MailerLite vs Mailchimp—which is better for smart marketing agencies like you?
Most blogs won’t give you a real answer. They’re written for solopreneurs, bloggers, or side hustlers—not agencies.
But if you’re an agency stuck choosing between these two email marketing tools, you’re not alone. On paper, they both look impressive — packed with powerful email marketing features, affordable pricing, easy to use, and packed with templates.
But here’s the catch:
Most tools like these are built with solo creators or small teams in mind, not for fast-moving agencies or multiple clients.
It becomes challenging to determine the better option when your daily client obligations and messages continue to increase.
The blog presents authentic testing results between MailerLite and Mailchimp across real implementations, cost analysis, advanced features automation, integration connectivity, successful capabilities, and performance weaknesses. The content targets agencies specifically, rather than starting with users.
We will also guide you to Centripe, which provides flexible solutions for agency needs since it combines email automation, live chat support, and CRM together with reputation management features on a single integrated platform.
This guide is your no-fluff, honest breakdown.
We’re not pitching for either — because there’s a third player: Centripe. It’s purpose-built for agencies who’ve outgrown duct-taping tools together.
Read on if you want:
- ✅ Clear comparisons
- ✅ Feature breakdowns
- ✅ Pricing transparency
- ✅ Plus a smarter tool option most marketers don’t even know about.
What you’ll learn
- Why Mailchimp and MailerLite fall short for growing agencies handling multiple clients
- What critical features are missing when you compare them from an agency point of view
- A side-by-side breakdown of pricing, automation, CRM, integrations, and reporting
- The hidden costs and usability issues that can hurt scaling agencies
- Why Centripe is a smarter all-in-one choice for agencies needing email + CRM + white labeling
MailerLite vs Mailchimp — Agency-Focused Overview
Both Mailchimp and MailerLite are made mostly for individuals or small businesses that send out emails directly using customizable templates . Users should consider that these reviews refer to basic setup operations since the majority of users belong to small businesses.
A comparison of MailerLite versus Mailchimp is not appropriate for an agency setup.
Agencies have their own set of challenges. Your work involves handling multiple clients and coordinating your staff while ensuring operational efficiency and safeguarding all client-related data.
The usual reviews of MailerLite vs Mailchimp don’t always touch on these points.
We’re looking at MailerLite vs Mailchimp with agency needs in mind. Both Mailchimp and MailerLite offer similar support channels including email, live chat, and landing pages, but access varies based on the subscription plan.
We’re not trying to push one over the other because our tool, Centripe, actually works well with both.
The information we provide about MailerLite against MailChimp serves your needs for genuine knowledge for selecting the right platform.
Both platforms feature a user-friendly email editor and a variety of email templates , which simplifies the design process and improves navigation, particularly for agencies handling multiple clients.
Feature Comparison Table (Visual Breakdown)
Here’s a quick comparison of MailerLite and Mailchimp across features that matter to agencies, including a generous free plan.
| Feature | Mailchimp | MailerLite |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Available (up to 500 contacts) | Available (up to 1,000 subscribers) |
| CRM Built-In | Basic audience tagging only | Not a true CRM |
| White-Label Option | Not offered | Not offered |
| Automation | Advanced flows available | Simple workflows |
| Email Templates | Large template library | Clean, modern templates |
| Client Reporting | Limited customization | Basic reports only |
| Usability for Agencies | Okay for small teams | Better for beginners |
| Support Quality | Live chat & email | Email-based support |
| Custom Client Portals | Not available | Not available |
Both platforms miss one big thing: they weren’t built for agencies. They lack CRM, white-labeling, and client-facing functionality.
A major drawback of both platforms is that they weren’t built for agencies. They lacks CRM functionality, white-labeling, and client-facing features.
It's time to stop duct-taping tools together. With Centripe, you can scale your digital marketing agency.
Pricing Breakdown- Which Email Marketing Tools Save You More?
Both Mailchimp and MailerLite expect payment according to their pricing structures. The cost increases when you expand your email contact list, despite offering advanced analytics.
The free plan by this company lets you access a few basic features.
Let’s break it down by contacts:
| Contacts / Subscribers | Mailchimp (Monthly) | MailerLite (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| 500 | $13.42 /month | $18 /month |
| 1500 | $30.35 /month | $27 /month |
| 2500 | $44.94 /month | $36 /month |
| 5000 | $67.69 /month | $45 /month |
| 10,000 | $88.70 /month | $99 /month |
| 15,000 | $142.39 /month | $135 /month |
| 20,000 | $169.24 /month | $162 /month |
| 25,000 | $198.42 /month | $180 /month |
| 30,000 | $227.60 /month | $207 /month |
| 40,000 | $245.10 /month | $252 /month |
| 50,000 | $268.45 /month | $306 /month |
| 75,000 | $361.82 /month | $360 /month |
| 100,000 | $449.35 /month | $396 /month |
Mailchimp price increase according to the number of recipients you reach and the tools you require in your plan. Their paid plans go up depending on how many people you email and what features you need. Additionally, Mailchimp charges for unsubscribed contacts, which can make it more expensive compared to MailerLite.
