GetResponse vs Mailchimp vs ConvertKit: Best Email Platform for Writers (2026)

Picking an email platform is one of the most important decisions for freelance writers building an audience. The wrong choice means paying too much, missing features, or having to migrate later.

I've used all three platforms. Here's my honest comparison for writers in 2026.

⚡ Quick Verdict

  • Best overall for writers: GetResponse — Best value, includes landing pages + automation + webinars
  • Best for pure newsletter creators: ConvertKit — Clean interface, creator-focused, but costs more
  • Best brand recognition: Mailchimp — Familiar, but increasingly restrictive and expensive

Quick Comparison Table

Feature GetResponse Mailchimp ConvertKit
Free Plan 500 contacts Best 500 contacts (limited) 1,000 subscribers (no automation)
Paid Plan (1K contacts) $15/mo Cheapest $20/mo $29/mo
Landing Pages ✅ Included ✅ Limited on free ✅ Included
Automation ✅ Full automation ⚠️ Limited on lower tiers ✅ Full automation
Webinars ✅ Built-in Unique ❌ No ❌ No
Email Templates ✅ 100+ templates ✅ Many templates ⚠️ Minimal (plain text focus)
E-commerce ✅ Built-in ✅ Built-in ✅ Via integrations
Best For Writers selling services/courses Established brands, agencies Newsletter-first creators

My Pick: GetResponse

Best value for freelance writers. Free plan (500 contacts), landing pages, automation, and webinars included.

Try GetResponse Free →

GetResponse: Best Value for Writers

Best for: Freelance writers building a business (not just a newsletter)

Pros

  • All-in-one platform: Email + landing pages + automation + webinars in one tool
  • Affordable: $15/mo for 1K contacts vs $29 for ConvertKit
  • Generous free plan: 500 contacts, landing pages included
  • Webinars built-in: No other platform offers this at this price
  • E-commerce ready: Sell courses, templates, or digital products

Cons

  • Interface less polished than ConvertKit
  • Slightly steeper learning curve
  • Some advanced features only on higher tiers

Pricing: Free (500 contacts) → $15/mo (1K) → $49/mo (automation+)

👉 Read full GetResponse review

Mailchimp: The Familiar Choice

Best for: Businesses already using it, agencies managing multiple clients

Pros

  • Brand recognition: Clients know it, easy to onboard
  • Extensive integrations: Connects to almost everything
  • Good templates: Polished email designs out of the box
  • Analytics: Detailed reporting and audience insights

Cons

  • Getting expensive: Prices have increased significantly
  • Feature restrictions: Many features locked behind higher tiers
  • Email limits on free: Only 1,000 emails/month on free plan
  • Confusing pricing: Hard to predict costs as you grow

Pricing: Free (500 contacts, limited) → $20/mo (500) → $60/mo (automation)

ConvertKit: Creator-Focused Simplicity

Best for: Newsletter-first writers who prioritize simplicity over features

Pros

  • Beautiful simplicity: Cleanest interface of the three
  • Creator-focused: Built specifically for writers and creators
  • Visual automations: Easy to set up email sequences
  • Subscriber-centric: Manages subscribers, not contacts (no duplicates)
  • Great deliverability: Emails actually reach inboxes

Cons

  • Most expensive: $29/mo for 1K subscribers
  • Minimal templates: Plain-text philosophy may not suit everyone
  • No webinars: Need separate tool
  • Free plan limitations: No automation on free tier

Pricing: Free (1K, no automation) → $29/mo (1K) → $59/mo (advanced)

Which Should You Choose?

Choose GetResponse if:

  • You want the best value (features per dollar)
  • You plan to sell courses, products, or services
  • You want webinars built into your email platform
  • You're just starting and want room to grow without paying more

Choose Mailchimp if:

  • Your clients already use it (agency work)
  • You need extensive third-party integrations
  • You have a team that needs collaborative features

Choose ConvertKit if:

  • Newsletter is your primary focus (not selling products)
  • You prioritize simplicity over features
  • You prefer plain-text emails over designed templates
  • Budget isn't a major concern

Start with GetResponse (Free)

Test it with 500 contacts. If you outgrow it or want something different, migration is always possible.

Get Started Free →

Pricing Comparison (As You Grow)

Subscribers GetResponse Mailchimp ConvertKit
500 Free Free (limited) Free (no automation)
1,000 $15/mo $20/mo $29/mo
2,500 $25/mo $45/mo $49/mo
5,000 $45/mo $75/mo $79/mo
10,000 $65/mo $110/mo $119/mo

Note: Prices are for comparable tiers with automation. Prices may vary.

FAQ

Can I switch platforms later?

Yes. All three allow you to export your subscriber list. The harder part is recreating automations. Start with the right platform to avoid the hassle.

Do I need a paid plan right away?

No. Start with a free plan and upgrade when you hit limits or need advanced features. GetResponse's free plan is the most generous for feature access.

What about Substack?

Substack is great for pure newsletters but takes 10% of paid subscriptions and limits your control. These platforms give you full ownership of your list.

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