Mailchimp vs ConvertKit: Detailed Comparison for 2026

Last updated: January 2026 • 8 min read

Trying to decide between Mailchimp and ConvertKit? Both are popular tools in the email marketing space, but they serve different needs. This comparison breaks down features, pricing, and use cases to help you make the right choice.

Quick Comparison

Feature Mailchimp ConvertKit
Category Email Marketing Email Marketing
Starting Price $13/mo $29/mo
Best For Email marketing for beginners Creators and bloggers
Video Automation ❌ Manual ❌ Manual

Mailchimp Overview

Mailchimp

$13/mo

Email marketing for beginners.

✓ Pros

  • Popular choice
  • Good templates
  • Free tier

✗ Cons

  • Expensive at scale
  • No video
  • Limited automation

ConvertKit Overview

ConvertKit

$29/mo

Creators and bloggers.

✓ Pros

  • Creator-focused
  • Good automation
  • Landing pages

✗ Cons

  • No video features
  • Limited design
  • Pricey for list size

Pricing Comparison

Mailchimp starts at $13/mo, while ConvertKit starts at $29/mo. Consider not just the sticker price but the total cost of ownership — including the time you'll spend using each tool.

If you value your time at $50/hour and spend 5 hours/week on content creation, that's $1,000/month in time cost alone — regardless of which tool you choose.

Which Should You Choose?

Our Verdict

Choose Mailchimp if: You need email marketing for beginners and prefer popular choice.

Choose ConvertKit if: You need creators and bloggers and value creator-focused.

Consider neither if: You want automated video content without ongoing manual effort. Both tools require continuous time investment.

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