MailerLite vs Mailchimp Pricing: Which is Cheaper in 2025?
When choosing an email marketing platform in 2025, pricing is often the deciding factor. Two of the most popular tools, MailerLite and Mailchimp, both market themselves as affordable and beginner-friendly—but are they really?
The truth is, while both platforms offer free plans and tiered pricing, the long-term costs can differ significantly depending on your list size, features needed, and growth stage. This makes the MailerLite vs Mailchimp pricing comparison a critical step before committing.
In this article, we’ll break down pricing tiers, subscriber limits, and feature value so you can clearly see which platform is cheaper in 2025—and which one gives the best return for your investment.
MailerLite vs Mailchimp Overview
In 2025, the debate between MailerLite vs Mailchimp continues to be one of the hottest topics in email marketing. Both platforms are well-established players in the digital marketing space, but they take very different approaches when it comes to pricing, features, and scalability. Choosing the right one can significantly impact how efficiently your business grows and how much you spend as your subscriber list expands.
Mailchimp is one of the oldest and most recognizable names in email marketing. Launched in 2001, it grew from a simple email-sending service into a full marketing hub offering automation, templates, analytics, and integrations. By 2025, Mailchimp has over 14 million users worldwide, ranging from small startups to established enterprises. Its strength lies in its wide ecosystem and brand recognition, but many businesses find that as they scale, Mailchimp’s pricing can become restrictive.
MailerLite, on the other hand, is the younger challenger brand that has made its mark by focusing on simplicity, affordability, and value. Founded in 2010, MailerLite has rapidly gained popularity with more than 1.5 million active users in 2025, particularly among small businesses, eCommerce startups, creators, and nonprofits. Its appeal comes from offering essential email marketing tools—automation, segmentation, landing pages, and reporting—at a fraction of the cost of larger competitors.
When comparing the two platforms today, the differences are clear:
- Mailchimp caters to a broad user base with advanced integrations and features, but at the cost of higher pricing and add-ons.
- MailerLite appeals to budget-conscious businesses and startups looking for simplicity and transparency, without hidden charges as subscriber counts grow.
In short, Mailchimp is ideal for larger businesses that need deep integrations and don’t mind paying more, while MailerLite is the smarter choice for small to mid-sized organizations focused on long-term cost efficiency.
Target Users and Industries in 2025
Both MailerLite and Mailchimp continue to serve millions of users worldwide in 2025, but the type of businesses that gravitate toward each platform differs significantly. Understanding their target audiences helps clarify which solution is better aligned with your industry and growth stage.
MailerLite has become the go-to choice for:
- Startups and solopreneurs: New businesses with limited budgets find MailerLite appealing because of its affordable pricing and straightforward setup.
- Content creators and bloggers: Writers, podcasters, and educators use MailerLite to manage newsletters, segment audiences, and build community engagement without technical complexity.
- Nonprofits and small organizations: With cost-effective plans and simple automation, nonprofits often choose MailerLite to stretch their budgets further.
- Ecommerce startups: Small Shopify or WooCommerce stores prefer MailerLite for its basic automation and affordable scalability when launching marketing campaigns.
Mailchimp attracts a different set of users, including:
- Established small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs): Brands with larger budgets that want access to a recognized name and advanced integrations often choose Mailchimp.
- Agencies and consultants: Marketing professionals who manage multiple client accounts value Mailchimp’s ecosystem and reporting tools.
- Enterprise-level brands: Although Mailchimp has historically been small-business focused, by 2025 it has expanded to serve larger organizations that need advanced CRM-like features.
- Ecommerce brands scaling globally: Mailchimp’s integration depth and marketplace tools appeal to businesses that want everything under one roof, even if it comes at a higher price.
Summary:
- MailerLite is built for small businesses, creators, and budget-conscious brands that need reliable marketing without extra costs.
- Mailchimp is better suited for businesses that prioritize brand recognition, advanced integrations, and a wider ecosystem—even if it means paying more.
“MailerLite and Mailchimp both promise affordable email marketing—but only one truly gives you more value for every dollar spent.”
Free Plan Comparison
For many businesses just starting out, the free plan can be the deciding factor when choosing between MailerLite vs Mailchimp. Both platforms offer a no-cost entry point in 2025, but the limitations and value provided are very different.
MailerLite Free Plan Limits
MailerLite’s free plan remains one of the most generous in the market for beginners.
- Subscribers allowed: Up to 1,000 subscribers
- Monthly email sends: 12,000 emails per month
- Automation: Included, with access to workflows such as welcome emails, abandoned carts, and basic customer journeys
- Templates & design: Drag-and-drop editor with free templates available
- Extras: Landing pages, signup forms, and popups included
MailerLite’s free plan is popular among small businesses and creators because it allows users to explore automation and design features without immediately upgrading to a paid plan. For many early-stage startups, it’s enough to run full campaigns before scaling.
