ConvertKit is one of the most popular email marketing tools for creators — but it’s not the only option.
If you’re a small creator, blogger, YouTuber, or solo entrepreneur, you might be wondering:
Are there better or cheaper alternatives to ConvertKit?
In this guide, I’ll break down the best ConvertKit alternatives for small creators, who they’re best for, and when ConvertKit still makes the most sense.
When Should You Look at ConvertKit Alternatives?
You might want to explore alternatives if:
- You’re on a very tight budget
- You want more design templates
- You’re running an e-commerce store
- You don’t need automation yet
That said, many creators start comparing tools before fully understanding what ConvertKit offers, especially on the free plan.
If that’s you, read my ConvertKit free plan explained guide first — it clears up a lot of confusion.
Mailchimp (Popular but Not Creator-First)
Mailchimp is one of the most well-known email platforms.
Pros:
- Lots of email templates
- Strong branding tools
- Familiar interface
Cons for creators:
- List-based system (you can pay for duplicates)
- Automation is limited unless you upgrade
- Gets expensive as your list grows
- Not built specifically for creators
Mailchimp can work, but many creators eventually outgrow it.
I break this comparison down fully in my ConvertKit vs Mailchimp guide.
MailerLite (Budget-Friendly Option)
MailerLite is often mentioned as a cheaper ConvertKit alternative.
Pros:
- Lower starting price
- Decent automation
- Simple interface
Cons:
- Less powerful tagging
- Fewer creator-focused features
- Not as clean for long-term scaling
MailerLite is a solid choice if budget is your #1 concern, but many creators eventually move to ConvertKit once email becomes a serious part of their business.
Substack (Great for Newsletters Only)
Substack is popular with writers and newsletter creators.
Pros:
- Extremely simple
- Built-in discovery
- Monetization through subscriptions
Cons:
- Very limited automation
- No real funnel control
- You don’t fully own your audience
- Not ideal for selling products or affiliates
If your only goal is writing paid newsletters, Substack works. If you want flexibility, ConvertKit wins.
Beehiiv (Newsletter-Focused)
Beehiiv is another newsletter-first platform.
Pros:
- Clean design
- Good for media-style newsletters
- Built-in monetization options
Cons:
- Less flexible automations
- Not ideal for creators selling multiple products
- Still maturing as a platform
Beehiiv works best for creators focused purely on newsletters, not broader creator businesses.
ConvertKit vs Alternatives: Why Creators Still Choose ConvertKit
After comparing options, many creators still choose ConvertKit because:
- It’s built specifically for creators
- It uses a tag-based system, not lists
- Automations are simple but powerful
- The free plan is generous
- It scales with your business
If you want the full breakdown of ConvertKit’s strengths and weaknesses, see my ConvertKit review for creators.
Is ConvertKit Still Worth It for Small Creators?
Yes — especially if you want to grow beyond “just a newsletter.”
ConvertKit works well for:
- Affiliate marketing
- Digital products
- Courses
- Coaching
- Long-term audience building
Many small creators start on the free plan and only upgrade once email is already making them money.
If pricing is your concern, my ConvertKit pricing explained guide walks through exactly when upgrading makes sense.
Final Verdict: Best ConvertKit Alternative?
Here’s the honest takeaway:
- Best overall for creators: ConvertKit
- Best budget option: MailerLite
- Best newsletter-only tool: Substack or Beehiiv
If you’re a small creator who wants flexibility, automation, and long-term growth, ConvertKit is still one of the safest choices.
If you’re still deciding, start with my in-depth ConvertKit review for creators to see if it fits your goals.
Affiliate Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I genuinely believe provide value.