Blog

Introduction

When it comes to email marketing automation, choosing the right platform can make a significant impact on your business. Two of the most popular tools in this space are Mailerlite and ActiveCampaign. Both offer powerful features, but they cater to different types of users based on their needs and experience levels.

Mailerlite is known for its simplicity, affordability, and beginner-friendly interface, making it a great choice for small businesses and startups. On the other hand, ActiveCampaign is a more advanced solution with robust automation, CRM capabilities, and deep segmentation, making it ideal for businesses that need sophisticated marketing automation.

In this comparison, we will break down Mailerlite vs ActiveCampaign across key categories such as pricing, ease of use, automation, integrations, email marketing features, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which tool best suits your business needs.

Pricing and Plans

One of the most important factors when choosing an email marketing platform is pricing. Both Mailerlite and ActiveCampaign offer different pricing structures based on features, subscribers, and automation capabilities.

Mailerlite Pricing

Mailerlite offers a straightforward pricing model with a free plan and several paid tiers.

• Free Plan: Includes 1,000 subscribers and 12,000 emails per month, with access to essential email marketing features, automation, and landing pages.
• Paid Plans (Starting at $10/month): Pricing increases based on the number of subscribers, and additional features like advanced automation, custom domains, and priority support become available.

Mailerlite’s pricing is affordable and scalable, making it a great option for small businesses, bloggers, and startups looking for cost-effective email marketing.

ActiveCampaign Pricing

ActiveCampaign does not offer a free plan, but it provides four pricing tiers based on features and business needs:

• Lite Plan (Starts at $29/month): Includes basic email marketing and automation.
• Plus Plan (Starts at $49/month): Adds CRM, lead scoring, and deeper automation features.
• Professional Plan (Starts at $149/month): Includes predictive sending, split automation, and detailed reporting.
• Enterprise Plan (Custom Pricing): Designed for large businesses with advanced needs like custom reporting, dedicated account management, and more.

ActiveCampaign’s pricing is higher than Mailerlite’s because it includes advanced automation, CRM capabilities, and deep segmentation. It is best suited for businesses that need sophisticated marketing automation.

Which One is More Cost-Effective?

If you’re looking for an affordable email marketing solution with essential features, Mailerlite is the better option. However, if you need advanced automation, CRM, and deep segmentation, ActiveCampaign is worth the investment.

Ease of Use and Interface

When choosing an email marketing platform, ease of use plays a crucial role, especially for beginners and small business owners. A clean, intuitive interface can save time and improve efficiency. In this section, we’ll compare how Mailerlite vs ActiveCampaign perform in terms of user experience and design.

Mailerlite: Simple and User-Friendly

Mailerlite is known for its minimalist design and easy-to-navigate dashboard. It is built with beginners in mind, offering a clean and straightforward interface that makes email creation, automation, and list management hassle-free.

• Drag-and-Drop Editor: Creating emails is simple with an intuitive drag-and-drop builder, making it accessible even for non-tech users.
• Clean Dashboard: Everything is well-organized, with clear labels and an uncluttered design.
• Quick Setup Process: Setting up an account, creating campaigns, and managing subscribers is fast and easy.

Mailerlite’s focus on simplicity makes it an excellent choice for small businesses, bloggers, and marketers who want a no-fuss email marketing solution.

ActiveCampaign: Feature-Rich but Complex

ActiveCampaign offers a more advanced platform with a wealth of features, which can make the interface overwhelming for beginners.

• Feature-Packed Dashboard: While it provides powerful tools, the number of options may feel complex for first-time users.
• Advanced Automation Builder: The visual automation builder is robust but has a steeper learning curve compared to Mailerlite.
• Customizable Workflows: Users can build highly detailed automation workflows, but it requires time and experience to master.

While ActiveCampaign is more powerful, its complexity means it is better suited for experienced marketers, medium to large businesses, and those who need deep customization.

Which One is Easier to Use?

• If you prefer simplicity and a user-friendly interface, Mailerlite is the clear winner.
• If you need advanced marketing automation and don’t mind a learning curve, ActiveCampaign is the better option.

Email Marketing Features

Both Mailerlite and ActiveCampaign offer robust email marketing features, but they cater to different types of users. While Mailerlite focuses on simplicity and essential tools, ActiveCampaign provides advanced automation and segmentation. Let’s compare their key features.

