MailerLite is a fan favorite for beginners—and for good reason. It’s clean, affordable, and easy to get started with. But when you need more advanced automation or a clearer view of your subscribers’ activity, it starts to feel a bit… limiting.
Users often bump into rigid automation flows, basic reporting, and personalization that doesn’t go very deep. If that sounds familiar, and you’re looking for a MailerLite alternative, then you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll break down 8 top MailerLite alternatives, looking at what they offer, how they compare, and which one might be the best fit for your next move. Some are more flexible, some give you deeper data, and there’s one tool in particular that nails everything from automation to personalization—and might just be your upgrade.
Let’s get into it!
MailerLite Alternatives: TL;DR
If you’re exploring alternatives to MailerLite, here’s a quick comparison of top platforms to consider:
# | Alternative | Best For | Top Feature | Free Trial? | Starting Price (USD/mo) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Encharge | Growing teams that need smart automation | Deep behavioral targeting | ✅ | $79 |
2 | Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) | Multi-channel marketing | SMS and email integration | ✅ | $0 |
3 | Kit (formerly ConvertKit) | Content creators and bloggers | Subscriber tagging and segmentation | ✅ | $0 |
4 | Drip | E-commerce businesses | Advanced automation workflows | ✅ | $39 |
5 | Mailchimp | General marketing needs | Extensive templates and integrations | ✅ | $20 |
6 | GetResponse | All-in-one marketing suite | Webinar hosting | ✅ | $15 |
7 | ActiveCampaign | Sales and marketing automation | Integrated CRM | ✅ | $19 |
8 | Customer.io | Data-driven teams | Real-time behavioral segments | ✅ | $100 |
🥇 Top Choice: Encharge.
If you’re looking for more than just a simple email tool, Encharge delivers. It’s built for teams that want to move fast, automate smarter, and actually act on what users do—not just who they are.
Still figuring out the right fit? No worries—this guide will break everything down for you. And if you’re in a rush, you can skip ahead using the table of contents below!
Contents
What is MailerLite?
MailerLite is a popular email marketing tool built for creators, small businesses, and startups that want something simple and budget-friendly. It covers the basics—email campaigns, automation, landing pages, and forms—all wrapped in a clean, easy-to-use interface.
If you’re just starting out or running a lean business, it’s a solid pick. But once you start growing or want more advanced workflows, MailerLite can feel a bit too lightweight.
What MailerLite offers
MailerLite’s biggest draw is how easy it is to use. You can get a campaign out the door in minutes—even if it’s your first time using email marketing software.
It’s also one of the most affordable options on the market, especially for small lists. You get access to things like automations, landing pages, and basic reporting—without needing a huge budget.
Top 3 features of MailerLite:
- Drag-and-Drop Email Editor: Build good-looking emails fast, with no coding or design skills needed.
- Automation Workflows: Set up basic customer journeys like welcome emails, drip sequences, or re-engagement flows with a few clicks.
- Landing Pages & Forms: Quickly spin up landing pages and opt-in forms to grow your list without needing a developer.
But as nice as that sounds, a lot of teams hit a wall when they try to do more complex automation or personalization. Which brings us to ask the following question…
Why look for a MailerLite alternative?
Limited Automation Power
MailerLite works fine for basic sequences, but once you need branching logic or advanced triggers, it’s pretty limited. You’ll outgrow it fast if you’re trying to build smarter customer journeys.
Not Built for Scaling
It’s great for small lists—but once your list grows or your team wants more features (like lead scoring, event tracking, or dynamic content), it starts to feel stretched thin.
Basic Reporting
The analytics are clean, but not deep. If you want to dig into user behavior or test and optimize campaigns with serious data, MailerLite keeps things a little too surface-level.
Limited Personalization
You can use merge tags and conditional blocks, but deeper personalization—like behavior-based emails or user-specific content—isn’t where MailerLite shines.
If any of this is holding you back, don’t worry. You’re not alone. A lot of marketers hit the same wall and start looking for tools that can actually grow with them. If that’s where you’re at, here are the best MailerLite alternatives to check out next…
8 Top MailerLite Alternatives for Email Marketing Automation
Looking for something more powerful than MailerLite? Top alternatives worth checking out are Encharge, Brevo, and Kit (formerly ConvertKit).