People typically view MailerLite as more affordable, although the number of contacts remains small. Their platform includes a free version, which offers better functionality when compared to Mailchimp’s free services. MailerLite’s paid plans include unlimited emails, which can be a significant cost-saving feature.
When adding subscribers to your list, the price of MailerLite continuously rises, similar to the pricing structure of Mailchimp. However, just like Mailchimp, the price of MailerLite vs Mailchimp increases as your contact list gets bigger.
The cost comparison between MailerLite and Mailchimp requires evaluation of this requirement.
Centripe does things differently. We understand that agencies need more than just email. Our pricing is made to fit how agencies work.
The platform offers CRM management along with client handling and reporting capabilities, which MailerLite and Mailchimp fail to deliver properly to agencies. Centripe arranges its pricing model to help businesses expand through predictable costs and provides priority support .
To see how Centripe can save you money and make your agency run smoother compared to MailerLite vs Mailchimp.
Usability & AI- Which Tool is Easier to Learn?
Mailchimp can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are lots of buttons and options, which can make it take more clicks to do simple things. The MailerLite versus Mailchimp comparison results in a slower process for team management in organizations.
The MailerLite interface represents a streamlined layout that most users discover effortlessly. MailerLite does not contain all the specific features that certain agencies would require.
So, while MailerLite vs Mailchimp differ in simplicity, both might lack the depth for complex agency workflows.
Centripe offers design solutions that specifically meet the requirements of agency operations. It’s designed around how agencies work, so it feels natural and doesn’t have unnecessary clutter.
This user interface means less time training your team and your clients, which is a big win over MailerLite vs Mailchimp.
Automation- Can You Scale Workflows Easily?
Mailchimp has some powerful automation features, but they can be quite complicated to set up. For agencies trying to quickly create automated processes for clients, the complexity of Mailchimp’s advanced automation compared to MailerLite’s simpler workflows can be a hurdle.
The automation system within MailerLite remains simpler, therefore offering suitable functionality for typical tasks. Both platforms also offer pre-built automation workflows, making it easier for users to implement targeted campaigns without needing extensive technical knowledge.
The lead nurturing and client communication functions available in MailerLite prove insufficient for advanced needs when evaluating MailerLite against Mailchimp.
Centripe offers automation that’s both easy to use and has the logic of a CRM built in. The platform allows you to establish automated email sequences for client onboarding as well as track their CRM-related activities.
This kind of integrated automation goes beyond what you typically find in MailerLite vs Mailchimp. A growing agency requires more than email communication as its basic marketing method.
Deliverability- Which Gets You in The Inbox?
Multiple reports indicate that the email deliverability capabilities of Mailchimp and MailerLite operate at a standard level, while lacking purchase tracking . The reputation of an agency toward its clients may suffer irreparably due to one delivery mistake.
For agencies trying to quickly create automated processes for clients, the complexity of Mailchimp compared to MailerLite vs Mailchimp can be a hurdle.
With Centripe, users gain enhanced control over email list segmentation as well as email send capabilities.
By using Centripe, your agency ensures better deliverability while safeguarding its professional image compared to the standard deliverability tools between MailerLite and Mailchimp.
Integrations- Will It Play Nice With Your Stack?
Mailchimp features integrations with numerous tools that are beneficial for users. Working with APIs that connect the platforms might present challenges for custom client solutions.
When looking at MailerLite vs Mailchimp, consider how smoothly they fit with your current tools.
MailerLite integrates smoothly with most tools because of its connection with embedded forms, Zapier and its other integration features. But for agencies that rely on a tightly integrated system, the number of integrations isn’t the only thing that matters when comparing MailerLite vs Mailchimp.
Centripe integrates deeply into users CRM tools to function seamlessly with its offered CRM features.
The integration needs of users become easier to handle because they do not need to operate between many different applications when using MailerLite or Mailchimp separately.
Having an all-in-one system can really help agencies stay lean and efficient.
Pros & Cons of Mailchimp
✅ Pros:
- Helps you send smart, automated emails
- Lots of ready-made email designs
- Lots of ready-made email designs
❌Cons:
- Becomes costly as your contact list grows
- Hard to understand for beginners
- Can’t add your own branding for clients
- The best features are only in expensive plans
Pros & Cons of Mailerlite
✅ Pros:
- Very easy to use, even for beginners
- Low cost and has a free plan
- You can create simple emails and landing pages
❌Cons:
- Not good for agencies that are growing
- Doesn’t have built-in CRM or white-label features
- Can’t handle complex email tasks or large teams
Best for Solo Agencies or Freelancers
Start-up agencies and freelance businesses should find MailerLite to be an effective solution for their automation requirements. MailerLite provides sufficient performance for such requirements, and the integration of lead generation tools can significantly enhance the effectiveness of email marketing for solo agencies.
It’s straightforward and usually more budget-friendly for smaller lists. In terms of ease of use, MailerLite wins at an individual level when evaluating MailerLite vs Mailchimp versions of the platforms. SMS marketing also plays a crucial role in complementing email marketing strategies for freelancers.
Your business growth will expose basic restrictions within MailerLite when you exceed basic needs and gain multiple clients.
