MailerLite vs Kit (ex-ConvertKit): the 2025 match between email marketing pros
Are you hesitating between MailerLite and Kit (formerly ConvertKit) to boost your email marketing campaigns? We don't blame you. These two platforms are clearly not in the same league, even though they both promise to turn your subscribers into loyal customers.
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) appeals to content creators with its ultra-targeted approach, tailor-made automation and promise: "sell without spamming". MailerLite, on the other hand, relies on simplicity, speed of use and superb value for money. The result? Two philosophies, two tools, and a real dilemma when it comes to choosing the best solution.
In this article, we've dug deep, tested, compared (and read far too many customer reviews) to bring you the 2025 verdict: features, price, ergonomics, integrations... it's all there, to help you decide without regret.
What is MailerLite?
Overview of MailerLite
MailerLite is like the Canva of email marketing: simple, beautiful and intuitive. But make no mistake, behind its minimalist interface lies a well-oiled machine, designed for acquisition professionals and enlightened digital marketing enthusiasts.
Its main target?
Small and medium-sized businesses that want to launch email campaigns quickly without getting bogged down in technicalities. Freelancers, content creators, e-merchants, coaches, NGOs, start-ups... MailerLite is designed for people who need to do a lot with a little.
In terms of positioning, we're talking about affordable freemium software that focuses on the essentials of email marketing: newsletters, automation, landing pages, A/B testing and forms. No frills, just real efficiency.
Key use cases include
- Product launches
- Regular newsletters
- Automated welcome sequences
- Capture pages for lead magnets
- Contact base requalification campaigns
And its customers?
Companies like Typeform, GoDaddy and thousands of small brands in over 100 countries. Its success is based on its international community, and an approach that focuses on ease of use.
Key features of MailerLite
You don't need 40 modules to create effective campaigns. MailerLite relies on the power of the essentials, well designed and well integrated. Here are the key features that make it so powerful:
- Drag-and-drop email editor: Simple, fluid, modern. You can create emails in just a few minutes, without coding. Ideal for sending newsletters with a professional design.
- Visual marketing automation: Creating workflows (welcome emails, follow-up emails, behavioural segmentation) has never been so intuitive. The interface is designed so that scenarios can be viewed at a glance.
- Landing pages: MailerLite offers an integrated landing page builder, with hosting included, customisable templates and form management.
- Registration forms: Popup, banner, integrated into a page or in slide-in mode: you can capture leads wherever you want, whenever you want, and above all, without the need for an additional plugin.
- Segmentation and targeting: Segment your contact base according to behaviour, demographic data or responses to forms, for ultra-targeted mailings.
- A/B testing: Test the subject, content or sender of your emails to optimise performance. Simple to set up, and addictive once you get the hang of it.
- Real-time reporting: Clear, actionable statistics: open rates, clicks, geolocation, unsubscribes, it's all there.
Mailerlite
Advantages and disadvantages of MailerLite
MailerLite is a bit like the discreet good student: it doesn't make waves, but it always delivers. That said, like any tool, it has its limits. Here's an informed overview of user feedback (source: G2, Capterra, SoftwareAdvice):
✅ Advantages
- Ultra-intuitive interface, even for beginners. Creating a campaign literally takes 10 minutes. No friction, no jargon.
- Excellent value for money, especially with the free offer. Perfect for testing before committing.
- Easy to configure automations, even if you're not a marketing automation pro. Many users comment on the logic of the scenarios and the ease with which they can be set up.
- Modern, responsive templates. The tool offers effective, streamlined templates that are suitable for all screens.
- Responsive, human customer support. Chat is available even on the free version, with a real quality of service (and not just an impersonal bot).
❌ Drawbacks
- Advanced features limited for large volumes or complex needs. No lead scoring options or robust integrated CRM like more B2B-focused competitors.
- Less suitable for complex funnels. If you need very advanced nested automation, Kit (ex-ConvertKit) or ActiveCampaign will go further.
- Less advanced integration management. They do exist, but the number is limited compared with some market players.
To sum up: MailerLite is an agile and accessible solution, ideal for starting up or professionalising your campaigns without going overboard.
What is Kit (formerly ConvertKit)?
