GetResponse and MailerLite are both popular with small businesses, but they serve different needs. MailerLite is the cleanest, most affordable option for straightforward email marketing. GetResponse adds webinars, paid ads, and more advanced automation at a higher price point.
If you want to keep things simple and affordable, MailerLite is hard to beat. If you want more features under one roof and do not mind paying for them, GetResponse is worth the step up.
| Feature | GetResponse | MailerLite |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $19/mo | $9/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ Yes (500 contacts) | ✓ Yes (1,000 subscribers) |
| Webinars | ✓ Built in | ✗ No |
| Landing pages | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Visual automation builder | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Built-in CRM | ✗ Basic only | ✗ No |
| Ease of use | Moderate | Very easy |
| Best for | Businesses wanting webinars and broad features | Beginners, bloggers, budget-conscious users |
Pricing
MailerLite is cheaper at every tier. Its free plan covers 1,000 subscribers versus GetResponse's 500. Paid plans start at $9/mo for MailerLite versus $19/mo for GetResponse.
If budget is a primary factor, MailerLite wins. The gap is significant, especially for businesses just getting started.
Ease of use
MailerLite is one of the most beginner-friendly tools available. The interface is clean, intuitive, and well-organized. Most users can set up a campaign within an hour.
GetResponse is more feature-rich, which makes it slightly more complex to navigate. Still accessible, but there is more to learn.
Feature breadth
GetResponse includes webinars, paid ads management, and more advanced segmentation. If you want more features in one subscription, it delivers more.
MailerLite covers email, automation, landing pages, and forms cleanly. It does not try to do everything, which is part of why it stays simple and affordable.
Automation
Both platforms have visual automation builders that handle standard use cases well. GetResponse has slightly more advanced options for complex journeys. MailerLite covers welcome sequences, drip campaigns, and standard triggers well.
Choose GetResponse if...
- You run webinars and want them built into your email platform
- You want a broader feature set and do not mind paying for it
- Paid ads management alongside email is useful for your business
Choose MailerLite if...
- Budget is a primary consideration
- You want the most beginner-friendly experience
- Email, automation, and landing pages cover your needs
- You want a more generous free plan
The bottom line
MailerLite is the better starting point for most small businesses. GetResponse makes sense if you specifically want webinar functionality or a broader all-in-one platform and are willing to pay the premium for it.
Not sure which tool is right for you? Take the Marketing Automation Buyer's Guide quiz for a personalized recommendation, or compare tools side by side.