MIGRATION GUIDE • 2026
How to Switch from Mailchimp to MailerLite
MailerLite's free plan includes full automation for up to 1,000 subscribers — more than Mailchimp's free tier which locks automation behind paid plans. At 5,000 subscribers, MailerLite costs $39/mo vs Mailchimp's $75–$100/mo.
💰 What you'll save
Switching 5,000 subscribers from Mailchimp ($75–100/mo) to MailerLite ($39/mo) saves $432–$732/year. Subscribers under 1,000 save 100% — MailerLite's free plan includes automation that Mailchimp charges for.
Step-by-Step Migration
1
Export your Mailchimp audience
In Mailchimp: Audience → All Contacts → Export Audience. Download the CSV file. You'll get all subscriber data including tags, merge fields and subscription status.
2
Note your automations
Write down or screenshot every active automation in Mailchimp. MailerLite has equivalents for all common flows — welcome sequences, abandoned cart, re-engagement — but you'll rebuild them manually.
3
Create your MailerLite account
Sign up at mailerlite.com. The free plan covers up to 1,000 subscribers with full automation access. Verify your domain for deliverability.
4
Import your list to MailerLite
Groups → Add Subscribers → Import from CSV. Map the columns: Email, First Name, Last Name. MailerLite auto-handles unsubscribes from your CSV.
5
Recreate your forms and landing pages
MailerLite's form builder is drag-and-drop. Rebuild your signup forms and update the embed code on your website or WordPress plugin.
6
Rebuild your automations
Automations → Create Automation. MailerLite's visual workflow builder is very similar to Mailchimp's. Build your welcome sequence first, then other flows.
7
Run both for 2 weeks
Keep Mailchimp active while you test MailerLite. Send a campaign via MailerLite to a segment, check deliverability, then migrate fully.
8
Cancel Mailchimp
Once confident, cancel your Mailchimp subscription. Export one final backup CSV first as an archive.
Ready to make the switch?
MailerLite offers a free plan / trial so you can test everything before cancelling Mailchimp.