MailerLite Review 2025: Pricing, Pros, Cons & Free Plan Compared

Finding the right email marketing platform can really make a difference in your campaigns, and MailerLite has quickly become one of the go-to newsletter platforms of 2025. With its user-friendly design, budget-friendly pricing, and impressive performance, it’s a hit among small businesses, creators, and anyone searching for a free email marketing tool that can grow with them. But with so many providers out there claiming to be the best, is MailerLite truly the right fit for your business?

In this MailerLite review, we’ll examine its pricing, features, and deliverability. We’ll compare its email campaign service, subscriber management, and automation tools with those of other top players like Mailchimp to highlight its strengths and areas that might not meet your expectations. We aim to help you determine which email marketing service best meets your needs.

What Is MailerLite?

MailerLite is an email marketing service designed to help businesses and individuals create, send, and track email campaigns without the steep learning curve that many other solutions often require. Founded in 2010, the company has grown into one of the most trusted newsletter platforms, currently serving hundreds of thousands of users worldwide.

What sets MailerLite apart from other email marketing software is its perfect blend of simplicity and functionality. The interface is crafted for ease of use, making it welcoming for newcomers, yet it’s powerful enough to handle automation, segmentation, and custom landing pages.

For creators and newsletter publishers, MailerLite offers budget-friendly tools to build and monetize their audiences. Small and medium-sized businesses use it for customer engagement and lead nurturing, while e-commerce brands use its integrations to connect with their stores and track performance across various channels.

MailerLite Pricing & Free Plan Explained

One of MailerLite’s standout features is its competitive pricing structure. Whether you’re a beginner with a small email list or managing large-scale campaigns, there’s a plan to fit every budget.

Free Plan – What You Actually Get

MailerLite boasts one of the most generous free plans available among email marketing tools. It includes:

• Up to 1,000 subscribers

• 12,000 monthly emails

• Access to core features such as the drag-and-drop editor, basic automation, and sign-up forms

However, some features are reserved for paid plans. Free users won’t have access to premium templates, advanced automation workflows, or priority support. Additionally, there is no migration support, which can pose challenges for businesses switching providers.

Compared to other free newsletter services, MailerLite’s free plan provides a solid starting point for newcomers, but more experienced marketers may want additional flexibility.

Paid Plans (Growing Business, Advanced, Enterprise)

MailerLite’s paid plans scale with the number of subscribers. The pricing starts at a reasonable rate and increases in clear increments:

• 500 subscribers – Entering the Growing Business plan with unlimited email and access to advanced templates

• 1,000 subscribers – Opens up more automation capabilities and better reporting

• 5,000 subscribers – Perfect for small businesses with multiple email campaigns

• 10,000 subscribers – Best for creators or e-commerce stores with big lists

• 50,000 subscribers and more – Business-level pricing with custom features, multi-users, and priority support

Both the Advanced and Growing Business plans offer unlimited monthly emails, with the Advanced plan featuring AI tools, advanced automation, and priority support. MailerLite provides both monthly and annual billing options, with discounts available for yearly commitments.

This transparency in pricing positions MailerLite as a strong contender for the best email campaign service available.

When to Upgrade

While the free version works well for testing, many companies will hit their limits fairly quickly. You should think about upgrading when:

• Your subscriber base exceeds 1,000 contacts.

• You require sophisticated automation or audience segmentation.

• Your campaigns need multiple team seats or role management.

• You would like to get premium design tools, analytics, and integrations.

MailerLite has a straightforward overage policy – once you exceed your subscriber limit, you automatically move up to the next tier. This ensures your campaigns continue running smoothly, but it’s wise to plan ahead if you’re experiencing rapid growth.

MailerLite Review of Features

MailerLite offers a great mix of features and user-friendliness, making it an ideal choice for small businesses and content creators who want a professional look without a steep learning curve. Here’s a look at some of its key features.

Email Editor & Templates

The drag-and-drop editor in MailerLite allows users to create emails quickly and effortlessly. You can easily add images, buttons, text, and product blocks without needing to write any code. HTML editing is also an option for those who prefer a hands-on approach.

The platform comes with a variety of designs and templates for newsletters, promotional emails, and transactional messages. However, users on the free plan have limited template options. Those with paid accounts can access premium designs and more advanced features.

In terms of usability, MailerLite’s templates are mobile-responsive, ensuring that campaigns look good on all devices. The use of clear fonts and good color contrast also improves accessibility, making it a reliable choice for email newsletters.

Automation Workflows

MailerLite truly shines in the realm of automation for everyday marketers. The platform offers features like triggers (for actions such as sign-ups, purchases, or clicks), delays, and conditional branching. This empowers users to design personalized journeys without needing advanced technical skills.

