Email marketing is still one of the most reliable ways to grow a business online. Social media can help you get attention, but email helps you keep the relationship. For creators, freelancers, and small businesses, two popular tools often come up: MailerLite and Kit (formerly ConvertKit).
Both platforms help you build an email list, send newsletters, and automate follow-ups. But they serve slightly different types of users.
This guide breaks down the key differences so you can choose the best platform for your business.
What is MailerLite?
MailerLite is an email marketing platform built for simplicity and affordability.
Starting from $9/month
Get a free 30-day trial of premium features
Key Features
Easy-to-use email marketing with drag-and-drop design
Automation tools for scheduling emails and nurturing leads
Built-in landing pages and signup forms
Why We Recommend It
MailerLite makes email marketing simple and effective
It’s great for businesses of all sizes looking to create beautiful emails, automate campaigns, and grow their audience without hassle
Pros & Cons
- User-friendly interface with no coding needed
- Affordable pricing, including a free plan
- Strong automation and segmentation feature
- Limited advanced features compared to premium email platforms
- Approval process for new accounts can take time
It focuses on clean design, easy setup, and beginner-friendly tools.
It is often recommended for:
- Small businesses
- Bloggers
- Beginners in email marketing
- Startups building their first email list
One reason many people start with MailerLite is its simplicity. The interface is easy to understand, and most users can create their first email campaign in minutes.
Key MailerLite features
MailerLite includes the core tools most small businesses need:
- Drag-and-drop email builder
- Newsletter templates
- Landing page builder
- Email automation
- Basic subscriber segmentation
Another big advantage is the free plan, which allows beginners to start building a list without paying right away.
If you want a simple and affordable platform, MailerLite is a strong starting point.
What is Kit (ConvertKit)?
Kit, previously called ConvertKit, is an email platform designed specifically for creators. Email marketing automation for creators and small businesses Simplifies email marketing with easy automation tools designed for creators and small businesses
Starting from $25/month
Start your 14-day free trial
Customizable email templates and landing pages
Subscriber management with advanced segmentation and tagging
Provides customizable templates and landing pages to enhance engagement
Helps organize and target subscribers with advanced segmentation for more effective campaigns
Instead of focusing heavily on visual newsletter design, Kit focuses on automation and audience relationships.
It is widely used by:
- YouTubers
- Bloggers
- Coaches
- Course creators
- Digital product sellers
The platform helps creators build funnels that guide subscribers toward products, courses, and memberships.
Key Kit features
Kit includes several tools creators love:
- Visual automation builder
- Subscriber tagging system
- Email sequences
- Landing pages and forms
- Built-in digital product sales
The tagging system is one of Kit’s strongest features. Instead of using multiple lists, you can tag subscribers based on interests, purchases, or actions.
This helps creators send highly targeted emails.
If your business revolves around content and digital products, Kit is built for that type of workflow.
MailerLite vs Kit: Key Differences
Ease of use
MailerLite is generally easier for beginners.
The interface is simple, and the learning curve is low. If you want to start sending emails quickly, MailerLite usually wins.
Kit is still beginner friendly, but its automation tools make it slightly more complex.
Winner for beginners: MailerLite
Automation capabilities
Both tools allow automation, but Kit goes deeper.
MailerLite supports basic sequences like welcome emails or simple follow-ups.
Kit allows more advanced subscriber journeys. For example, you can create multi-step automation paths based on subscriber behavior.
Winner for automation: Kit
Design and email style
MailerLite focuses on visual newsletters. You can easily create image-rich emails using templates and drag-and-drop design tools.
Kit encourages a simpler style. Many creators send plain-text emails that feel more personal.
Both approaches work, but the design philosophy is different.
Winner for visual emails: MailerLite
Creator tools
Kit has several tools built specifically for creators.
You can sell digital products, manage subscribers, and create automation funnels without extra software.
MailerLite focuses more on traditional email marketing.
Winner for creators: Kit
Pricing
Pricing is another important factor.
MailerLite is one of the most affordable email platforms. Paid plans typically start around $10 per month depending on list size.
Kit is more expensive, with paid plans starting around $29 per month for smaller lists.
If budget matters early on, MailerLite often makes more sense.
Winner for affordability: MailerLite
Which platform should you choose?
Both tools are excellent. The right choice depends on where you are in your business journey.
Choose MailerLite if you:
- Are new to email marketing
- Want a simple platform
- Need an affordable solution
- Focus on newsletters and announcements
Choose Kit (ConvertKit) if you:
- Are a creator or coach
- Sell digital products or courses
- Need deeper automation
- Want advanced audience segmentation
Many creators actually start with MailerLite and move to Kit later as their business grows.
Final Thoughts
Email marketing is one of the highest-return marketing channels available today. But the platform you choose should match your stage of business. MailerLite is perfect for beginners who want a clean, affordable tool. Kit is designed for creators who want advanced automation and deeper audience relationships. The most important step is not choosing the perfect software. It is starting to build your email list today!
Watch our full comparison video:
