📧 Mailchimp vs ConvertKit: Features and Pricing Guide

Table of Contents

• Key Differences:

• Quick Comparison Table:

• Mailchimp vs ConvertKit | Which One is Better in 2 …

• Mailchimp Overview

  • Mailchimp Key Features

  • Mailchimp Pricing Plans

  • Who Should Use Mailchimp

• ConvertKit Overview

  • ConvertKit Key Features

  • ConvertKit Pricing Plans

  • Who Should Use ConvertKit

• Mailchimp vs ConvertKit Features

  • Automation

  • Audience Segmentation

  • Analytics and Reporting

  • Feature Comparison Table

• Mailchimp vs ConvertKit Pricing

  • Pricing Comparison Table

• Which Platform to Choose

  • Mailchimp vs ConvertKit Decision Guide

• Conclusion

• FAQs

  • What are the key differences between Mailchimp and …

  • Are there any hidden costs with Mailchimp and Conv …

  • Which platform is better for creators who want to …

Struggling to choose between Mailchimp and ConvertKit for email marketing? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

• Mailchimp: Great for small-to-medium businesses needing advanced analytics, multi-channel marketing, and visually appealing email designs. Plans start at $0/month (up to 500 contacts) with premium features scaling up to $350/month.

• ConvertKit: Perfect for creators, bloggers, and small businesses focused on simplicity and building authentic connections. Plans start at $0/month (up to 1,000 subscribers) and scale based on subscriber count, with no charges for unsubscribed contacts.

Key Differences:

• Automation: ConvertKit offers an intuitive visual automation builder, even on its free plan, while Mailchimp’s advanced automation tools are available only on paid plans.

• Design: Mailchimp provides drag-and-drop editors for visually rich emails; ConvertKit focuses on plain-text emails for better engagement.

• Pricing: Mailchimp charges for all contacts (including unsubscribed ones) and has overage fees. ConvertKit avoids these extra costs.

• Audience Management: Mailchimp uses separate lists; ConvertKit uses a single list with tags and segments.

Quick Comparison Table:

Bottom Line:
Choose Mailchimp if you need advanced features and multi-channel marketing. Opt for ConvertKit if you’re a creator or small business looking for simplicity and monetization tools.

Read on for a detailed comparison of features, pricing, and use cases.

Mailchimp vs ConvertKit | Which One is Better in 2025?

Mailchimp Overview

Mailchimp is one of the most well-known names in email marketing, catering to over 11 million active customers and managing a staggering 4 billion contacts collectively[11]. With a 60% share of the email marketing industry and the ability to handle 10,794 emails every second, its dominance in the market is clear[11]. Intuit's $12 billion acquisition of Mailchimp in 2021 further underscores its influence, with small to medium-sized businesses making up 60% of its customer base[6].

Mailchimp has earned its reputation by being easy to use while delivering a wide range of marketing tools. From solo entrepreneurs to established businesses, its versatility makes it a go-to choice for many.

Mailchimp Key Features

What sets Mailchimp apart is its all-in-one marketing platform, blending email marketing with additional tools designed to help businesses grow. Its automation features allow users to create sophisticated email sequences without needing technical skills, while segmentation ensures messages reach the right audience.

The platform also provides detailed analytics, offering insights into campaign performance. Features like AI-driven content suggestions and optimized send times help users refine their strategies[3]. Metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and conversion data are readily available, helping businesses make data-driven decisions.

Mailchimp's integration capabilities are another highlight, connecting with over 200 web apps and services[2]. This makes it easy to sync data across platforms. Additionally, it includes tools for building landing pages and websites, complete with drag-and-drop editors and pre-designed templates, enabling users to launch campaigns quickly - even without design experience[2].

Since December 2024, Mailchimp has implemented over 2,000 updates, including improved audience segmentation and faster load times, demonstrating its commitment to evolving with user needs[7]. The platform offers these features across multiple pricing tiers, catering to businesses of varying sizes.

Mailchimp Pricing Plans

Mailchimp’s pricing is based on the number of contacts and monthly email limits, offering flexibility through four main tiers:

• Free Plan: $0 per month, supports up to 500 contacts, and includes 1,000 monthly email sends with a daily cap of 500 emails[8][9][10].

• Essentials Plan: Starts at $13 per month for up to 500 contacts and allows 5,000 monthly email sends[9][10].

• Standard Plan: Begins at $20 per month for 500 contacts with 6,000 email sends[9][10].

• Premium Plan: Starts at $350 per month, designed for larger businesses managing extensive contact lists[9][10].

For businesses with irregular email schedules, Mailchimp offers a Pay As You Go option[10]. Nonprofits and charities can take advantage of a 15% discount on paid plans[8]. It’s worth noting that Mailchimp charges for all contacts in an account, including unsubscribed and non-subscribed ones, and exceeding monthly email limits results in additional fees[9][10].