Other solid picks include Drip, Mailchimp, GetResponse, ActiveCampaign and Customer.io.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes these tools stand out—and which one might be your best next move.
1. Encharge – The Current Best MailerLite Alternative
- G2: 4.7/5 ⭐ (300+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.9/5 ⭐ (250+ reviews)
When hundreds of marketers rate you 4.9 stars, it’s not a coincidence—Encharge is becoming the go-to MailerLite alternative. Here’s why people are making the switch:
Encharge is built for serious growth-focused teams. It helps you send automated emails that respond to exactly what users do on your site or in your app. No fluff, no distractions—just deeply personalized emails, powerful automations, and clear insights into your customer journey.
MailerLite works fine when you’re keeping things simple. But as your business grows, you’ll probably want more control over your data and targeting—and that’s where Encharge really shines.
Instead of static lists, you can create dynamic segments based on how people actually interact with your brand.
And if you’ve got more complex data to handle—like different user types, products, or custom fields—Encharge gives you the flexibility to organize and use that data without duct-taping workarounds together.
And the experience? Clean, intuitive, no clunky dashboards or hidden settings.
Need help? You’ll always have a real human ready to jump in—our support is fast, friendly, and available across all plans.
So, the bottom line is: Encharge is a no-brainer MailerLite alternative because it offers:
- Visual automation that’s easy and fun to use
- Advanced targeting based on real user behavior
- Support that actually responds (fast!)
Key Features of Encharge
While MailerLite covers the basics, Encharge takes things to another level. You get everything you’d expect—and a bunch of things you didn’t know you needed until now.
- Flow Builder: Design custom automation journeys with a visual drag-and-drop interface
- User Segments: Build smart, dynamic segments based on actions and attributes
- Behavior Emails: Trigger emails based on real-time behavior
- Transactional Emails: Automate key system emails like password resets and confirmations
- Custom Objects: Store and use your unique business data in your automations
If your business is growing and things are getting more complex, Encharge makes it easy to keep everything organized. With Custom Objects, you can store and manage your data the way you need. Here’s what that looks like in action:
And that’s just one part of what Encharge can do. There are plenty more features that’ll seriously level up your email marketing—check them out here!
Pros & Cons of Encharge
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✅ Built for behavior-based marketing | ❌ No forever-free plan |
✅ Visual automation that’s super intuitive | ❌ Smaller template library |
✅ Real-time tracking of every user action | |
✅ Fast and helpful customer support | |
✅ Perfect for SaaS, startups, and scaling teams |
Encharge’s Pricing
- Growth Plan – $79/month (billed yearly): For up to 2,000 subscribers. Includes unlimited flows, team members, behavior emails, advanced segmentation, and live chat support.
- Premium Plan – $129/month (billed yearly): Everything in Growth plus transactional emails, HubSpot/Salesforce integrations, Custom Objects, and event-based segmentation
- Enterprise Plan – Custom pricing: For 50,000+ subscribers. Includes everything in Premium plus dedicated account manager and onboarding.
MailerLite Pricing vs. Encharge
MailerLite is affordable, no doubt. But when you look at what’s included, Encharge gives you more advanced tools from the start. You also don’t need to upgrade just to unlock automation depth—everything’s included even in the Growth plan.
Plan Level | Encharge Price | MailerLite Price |
---|---|---|
Starter | $79/month (2,000 subs) | $10/month (500 subs) |
Mid-Tier | $129/month (2,000 subs) | $20/month (500 subs) |
Enterprise | Custom pricing (50K+ subs) | Custom (100K+ subs) |
Why switch from MailerLite to Encharge?
- Built for marketers who want behavior-based automation without the tech headaches
- No jumping through hoops—everything is easy to use, even advanced features
- Support team that treats your time like it matters
- Ideal for SaaS and growing businesses needing flexibility and power
- You get deeper insights, smarter automation, and higher-performing emails—without extra cost or complexity
2. Brevo
- G2: 4.5/5 ⭐
- Capterra: 4.6/5 ⭐
Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) is an all-in-one platform for email, SMS, and WhatsApp marketing. It’s especially good for teams that want to send transactional emails and build marketing campaigns from the same place.