Mailchimp Free Plan Limits
Mailchimp’s free plan in 2025 is much more restrictive compared to MailerLite.
- Subscribers allowed: Up to 500 contacts
- Monthly email sends: 1,000 emails per month
- Automation: Very limited—single-step automations only (no full workflows)
- Templates & design: Basic email builder with fewer customization options
- Extras: Basic signup forms included, but many advanced features require upgrading
While Mailchimp’s free plan is useful for testing the platform, it’s often considered too restrictive for serious campaigns. The low subscriber and send limits mean most businesses outgrow the free plan quickly, forcing an upgrade.
Which Free Plan Offers More Value
When comparing free tiers, the clear winner is MailerLite. Its plan offers double the subscriber allowance, 12x the monthly sends, and full access to automation workflows, making it far more suitable for businesses that want to grow without being forced into a paid tier too quickly.
Paid Plans Breakdown 2025
When businesses outgrow the free tiers, the real difference between MailerLite vs Mailchimp becomes clear. In 2025, both platforms offer multiple paid plans, but their pricing structures and inclusions create very different value propositions.
MailerLite Pricing Tiers Explained
MailerLite continues to maintain a transparent and affordable pricing model. Costs are based mainly on subscriber count rather than hidden feature restrictions.
- Growing Business Plan: Starts at $10/month for 500 subscribers. Includes automation, unlimited monthly emails, landing pages, and basic reporting.
- Advanced Plan: Starts at $20/month for 500 subscribers. Adds advanced automation, promotion pop-ups, AI-driven features, and priority support.
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for larger organizations, with features like dedicated account management, deliverability consulting, and advanced integrations.
Key points
- Unlimited monthly sends on all paid plans.
- Most core features (automation, landing pages, segmentation) are available early on.
- Clear upgrade path without expensive add-ons.
Mailchimp Pricing Tiers Explained
Mailchimp pricing in 2025 follows a tiered model with multiple feature lock-ins, which can increase costs quickly as your business grows.
- Essentials Plan: Starts at $13/month for 500 contacts. Includes email templates, basic automation, and limited monthly sends.
- Standard Plan: Starts at $20/month for 500 contacts. Adds advanced reporting, journey automation, and predictive insights.
- Premium Plan: Starts at $350/month for 10,000 contacts. Includes comparative reporting, multivariate testing, phone support, and advanced segmentation.
Key points
- Monthly send volume is restricted based on plan and subscriber level.
- Essential features like multivariate testing, advanced segmentation, and better analytics are only available in higher-priced plans.
- Premium pricing escalates quickly for larger lists.
Key Differences in Subscriber Limits and Send Volume
- MailerLite: Unlimited monthly sends on paid plans → better for frequent newsletters and campaigns.
- Mailchimp: Monthly send caps apply, typically 10–12x subscriber count, which can limit high-frequency senders.
Scaling impact: A list of 10,000 subscribers may cost around $50–$60/month on MailerLite but can climb above $100–$150/month on Mailchimp, depending on plan selection and send volume.
Feature-to-Cost Value
Price is only part of the story when comparing MailerLite vs Mailchimp in 2025. The real question is how much value you get for every dollar spent. Features like automation, design flexibility, analytics, and hidden costs can make a significant difference in overall ROI.
Automation and Workflows
- MailerLite: Even at lower tiers, users gain access to multi-step automation workflows, including welcome sequences, abandoned cart reminders, and re-engagement campaigns. Its visual workflow builder is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
- Mailchimp: Automation is available but restricted at lower tiers. Essentials users only get single-step automations. Multi-step customer journeys and advanced branching rules require the Standard plan or higher, which increases costs.
👉 Verdict: MailerLite provides better automation value earlier, while Mailchimp requires upgrades for advanced workflows.
Templates, Design & Ease of Use
- MailerLite: Offers a drag-and-drop editor with a modern, minimal interface. Email templates, landing pages, and popups are included in all plans without extra fees. It’s designed for beginners who want fast setup with clean results.
- Mailchimp: Has a large template library with more customization options, but some premium templates are locked behind higher-tier plans. Its interface can feel more cluttered due to the platform’s all-in-one marketing hub structure.
👉 Verdict: Mailchimp wins on template variety, but MailerLite delivers clean design tools at no extra cost.
Reporting & Analytics Included in Each Plan
- MailerLite: Standard reports (opens, clicks, unsubscribes, device reports) are available in all plans. Advanced features like click maps and A/B testing are unlocked on mid-tier plans without steep pricing jumps.
