ConvertKit Free Plan Explained: What You Get & When to Upgrade.

If you’re a creator looking to start an email list, one of the first questions you’ll ask is:

Is ConvertKit’s free plan actually enough — or is it just a trial that forces you to upgrade later?

The short answer:

 Yes, the free plan is genuinely usable — and for many creators, it’s all you need at the beginning.

In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what the ConvertKit free plan includes, its limitations, and when (or if) upgrading makes sense.

What Is the ConvertKit Free Plan?

ConvertKit’s free plan is designed for creators who want to start building an audience without upfront costs.

Unlike many email tools, ConvertKit doesn’t lock core features behind a paywall immediately. You can launch, grow, and even monetize before spending a dollar.

If you want a full overview of the platform itself, I cover that in my ConvertKit review for creators.

What You Get on the ConvertKit Free Plan

Here’s what’s included on ConvertKit’s free plan:

Up to 1,000 Subscribers

You can build a real email list before ever upgrading.

Unlimited Email Sends

No monthly caps. Email your list as often as you want.

Email Forms & Landing Pages

Create:

• Opt-in forms
• Simple landing pages
• Newsletter signups

Perfect for blogs, YouTube channels, and social media traffic.

Basic Automations

You can:

• Send welcome emails
• Deliver lead magnets
• Tag subscribers

This is huge for a free plan.

Tag-Based Subscriber System

ConvertKit uses tags instead of lists, meaning:

• No duplicate subscribers
• Cleaner segmentation
• Easier growth long-term

This is one of the biggest advantages over tools like Mailchimp, which I explain more in my ConvertKit vs Mailchimp comparison.

What’s NOT Included on the Free Plan

To be transparent, the free plan does have limits.

You don’t get:

• Advanced visual automations
• Subscriber scoring
• Advanced reporting & analytics
• Priority support

These features unlock once you upgrade — but you don’t need them on day one.

Is ConvertKit Free Enough to Make Money?

Yes — and this is where ConvertKit really stands out.

You can:

• Build an email list
• Promote affiliate links
• Sell digital products
• Drive traffic to offers

All on the free plan.

Many creators don’t upgrade until they’re already earning from their list — which is exactly how it should work.

If you want to understand how pricing scales once you grow, I break that down fully in my ConvertKit pricing explained guide.

Who Should Use the Free Plan?

The ConvertKit free plan is perfect if you are:

• A new blogger
• A YouTuber starting a newsletter
• A creator validating an idea
• A solo entrepreneur on a budget

If you’re just starting out, there’s no reason not to use it.

When Should You Upgrade from the Free Plan?

You should consider upgrading when:

• You want advanced automation workflows
• You’re selling courses or multiple products
• You want deeper analytics
• Email becomes a core revenue channel

Until then, the free plan gives you plenty of room to grow.

ConvertKit Free vs Paid: Simple Breakdown

Free Plan

• Build your list
• Send emails
• Start monetizing

Paid Plan

• Optimize
• Automate
• Scale faster

That’s the real difference.

Final Verdict: Is ConvertKit Free Worth Using?

Yes — 100%.

ConvertKit’s free plan removes almost all risk for creators. You can start, grow, and test email marketing without paying upfront, then upgrade only when it makes sense.

If you want a deeper breakdown of whether ConvertKit is right for you overall, read my full ConvertKit review for creators.

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 believe provide real value.