If you’re running a SaaS startup, you’ve probably started with MailerLite or at least considered it. After all, it’s one of the easiest email marketing platforms, with a generous free plan and a smooth interface.
But here’s the thing: as you scale, you begin to bump into limits automation complexity, segmentation, deliverability constraints, or just needing more flexibility.
So you’re Googling “MailerLite alternatives.” You want something like MailerLite simple, affordable, effective but more powerful, more flexible, built for growth.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the best MailerLite alternatives in 2025 that are especially suited for SaaS startups. I’ve tested or at least dug deep into each one, weighed trade-offs, and will share mini-stories from real users.
We’ll also compare MailerLite vs ActiveCampaign, see how others stack up like MailerLite, and explore email campaign software that might just become your new favorite. Let’s dive in how to Win at SaaS Email Marketing Strategies
Why Look Beyond MailerLite?
Before we list alternatives, it’s worth reflecting on what might drive you away from MailerLite:
- Automation limits: For more advanced branching logic, behavior-based triggers, or multi-step nurture flows, MailerLite may feel constraining.
- Segmentation and tagging features: As your user base grows, the need for more nuanced segmentation becomes real.
- Deliverability control & reputation: Some SaaS founders report occasional hiccups when sending high volumes.
- Scaling cost: While MailerLite pricing is friendly early on, advanced features come only in higher tiers.
- Feature gaps: Things like built-in CRM, advanced A/B tests, e-commerce workflows, or multi-channel drip campaigns may be absent.
“EcoSend is a sustainable alternative to Mailerlite … generally cheaper”— Reddit user
What to Look for in a Solid MailerLite Alternative
Before we compare tools, here’s a quick checklist I use (and you should too) when evaluating email marketing programs / email campaign software alternatives:
| Feature | Why It Matters for SaaS | What Good Looks Like |
|---|
| ✔ Advanced automation & branching | Lead nurturing, onboarding flows, feature-usage triggers | Multi-step visual workflows, behavior-based triggers |
| ✔ Segmentation & tagging | For targeted upsell, churn prevention, re-engagement | Dynamic tags, conditional filters, custom properties |
| ✔ Deliverability & sending infrastructure | You don’t want emails ending up in spam | Tools with good ISP relationships, deliverability support |
| ✔ Scalable pricing & email volume | Start small but grow without price shock | Flexible tiers, overage policies, “unlimited” features |
| ✔ Integrations & APIs | SaaS needs to talk to product, CRM, analytics | Webhooks, native integrations (Stripe, Slack, etc.) |
| ✔ User experience & onboarding | Easier for your team to adopt, faster learning curve | Clean UI, good support, template library |
Top MailerLite Alternatives in 2025 for SaaS Startups
Below are six contenders I consider especially compelling for SaaS use-cases. All are viable MailerLite alternative options — each with a distinct strength.
6. Systeme.io
💡 Why it’s interesting
Systeme.io goes beyond email marketing — it’s an all-in-one business suite that combines sales funnels, membership sites, affiliate programs, and automation in one dashboard. Perfect for SaaS founders who want everything under one roof.
🚀 Pro
It’s ideal for startup teams who want to centralize operations and reduce costs by using a single tool for multiple purposes — from funnels to email campaigns.
⚖️ Comparison
Systeme.io is often promoted as a free MailerLite alternative due to its wide feature set — including automation, CRM, and course creation — without the premium price tag.
⚠️ But
If you’re focused solely on email marketing and automation, Systeme.io may feel too feature-heavy or complex compared to more streamlined tools.
Quick Comparison Table
Here’s a side-by-side glance to help you pick the best MailerLite alternative for your SaaS startup:
📊 Pricing Comparison Table: MailerLite Alternatives
| Tool | Entry Plan / Free Option | Key Limits | Example Pricing | Notes |
|---|
| ActiveCampaign | No free plan (14-day trial) | Pricing depends on contact count; advanced features on higher tiers | • 1,000 contacts: ~$19/mo
• 10,000 contacts: ~$189/mo
• 20,000 contacts: ~$311–$785/mo | Costs increase quickly as you scale. Some plans include send limits (e.g. 10x contact count). |
| Brevo | Free plan: 300 emails/day, unlimited contacts | Paid plans based on monthly email volume (not contacts) | • Starter (5,000 emails/mo): ~$9/mo
• Business (5,000 emails/mo): ~$18/mo | You may need to pay extra for add-ons like removing branding or advanced reports. |
| Omnisend | Free plan: 500 emails/mo to 250 contacts | Paid plans unlock higher volume and SMS features | • Standard: ~$16/mo (6,000 emails)
• Pro: ~$59/mo (unlimited/high volume) | Gentler price curve than ActiveCampaign; great for SaaS + e-commerce hybrids. |
| Moosend | Free trial (not a perpetual free plan) | Paid plans are contact-based; price scales with list size | • 500 contacts: ~$9/mo
• 10,000 contacts: ~$88/mo
• 25,000 contacts: ~$160/mo | Includes full automation on all paid tiers with unlimited sends within subscriber limits. |
| SendX | No public free plan | Pricing based on contact count; simple tiered structure | Pricing varies by list size | Requires checking their official calculator; still affordable and automation-friendly. |
Disclaimer:All pricing and feature details are accurate as of October 2025. However, email marketing platforms frequently update their pricing, free plan limits, or included features. Always double-check the official pricing pages of each platform before making a final decision.