Here are three specific automation templates you can use:

• Welcome Series: Distribute lead magnets, greet new subscribers, and foster engagement right from the beginning.

• Post-Purchase Flow: Send thank-you notes, request reviews, and recommend related products.

• Re-Engagement Campaign: Connect with inactive subscribers by offering incentives or reminders before they decide to unsubscribe.

While MailerLite covers the basics effectively, it lacks more advanced features like multi-branch logic, predictive scoring, or AI-driven workflows, which are common in pricier email marketing platforms. However, for many small businesses, it offers essential email marketing tools at no cost, with affordable upgrade options, making it a strong contender for the best email marketing solution within its price range.

Forms & Landing Pages

MailerLite offers a robust tool for creating forms and landing pages. Users can design pop-ups, embedded forms, and surveys with customizable fields and styles. The forms also include GDPR-compliant consent settings, making it easier to stay compliant.

The landing page editor features templates, SEO fields, and A/B testing options to enhance performance. For those starting an online presence, MailerLite provides a simple site builder that includes blogging, analytics, and e-commerce widgets – features not commonly found on typical newsletter platforms.

This flexibility makes MailerLite a great choice for creators, startups, and small to medium-sized businesses looking for an all-in-one solution for list building and publishing, rather than juggling multiple newsletter services.

Subscriber Management & Segmentation

Managing subscribers is straightforward with MailerLite’s two-part system: groups for manual organization and segments that use rules-based filters. This allows marketers to tag subscribers based on their behavior, purchases, or engagement levels, enabling targeted messaging.

Personalization is enhanced through dynamic content blocks that adjust messaging for different audiences within a single campaign. While MailerLite may not compete with enterprise-level CRMs, it is a reliable email list service for small teams looking for flexible targeting options.

Compared to other email marketing platforms, MailerLite’s segmentation features are user-friendly, making them accessible even to those without technical expertise.

Deliverability & SMTP Relay

MailerLite generally offers good deliverability, although results can vary depending on the quality of the list and its configuration. Independent tests often show inbox placement rates exceeding 90% with major carriers.

To help users achieve the best results, MailerLite guides them through setting up authentication configurations like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records, which are crucial for successfully passing spam filters.

Additionally, MailerLite provides an SMTP email service that allows businesses to send messages directly through its servers. While it may not be as advanced as dedicated providers like SendGrid or Amazon SES, it works well for transactional campaigns. Users looking for the best SMTP server options might face some throughput limitations, but the free SMTP relay feature offers sufficient functionality for smaller applications.

Overall, MailerLite’s deliverability tools ensure that newsletters reach their intended destination – the inbox, rather than the spam folder.

Analytics & Reporting

MailerLite tracks essential metrics like open rates, click-through rates (CTR), unsubscribes, and conversions. The reports can be broken down by campaign or subscriber activity, making it simple to see what’s working.

For those looking for more detailed tracking, users can add UTM parameters to monitor campaign performance in Google Analytics. Additionally, MailerLite offers link heatmaps that visually display where readers are clicking the most.

However, the platform lacks advanced cohort analysis and multi-touch attribution, which might be necessary for larger businesses. For most users, though, the reporting capabilities are more than adequate, delivering the key insights needed to enhance email marketing efforts.

This makes it a practical option for individuals who want straightforward analytics that cater well to the needs of small businesses and newsletter creators.

Integrations & APIs

MailerLite offers seamless integrations with popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, WordPress, and Zapier, making it easy to connect newsletters with e-commerce, lead generation, and productivity workflows.

High-value use cases are:

• Sending Shopify order information to initiate product suggestions

• Capturing Typeform quiz answers into segmented lists

• Syncing MailerLite with Google Sheets for list updates

• Auto-creating subscribers from Webflow or Squarespace forms

Developers can take advantage of MailerLite’s API, which allows access to subscriber data, campaign creation, and automation triggers. Real-time webhook updates are supported, though there may be some limitations when handling larger volumes.

Unlike many enterprise email marketing solutions, MailerLite stands out by offering the essential integrations that small businesses and creators require, without overwhelming them with unnecessary complexity.

MailerLite Pros & Cons

Every email marketing platform has pros and cons, and MailerLite is no different. While it shines in areas like affordability and user accessibility, seasoned users might encounter some limitations.

Pros

• Affordable pricing – MailerLite offers competitive pricing compared to many other platforms, making it an excellent choice for startups and small businesses.

• Easy-to-use editor – The drag-and-drop interface is straightforward and doesn’t require any coding skills, which is perfect for beginners.

• Generous subscriber policy – Unlike some other services, unsubscribed contacts won’t add to your costs.

• High deliverability rates – With proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), MailerLite consistently performs well in getting emails into inboxes.