General presentation of Kit (ex-ConvertKit)
Kit (ex-ConvertKit) is the tool that speaks the language of creators. YouTubers, authors, podcasters, trainers... the platform has established itself as a benchmark for those who want to turn their content into revenue. The mantra? "Build your audience. Make a living".
Unlike other more generalist solutions, Kit (formerly ConvertKit) targets an audience of digital creators and freelancers, with a strong promise: to help you build a committed audience, then monetise it. Emailing, sales funnels, automation, integration of digital products... everything is designed to maximise the link with your community.
The positioning is clear: a premium platform that is intuitive yet powerful, with a 'no fluff' approach that focuses on creation, personalisation and conversion.
Use cases:
- Email sequences to launch an online product or programme
- Automated funnels to sell training courses or subscriptions
- Personalised emails based on reader behaviour
- Capture pages with downloadable lead magnets
- Integration with Stripe to sell without an e-commerce shop
And among its customers? Successful designers such as James Clear, Pat Flynn and Tim Grahl. Kit (ex-ConvertKit) is banking on a very community-based approach, with tools calibrated for personal branding, infopreneurs and solopreneurs who want to scale without recruiting an army of marketers.
Key features of Kit (ex-ConvertKit)
With Kit (formerly ConvertKit), every click counts. The tool doesn't try to do too much, but to do it well, especially for those who make a living from their audience. Here are the key features that make it a must-have for designers:
- Email creation with HTML or plain text editor: no flashy drag & drop here. Kit (formerly ConvertKit) relies on sobriety for emails that look like personal messages - and that perform.
- Advanced automation with conditional rules: Ultra-flexible workflows, behavioural triggers, conditional paths... It's all about customisation to engage each subscriber at the right time.
- Capture pages and integrated forms: Online forms, pop-ups, landing pages with hosting included: everything you need to convert your visitors into subscribers without the need for third-party tools.
- Tagging and dynamic segmentation: We don't just use lists here. Each contact is enriched by his or her actions, interests and behaviour. The result? Ultra-targeted campaigns.
- Integrated monetisation (digital products, subscriptions): Kit (formerly ConvertKit) lets you sell ebooks, training courses, exclusive content or paid newsletters directly from the platform, with Stripe integration.
- Broadcasts & sequences: Send a one-off campaign or create automated sequences, all from a single, logical and fast interface.
- Conversion-focused statistics: Open rates, clicks, revenue generated, performance by sequence: the data is there to fine-tune each launch.
Kit (ex-ConvertKit)
Advantages and disadvantages of Kit (ex-ConvertKit)
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) has clearly chosen its camp: that of designers who want to sell without spending their lives configuring. But this assertive positioning also has its drawbacks. Here's the most common feedback from users of Capterra, G2 and SoftwareAdvice:
✅ Advantages
- Powerful, ultra-customisable automation: email scenarios react to user actions in real time. It's fluid, logical and devilishly effective.
- Clear interface, designed to focus on the essentials: No superfluous elements, no flashy UX. Every element has a precise purpose.
- Integrated monetisation features: No need for an e-commerce site or WooCommerce: you can sell directly from Kit (ex-ConvertKit), in just a few clicks.
- Advanced segmentation with tag system: Segmentation is one of the tool's major strengths, with a level of granularity that's very useful for complex funnels.
- Active community and rich educational resources: Kit (formerly ConvertKit) supports its users with guides, webinars and a real skills-building rationale.
❌ Disadvantages
- Higher-than-average price: Although the tool is powerful, it can quickly become expensive for start-up designers.
- No modern visual email editor: The choice of minimalism may confuse those who prefer visual templates or drag-and-drop.
- Less suitable for teams or large companies: No advanced collaborative features or integrated CRM. Kit (formerly ConvertKit) remains very "solopreneur friendly".
- Limited customisation of templates without coding: To go beyond the simple text or HTML format, you'll need to get your hands dirty with the code.
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is the toolbox for ambitious designers, with a simple philosophy: better a well-targeted sequence than a flashing template.
MailerLite vs Kit (ex-ConvertKit): compare features
Two tools. Two philosophies. But in the end, just one "Send" button to convert. Here's how MailerLite and Kit (ex-ConvertKit) stack up against each other in 2025 in terms of the most decisive features.