It’s built to support growing businesses with multi-channel outreach.
Key Features:
- Email, SMS, and WhatsApp marketing
- Drag-and-drop editor with templates
- Marketing automation and AI-powered sending
Brevo Pros & Cons:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✅ Multi-channel messaging | ❌ Daily send limits on free plan |
✅ Affordable entry point | ❌ Features can feel limited without upgrades |
✅ Automation and transactional emails | ❌ Reporting is basic in lower plans |
✅ Good for SMBs and startups | ❌ No landing pages on lower tiers |
Brevo Pricing:
- Free – 300 emails/day, templates, transactional emails
- Starter – from $9/month – 5,000 emails/month, no daily limit, basic analytics
- Business – from $18/month – Automation, A/B testing, landing pages, AI, support
- Enterprise – Custom pricing with advanced support and integrations
MailerLite Pricing vs. Brevo:
Brevo is more affordable right out of the gate and gives you multichannel marketing tools (like SMS and WhatsApp) even on the lower tiers—something MailerLite doesn’t touch unless you go up the ladder. While MailerLite does include landing pages and a slightly more visual automation builder, Brevo’s strength lies in how much you can do for less. We’ve seen this kind of channel flexibility show up in platforms like Encharge too, but at different pricing tiers.
Plan Tier | Brevo | MailerLite |
---|---|---|
Free Plan | 300 emails/day | 1,000 subs, 12,000 emails/mo |
Entry Plan | $9/month (5K emails, basic reporting) | $10/month (automation, 3 users) |
Mid-tier Plan | $18/month (automation, AI, landing pages) | $20/month (AI, unlimited users) |
If you’re leaning toward Brevo but want to explore other similar tools, check out these Brevo alternatives.
Why switch from MailerLite to Brevo?
Switch to Brevo if you want transactional emails, SMS, and automation in one simple platform. It’s more multichannel-focused than tools like MailerLite or even Encharge, which lean more into email workflows.
Pro Tip: If you want to research more, we have a separate Brevo vs MailerLite comparison that goes in 10x more detail compared to what you just read here.
That separate guide should help you decide.
3. Kit (formerly ConvertKit)
- G2: 4.4/5 ⭐
- Capterra: 4.6/5 ⭐
Kit is made for creators—think writers, coaches, bloggers, and indie makers. It’s not bloated with features, but it gives you exactly what you need to grow and engage your audience.
It’s like MailerLite, but with creator-focused tools built in.
Key Features:
- Unlimited automations and email sequences
- Built-in monetization tools and smart recommendations
- RSS-to-email and referral system
Kit Pros & Cons:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✅ Great for creators and solo brands | ❌ Not ideal for SaaS or B2B |
✅ Simple interface with fast setup | ❌ Lacks CRM functionality |
✅ Free for up to 10K subscribers | ❌ Limited analytics |
✅ Affordable Pro plan | ❌ Fewer native integrations |
Kit Pricing:
- Newsletter – Free – 10K subs, 1 automation, unlimited broadcasts
- Creator – $29/month – Unlimited automations, removes branding
- Creator Pro – $59/month – Facebook audiences, referral system, engagement scoring
MailerLite Pricing vs. Kit:
MailerLite is better for teams or businesses with complex workflows. But for creators looking for monetization and simplicity, Kit’s free plan is tough to beat. Kit, like Encharge, doesn’t overcomplicate the setup process—it’s built for quick results, not complex CRM structures.
Plan Tier | Kit | MailerLite |
---|---|---|
Free Plan | 10K subs, 1 automation | 1K subs, 12K emails/mo |
Entry Plan | $29/month (unlimited automations) | $10/month (automation + templates) |
Mid-tier Plan | $59/month (monetization tools) | $20/month (AI, popups, unlimited users) |
Why switch from MailerLite to Kit?
Kit is perfect if you’re a creator and just want a clean, simple way to grow and engage your audience. Think of it as the minimalist’s choice compared to more automation-focused tools like Encharge.
4. Drip
- G2: 4.4/5 ⭐
- Capterra: 4.4/5 ⭐
Drip is built for eCommerce. It helps you build high-converting, automated email journeys that are personalized and data-driven.
If you’re running a store and want more revenue from email, Drip is a strong step up.