Mailerlite: Essential Email Marketing Features

Mailerlite provides all the basic tools needed to create and manage email marketing campaigns efficiently.

• Drag-and-Drop Email Builder – An easy-to-use editor that allows you to create professional-looking emails without coding.
• Pre-Designed Templates – A collection of customizable templates for newsletters, promotions, and transactional emails.
• Basic Automation – Set up automated emails based on subscriber actions, such as welcome sequences and abandoned cart emails.
• Personalization – Use dynamic fields to personalize emails with subscriber names and custom details.
• A/B Testing – Test subject lines, content, and send times to improve engagement.

Mailerlite is perfect for small businesses, bloggers, and beginners who need an easy-to-use email marketing tool with essential features.

ActiveCampaign: Advanced Email Marketing Tools

ActiveCampaign offers powerful and advanced email marketing tools designed for businesses that need deep automation and customization.

• Advanced Email Automation – A visual automation builder with conditional logic, triggers, and multi-step workflows.
• Dynamic Content Personalization – Customize email content based on subscriber behavior, interests, and past interactions.
• Email Segmentation – Advanced segmentation options allow you to target specific groups within your audience.
• Behavioral Tracking – Track user interactions on your website and trigger emails based on their actions.
• SMS and Site Messaging – Go beyond email by sending SMS and in-app/site messages to engage your audience.

ActiveCampaign is ideal for medium to large businesses, eCommerce stores, and marketers who need sophisticated email automation.

Which One is Better for Email Marketing?

• Mailerlite is better for simple, effective email marketing with an easy-to-use interface.
• ActiveCampaign is the best choice for advanced automation, segmentation, and behavioral tracking.

Automation and Workflow Capabilities

Automation is a crucial feature in email marketing, helping businesses save time and engage with their audience efficiently. Both Mailerlite and ActiveCampaign offer automation tools, but they differ significantly in terms of flexibility and complexity.

Mailerlite: Simple and Effective Automation

Mailerlite provides basic automation features that are easy to set up and manage. It is ideal for small businesses and beginners who need simple automated workflows.

• Drag-and-Drop Automation Builder – A user-friendly interface for creating automated email sequences.
• Trigger-Based Emails – Automate emails based on actions like signing up, making a purchase, or clicking a link.
• Basic Conditional Logic – Set simple conditions to send different emails based on user behavior.
• Pre-Made Automation Templates – Ready-to-use automation workflows for welcome sequences, abandoned cart emails, and engagement campaigns.

Mailerlite is perfect for businesses that need straightforward email automation without a steep learning curve.

ActiveCampaign: Advanced Automation for Power Users

ActiveCampaign is one of the most powerful automation tools on the market. It goes beyond email marketing by integrating automation with CRM, sales, and customer engagement.

• Visual Workflow Builder – Create complex automation sequences using a visual drag-and-drop editor.
• Multi-Step and Conditional Logic – Set advanced triggers and conditions based on user behavior, website activity, and purchase history.
• Sales and CRM Automation – Automate lead nurturing, follow-ups, and sales processes.
• Multi-Channel Automation – Send emails, SMS, and site messages within a single workflow.
• Tagging and Lead Scoring – Automatically segment and prioritize leads based on their engagement level.

ActiveCampaign is best suited for marketers, eCommerce businesses, and companies needing detailed automation and CRM integration.

Which One is Better for Automation?

• Mailerlite is best for simple, beginner-friendly automation with essential features.
• ActiveCampaign is ideal for businesses that need deep automation, CRM integration, and multi-channel marketing.

Integrations and Compatibility

Integrations play a crucial role in choosing an email marketing platform, as they allow seamless connections with third-party apps, eCommerce platforms, and CRM systems. Both Mailerlite and ActiveCampaign offer various integrations, but they differ in terms of the number of supported apps and advanced functionality.

Mailerlite: Essential Integrations for Simplicity

Mailerlite provides a wide range of integrations, primarily focusing on popular tools for small businesses, bloggers, and startups.