Quick comparison table
| Functionality | MailerLite | Kit (ex-ConvertKit) |
| Email editor | Drag and drop, visual | HTML / Simple text |
| Automations | Intuitive, visual | Powerful, ultra-customisable |
| Segmentation | Basic to advanced | Advanced with dynamic tags |
| Landing pages | Yes (integrated builder) | Yes (simple templates) |
| Integrated monetisation | No | Yes (products, subscriptions) |
| Integrated CRM | No | No |
| Third-party integrations | +140 | +100 |
| Ease of use | Very accessible | Average (learning required) |
| Ideal for | SMEs, associations, freelancers | Creators, infopreneurs |
Focus 1: Marketing automation
Here, the two are playing in the same court, but not with the same rules. MailerLite offers simple, visual automations that are perfect for getting started. Welcome sequences, reminders, abandoned shopping baskets: it's all frictionless.
Kit (formerly ConvertKit), on the other hand, takes the logic much further: conditional rules, behavioural segmentation, automatic tag changes... Ideal if you have several products or personas to manage.
👉 To remember
For advanced, scalable automation, Kit (formerly ConvertKit) has the edge. For no-fuss efficiency, MailerLite is more than enough.
Focus 2: Email creation
MailerLite features a visual drag-and-drop editor that really hits the mark. Intuitive, fast, modern: perfect for creating designer newsletters in no time, without writing a line of code.
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is in a different mood. No drag & drop here: the emails are designed to look like real messages - sober, personalised and effective. If you like clean lines (and/or handwriting), you've come to the right place.
The choice clearly depends on your communication style. Advanced visual design or 'authentic' email à la Substack? Two philosophies, two audiences.
👉 To remember
MailerLite is ideal for quick-to-create visual emails. Kit (formerly ConvertKit) favours textual simplicity and direct contact.
Focus 3: Landing pages and forms
Both platforms offer integrated landing pages, with hosting, email collection and form integration. MailerLite offers more varied templates that can be effortlessly customised.
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) offers simple but effective pages, with seamless integration of lead magnets and precise tracking.
Kit (ex-ConvertKit) forms shine through their automatic tagging logic: each user action can trigger a scenario. A real plus when it comes to refining customer journeys.
👉 To remember
MailerLite offers greater visual customisation. Kit (formerly ConvertKit) shines in terms of acquisition strategy and segmentation logic.
Focus 4: Segmentation and personalisation
MailerLite offers classic conditional segments: demographic data, email behaviour, registration date, etc. Enough for most SMEs.
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) goes further with its dynamic tagging system: each action (click, form filled in, product purchased) enriches the contact record. The result? Ultra-targeted campaigns in just a few clicks.
Segmentation is a fundamental lever for conversion. Kit (formerly ConvertKit) provides a granular view of the audience, ideal for scaling.
👉 To remember
For basic segmentation, MailerLite does the job. For advanced, automated targeting, Kit (formerly ConvertKit) wins hands down.
Focus 5: Monetisation and sales tunnel
This is where Kit (formerly ConvertKit) pulls out the heavy artillery. The platform natively integrates the sale of digital products, subscriptions and paid newsletters, all connected to Stripe. You don't need a full website to start selling.
MailerLite does not offer a native sales solution. You'll have to use third-party integrations (like Shopify or WooCommerce).
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) has clearly been designed for infopreneurs. By centralising capture, nurturing and sales, it reduces friction - and increases conversions.
👉 To remember
To sell directly from your emailing tool, Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is the obvious choice. MailerLite remains focused on pure emailing.
MailerLite vs Kit (ex-ConvertKit): compare prices
| Plan | MailerLite (monthly for 500-1,000 subscribers) | Kit (ex-ConvertKit) (monthly for ~1,000 subscribers) |
| Free | Up to 1,000 subscribers, 12,000 emails/month | Newsletter plan : - Up to 10,000 subscribers |
| Entry plan | Growing Business, from 9$/month (500 subscribers) | Creator, from around $25/month (annual subscription) - Unlimited automations - Unlimited email sequence - 2 users
|
| Advanced plan | Advanced, from $18/month (500 subscribers) | Creator Pro ~$50/month (1,000 subscribers) - Unlimited automations - Unlimited email sequences - Unlimited users |
| Key accounts | Enterprise: >100,000 subscribers, custom pricing | Scale by volume, up to several hundred dollars |
👉 To remember
We're not going to lie: if your budget is tight or your audience is still small, MailerLite is unbeatable value for money. It gets you into the game without draining your account, and without any hang-ups.
