Mailchimp vs ConvertKit (Kit): Which Email Platform Should You Use in 2026?
A factual comparison of Mailchimp and ConvertKit (now rebranded to Kit) covering pricing, automation, e-commerce features, and which tool fits creators vs. general businesses.
Updated 2026-09 · 2026
Mailchimp
All-in-one marketing platform for email, SMS, and ads
Strengths
- +All-in-one platform: email, SMS, social ads, and postcards in one place
- +Large template library and drag-and-drop landing page builder
- +Deep e-commerce integrations (Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce) with revenue tracking
Weaknesses
- -Pricing scales fast with contact count, and unsubscribed/cleaned contacts often still count toward limits
- -Advanced automation (Customer Journeys) is locked behind Standard/Premium tiers
- -Interface feels bloated if you only need simple newsletters
Best for
Small businesses and e-commerce stores that want email, ads, and CRM features bundled together.
ConvertKit (Kit)
Email marketing and monetization tools built for creators
Strengths
- +Free plan supports up to 10,000 subscribers with unlimited landing pages and broadcasts
- +Simple visual automation builder that's easier to learn than Mailchimp's
- +Built-in paid newsletters/subscriptions with low platform fee, no separate tool needed
Weaknesses
- -Fewer landing page/email design templates than Mailchimp
- -Weaker native e-commerce integrations and reporting compared to Mailchimp
- -No built-in social ad management or postcards
Best for
Solo creators, bloggers, and newsletter writers who want to grow and monetize an audience without extra tools.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Free plan contact limit | 500 contacts | 10,000 subscribers |
| Visual automation builder | Yes (Standard plan+) | Yes (all paid plans, limited on free) |
| Landing pages | Yes, drag-and-drop | Yes, simpler templates |
| Built-in paid newsletters/subscriptions | No | Yes, low platform fee |
| E-commerce integrations | Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce (deep) | Shopify, WooCommerce (basic) |
| Social media ad management | Yes (Facebook/Instagram ads) | No |
| Segmentation method | Lists/audiences with tags | Tag-based, no separate lists |
| A/B testing | Yes | Limited (subject lines on paid plans) |
| Team seats on entry paid plan | Multiple (Standard+) | One |
| Support | Email/chat, phone on Premium | Email/chat |
| Migration import tool | Yes, CSV import | Yes, CSV import + native Mailchimp importer |
The Verdict
Mailchimp wins if you need one platform for email, ads, and e-commerce reporting and don't mind paying for it as your list grows. ConvertKit is the better choice for solo creators and newsletter writers who want simpler automations and built-in monetization without stitching together extra tools. If you're not running paid ads or heavy e-commerce campaigns, ConvertKit's free tier and creator-first design will save both money and setup time.
How to switch from Mailchimp to ConvertKit (Kit)
Full Mailchimp export guide →- 1In Mailchimp, go to Audience > All Contacts > Export Audience to download a CSV file of your subscriber list, including tags and custom fields.
- 2Create a ConvertKit account, then go to Subscribers > Import Subscribers and upload the CSV, mapping Mailchimp's custom fields and tags to ConvertKit's tag system.
- 3Rebuild your automations manually in ConvertKit's visual automation builder, since Mailchimp's Customer Journeys don't transfer automatically.
- 4Reconnect e-commerce and app integrations (Shopify, WooCommerce, Zapier) inside ConvertKit's Integrations settings.
- 5Update embed codes for signup forms and landing pages on your website to point to ConvertKit instead of Mailchimp.
- 6Run both platforms in parallel for one send cycle to confirm deliverability and automations work correctly, then cancel your Mailchimp subscription.
Mailchimp vs ConvertKit (Kit): common questions
How do I export my contacts from Mailchimp before switching?+
Go to Audience > All Contacts > Export Audience in Mailchimp, which generates a CSV file zipped for download. Campaign performance history and automation workflows don't export as files — you'll need to note key metrics manually or pull them via the Mailchimp API before canceling.
What features do I lose moving from Mailchimp to ConvertKit?+
You lose Mailchimp's social/Facebook/Instagram ad management, postcard mailing, and its multi-list audience structure (ConvertKit uses tags instead of separate lists). E-commerce reporting is also less detailed since ConvertKit's Shopify/WooCommerce integrations are more basic than Mailchimp's.
Is ConvertKit's free plan enough for a small team?+
The free plan covers up to 10,000 subscribers, which is generous, but it only supports one team member and restricts some automation triggers to paid plans. If more than one person needs login access or you rely heavily on automations, you'll need the Creator paid tier.
Does ConvertKit integrate with the same tools as Mailchimp, like Shopify or Zapier?+
Yes, ConvertKit has native integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, WordPress, and Zapier, covering most common use cases. However, the depth of e-commerce automation (abandoned cart flows, product recommendations) is not as built-out as Mailchimp's.
Is ConvertKit actually cheaper than Mailchimp long-term?+
At small list sizes (under 1,000 contacts), ConvertKit's paid plans are typically cheaper or comparable to Mailchimp's. At larger sizes (10,000+ subscribers), pricing between the two gets closer, so run both platforms' calculators against your actual list size before committing, since exact tiers change over time.
How to export your data from Mailchimp
CSV, HTML, TXT, ZIP (bundle) · verified against official docs
How to export your data from ConvertKit
CSV · verified against official docs
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