MailerLite vs ActiveCampaign — A Closer Look
Since MailerLite vs ActiveCampaign is a frequent debate, here’s a focused breakdown (from my experience and multiple published comparisons):
💰 Pricing Gap
MailerLite is consistently cheaper in the early and mid-tier ranges, especially for basic email workflows.
🧩 Ease of Use
MailerLite has a more beginner-friendly UI. ActiveCampaign is powerful but demands more time to master.
⚙️ Feature Set
ActiveCampaign wins when it comes to branching logic, deep CRM, lead scoring, and custom automations.
🚫 Limitations
ActiveCampaign now enforces send limits (10x or 12x contacts depending on plan), meaning your costs can spike. MailerLite’s paid plans allow unlimited sends.
“If your growth plan includes automation triggered by in-app behavior, linking product usage to drip emails, or syncing deeply with CRM pipelines, ActiveCampaign becomes very tempting.”
Migration Tips & Strategy (When Moving from MailerLite)
Switching tools isn’t just about exporting and importing. Here are lessons I learned from migrating two startups:
- Clean your list first: Remove inactive users, bounces, and duplicates before importing.
- Map tags / segments carefully: MailerLite “Groups” vs new tool’s tag or property structure — preserve logic.
- Start with simplest flows: Replicate your welcome sequence first, then add complexity.
- Warm up your sending domain: Don’t blast full list on day one — ramp volume gradually.
- Test thoroughly: Ensure campaign logic, segmentation, and emails behave as expected before full switch.
By doing this, you reduce risks, deliverability issues, or broken flows that confuse existing users.
Note : We personally created accounts on each platform (MailerLite, ActiveCampaign, Omnisend, Moosend, etc.) and ran sample campaigns to check deliverability, speed, and automation depth.
External Resources & References
To make this guide as accurate and transparent as possible, we verified all details using the following trusted sources:
- MailerLite Official Site – For feature and plan updates
- ActiveCampaign Pricing – For automation and contact-based pricing tiers
- Omnisend Reviews on G2 – To verify real user satisfaction
- Mailchimp Pricing – To compare with “similar to Mailchimp” tools
- Capterra Tool Comparisons – For independent side-by-side feature data
- SaaS discussions from Reddit’s r/SaaS and Indie Hackers communities – For real-world founder opinions
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
- If you anticipate needing complex automations tied to product behavior, start with ActiveCampaign or SendX.
- If you prefer a more all-in-one stack / fewer tools, Brevo or Systeme.io might resonate.
- If you have a hybrid model (SaaS + upsell commerce), Omnisend is a smart pick.
- If you’re growing but still lean and want more without overpaying, Moosend is a strong middle ground.
Mailerlite pricing is quite friendlier early on, which is why many startups begin there — but when your needs outgrow it, you’ll want a MailerLite alternative that feels like a natural upgrade, not a crash.
MailerLite Alternatives FAQFAQ (People Also Ask)
Q1: What are the top alternatives to MailerLite? +
Some of the top MailerLite alternatives include ActiveCampaign, Brevo (formerly Sendinblue), Omnisend, SendX, Moosend, and Systeme.io.
Q2: Is there a free alternative similar to MailerLite? +
Yes, some tools offer generous free plans. For instance, Brevo offers a free plan (with daily send limits) and Omnisend gives you access to several features even in the free tier.
Q3: How does MailerLite compare to Mailchimp? +
MailerLite is often simpler and more affordable, especially for smaller lists. Mailchimp offers broader brand awareness and more integrations, but its pricing can get steep.
Q4: Can I migrate my email list from MailerLite to these alternatives? +
Yes, most platforms support importing CSVs, preserving tags or segments. Just make sure to clean and map your data properly before migrating. Many guides and step-by-step migration support exist.
Q5: How does Flodesk compare with MailerLite? +
Flodesk is more design-first and simpler in scope. While Flodesk focuses on beautiful templates and ease of use, it lacks some advanced automation and segmentation features found in MailerLite.
Q6: What is “MailerLite.com pricing” currently? +
MailerLite’s free tier supports up to 1,000 subscribers. Their paid plans (Growing Business, Advanced) scale as your list grows. Always check mailerlite.com for latest updates.
Q7: Why do people search “alternatives to email marketing” or “best alternative to Mailchimp”? +
Because businesses often outgrow their first tool — they want more flexibility, automation, control, or cost efficiency. Many start with free tools and later move to something more scalable.
