Kit (ConvertKit) vs Mailchimp
Kit (ConvertKit) and Mailchimp are two of the email marketing tools people compare most — but they're built for different users. Kit (ConvertKit) has a free plan (paid from $33 USD/mo) and is best for creators, bloggers, newsletter writers and course sellers, while Mailchimp starts at $13 USD/mo and suits beginners and small businesses sending simple campaigns.
The main trade-offs: Mailchimp covers more of the features we track (6 of 10 vs 5), Mailchimp is cheaper to start. They end up closely matched overall, so your best pick depends on which of those matters most to you.
Kit (ConvertKit)
★★★★★★★★★★4.5458+ reviews · G2 & CapterraEmail marketing built for creators, with simple automation and a free tier.
USD/mo
Mailchimp
★★★★★★★★★★4.130,515+ reviews · G2 & CapterraThe most popular email tool, beginner-friendly with a free starter plan.
USD/mo
Kit (ConvertKit) and Mailchimp are closely matched — your best pick comes down to what you need most.
Key differences
- Mailchimp is cheaper to start ($13 USD/mo vs $33 USD/mo).
- Kit (ConvertKit) is notably stronger on value for money (8.3 vs 6.9).
- Mailchimp covers more of the tracked features (6 vs 5).
Full comparison
The winning option in each row is highlighted in green.
| Criteria | Kit (ConvertKit) | Mailchimp |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | ★★★★★★★★★★4.5 | ★★★★★★★★★★4.1 |
| Starting price | $33 USD/mo | $13 USD/mo |
| Free trial | 14 days | 14 days |
| Integrations | 100+ native integrations | 300+ native integrations |
| Affiliate commission | 30% recurring | Varies (partner program) |
| Best for | Creators, bloggers, newsletter writers and course sellers | Beginners and small businesses sending simple campaigns |
| Ease of use | 8.9 | 8.8 |
| Value for money | 8.3 | 6.9 |
| Features | 7.8 | 7.4 |
| Support | 8.0 | 7.2 |
| CRM | — No | ✓ Yes |
| Email Marketing | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Funnel / Landing Builder | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Automation / Workflow | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| SMS Marketing | — No | — No |
| Booking / Scheduling | — No | ✓ Yes |
| Membership / Courses | ✓ Yes | — No |
| Built-in Affiliate Program | — No | — No |
| White-label | — No | — No |
| Mobile App | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Pricing plans
The main paid tiers for each tool (billed annually where applicable).
Kit (ConvertKit)
✅ Verified from the vendor's pricing page · checked June 2026. View official pricing →
Mailchimp
✅ Verified from the vendor's pricing page · checked June 2026. View official pricing →
Pros & cons
Kit (ConvertKit)
- Creator-first features (paid newsletters, tip jar)
- Generous free plan up to 10k subscribers
- Simple, visual automation
- Fewer design options than Mailchimp
- Not built for e-commerce-heavy stores
Mailchimp
- Very easy to start, polished templates
- Free plan for small lists
- Recognized brand with broad integrations
- Gets expensive as your list grows
- Automation is weaker than ActiveCampaign
Which one should you pick?
Choose Kit (ConvertKit) if…
Best for creators, bloggers, newsletter writers and course sellers. The creator's email tool. Clean automation, a generous free plan and creator-friendly features like paid newsletters make it a top pick for solo audiences.
Choose Mailchimp if…
Best for beginners and small businesses sending simple campaigns. The friendliest on-ramp to email marketing. Great templates and a free tier, but value erodes as your list grows and advanced automation lags rivals.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kit (ConvertKit) or Mailchimp better?
They're closely matched. Kit (ConvertKit) is best for creators, bloggers, newsletter writers and course sellers, while Mailchimp suits beginners and small businesses sending simple campaigns.
Which is cheaper, Kit (ConvertKit) or Mailchimp?
Mailchimp is cheaper to start at $13 USD/mo, compared with $33 USD/mo for Kit (ConvertKit).
Which is easier to use for beginners?
Kit (ConvertKit) scores higher on ease of use (8.9/10), making it the friendlier choice if you're just getting started.
Can I try Kit (ConvertKit) and Mailchimp before paying?
Kit (ConvertKit): 14 days. Mailchimp: 14 days. We recommend trialling your top pick before committing.
Does Kit (ConvertKit) or Mailchimp have a free plan?
Kit (ConvertKit) has a free plan, making it the lower-risk way to start. The other relies on a time-limited free trial rather than a permanent free tier.
Which is better value for money, Kit (ConvertKit) or Mailchimp?
Kit (ConvertKit) scores higher on value in our review (8.3/10) — it gives you more for what you pay. Weigh that against the features you'll actually use.
Is Kit the same as ConvertKit?
Yes — ConvertKit rebranded to Kit. Same product, focused on creators and newsletter businesses.
Is Mailchimp still worth it in 2026?
For simple newsletters and beginners, yes. For advanced automation or large lists, cheaper and more powerful options exist.
The bottom line
Kit (ConvertKit) and Mailchimp are genuinely close, so you won't go far wrong either way. Lean toward Kit (ConvertKit) for creators, bloggers, newsletter writers and course sellers, or Mailchimp for beginners and small businesses sending simple campaigns. You can start free with Kit (ConvertKit) and try it free with Mailchimp, so shortlist both and test them before you commit.
→ See Kit (ConvertKit) alternatives→ Read the full Kit (ConvertKit) review