MailerLite vs ConvertKit: Budget-Friendly vs Creator Premium
Comparing MailerLite and ConvertKit for drip campaigns. Budget-conscious simplicity vs creator-focused premium - which drip platform offers better value for you?
Overview
MailerLite and ConvertKit both serve creators and small businesses with accessible drip email capabilities. MailerLite positions itself as the budget-friendly option with surprisingly good features. ConvertKit is the creator-focused premium choice with features like paid newsletters.
| Feature | MailerLite | ConvertKit |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Small businesses | Creators |
| Starting Price | $10/mo | $29/mo |
| Free Tier | 1,000 subs, 12k emails | 1,000 subs (limited) |
| Paid Newsletter | No | Built-in |
| Automation | Good | Creator-optimized |
| Landing Pages | Included | Included |
| Website Builder | Yes | No |
Key Differences
Pricing and Value
MailerLite starts at just $10/mo with a generous free tier (1,000 subscribers, 12,000 emails). For budget-conscious users, the value is exceptional.
ConvertKit starts at $29/mo, nearly 3x MailerLite's price. The premium is justified for serious creators who need advanced features like paid newsletters.
Creator Features
ConvertKit includes paid newsletter functionality, creator network for sponsorships, and workflows designed specifically for course launches and content delivery.
MailerLite offers general email marketing automation. It works for creators but wasn't designed specifically for them.
Who Should Choose What
Choose MailerLite if:
- Budget is your primary consideration
- You want solid drip automation at low cost
- You don't need paid newsletter functionality
- You want a website builder included
- You're a small business, not specifically a creator
Choose ConvertKit if:
- You're a serious creator (blogger, podcaster, course seller)
- Paid newsletter is in your plans
- Creator-specific workflows matter
- You value the creator community and network
- Budget allows for premium pricing
For SaaS: Consider Sequenzy
Neither MailerLite nor ConvertKit is designed for SaaS drip campaigns. Sequenzy offers native billing integration and AI drip generation for subscription businesses at $19/mo.
The Bottom Line
MailerLite is the budget champion with surprisingly capable drip automation. ConvertKit is worth the premium for creators who will use its specific features like paid newsletters.