But if you're an ambitious designer, ready to invest in fine-tuned automation, advanced tagging or direct sales of your products, Kit (formerly ConvertKit) may be worth the extra cost. With its feature-rich plans, it's positioned as a monetisation accelerator, not just a mailbox.
MailerLite vs Kit (ex-ConvertKit): which interface is more intuitive?
When it comes to email marketing, the ergonomics of a tool can mean the difference between a campaign being sent... and a guaranteed headache. So, between MailerLite and Kit (formerly ConvertKit), which one will really make your day-to-day life easier?
User experience & getting started
MailerLite is often praised for its clear, modern and 'no bullshit' interface . Everything is tidy, easy to read and logical. Even a complete beginner can send their first campaign in less than an hour, without a tutorial.
Kit (ex-ConvertKit), on the other hand, adopts a cleaner, but slightly more technical style. The interface is clean and well designed, but the powerful features hidden under the bonnet take a little getting used to. It's not complicated, but you need to understand the logic of tagging and automation to get the best out of it.
Customisation and flexibility
- MailerLite makes it easy to customise content blocks, forms, landing pages, etc. using a WYSIWYG approach. Ideal for those who like to "see before they send".
- Kit (ex-ConvertKit) is more minimalist, focusing on functional efficiency. Fewer visual customisation options, but very powerful workflows in terms of marketing logic.
UX / UI comparison table
| Criteria | MailerLite | Kit (ex-ConvertKit) |
| Getting started | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very fast | ⭐⭐⭐ Medium (requires learning) |
| User interface | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Modern and intuitive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Clean, professional |
| Visual customisation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Flexible | ⭐⭐ Limited without HTML |
| Navigation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fluid, logical | ⭐⭐⭐ Consistent but technical |
| Suitable for beginners | ✅ Yes | 🟡 Rather no |
| Learning curve | 🔁 Very short | 🔁 Medium to long |
👉 To remember
MailerLite is perfect if you want a pleasant interface that's quick and easy to learn. For more technical profiles or designers who want to go further with their automations, Kit (formerly ConvertKit) will require a little more effort at first, but will be rewarding in the long run.
MailerLite vs Kit (ex-ConvertKit): compare integrations
A good emailing tool is one that integrates seamlessly into your digital ecosystem. Whether you use WordPress, Shopify, Stripe or Teachable, your campaigns need to be able to adapt to your tools, not the other way round.
Here's a clear, star-studded comparison of the most strategic integrations in 2025:
| Integration | MailerLite ★ / 5 | Kit (ex-ConvertKit) ★ / 5 | Detail |
| CRM (HubSpot, Zoho, etc.) | ★★★ | ★★★★ | Kit (ex-ConvertKit) shines with its automated tagging system. MailerLite is still functional, but more limited. |
| CMS (WordPress, Webflow, etc.) | ★★★★ | ★★★ | MailerLite offers better WordPress integration (dedicated plugin). Kit (ex-ConvertKit) is more minimalist. |
| E-commerce (Shopify, Stripe...) | ★★ | ★★★★ | Kit (ex-ConvertKit) allows you to sell natively with Stripe. MailerLite depends on Zapier or manual integration. |
| Creator platforms | ★★ | ★★★★★ | Kit (ex-ConvertKit) is king here: Teachable, Podia, Gumroad, Memberful... everything is ready to use. |
| Automation (Zapier, Make) | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | A tie: both offer a solid API and good compatibility with third-party connectors. |
👉 To remember
MailerLite offers the essential integrations with a high degree of flexibility, particularly on the CMS side.
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is designed for online designers and trainers, with ready-to-use connections and time-saving targeted automation.
When should you choose MailerLite or Kit (formerly ConvertKit)?
