Mailchimp vs ConvertKit
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: ConvertKit (4.4/5)
We tested Mailchimp and ConvertKit side-by-side. ConvertKit comes out ahead overall, but Mailchimp may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | Mailchimp | ConvertKit |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Ease of Use | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Value for Money | 7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Customer Support | 7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Overall | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Mailchimp | ConvertKit |
|---|---|---|
| Email Builder | Yes | No |
| Automation | Yes | No |
| Landing Pages | Yes | Yes |
| Analytics | Yes | No |
| CRM | Yes | No |
| Social Posting | Yes | No |
| Email Sequences | No | Yes |
| Visual Automations | No | Yes |
| Commerce | No | Yes |
| Subscriber Tagging | No | Yes |
| Newsletter | No | Yes |
| Forms | No | Yes |
| Broadcasts | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
Mailchimp: Free – $350/mo
ConvertKit: Free – $59+/mo
Mailchimp Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best email template builder in the industry
- Creative Assistant generates brand-matched designs
- Generous (if reduced) free plan
- Built-in landing pages and social ads
- Excellent reporting with industry benchmarks
Cons
- Free plan reduced to 500 contacts
- Pricing scales quickly with list size
- Automations less powerful than Klaviyo/ActiveCampaign
- Phone support only on $350+ plan
- Increasing upsells since Intuit acquisition
ConvertKit Pros & Cons
Pros
- Built specifically for content creators with a creator-centric interface and features
- Simple yet powerful visual automations for complex subscriber journeys
- Industry-leading email deliverability ensures messages reach the inbox consistently
- Free plan available for up to 1,000 subscribers, ideal for starting out
- Integrated Commerce features for selling digital products directly
- Tag-based subscriber management prevents duplicate contacts and simplifies segmentation
Cons
- Limited email design options and template customization compared to competitors
- Basic reporting and analytics, lacking advanced insights for granular optimization
- Can become expensive for larger subscriber lists, especially for those not monetizing heavily
- No A/B testing for email content (only subject lines)
Key Specifications
| Spec | Mailchimp | ConvertKit |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Pricing | Free – $350/mo | Free – $59+/mo |
| Year Founded | 2001 | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, GA | Boise, ID |
| Employees | 1,200+ | 80+ |
| Best For | Small businesses | Creators & bloggers |
| Free Plan | Yes (500 contacts) | Yes (1,000 subscribers) |
Our Verdict
ConvertKit wins overall. Choose Mailchimp if you value Small businesses just starting email marketing. Choose ConvertKit if you prioritize Bloggers building an email list and nurturing their readership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mailchimp better than ConvertKit?
Based on our testing, ConvertKit scores higher with a rating of 4.4/5 compared to Mailchimp's 4.3/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the main difference between Mailchimp and ConvertKit?
Mailchimp is known for: The most recognized email marketing platform with templates, automations, landing pages, and a basic CRM for small businesses.. ConvertKit is known for: Email marketing platform designed for creators, bloggers, and online businesses..
Which is cheaper, Mailchimp or ConvertKit?
Mailchimp pricing: Free – $350/mo. ConvertKit pricing: Free – $59+/mo.
Can I use Mailchimp and ConvertKit together?
While both tools serve similar purposes in the Email Marketing category, some users do use complementary features from both platforms.
What are the pros of Mailchimp?
Best email template builder in the industry. Creative Assistant generates brand-matched designs. Generous (if reduced) free plan
What are the pros of ConvertKit?
Built specifically for content creators with a creator-centric interface and features. Simple yet powerful visual automations for complex subscriber journeys. Industry-leading email deliverability ensures messages reach the inbox consistently
Which email marketing should I choose?
Choose Mailchimp if you value Small businesses just starting email marketing. Choose ConvertKit if you prioritize Bloggers building an email list and nurturing their readership.