ActiveCampaign vs Kit (formerly ConvertKit) (2026)
The automation heavyweight — against — The creator-economy email platform. Same table, same scoring system, clear verdict.
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Head-to-head
Pricing and terms last verified 31 October 2026 — vendors change them often.
| ActiveCampaign | Kit (formerly ConvertKit) 🏆 | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No | Yes: free up to 10,000 subscribers (limited features) |
| Paid from | Paid typically from around $15/mo ( Starter, 1,000 contacts) | Paid tiers scale with list size (typically from around $29/mo) |
| Free trial | 14 days | 14 days |
| Automations | ✓ | ✓ |
| Landing pages | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paid subscriptions | ✗ | ✓ |
| Ecommerce features | ✓ | ✗ |
| Our score | 4.2/5 | 4.3/5 |
Choose ActiveCampaign if…
- You're primarily b2b and agencies running complex funnels
- Most powerful automation builder in mainstream email marketing
- You can live with: steep learning curve — overkill for simple newsletters
Choose Kit (formerly ConvertKit) if…
- You're primarily coaches, writers and creators selling digital products
- Creator-specific features: paid newsletters, tip jars, sponsor network
- You can live with: cheapest paid tier jumps quickly once you need advanced features
ActiveCampaign vs Kit (formerly ConvertKit): FAQ
ActiveCampaign or Kit (formerly ConvertKit) — which is better in 2026?
For most people matching Kit (formerly ConvertKit)'s strengths (coaches, writers and creators selling digital products), Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is the stronger choice — it scores 4.3/5 on our four-factor score. But "better" depends on you: choose ActiveCampaign for b2b and agencies running complex funnels, and Kit (formerly ConvertKit) for coaches, writers and creators selling digital products.
Is ActiveCampaign cheaper than Kit (formerly ConvertKit)?
ActiveCampaign has no permanent free plan (Paid typically from around $15/mo ( Starter, 1,000 contacts)), while Kit (formerly ConvertKit) has a free plan (Paid tiers scale with list size (typically from around $29/mo)). Vendors reprice several times a year — check both pricing pages before deciding.
Can I switch from ActiveCampaign to Kit (formerly ConvertKit) (or back)?
Yes. Subscribers export as CSV/JSON from either platform and import into the other. Automation sequences usually need rebuilding — map your tags and forms before migrating.