Email marketing · 2026
ConvertKit·vs·Mailchimp
Two solid choices in email marketing. Here's how they stack up on pricing, fit, and trade-offs — so you can decide in a minute.
Reviewed by Switchpoint Editors ·
Take on ConvertKit
Kit's strength is the creator workflow: tags-as-segments, visual automations, simple commerce. The weakness is growth — Beehiiv's recommendation network and boost ecosystem are doing what Kit hasn't matched. If you're growing, Beehiiv. If you're monetizing an established list, Kit.
Take on Mailchimp
Mailchimp double-charges duplicate contacts and prices automation features as add-ons. For a publisher, Beehiiv is straightforwardly better. For a SaaS, Loops or Customer.io. For a creator coaching audience, ConvertKit. The honest reason to stay on Mailchimp in 2026 is inertia.
Contender A
ConvertKit
Email tool built for creators.
- Newsletter writers, course creators.
- Free up to 10K. Creator from $15/mo.
Best for
Pricing
Pros
- Tag-based subscribers
- Strong automations
Trade-offs
- Templates feel dated
Contender B
Mailchimp
Email marketing platform popular with small businesses.
- SMBs running newsletters and basic automations.
- Free up to 500 contacts. Essentials from $13/mo.
Best for
Pricing
Pros
- Familiar UI
- Wide template library
Trade-offs
- Double-charges duplicates
- Deliverability has slipped
The matrix
Side-by-side
Best for
ConvertKit
Newsletter writers, course creators.
Mailchimp
SMBs running newsletters and basic automations.
Pricing
ConvertKit
Free up to 10K. Creator from $15/mo.
Mailchimp
Free up to 500 contacts. Essentials from $13/mo.
Top strength
ConvertKit
Tag-based subscribers
Mailchimp
Familiar UI
Biggest trade-off
ConvertKit
Templates feel dated
Mailchimp
Double-charges duplicates
The verdict
Which should you pick?
Newsletter writers, course creators.
SMBs running newsletters and basic automations.
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