Both tools are excellent, but they are not aimed at the same profiles. Here's when each reveals its full potential.
If you're an SME, an association or a freelancer who wants to get things done quickly and well
Choose MailerLite if you're looking for a solution that's :
- Easy to use, even without any marketing training
- With an intuitive, visual email editor
- Allows you to manage newsletters, basic automations and landing pages without stress
- With unbeatable value for money, even in the free version
- With a fluid UX, and every feature just a click away
Examples of use cases:
- An association sending out a monthly newsletter to its members
- A freelancer who wants to offer a lead magnet with a simple form
- An SME that needs an emailing platform to announce new products.
If you are a designer, infopreneur or online trainer
Choose Kit (formerly ConvertKit) if your objective is to :
- Monetise your content (ebooks, training courses, subscriptions)
- Create complex tunnels with ultra-targeted automation
- Manage your contact database with dynamic tags and behavioural segmentation
- Work on your personal branding with simple, effective emails
- Centralise capture, nurturing and sales on a single platform
Examples of use cases:
- A trainer selling an online course by automated email
- An author offering pre-launch sequences prior to the release of a book
- A content creator who wants to sell a premium newsletter via Stripe
👉 To remember
MailerLite is perfect for getting started quickly, well and without a budget, with a tool that won't hold you back.
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is a real growth lever for those who make a living from their content - or who have the means to do so.
Things to remember about the MailerLite vs Kit (ex-ConvertKit) battle
As you'll have gathered, there's no absolute winner, just a tool that's better suited to your profile and your objectives. MailerLite and Kit (ex-ConvertKit) are not quite playing the same game - but both can score points in your emailing strategy.
MailerLite is simple, effective and economical.
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is the option for those who want to scale their audience, automate in fine detail and sell directly.
Here's a summary table to help you decide in just 3 seconds:
| Need | Our recommendation |
| Creating a visual newsletter made easy | MailerLite |
| Automate complex sequences | Kit (formerly ConvertKit) |
| Segment your database according to actions | Kit (ex-ConvertKit) |
| Get started for free without the hassle | MailerLite |
| Sell training courses, ebooks or subscriptions | Kit (ex-ConvertKit) |
| Manage a small database efficiently | MailerLite |
| Develop a creative business | Kit (ex-ConvertKit) |
👉 To remember
- Just starting out? → MailerLite will get you up and running quickly.
- Selling content online? → Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is designed for you.
- Are you looking for an effective but simple tool? → MailerLite is even clearer.
- Do you need an emailing + sales + automation strategy? → Kit (ex-ConvertKit) has the edge.
FAQ about MailerLite vs Kit (ex-ConvertKit)
1. Which is easier to learn?
MailerLite, without a doubt. The interface is intuitive, visual and designed to be understood in just a few minutes. Kit (ex-ConvertKit) is more technical, but still logical.
2. Is Kit (ex-ConvertKit) suitable for beginners?
Not really, no. Kit (ex-ConvertKit) is aimed more at users who already have a grounding in digital marketing or who want to go further in terms of personalisation.
3. Which tool is best suited to selling digital products?
Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is just the thing. It integrates Stripe natively, so you can sell ebooks, training courses or paid newsletters without going through an e-commerce site.
4. Can MailerLite automate sequences?
Yes, and quite well at that! MailerLite automations are easy to build using a visual editor. Ideal for welcome sequences or simple reminders.
5. Which tool offers the best value for money?
MailerLite wins this round, especially for small bases (less than 1,000 subscribers). Its free version is very generous and its paid plans are still affordable.
6. Can these tools be connected to WordPress or Shopify?
Yes for both. MailerLite offers a very practical WordPress plugin. Kit (formerly ConvertKit) integrates with Shopify and Stripe to manage payments and sales.
7. Who should choose Kit (ex-ConvertKit)?
Content creators, trainers, infopreneurs, solopreneurs... in short, anyone who makes a living (or wants to make a living) from their audience and needs a conversion-focused emailing tool.
8. Who should choose MailerLite?
SMEs, freelancers or associations who want an effective platform for managing their newsletters, without breaking the bank or making life difficult for themselves.
Article translated from French