Key Features:
- Visual workflows with split paths and goals
- Dynamic segmentation and personalization
- Onsite forms and popups for lead capture
Drip Pros & Cons:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✅ Deep eCommerce integrations | ❌ Not ideal for non-eComm businesses |
✅ Easy-to-use visual workflows | ❌ No free plan |
✅ Revenue tracking built in | ❌ Can get expensive with list growth |
✅ Beautiful templates and opt-in forms | ❌ Basic landing page tools |
Drip Pricing:
- Starts at $39/month – For up to 2,500 contacts, unlimited sends, workflows, popups, segmentation, and support
MailerLite Pricing vs. Drip:
Drip starts at nearly double MailerLite’s base price but brings eComm-specific features like revenue tracking and advanced segmentation. Encharge takes a broader approach to automation, while Drip zeroes in on store owners. MailerLite is better suited for simpler use cases or lower budgets.
(No pricing table needed – Drip has one plan that scales.)
Why switch from MailerLite to Drip?
If your main goal is eCommerce revenue, Drip offers the tools to make every email count—especially compared to platforms like MailerLite or Encharge, which serve wider use cases.
5. Mailchimp
- G2: 4.3/5 ⭐
- Capterra: 4.5/5 ⭐
Mailchimp is a household name in email marketing. It’s known for its user-friendly interface, templates, and strong brand—but it’s also grown into a more advanced tool for marketers.
It’s a familiar option, but no longer the cheapest.
Key Features:
- Email campaigns with AI content suggestions
- Advanced segmentation and A/B testing
- Custom-coded templates and predictive analytics
Mailchimp Pros & Cons:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✅ Trusted platform with strong brand | ❌ Gets pricey fast |
✅ Great templates and UX | ❌ Strict billing rules and contact caps |
✅ Advanced segmentation tools | ❌ Support is gated behind higher plans |
✅ Works well for basic to mid-level needs | ❌ Not ideal for scaling automation |
Mailchimp Pricing:
- Standard – $20/month – 500 contacts, 6,000 emails/month, enhanced automation
- Premium – $350/month – 10K+ contacts, 150K emails/month, custom onboarding, priority support
MailerLite Pricing vs. Mailchimp:
Mailchimp gives you more advanced tools right out of the gate—like predictive analytics, segmentation, and custom-coded templates—features that require higher-tier MailerLite plans or aren’t available at all. Mailchimp, similarly to Encharge, aims to be a full suite for marketers, while MailerLite focuses on simplicity.
Plan Tier | Mailchimp | MailerLite |
---|---|---|
Entry Plan | $20/month (6K emails, 500 contacts) | $10/month (unlimited emails, 500 subs) |
High-tier Plan | $350/month (10K+ contacts) | Custom (starts lower) |
Why switch from MailerLite to Mailchimp?
Mailchimp is best if you want trusted reliability, better templates, and brand-level support—though it may come at a higher cost than MailerLite or Encharge.
6. GetResponse
- G2: 4.3/5 ⭐
- Capterra: 4.2/5 ⭐
GetResponse is a full-suite marketing platform with email automation, landing pages, webinars, and even course creation. It’s great for businesses that want more than just an email tool.
If MailerLite feels too limited, GetResponse gives you room to grow.
Key Features:
- AI email generator and content tools
- Marketing automation and sales funnels
- Webinars, landing pages, and segmentation
GetResponse Pros & Cons:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✅ Broad feature set beyond email | ❌ Can feel bloated for basic users |
✅ Unlimited emails even on basic plans | ❌ Higher pricing tiers get expensive |
✅ Strong automation + sales tools | ❌ Not as clean or simple as MailerLite |
✅ Webinars and course tools | ❌ CRM is more limited |
GetResponse Pricing:
- Starter – $19/month – AI tools, autoresponders, landing pages
- Marketer – $59/month – Funnels, automation, segmentation, web push
- Creator – $69/month – AI course builder, up to 500 students
- Enterprise – Custom pricing – Advanced support, SSO, SMS, dedicated IP
MailerLite Pricing vs. GetResponse:
GetResponse gives you more tools like sales funnels, webinars, and course features, but comes at a higher cost. Encharge offers similar value through its automation stack without bundling in webinar or course tools. MailerLite is more focused and lean for simpler email marketing.