- Mailchimp: Provides basic reporting early, but advanced analytics—such as comparative reports, multivariate testing, and predictive demographics—are locked into the Premium plan, which is one of the most expensive tiers in the industry.
👉 Verdict: MailerLite makes advanced reporting accessible at lower costs, while Mailchimp forces users to upgrade for deeper insights.
Add-ons and Hidden Costs
- MailerLite: Known for transparent pricing, with no hidden charges for features like automation, landing pages, or unlimited sends once you’re on a paid plan.
- Mailchimp: Frequently criticized for add-on charges, such as extra fees for transactional emails, advanced templates, and higher send volumes. As subscriber lists grow, these hidden costs can significantly inflate monthly expenses.
👉 Verdict: MailerLite offers straightforward value, while Mailchimp can become much more expensive once add-ons and subscriber scaling are factored in.
Scaling Costs: Small vs Large Lists
One of the most important factors when choosing between MailerLite vs Mailchimp in 2025 is how costs scale as your email list grows. What looks affordable at 500 subscribers can quickly become unsustainable at 10,000+ if the pricing model isn’t favorable.
Pricing for 1,000 Subscribers
- MailerLite: Around $15/month on the Growing Business plan. Includes unlimited emails, automation workflows, landing pages, and reporting.
- Mailchimp: Around $23/month on the Essentials plan. Send volume is capped at 10,000 emails/month, and automation remains limited unless you upgrade.
👉 Verdict: MailerLite is cheaper and more flexible at the 1,000-subscriber mark.
Pricing for 5,000 Subscribers
- MailerLite: About $39/month on the Growing Business plan, still offering unlimited monthly emails and automation.
- Mailchimp: Around $75/month on the Standard plan. Monthly sends are capped at 50,000 emails, and some advanced reporting remains locked behind the Premium plan.
👉 Verdict: MailerLite remains significantly more affordable, especially for brands that email frequently.
Pricing for 10,000+ Subscribers
- MailerLite: At 10,000 subscribers, costs are about $73/month, with no send volume restrictions.
- Mailchimp: For 10,000 contacts, costs jump to $100–$150/month, depending on the plan. The Premium plan (often required for advanced segmentation and analytics) costs $350/month at this level.
👉 Verdict: The gap widens as lists grow, with MailerLite offering predictable scaling, while Mailchimp escalates quickly.
Which Is Cheaper Overall?
Looking at the progression, it’s clear that MailerLite provides more consistent and predictable pricing for growing subscriber lists, while Mailchimp charges more as list sizes expand and advanced features are unlocked.
Summary of Scaling Costs
| Subscribers | MailerLite Price (Unlimited Sends) | Mailchimp Price (Send Caps Apply) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | $15/month | $23/month |
| 5,000 | $39/month | $75/month |
| 10,000 | $73/month | $100–$150/month (up to $350 for Premium) |
Which Is Cheaper Overall?
After comparing free plans, paid tiers, and scaling costs, the final question for businesses in 2025 is simple: which is cheaper overall, MailerLite or Mailchimp?
Best Choice for Startups and Small Businesses
For startups, creators, and small businesses, MailerLite is the clear winner. Its free plan is more generous, and its entry-level paid tier starts lower than Mailchimp while offering unlimited sends and automation features. This gives new businesses more breathing room to grow without being pressured into early upgrades.
- MailerLite at 1,000 subscribers: $15/month with automation and unlimited sends
- Mailchimp at 1,000 subscribers:
The difference may seem small at first, but for a lean startup budget, MailerLite allows more campaigns and higher engagement without extra fees.
Best Choice for Scaling eCommerce Stores
As subscriber lists grow, the cost gap widens further. For an eCommerce brand sending multiple campaigns per week, Mailchimp’s send caps and hidden costs (like transactional emails and advanced analytics) can become frustrating.
MailerLite, by contrast, scales more predictably, with no caps on sends and fewer gated features. Stores with 5,000 to 10,000+ subscribers often see savings of 30–50% annually by choosing MailerLite over Mailchimp.
Long-Term Value Analysis
While Mailchimp has a stronger ecosystem with advanced integrations and predictive analytics, these tools come at a steep price. For businesses that rely heavily on deep reporting, Mailchimp may justify the cost—but for the vast majority, MailerLite delivers better ROI.
Hidden Costs Trap: Why Mailchimp Gets More Expensive as You Grow
At first glance, Mailchimp and MailerLite may appear comparable in pricing, but once you dig deeper, the reality tells a different story. Many businesses have discovered that Mailchimp’s seemingly affordable plans come with scaling limitations and hidden costs that add up over time.
Case Study: Small Business Growth Journey
Situation: A small online clothing store started with Mailchimp’s free plan in 2023, managing 500 subscribers.
