Published-specification comparison. No affiliate links are active in this edition. Disclosure.
The short answer
Compare Kit Free for broadcasts to a larger list. Compare MailerLite Free for a small list with a short welcome flow. When you need automation beyond the free limits, compare paid tiers at the same audience size.
Neither is a universal winner. EmailOctopus is also worth checking if free automation matters at more than 250 subscribers.
Free plans: audience size is only one limit
Scroll the table sideways to see every column.
| Requirement | Kit Free | MailerLite Free |
|---|---|---|
| Subscribers | 10,000 | 250 |
| Monthly emails | Unlimited broadcasts | 2,500 |
| Automated follow-up | Not included | 3 automations, 5 steps each |
| Reader magnet | Confirmation-file handoff | File link in an automation |
| Check current terms | Kit plans ↗ | MailerLite plans ↗ |
Sources: Kit Free and MailerLite Free. Existing contracts and trial features may differ.
Paid prices at the same audience sizes
Scroll the table sideways to see every column.
| Your audience | KitCreator | MailerLiteComfort |
|---|---|---|
| 500 | $391,000-subscriber tier | $12500-subscriber tier |
| 1,000 | $391,000-subscriber tier | $191,000-subscriber tier |
| 2,500 | $593,000-subscriber tier | $332,500-subscriber tier |
| 5,000 | $895,000-subscriber tier | $495,000-subscriber tier |
| 10,000 | $13910,000-subscriber tier | $8910,000-subscriber tier |
Before taxes, monthly billing. Comfort’s sending allowance also matters; Creator and Comfort do not have identical feature limits. Use the finder to check all requirements.
Which workflow matches yours?
Check Kit when…
You need broadcasts and a file handoff to a list larger than MailerLite’s free allowance. A timed welcome sequence changes the free-plan answer.
Check Kit plans ↗Check MailerLite when…
Your list is small enough for Free and your welcome flow fits its step limit, or a checked paid tier fits both your audience and sending volume.
Check MailerLite plans ↗What changes when you add a reader magnet?
Sending a file once and running later follow-up emails are different requirements. A confirmation-file handoff can be enough for a download, while a timed sequence needs an automation. Count delays and other actions as well as emails.
See the official Kit confirmation settings and MailerLite freebie workflow. If you need BookFunnel, include its separate subscription and check the connection.
Before moving an existing list
- Identify the problem. Write down the actual missing feature or limit. If nothing is failing, moving may create work without a useful benefit.
- Map the full journey. Exporting subscribers does not rebuild forms, file links or welcome automations.
- Test before redirecting readers. Use a fresh signup to confirm list placement, delivery, follow-up and unsubscribe behavior.
What this comparison does not prove
We have not purchased these plans or run inbox-placement tests. Published limits cannot tell you which editor you will prefer. The Kit–BookFunnel connection remains unverified in our evidence. These are new-plan checks, not a promise about an existing account.
Compare your requirements across all three services, or look more closely at free options. An unknown condition should trigger a check, not a purchase.