Centripe, which is built to handle the growth and complexities of an agency, something that MailerLite vs Mailchimp aren’t really designed for.
Best for Mid to Large Agencies
When you have multiple team members, you need features like different user roles, task automation across the team, and clear permissions.
Mailchimp enables some user control features, yet lacks a dedicated CRM solution for managing client relationships properly.
Team management capabilities of MailerLite and Mailchimp fail to deliver the necessary solutions required by agencies, mainly due to the user interface . Most of the teamwork functionality is missing from MailerLite.
Centripe serves as an optimal platform that meets the requirements of businesses that operate as agencies. All communication, sales processes, and reporting activities, alongside email marketing functions, exist in the same unified platform.
The combined features within Centripe eliminate the struggle agencies face when attempting MailerLite-Mailchimp scale-up by not requiring separate tool integration.
White-Labelling: The Feature No One Offers (Except Centripe)
White-labeling means you can make software look like it’s your own, especially when you use specific email marketing tools . Imagine being able to offer your clients a platform that’s branded with your agency’s name and logo.
This is powerful for building your brand and keeping clients loyal. When you compare MailerLite vs Mailchimp, neither offers this crucial white-label option.
Centripe understands the importance of your brand, which can be enhanced with embedded forms . It allows agencies to present the platform as their own SaaS product.
This not only boosts client trust but also increases the perceived value of your services, something you just can’t achieve with standard MailerLite vs Mailchimp setups.
Client Reporting & Dashboarding- The Missing Piece
Your clients need to view the outcomes of your work efforts. They want clear, easy-to-understand reports that include metrics like subscriber engagement, which are pivotal for assessing campaign effectiveness.
With both Mailchimp and MailerLite, providing customized dashboards for each client is not really an option.
The standard reporting functions between MailerLite and Mailchimp need human intervention to display important information. Email client statistics are also crucial for understanding how different email clients impact campaign performance.
Centripe solves this by offering custom dashboards and branded reports that you can automate.
This adds significant value to your service by giving your clients the transparency they need and making your agency look more professional than if you were just sharing standard reports from MailerLite vs Mailchimp.
Support & Community- Who Has Your Back with Live Chat Support?
Mailchimp’s support can be slow unless you’re paying for a higher-tier plan. For agencies that need quick help, this can be frustrating.
The support structure of MailerLite receives strong positive reviews because it provides decent support, which is easily accessible.
Agencies receive next-level support from Centripe above other offerings. The company provides specialized support services that specifically address the distinctive operational needs of agency businesses.
Our team gives personalized setup assistance to help agencies achieve their goals. The human-first approach stands as a major growth factor for your agency, although it sets itself apart from MailerLite and Mailchimp services.
Why Smart Agencies are Switching to Centripe?
The basic features of email tools have reached their maximum capacity based on reports we received from numerous marketing teams.
They realize that just having email marketing isn’t enough to manage clients and scale efficiently.
That’s why the decision to use Centripe has become popular among these agencies.
Centripe replaces the need for multiple disconnected tools. It combines CRM, email marketing, automation, and client dashboards all into one system.
This streamlined approach saves time, reduces complexity, and ultimately helps agencies grow faster than trying to piece together solutions with tools like MailerLite vs Mailchimp.
FAQs
1. Is Mailchimp or MailerLite better for email beginners?
The MailerLite platform provides an easier user experience for new users.
2. Does Mailchimp support automation?
The setup of workflows becomes complex for users who are new to the system.
3. Is there a free plan in MailerLite and Mailchimp?
Yes, both of them offer free plans, but with limited features.
4. Which is cheaper as your email list grows?
The starting cost of MailerLite is lower, but both tools get costly as contacts increases.
5. Can we manage a client with Mailerlite and Mailchimp?
Not really. These applications function best for email management instead of delivering client management capabilities.
6. Does Centripe replace Mailchimp or Mailerlite?
Centripe can replace both by offering email + CRM + automation in one platform.
7. What makes Centripe better for Agencies?
As an agency platform, Centripe provides Customer Relationship Management tools alongside white labeling and client dashboards.
8. Can we create our own branded portal with Mailchimp or Mailerlite?
No, only Centripe offers white-label client portals.
9. Do Mailerlite and Mailchimp work with other tools?
The platforms enable integration with other software applications, although they provide restricted connections to CRM systems.
10. How can Centripe save time for agencies?
Centripe allows your team to perform their work at maximum speed with decreased effort because it integrates various tools into one platform.
Final Verdict: Which Tool Wins?
For individual users or very small teams with simple email needs, MailerLite might be a good starting point due to its ease of use and affordability.
Mailchimp provides extensive email marketing capabilities, yet it develops into an expensive solution, which makes management complex for developing agencies.
However, when it comes to meeting the comprehensive needs of a digital marketing agency, neither MailerLite vs Mailchimp truly wins.
Centripe is specifically built to address the challenges agencies face daily.
Centripe provides a total solution to agencies through its merger of CRM capabilities with email marketing and automation, and white-labeling features and client reporting. Centripe offers a complete solution that MailerLite vs Mailchimp simply cannot match for agency use.
