EmailOctopus vs MailerLite (2026)
Dirt-cheap email for growing lists — against — The best value all-rounder. 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.
| EmailOctopus | MailerLite 🏆 | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes: up to 2,500 subscribers | Yes: up to 1,000 subscribers |
| Paid from | Paid typically from around $8/mo | Paid typically from around $10/mo for 1,000 subscribers |
| Free trial | None | None |
| Automations | ✓ | ✓ |
| Landing pages | ✗ | ✓ |
| Paid subscriptions | ✗ | ✗ |
| Ecommerce features | ✗ | ✓ |
| Our score | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
Choose EmailOctopus if…
- You're primarily price-sensitive list builders
- Among the cheapest paid plans anywhere
- You can live with: fewer features: no landing pages, limited automation
Choose MailerLite if…
- You're primarily small businesses that want max value
- Consistently the cheapest reputable option for small lists
- You can live with: fewer advanced growth features than beehiiv/kit for creators
EmailOctopus vs MailerLite: FAQ
EmailOctopus or MailerLite — which is better in 2026?
For most people matching MailerLite's strengths (small businesses that want max value), MailerLite is the stronger choice — it scores 4.5/5 on our four-factor score. But "better" depends on you: choose EmailOctopus for price-sensitive list builders, and MailerLite for small businesses that want max value.
Is EmailOctopus cheaper than MailerLite?
EmailOctopus has a free plan (Paid typically from around $8/mo), while MailerLite has a free plan (Paid typically from around $10/mo for 1,000 subscribers). Vendors reprice several times a year — check both pricing pages before deciding.
Can I switch from EmailOctopus to MailerLite (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.