Mailchimp vs ConvertKit
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Mailchimp and ConvertKit. We compare features, pricing, ease of use, and value for money to help you make the right choice in 2026.
Reviewed by the Ikaroa team · Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
ConvertKit edges ahead overall with a rating of 4.3/5. However, Mailchimp (4/5) may be the better fit if you prioritise Small businesses and creators focused on email marketing. Read on for the full breakdown.
Mailchimp vs ConvertKit at a Glance
Mailchimp
★ 4The world's most recognisable email marketing platform, now owned by Intuit. Mailchimp has expanded into basic CRM, landing pages, and social media management.
Starting from: £0/month
Best for: Small businesses and creators focused on email marketing
Read full review →ConvertKit
★ 4.3ConvertKit is an email marketing platform built specifically for creators, bloggers, podcasters, and online course makers. It focuses on simplicity and deliverability, with powerful tagging and automation features that help creators build and monetise their audiences without needing a technical background.
Starting from: £0/month
Best for: Creators, bloggers, and podcasters who want simple but powerful email automation
Read full review →Mailchimp vs ConvertKit Feature Comparison
Here is how Mailchimp and ConvertKit compare across the features that matter most. We have tested both platforms extensively across client implementations.
| Feature | Mailchimp | ConvertKit |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Available | Yes | Yes |
| Starting Price | £0/month | £0/month |
| Best For | Small businesses and creators focused on email marketing | Creators, bloggers, and podcasters who want simple but powerful email automation |
| Our Rating | 4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Mobile App | Limited | Limited |
| Email Marketing | Yes | No |
| Automation | Yes | Yes |
| Reporting | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Extensive | Extensive |
| API Access | Limited | Limited |
| Ikaroa Exclusive Discount | N/A | N/A |
Mailchimp vs ConvertKit Pricing
Pricing is often the deciding factor. Here is a full breakdown of what each platform charges at every tier:
Mailchimp Pricing
Free
£0/month
- ✓500 contacts
- ✓1,000 sends/month
- ✓Basic email templates
- ✓Landing pages
Essentials
£10/month
- ✓Everything in Free
- ✓5,000 sends/month
- ✓A/B testing
- ✓24/7 support
Standard
£15/month
- ✓Everything in Essentials
- ✓Automation
- ✓Retargeting ads
- ✓Custom templates
Premium
£270/month
- ✓Everything in Standard
- ✓Advanced segmentation
- ✓Multivariate testing
- ✓Phone support
ConvertKit Pricing
Newsletter
£0/month
- ✓10,000 subscribers
- ✓Unlimited broadcasts
- ✓Landing pages
- ✓Basic automation
Creator
£25/month
- ✓1,000 subscribers
- ✓Automated sequences
- ✓Visual automations
- ✓Third-party integrations
Creator Pro
£50/month
- ✓1,000 subscribers
- ✓Subscriber scoring
- ✓Advanced reporting
- ✓Newsletter referral system
Not sure which to pick?
Our team has implemented both Mailchimp and ConvertKit for clients. We can help you decide based on your specific needs.
Mailchimp Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Extremely well-known and trusted brand
- •Easy to use email builder
- •Good template library
- •Strong integration ecosystem
- •Useful creative tools and content optimiser
✗Cons
- •CRM features are very basic
- •Free plan has been significantly reduced
- •Pricing increases sharply with contact count
- •Limited automation on lower tiers
- •Contact-based pricing means paying for unsubscribed contacts
ConvertKit Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Built specifically for creators and bloggers
- •Excellent deliverability rates
- •Clean, simple interface
- •Powerful tagging and segmentation
- •Free plan for up to 10,000 subscribers
✗Cons
- •Limited design customisation for emails
- •No built-in CRM functionality
- •Reporting is basic compared to competitors
- •Higher pricing per subscriber than Mailchimp
- •Limited e-commerce features beyond digital products
Our Verdict: Mailchimp vs ConvertKit
Both Mailchimp and ConvertKit are solid options, but they serve different needs. Having implemented both for multiple clients, here is our recommendation:
Choose Mailchimp if you need Small businesses and creators focused on email marketing. With a starting price of £0/month and a rating of 4/5, it offers extremely well-known and trusted brand.
Choose ConvertKit if you need Creators, bloggers, and podcasters who want simple but powerful email automation. Starting at £0/month with a 4.3/5 rating, it excels at built specifically for creators and bloggers.
Still not sure? Talk to the Ikaroa team. We have helped hundreds of businesses make this exact decision, and we are happy to point you in the right direction.
🎁 Get either product at a discount through Ikaroa Partners
Consider Open Doors Instead
Why choose between Mailchimp and ConvertKit? Open Doors gives you the best features of both in one platform, for less. It is an all-in-one CRM with email marketing, SMS, funnels, booking, invoicing, automation, and more, starting at just £97/month with unlimited contacts.
Need implementation help?
Ikaroa can set up Mailchimp or ConvertKit for your business, migrate your data, and train your team. We have done it dozens of times.
Free consultation. No obligation.