Who Should Use Mailchimp

Mailchimp is an ideal choice for small and medium-sized businesses seeking a robust suite of marketing tools that go beyond simple email campaigns.

Startups and newer businesses can benefit from Mailchimp’s free plan, using features like landing pages and targeted social ads to connect with their first customers[2]. E-commerce businesses will appreciate its automation tools and integrations, which simplify tasks like sending abandoned cart emails, product recommendations, and follow-ups.

Marketing agencies and consultants can use the platform's client management tools and detailed reporting to showcase their results effectively. Meanwhile, content creators and bloggers can leverage segmentation and automation to deliver personalized content and promotional emails to their audiences.

Mailchimp serves a wide range of industries, including retail, app developers, and online marketing agencies[11]. With 71% of small businesses prioritizing customer acquisition[7], Mailchimp’s marketing automation tools offer a practical solution. Its AI-driven features help 56% of users make quicker, more informed decisions[7], making it a powerful tool for businesses aiming to enhance their marketing strategies.

ConvertKit Overview

ConvertKit brands itself as the go-to email marketing platform for creators and entrepreneurs aiming to grow their audience without getting bogged down by unnecessary complexity. Established in 2013, the platform has carved out a space by focusing on simplicity and tools tailored to creators. Unlike platforms that cater to multichannel marketing, ConvertKit zeroes in on what creators truly need.

What sets ConvertKit apart is its creator-first philosophy. It’s not just about email marketing - it’s about empowering creators to monetize their content, collaborate with others, and build genuine connections with their audiences. Around 35,000 creators use ConvertKit to earn from their work, with 12% of them crossing the $100,000 mark in earnings[16].

The platform strikes a balance between being easy to use and offering robust automation and segmentation tools. This makes it especially appealing to creators who want advanced marketing capabilities without needing a technical background. Below, we’ll take a closer look at its features and pricing.

ConvertKit Key Features

ConvertKit’s features are designed with creators in mind, focusing on tools that foster authentic audience engagement rather than just mass email blasts.

• Visual automation builder: Create complex email sequences with a simple drag-and-drop interface[12][13]. It’s intuitive yet powerful, eliminating the need for technical expertise to run sophisticated campaigns.

• Audience segmentation: Use filters to send targeted messages to specific groups[13]. This allows creators to fine-tune their communication based on audience preferences.

• Text-based email editor: Unlike flashy drag-and-drop editors, ConvertKit’s text-focused editor encourages creators to prioritize meaningful content over design[13].

• Monetization tools: Sell digital products, set up tip jars, or offer paid newsletters directly through the platform[13]. These features streamline workflows by reducing the need for multiple tools.

• Creator network: Partner with other creators to grow your audience through shared efforts[13]. This collaborative feature reflects ConvertKit’s understanding of how creators thrive through partnerships.

• Third-party integrations: Connect with tools like Shopify and Teachable for seamless business operations[13].

Customer support includes 24/7 email and live chat for paid plans, along with a rich knowledge base, community forums, and educational resources[13]. The emphasis is on ensuring users succeed, not just solving technical issues.

ConvertKit Pricing Plans

ConvertKit keeps its pricing simple, basing costs on subscriber count rather than email volume or feature restrictions. There are three main plans: Free, Creator, and Creator Pro[14].

• Free Plan: Covers up to 1,000 subscribers at no cost, though emails include ConvertKit branding[14]. It’s a great starting point for creators building their audience.

• Creator Plan: Pricing scales with subscriber numbers:

  • 300 subscribers: $9/month (annual) or $15/month (monthly)

  • 1,000 subscribers: $25/month (annual) or $29/month (monthly)

  • 5,000 subscribers: $66/month (annual) or $79/month (monthly)

  • 75,000 subscribers: $416/month (annual) or $499/month (monthly)

  • 400,000 subscribers: $1,916/month (annual) or $2,299/month (monthly)[14]

• Creator Pro Plan: Adds advanced features like enhanced reporting and priority support:

  • 300 subscribers: $25/month (annual) or $29/month (monthly)

  • 1,000 subscribers: $50/month (annual) or $59/month (monthly)

  • 5,000 subscribers: $93/month (annual) or $111/month (monthly)

  • 75,000 subscribers: $553/month (annual) or $663/month (monthly)

  • 400,000 subscribers: $2,166/month (annual) or $2,599/month (monthly)[14]

All paid plans include core features like automation and integrations. The main difference lies in Pro’s advanced analytics, priority support, and customization options. Larger lists can request custom pricing, and there’s a 30-day refund policy[14].

