 1,000 subscribers).


Our Verdict

Both Mailchimp and ConvertKit are excellent email marketing tools, but they serve different needs. Choose Mailchimp if you prioritize most recognized email platform with broad integrations. Choose ConvertKit if you need creator-focused with excellent automation and landing pages.

Try Mailchimp | Try ConvertKit


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