Plan Tier | GetResponse | MailerLite |
---|---|---|
Entry Plan | $19/month (AI tools, unlimited sends) | $10/month (automation, 3 users) |
Mid-tier Plan | $59–$69/month (funnels, courses) | $20/month (AI tools, unlimited users) |
Why switch from MailerLite to GetResponse?
GetResponse is ideal if you want to build out landing pages, webinars, and course funnels alongside your email strategy. While tools like Encharge take a more focused approach to automation and personalization, GetResponse leans into being an all-in-one platform for broader marketing needs.
💡 Exploring GetResponse and its broader features? These GetResponse alternatives walk you through other all-in-one platforms worth checking.
7. ActiveCampaign
- G2: 4.5/5 ⭐
- Capterra: 4.5/5 ⭐
ActiveCampaign is a full-fledged marketing platform built for teams that want advanced automation and CRM baked in. It’s perfect for businesses ready to level up their email game.
If MailerLite’s automation feels too limited, ActiveCampaign gives you full control.
Key Features:
- Deep automation builder with conditions and goals
- Integrated CRM and pipeline management
- Predictive sending, lead scoring, and segmentation
ActiveCampaign Pros & Cons:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✅ Pro-grade automation + CRM | ❌ Learning curve for beginners |
✅ Sales and marketing in one place | ❌ No free plan |
✅ AI-powered tools and personalization | ❌ Gets expensive with scaling |
✅ Excellent segmentation and workflows | ❌ Not ideal for casual use |
ActiveCampaign Pricing:
- Starter – $15/month – Basic email automation
- Plus – $49/month – CRM, lead scoring, custom domains
- Pro – $79/month – Predictive sending, A/B testing, AI
- Enterprise – $145/month – Premium support, advanced tools
MailerLite Pricing vs. ActiveCampaign:
MailerLite is better for simplicity and small teams. ActiveCampaign costs more but delivers way more power for teams that want CRM and rich workflows. We’ve seen Encharge land somewhere in between—powerful automation, without the heavier CRM stack of ActiveCampaign.
Plan Tier | ActiveCampaign | MailerLite |
---|---|---|
Entry Plan | $15/month (basic automation) | $10/month (automation, 3 users) |
Mid-tier Plan | $49–$79/month (CRM + AI) | $20/month (AI tools, unlimited users) |
High-tier Plan | $145/month (advanced support) | Custom pricing (starts lower) |
ActiveCampaign delivers serious power—just make sure it’s the right fit. These ActiveCampaign alternatives might offer a better balance for your team.
Why switch from MailerLite to ActiveCampaign?
Switch to ActiveCampaign if you want powerful automation, CRM integration, and personalization all in one platform. If that’s too heavy, tools like Encharge offer a middle ground between ActiveCampaign’s depth and MailerLite’s simplicity.
8. Customer.io
- G2: 4.4/5 ⭐
- Capterra: 4.7/5 ⭐
Customer.io is built for data-driven messaging. It’s ideal for SaaS companies and apps that want full control of user journeys with behavior-triggered automations.
If you want deeper data and personalization, this platform delivers.
Key Features:
- Visual workflow builder with API triggers
- Dynamic segments and real-time messaging
- Ad audience syncing and advanced objects
Customer.io stands out for technical control. If that’s your vibe, these Customer.io alternatives explore more platforms with similar firepower.
Customer.io Pros & Cons:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
✅ Granular control over automations | ❌ Not beginner-friendly |
✅ Built for technical, product-led teams | ❌ Higher starting price |
✅ Strong API and developer tools | ❌ No drag-and-drop campaign builder |
✅ Supports complex data and objects | ❌ UI feels dated to some users |
Customer.io Pricing:
- Essentials – $100/month – 5K profiles, 1M emails/month, 2 object types
- Premium – $1,000/month – More objects, HIPAA, advanced onboarding
- Enterprise – Custom pricing – Custom hardware, audit logging, dedicated CSM
If you’re into tis tool, we’ve got a separate pricing guide for Customer.io — that one is much more detailed compared to this section.