Who Should Use ConvertKit

ConvertKit is best suited for creators, entrepreneurs, and small businesses that focus on building authentic relationships with their audience rather than relying on flashy marketing tactics[15]. It’s ideal for bloggers, YouTubers, podcasters, and freelancers looking to grow their audience and create lasting engagement[15].

Creators benefit from its monetization tools, with courses and sponsorships being top income sources, each contributing 40% of total earnings among users[16]. The ability to sell digital products directly makes it a strong choice for creators who want to monetize their expertise.

Small businesses appreciate its user-friendly automation and integrations, which simplify tasks like lead nurturing and customer onboarding. Entrepreneurs value its focus on relationship-building over mass marketing, with tools that segment audiences based on interests and behaviors.

However, ConvertKit may not suit large e-commerce businesses needing advanced cart abandonment or highly detailed analytics[15]. It’s also less ideal for users who rely on visually elaborate email templates, as the platform prioritizes text-based communication[15].

While its pricing is higher than some competitors, especially for larger subscriber counts, many creators find the investment worthwhile for the platform’s simplicity and creator-focused features.

Mailchimp vs ConvertKit Features

Now that we've explored the basics of each platform, let's dive into how Mailchimp and ConvertKit differ in their core features. These differences become clear when you look at automation, audience segmentation, and analytics.

Automation

ConvertKit shines with its visual automation builder, which is both flexible and user-friendly. It allows users to create detailed email sequences using an intuitive "if this, then that" logic. Plus, its "Rules" feature adds another layer of customization for automating workflows[18].

Mailchimp, on the other hand, offers Customer Journeys templates designed for tasks like welcoming, nurturing, or re-engaging contacts. However, these templates are somewhat limited and completely absent from Mailchimp's free plan. ConvertKit, by comparison, includes one visual automation even in its free tier[18][19].

Audience Segmentation

Mailchimp provides a robust segmentation tool, allowing up to five combined conditions. This means you can target contacts based on tags, demographics, email engagement, or even e-commerce behavior. It also incorporates AI-powered tools to refine audience targeting and connect advertising campaigns with automated workflows[7][20].

ConvertKit takes a simpler approach, relying on a tagging system for segmentation. Users can target contacts based on various behaviors and criteria, but the platform requires a separate account for each additional email list, unlike Mailchimp, which supports multiple lists within one account[21][22].

Analytics and Reporting

Mailchimp excels in analytics, offering detailed, filterable reports across campaigns, channels, and e-commerce metrics. It analyzes data from over 481 million email campaigns across 41 industries to provide personalized recommendations. Users can access real-time campaign stats, A/B testing, and industry benchmarks. Mailchimp also integrates with Google Analytics and includes AI-driven content optimization suggestions[23][24].

ConvertKit, in contrast, offers more basic reporting features. While it provides insights into email performance and audience engagement, it lacks the depth and breadth of Mailchimp's analytics suite.

Feature Comparison Table

When deciding between Mailchimp and ConvertKit, it often comes down to your specific needs and comfort with technology. ConvertKit's automation tools are simpler to use and ideal for beginners who want powerful functionality without unnecessary complexity[18]. Mailchimp, however, is better suited for businesses needing advanced analytics, multi-channel marketing, and detailed performance tracking.

Up next, we'll break down the pricing to help you make an even more informed choice.

Mailchimp vs ConvertKit Pricing

When choosing between Mailchimp and ConvertKit, understanding their pricing structures is key. Both platforms base their costs on subscriber count, but they differ in what’s included and the potential for extra fees.

ConvertKit's pricing is refreshingly simple. Every plan includes all features, with costs increasing only as your subscriber count grows [25]. The Creator plan starts at $15/month, while the Creator Pro plan begins at $29/month [18].

Mailchimp's pricing is more layered. The Essentials plan starts at $13/month for 500 contacts, while the Standard plan begins at $20/month for the same subscriber limit [8][9]. As your subscriber list grows, so does the price [25].

Hidden costs are another point of comparison. Mailchimp charges for all contacts, including unsubscribed or inactive ones, and applies overage fees if you exceed your limits [9][18]. There’s also an additional $137.81 per year for businesses using custom domains [9]. ConvertKit, on the other hand, doesn’t charge for unsubscribed contacts and avoids these extra fees [18].

For startups and small businesses, the pricing comparison often favors ConvertKit. While Mailchimp might appear cheaper upfront, ConvertKit frequently offers better value. For example, at 5,000 subscribers, Mailchimp's Standard plan costs about the same as ConvertKit's Creator plan, but ConvertKit includes more robust features [25]. Most small businesses using ConvertKit find themselves in the $49/month range [25], which typically covers more functionality than equivalent Mailchimp plans. The table below highlights these differences.