• eCommerce Integrations – Connects with Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce for email automation and abandoned cart emails.
• Website and Landing Page Builders – Works with WordPress, Squarespace, and Webflow to capture leads.
• Zapier Support – Expands compatibility by enabling integration with thousands of third-party apps.
• Social Media and Marketing Tools – Connects with Facebook, Google Analytics, and Stripe to track engagement and payments.

Mailerlite is ideal for users who need essential integrations with major platforms but don’t require complex automation workflows.

ActiveCampaign: Extensive Integrations for Advanced Users

ActiveCampaign offers a more extensive list of integrations, making it a great choice for businesses that rely on automation and customer data across multiple platforms.

• CRM and Sales Integrations – Native integration with Salesforce, HubSpot, and Pipedrive to streamline sales and lead management.
• Advanced eCommerce Support – Deeper integration with Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and BigCommerce, allowing detailed segmentation and automation based on purchase history.
• Multi-Channel Marketing Integrations – Supports SMS, live chat, and chatbot tools for enhanced customer communication.
• Custom API and Webhooks – Developers can build custom integrations for unique business needs.

ActiveCampaign is ideal for marketers, eCommerce businesses, and enterprises that need deep integrations across multiple platforms for a unified marketing strategy.

Which One is Better for Integrations?

• Mailerlite is great for basic integrations with website builders, eCommerce, and Zapier-based automation.
• ActiveCampaign is the better choice for businesses that need extensive integrations, CRM capabilities, and advanced eCommerce tracking.

Customer Support and Resources

Good customer support is essential when choosing an email marketing platform. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced marketer, having access to reliable support and educational resources can save time and help you troubleshoot issues efficiently. In this section, we’ll compare the customer support and learning resources offered by Mailerlite vs ActiveCampaign.

Mailerlite: Friendly and Beginner-Focused Support

Mailerlite offers reliable customer support with a strong emphasis on helping beginners and small businesses get started easily.

• Email and Live Chat Support – Free plan users have access to email support, while paid users get 24/7 live chat support.
• Comprehensive Knowledge Base – Includes step-by-step tutorials, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides.
• Webinars and Video Tutorials – Offers free training sessions to help users maximize their email marketing campaigns.
• Community Support – Active user forums where members can ask questions and share tips.

Mailerlite’s friendly and responsive support makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer self-help resources with access to live support when needed.

ActiveCampaign: Robust Support for Advanced Users

ActiveCampaign provides high-quality customer support, with more options tailored for businesses that require dedicated assistance and strategic guidance.

• Live Chat, Email, and Phone Support – Available for all paid users, with priority support for higher-tier plans.
• One-on-One Onboarding – Personalized training for new users to set up automation and workflows.
• Extensive Help Center – Includes documentation, step-by-step guides, and troubleshooting articles.
• Advanced Training and Webinars – Offers deep-dive sessions on automation, CRM, and advanced segmentation.
• Dedicated Account Managers – Available for enterprise users who require hands-on assistance.

ActiveCampaign’s comprehensive support system is ideal for businesses that need strategic guidance, advanced training, and personalized support.

Which One Has Better Customer Support?

• Mailerlite is great for beginners and small businesses that need simple support and educational resources.
• ActiveCampaign is better for larger businesses and advanced marketers who require premium support and in-depth training.

Landing Pages and Forms

Landing pages and forms are essential for growing your email list and capturing leads effectively. Both Mailerlite and ActiveCampaign offer tools for creating landing pages and signup forms, but they differ in terms of customization, ease of use, and available features.

Mailerlite: Simple and Effective Landing Page Builder

Mailerlite provides an intuitive landing page builder that makes it easy to create attractive pages without needing design skills.

• Drag-and-Drop Landing Page Editor – Allows users to customize layouts, text, images, and buttons easily.
• Pre-Designed Templates – Offers a variety of professionally designed templates for lead generation, webinars, and product promotions.
• Customizable Forms – Includes pop-up forms, embedded forms, and full-page forms to capture leads.
• A/B Testing – Test different landing page versions to see what converts best.
• Integration with Mailerlite Automation – Automatically add new subscribers to email sequences and segmented lists.

Mailerlite’s landing page and form tools are ideal for beginners, bloggers, and small businesses looking for a simple way to grow their audience.