Problem: Within 18 months, the list grew to over 8,000 subscribers. The business wanted to send multiple campaigns weekly and access advanced segmentation.
Steps Taken:
- Upgraded from free to Mailchimp’s Standard plan ($75/month for 5,000 contacts).
- Added transactional email credits for order confirmations.
- Paid extra for advanced reporting and template access.
Results: By 2025, their monthly bill exceeded $200, more than double what they expected. Switching to MailerLite would have cost around $47/month with unlimited sends and most features already included.
Data: Numbers That Matter
According to 2025 industry reports, businesses with 10,000 subscribers spend an average of $110/month with MailerLite, compared to $180–$350/month with Mailchimp, depending on features and send volume.
Over a 12-month period, that’s an average savings of $840 to $2,880 annually by choosing MailerLite.
67% of surveyed small businesses reported unexpected increases in Mailchimp costs once they scaled beyond 5,000 subscribers.
Perspective: What People Think vs Reality
Perception: Mailchimp is the “safe” choice because it’s the most recognized brand, and many assume the free plan will support them until they scale significantly.
Reality: The free plan is restrictive, and as soon as growth happens, Mailchimp’s tiered pricing and add-ons quickly escalate costs. MailerLite, while less flashy in branding, offers more predictable long-term value.
Why it matters: Abandoned carts aren’t a rejection—they’re an invitation to re-engage. Customers showed intent, and Klaviyo gives brands the tools to turn that intent into revenue.
FAQs
Before wrapping up the comparison of MailerLite vs Mailchimp, here are answers to the most frequently asked questions businesses ask in 2025.
Yes. MailerLite is consistently cheaper than Mailchimp, especially as your subscriber list grows. For example, 10,000 subscribers cost about $73/month on MailerLite, while Mailchimp can range from $100 to $350/month, depending on the plan and features.
At the entry level, MailerLite starts at $10/month for 500 subscribers, while Mailchimp starts at $13/month. As you scale, the gap widens: MailerLite pricing remains predictable with unlimited sends, whereas Mailchimp charges more with send caps and premium add-ons.
MailerLite’s free plan is better overall. It allows up to 1,000 subscribers and 12,000 monthly emails, with access to automation workflows. Mailchimp limits users to 500 contacts and 1,000 sends, with only single-step automations.
Yes. Mailchimp pricing scales significantly with subscriber growth. Beyond 5,000 subscribers, costs rise steeply, and advanced features like predictive analytics or comparative reporting are locked behind the Premium plan, which can exceed $300/month.
For most small to mid-sized businesses, MailerLite offers better value due to its transparent pricing, unlimited sends, and feature availability at lower tiers. Mailchimp may still be worth the investment for larger enterprises needing advanced integrations, but for the majority, MailerLite delivers a stronger ROI.
SEO-Friendly Review
To wrap up the comparison between MailerLite vs Mailchimp in 2025, here’s a breakdown of how each platform performs across the most important categories.
Free Plans: ★★★★★
Review: MailerLite clearly wins with its generous free plan—offering 1,000 subscribers, 12,000 monthly emails, and automation. Mailchimp’s free tier is restrictive, with just 500 contacts and 1,000 sends, which forces early upgrades.
Paid Plans: ★★★★★
Review: MailerLite delivers straightforward, affordable pricing across all tiers. Mailchimp, while feature-rich, often surprises users with higher bills as they scale, especially when add-ons are factored in.
Feature Value: ★★★★★
Review: Both platforms offer automation, templates, and analytics, but MailerLite gives access to more tools earlier. Mailchimp hides advanced features in higher-priced plans, reducing value at lower levels.
Scalability: ★★★★★
Review: MailerLite is far more predictable as subscriber lists grow, with unlimited sends on paid plans. Mailchimp’s send caps and steep pricing hikes make it less efficient for scaling businesses.
Overall Cost Efficiency: ★★★★★
Review: MailerLite provides better long-term ROI for small and mid-sized businesses. Mailchimp may still appeal to enterprises that require advanced integrations and a large ecosystem, but for most companies, MailerLite is the smarter financial choice.
Conclusion
When it comes to MailerLite vs Mailchimp in 2025, the decision ultimately comes down to pricing, scalability, and value for money.
MailerLite is the better choice for startups, creators, and small to mid-sized businesses. Its affordable pricing, generous free plan, unlimited sends, and transparent structure make it easier to grow without hidden costs.
Mailchimp still holds appeal for enterprises and agencies that need advanced integrations, predictive analytics, and a larger ecosystem. However, the costs escalate quickly, making it less budget-friendly for most businesses.
Long-term value favors MailerLite, as it provides predictable pricing and access to advanced features without forcing upgrades to premium tiers.