Pricing Comparison Table

Which Platform to Choose

The best platform for you depends on your business type, marketing experience, and future growth plans. Here's a breakdown to help you decide which option aligns with your needs.

ConvertKit is a great fit for creators and small eCommerce businesses that value simplicity and flexible automation. If you sell digital products, run a blog, or offer online courses, ConvertKit’s tag-based system makes managing subscribers easy. Its streamlined approach focuses on essential email marketing features, helping you avoid unnecessary complexity and stay focused on your goals [1].

Mailchimp, on the other hand, caters to small to medium-sized businesses such as retail shops, restaurants, or service providers. It’s packed with tools, offers visually appealing templates, and provides detailed analytics, making it a solid choice for businesses that need a more robust solution [1].

For beginners, ConvertKit’s clean and simple dashboard is ideal for achieving quick results without feeling overwhelmed. More experienced marketers might lean toward Mailchimp, thanks to its advanced testing features. While ConvertKit limits A/B testing to subject lines, Mailchimp’s paid plans allow you to test subject lines, sender names, email content, images, and even send times. These additional testing options can help optimize performance across various campaign elements [1][27].

Mailchimp vs ConvertKit Decision Guide

When choosing between these platforms, think about your business's scale and integration requirements. If you’re planning larger campaigns or need to connect multiple tools, Mailchimp’s extensive integration library, offering connections with over 300 applications, might be the better choice, even if it comes with higher upfront costs [1].

For automation, ConvertKit’s tag-driven system provides more flexibility for creating complex subscriber journeys. Mailchimp, however, offers a more structured, template-based process that some users may find easier to navigate [26].

Deliverability rates are nearly identical, with ConvertKit achieving 88% and Mailchimp at 87% [26]. This minor difference is unlikely to impact your campaigns significantly, so it shouldn’t weigh heavily in your decision.

The best way to make your choice is to test both platforms using your actual email list and campaigns. Trying out the free plans offered by ConvertKit and Mailchimp will help you explore their features and decide which one works better for your workflow and business goals. For details on costs, refer to the Pricing Comparison Table.

Conclusion

Mailchimp and ConvertKit serve different purposes based on business needs. Mailchimp stands out with its design flexibility, wide range of integrations, and detailed analytics. On the other hand, ConvertKit focuses on simplicity and automation, making it a go-to choice for creators.

When it comes to cost and deliverability, the platforms take different approaches. Mailchimp's pricing can increase as your business grows due to its tiered structure, while ConvertKit offers a simpler, all-inclusive pricing model. Deliverability rates are similar for both, so they likely won't be a deciding factor.

FAQs

What are the key differences between Mailchimp and ConvertKit's email automation, and which is better for beginners?

Mailchimp and ConvertKit approach email automation in distinct ways, catering to different types of users. ConvertKit stands out with its visual automation builder, which lets you design workflows using multiple triggers and conditions. This feature is ideal for creators and small businesses that want more control and customization in their email campaigns. In contrast, Mailchimp offers a variety of pre-made automation options, like retargeting and product recommendations, making it a solid pick for those who prioritize simplicity and speed.

If you're just starting out, Mailchimp’s user-friendly interface and pre-designed templates can make the process less intimidating. On the other hand, ConvertKit’s visual tools might be more appealing if you're open to spending some time mastering a system that offers greater flexibility. Ultimately, the right choice depends on what you need and how much complexity you’re ready to handle. :::

::: faq

Are there any hidden costs with Mailchimp and ConvertKit, and how could they affect your budget?

Both Mailchimp and ConvertKit come with extra costs that might catch you off guard, especially as your email list expands.

With Mailchimp, you could face additional charges if you exceed the contact or email limits on their free or lower-tier plans. For instance, their premium plans can run you $75/month or more for 5,000 contacts, depending on the features you select.

ConvertKit, on the other hand, starts at $79/month for 1,000 subscribers, and there may be extra fees for advanced tools like subscriber scoring or adding unlimited team members. For businesses with large or fast-growing audiences, these expenses can pile up quickly. It's crucial to assess your current needs and future growth to avoid unexpected costs. :::

Which platform is better for creators who want to monetize their content: Mailchimp or ConvertKit?

If you're a content creator looking to make money from your work, ConvertKit might be your go-to platform. It’s packed with tools designed specifically for creators, including paid newsletters, customizable landing pages, and automation features. These are all aimed at helping you grow your audience and turn your content into a source of income.

On the other hand, Mailchimp is an all-in-one marketing platform with a wide variety of features. It’s better suited for businesses that need flexible marketing tools rather than a platform tailored for creators. If your main focus is building a loyal following and earning directly from your content, ConvertKit’s creator-focused tools give it a clear edge.

Stay savage. Stay strategic.