ActiveCampaign: Advanced Customization and Personalization

ActiveCampaign offers more powerful and customizable landing pages and forms, focusing on advanced automation and data tracking.

• Flexible Landing Page Builder – Provides full control over design elements with more customization options.
• Dynamic Content – Show different landing page content based on visitor behavior and segmentation.
• Advanced Form Types – Includes floating bars, slide-ins, inline forms, and pop-ups for lead capture.
• CRM and Lead Scoring Integration – Automatically score leads and send them into the sales pipeline.
• Multi-Step Forms and Conditional Logic – Create personalized forms that adapt based on user input.

ActiveCampaign is best suited for businesses that need advanced lead generation, deep segmentation, and dynamic content personalization.

Which One is Better for Landing Pages and Forms?

• Mailerlite is great for simple, user-friendly landing pages and forms with essential customization options.
• ActiveCampaign is better for marketers who need advanced personalization, lead scoring, and sales automation.

Pros and Cons of Each Platform

Choosing between Mailerlite vs ActiveCampaign depends on your specific needs, budget, and technical expertise. Both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different types of businesses. Below, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each tool to help you decide which one is the best fit for your email marketing strategy.

Mailerlite: Pros and Cons

Pros

✅ User-Friendly Interface – Mailerlite offers a clean and intuitive dashboard, making it easy for beginners to create email campaigns and automation.
✅ Affordable Pricing – A generous free plan and cost-effective paid plans make it ideal for small businesses and startups.
✅ Drag-and-Drop Email and Landing Page Builder – No coding required, with beautiful pre-designed templates available.
✅ Good Automation Features – Simple automation workflows for welcome emails, abandoned carts, and drip campaigns.
✅ High Deliverability Rates – Ensures that emails reach inboxes and avoid spam filters.

Cons

❌ Limited Advanced Automation – Compared to ActiveCampaign, Mailerlite’s automation capabilities are more basic.
❌ Fewer Integrations – While it supports key integrations (like Shopify and WordPress), it doesn’t offer as many native integrations as ActiveCampaign.
❌ No Built-in CRM – Lacks a customer relationship management (CRM) system for sales tracking and lead management.
❌ Customer Support Restrictions – Free plan users only get email support, while 24/7 live chat is available on paid plans.

ActiveCampaign: Pros and Cons

Pros

✅ Powerful Automation and Workflow Capabilities – One of the best automation tools available, offering multi-step workflows, triggers, and dynamic content.
✅ Advanced Segmentation – Enables hyper-targeted email marketing by segmenting users based on behavior, interests, and interactions.
✅ Built-in CRM for Sales and Marketing – Ideal for businesses looking for email marketing + sales pipeline automation in one tool.
✅ Extensive Integrations – Connects with over 850 apps, including Salesforce, Shopify, Zapier, and eCommerce platforms.
✅ Multi-Channel Marketing – Supports SMS marketing, site messaging, and social media automation, not just email.

Cons

❌ Higher Pricing – No free plan, and pricing starts at $29/month, making it less budget-friendly for small businesses.
❌ Steep Learning Curve – The feature-rich platform can be overwhelming for beginners and requires time to master.
❌ Overkill for Basic Email Marketing – If you only need simple email campaigns, ActiveCampaign might be too complex and expensive.
❌ Support Limited on Lower Plans – While phone support is available, priority support is only offered on higher-tier plans.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose Mailerlite if you want an affordable, beginner-friendly email marketing platform with essential features.
• Choose ActiveCampaign if you need advanced automation, CRM integration, and powerful segmentation tools for a data-driven marketing strategy.

Related Posts

Conclusion

Both Mailerlite and ActiveCampaign are excellent email marketing platforms, but they serve different types of users.

If you need an affordable, beginner-friendly tool with essential email marketing and automation features, Mailerlite is the better choice. It’s great for small businesses, bloggers, and startups looking for an easy-to-use platform.

On the other hand, if you require advanced automation, deep segmentation, and CRM integration, ActiveCampaign is the best option. It’s ideal for marketers, eCommerce businesses, and companies that need powerful automation workflows.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget, business needs, and technical expertise. Whether you prefer simplicity with Mailerlite or advanced marketing automation with ActiveCampaign, both platforms can help you grow your business effectively.