Updated October 13, 2026
Both email giants shrank their free plans this year. Here is which one still gives a small business room to start.
Picture a freelance designer in Austin with 120 newsletter sign-ups and a $0 marketing budget. A year ago, either tool could have carried her for free. In 2026, the rules changed. (This is an illustration, not a real customer story.)
The Quick Verdict
You want more free sending room, a visual automation builder, and the most room to grow on a tight budget.
You want its big template and integration ecosystem and plan to pay for a plan from day one.
What Changed in 2026
- January 2026: Mailchimp cut its free plan again, down to 250 contacts and 500 emails a month.
- June 2026: MailerLite changed its pricing, renamed its paid plans, and moved some features between tiers. Its free plan now covers 250 active subscribers and 2,500 emails a month.
Many articles online still show older numbers, so always confirm on the official pricing pages.
Side by Side
| Mailchimp | MailerLite | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | 250 contacts, 500 emails a month, 250 sends a day | 250 active subscribers, 2,500 emails a month |
| Cheapest paid plan | Essentials, from $13/month for 500 contacts | Comfort, $12/month for 500 subscribers |
| Next tier | Standard, from $20/month | Power, $25/month |
| Billing based on | Contacts in your audience | Active subscribers, not every stored contact |
Mailchimp: Strengths and Limits
Mailchimp is the best-known name, with a huge library of templates and integrations. The catch is the free plan: it has no scheduling, no A/B testing, no multi-step automations, and you cannot remove the Mailchimp footer.
The price also grows with your list. At 5,000 contacts, Essentials costs about $75 a month and Standard about $100.
MailerLite: Strengths and Limits
MailerLite is known for a clean, simple builder, and it offers a visual workflow builder even on the free plan. The downside: free users get limited support after the trial period, so you will rely on the help docs and the community.
Who Should Pick Which?
- Just starting, small list, tiny budget: MailerLite gives you more free sending room.
- Need automations and growth tools right away: compare the paid plans of both, since the free tiers are mostly good for testing.
- Already use many other business apps: check which tool connects to them before you choose.
Every successful list started with its first ten subscribers.
Your First Email List in 3 Steps This Week
- Pick a promise. One sentence on what subscribers get: a weekly tip, a checklist, a discount.
- Add a signup form to your website and share the link with your first 20 contacts.
- Send one useful email every week. Consistency beats perfection, and a small, engaged list is worth more than a big, silent one.
FAQ
Is Mailchimp still free in 2026?
Yes, but only for small lists: up to 250 contacts and 500 emails a month.
Is MailerLite free?
Yes, up to 250 active subscribers and 2,500 emails a month. Prices and limits change often, so check the official page.
Which is cheaper as my list grows?
It depends on your list size and the features you need. Use each tool's pricing calculator on its official site.
Disclosure: RayCompass may earn a commission if you buy through links on this site, at no extra cost to you. We compare tools independently, using publicly available information. Prices change often: confirm on each provider's official pricing page.