• Robust free plan for beginners – The free version provides enough features to help you grow your audience, ranking it among the top free email marketing options.

• Comprehensive features – With templates, basic automation, and various integrations, it stands out as a solid choice for anyone seeking effective newsletter software at this price point.

Cons

• Limited advanced automation – More complex customer journeys or predictive workflows are not supported.

• Strict approval process – New accounts often face rigorous checks that can delay campaign launches.

• No migration assistance – Users must manually transfer templates, subscribers, and automations from other platforms.

• Lack of advanced reporting – While basic reporting is available, features like cohort analysis, revenue attribution, and detailed funnel tracking are missing.

• Inconsistent support response times – Premium users receive priority, which can lead to longer wait times for free users needing assistance.

Who Should Use MailerLite?

MailerLite isn’t for everyone, but it works particularly well for specific groups. Its blend of affordability, ease of use, and targeted features makes it appealing to the following users:

• Small businesses – For those on a tight budget, MailerLite provides all the essential tools for email marketing that small business owners need: basic automation, list management, and reliable deliverability. It’s cost-effective without sacrificing professionalism.
  
  
• Bloggers and creators – Independent writers, podcasters, and online creators can use MailerLite’s landing pages, templates, and monetization options to engage with their audiences through newsletters.

• E-commerce stores – Smaller online shops can utilize simple automations like cart recovery and product recommendations. While MailerLite may not be a comprehensive enterprise solution, it is a solid choice for growing brands.

• Teams and agencies – With features for permissions, roles, and client account management, teams can efficiently manage multiple campaigns from one platform.

In summary, MailerLite stands out as one of the best email services for those who value simplicity, affordability, and an efficient workflow.

MailerLite vs Mailchimp (and Other Alternatives)

When it comes to choosing email marketing tools, the debate often centers around MailerLite and Mailchimp. Both platforms are well-known, but they serve slightly different audiences.

• Cost: MailerLite is more budget-friendly for small businesses, starting at a lower price point. In contrast, Mailchimp’s costs can rise quickly as your subscriber list grows.

• Ease of Use: MailerLite features a more user-friendly interface, making it easier to navigate. However, Mailchimp provides more advanced features, which can make it a bit more complex to learn.

• Deliverability: Both platforms perform well, but MailerLite’s focus on authentication settings (like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC) helps ensure better inbox placement.

• Templates and Design: While Mailchimp offers a wider variety of templates, MailerLite strikes a good balance between quality and affordability.

• Approval Process: MailerLite tends to have a more thorough onboarding process, whereas Mailchimp usually allows for a quicker setup.

In summary, the choice between Mailchimp and MailerLite ultimately depends on your priorities: opt for MailerLite if you value simplicity and cost-effectiveness, or choose Mailchimp for its more extensive features if you’re ready to invest more.

Other Alternatives to MailerLite

Beyond Mailchimp, several competitors are worth considering if you’re exploring MailerLite alternatives:

• ConvertKit – Best for creators and bloggers with a focus on audience monetization.

• Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) – Strong transactional email capabilities and SMS marketing.

• Beehiiv – A growing newsletter platform designed for writers and publishers.

• Moosend – Affordable, with solid automation features for small businesses.

Decision Matrix: Which is the Best Fit?

MailerLite stands out as the most cost-effective choice for small businesses and creators, while Mailchimp remains a premium option for enterprises. For those prioritizing creator tools, ConvertKit and Beehiiv are strong alternatives.

Ultimately, MailerLite is a strong contender for the best email marketing platform if you want affordability, ease of use, and reliable performance without overwhelming complexity.

Security, Roles & Localization

When comparing email marketing platforms for small businesses, security and compliance are just as important as price and features. MailerLite provides a solid foundation to ensure enterprises remain secure while reaching audiences around the globe.

• Roles and Permissions – MailerLite allows account owners to assign different access levels to team members. This feature is handy for agencies or small teams that need to divide responsibilities for design, content, and administration.

• Custom Tracking Domains – Businesses can set up their own tracking domains, which helps maintain brand consistency and fosters trust among subscribers.

• Languages and Localization – MailerLite is one of the more adaptable email newsletter solutions. Its interface and email campaigns are available in multiple languages, making it easier to target international audiences or create multilingual newsletters.

• GDPR Compliance and Data Hosting – MailerLite complies with GDPR and hosts data in the EU, providing peace of mind for companies handling sensitive subscriber information. The software also emphasizes double opt-in options, giving marketers legal protection and improving list quality.

These features make MailerLite a dependable choice for businesses that need effective marketing, regulatory compliance, and the ability to reach audiences across borders. As this MailerLite review shows, the platform balances affordability with strong features, making it ideal for small businesses and creators.