ConvertKit Pricing Explained: Free vs Paid Plans (Honest Breakdown)

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If you’re a creator trying to grow an email list, ConvertKit (now called Kit) is probably on your radar. One of the biggest questions people have before signing up is:

Is ConvertKit actually free, or do you need a paid plan to succeed?

If you want a full breakdown of whether ConvertKit is actually worth using, I cover that in my ConvertKit review for creators.

In this guide, I’ll break down ConvertKit pricing clearly and honestly, explain what you get on each plan, and help you decide which option makes sense for your situation.

What Is ConvertKit?

ConvertKit is an email marketing platform built specifically for:

  • Creators
  • Bloggers
  • YouTubers
  • Podcasters
  • Online educators

I go deeper into who ConvertKit is best for (and who it isn’t) in my full ConvertKit review.

Unlike traditional email tools, ConvertKit focuses on:

  • Simple automations
  • Tag-based subscribers
  • Clean, creator-first design

It’s designed to grow relationships, not just send emails.

ConvertKit Pricing Overview

ConvertKit has two main options:

  • A Free Plan
  • Paid plans that scale as your list grows

Here’s the big picture

ConvertKit Free Plan (What You Get)

ConvertKit’s free plan is surprisingly generous and ideal for beginners.

Included on the Free Plan:

  • Up to 10,000 subscribers
  • Unlimited email sends
  • Email forms & landing pages
  • Basic automations
  • Audience tagging & segmentation
  • Access to Creator Network

This means you can start building and emailing a list without paying anything.

Who the Free Plan is best for:

  • New creators
  • Bloggers just starting out
  • Anyone validating an idea
  • People who don’t need complex automation yet

For most beginners, the free plan is more than enough to get traction.

ConvertKit Paid Plans (What Changes)

Once you outgrow the free plan or need more advanced tools, ConvertKit’s paid plans unlock additional power.

Paid plans include:

  • Advanced visual automations
  • Email sequences with more control
  • Subscriber scoring
  • Advanced reporting & analytics
  • Priority support
  • Removal of some feature limits

Pricing increases as your subscriber count grows, which is standard for email platforms.

ConvertKit Free vs Paid: Key Differences

Here’s the real difference in simple terms:

  • Free plan = build your list + send emails
  • Paid plan = optimize, automate, and scale faster

If you’re just collecting subscribers and sending newsletters, free is fine.
If you’re selling products, courses, or running funnels, paid becomes worth it.

If you’re comparing ConvertKit with other platforms like Mailchimp, I break that down in my ConvertKit vs Mailchimp comparison.

When Should You Upgrade to a Paid Plan?

You should consider upgrading if:

  • You want advanced automation workflows
  • You’re selling digital products
  • You want deeper insights into subscriber behavior
  • Email is a core part of your business revenue

Many creators start free and upgrade only after they’re already making money — which is exactly how it should be. That upgrade decision becomes easier once you understand ConvertKit’s full strengths, which I explain in my ConvertKit review.

Is ConvertKit Worth the Price?

For creators, yes — especially compared to tools built for generic businesses.

ConvertKit shines because:

  • It’s easy to use
  • It’s built for creators, not corporations
  • It grows with you
  • You don’t pay upfront before seeing results

The free plan removes almost all risk.

ConvertKit Pricing: Final Verdict

If you’re deciding whether to use ConvertKit:

  • Start with the free plan
  • Build your list
  • Upgrade only when your needs (or income) justify it

That’s the smartest way to use the platform.

Try ConvertKit free here

Not sure yet? Read my full ConvertKit review to see if it’s right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ConvertKit really free?

Yes. The free plan supports up to 10,000 subscribers with unlimited emails.

Can I make money using ConvertKit’s free plan?

Absolutely. Many creators monetize before ever upgrading.

Does ConvertKit charge per email?

No. Pricing is based on subscriber count, not email volume.

Final Thought

If email marketing is part of your creator journey, ConvertKit is one of the safest tools to start with — especially because you can begin without paying anything.

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.