MailerLite Pricing vs. Customer.io:
Customer.io starts at a much higher price than MailerLite, but gives you much more flexibility with API, user objects, and real-time triggers. It’s built for technical teams that want full control—like what some teams use Encharge for, just at a lower entry point.
Plan Tier | Customer.io | MailerLite |
---|---|---|
Entry Plan | $100/month (5K profiles, API workflows) | $10/month (500 subs, automation) |
Mid-tier Plan | $1,000/month (advanced onboarding, HIPAA) | $20/month (AI, unlimited users) |
Why switch from MailerLite to Customer.io?
Choose Customer.io if you’re building product-led journeys and need powerful, data-driven workflows with developer-level customization. Encharge leans into this space as well, though with a more visual approach to automation.
How We Selected the Top MailerLite Alternatives
We took the time to really look at what MailerLite users are looking for next. Whether it’s better automation, more flexibility, or just fewer limits, this lineup is meant to help you find something that actually fits.
Every platform we included offers a real edge in some area—whether that’s for solo creators, growing eComm brands, or SaaS teams scaling fast. The goal was to keep things practical, not overwhelming.
Here’s what we focused on while picking these tools:
- Value for price – Not just how affordable a tool is, but what you actually get for your spend.
- Automation power – We looked for tools with more advanced workflows than just basic triggers.
- User experience – Easy to get started, clean interfaces, and helpful support.
- Design + personalization – Good-looking emails that feel tailored to the right people.
- Integrations + CRM – Platforms that play well with your stack or come with built-in contact tools.
- Room to grow – Whether you’re solo or building a team, we made sure these tools can scale with you.
We chose tools we’d actually recommend to a friend—not just what’s trending.
Which Alternative to MailerLite Is Best for Your Business?
Truth is, it depends on what you need. If you’re just sending a few newsletters, you’ll probably lean one way. If you’re automating a whole customer journey, you’ll lean another.
That said, Encharge is the best alternative to MailerLite if you’re focused on automation, user behavior, and building smart email flows that actually move the needle.
Ready to Pick Your MailerLite Alternative?
If you’ve been exploring options and wondering what else is out there, we hope this list made things a bit clearer. Whether you’re scaling fast or just getting started, there’s a solid option here for you.
The right tool should save you time, help you convert more leads, and make your email strategy feel way less stressful. You’ve got options—now it’s just about choosing the one that fits your next chapter.
If you’re looking for a platform that checks all the boxes, Encharge is the smartest pick.
MailerLite Alternatives: FAQs
1. What’s better than MailerLite?
It depends on what you’re after. If you’ve outgrown MailerLite’s basic automation or want deeper behavior tracking and segmentation, Encharge is a strong step up. It’s built for teams that want serious email automation without the clunky UI or limited triggers.
How to upgrade from MailerLite:
- Create an account with a more advanced tool like Encharge.
- Import your subscribers and recreate your core automations.
- Set up behavior-based flows to improve targeting and performance.
2. What email marketing platform is best for scaling?
If you’re looking to grow beyond simple newsletters, you need something that can handle complex flows, A/B testing, and personalization. That’s where Encharge shines. It’s built to scale with your business and gives you visibility into what users are doing, not just what they clicked.
How to scale your email marketing:
- Map your customer journey from signup to conversion.
- Use Encharge’s Flow Builder to build automated paths.
- Optimize with A/B Testing and User Segments to improve results.
3. Does MailerLite have a CRM?
MailerLite offers some basic subscriber management, but it’s not a true CRM. If you need real-time activity tracking, lead scoring, and full contact profiles, Encharge has you covered. It gives you full context on every user, not just their email opens.
How to move from email-only to email + CRM:
- Switch to a platform like Encharge with built-in User Profiles.
- Set up Lead Scoring to prioritize top users.
- Use Behavior Emails to engage them automatically.
4. What’s the best MailerLite alternative for SaaS companies?
MailerLite is great for basic newsletters—but SaaS needs more: onboarding flows, churn prevention, and lifecycle emails. Encharge was built for that. You get deep integrations, powerful automation, and tools that speak SaaS.
How to switch to a SaaS-ready email platform:
- Choose a platform like Encharge that integrates with your SaaS tools.
- Set up user journeys with the Flow Builder.
- Trigger emails based on in-app activity using Event Management.