📧 Email & Communication Comparison
Buttondown vs MailerLite
A detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool for your needs.
Last updated: 2026-02-05
Buttondown
Free up to 100 subs, from $9/mo
Strengths
- + Markdown-based editor — no dragging boxes around
- + $9/month for up to 1,000 subscribers is the cheapest paid newsletter tool
- + No bloated features — it does newsletters and that is it
Weaknesses
- − Very basic automation — no complex email sequences
- − Only 100 subscribers on free tier; Substack and Beehiiv offer more
- − Minimal templates — your emails look plain (which some people prefer)
MailerLite
Free up to 1k subs, paid from $9/mo
Strengths
- + 5x cheaper than Mailchimp for comparable features
- + Free tier covers 1,000 subscribers with full email builder
- + Drag-and-drop editor that actually produces good-looking emails
Weaknesses
- − Automation is simpler than ConvertKit or Customer.io
- − Fewer native integrations — may need Zapier for your stack
The verdict
Which one is right for you?
Choose Buttondown if you want
- → Markdown-based editor — no dragging boxes around
- → $9/month for up to 1,000 subscribers is the cheapest paid newsletter tool
Choose MailerLite if you want
- → 5x cheaper than Mailchimp for comparable features
- → Free tier covers 1,000 subscribers with full email builder
In depth
About each tool
Buttondown
Minimal newsletter tool for people who just want to write in markdown and hit send
Buttondown is the newsletter tool for people who think ConvertKit has too many features. Write in markdown, send to your list, done. No drag-and-drop editors, no complex automation flows, no features you will never use.
Built and run solo by Justin Duke. The $9/month starting price is the cheapest in the newsletter space. The tradeoff is obvious: if you want referral programs, A/B testing, or complex automation, you need a different tool. If you just want to write and send a newsletter without the tooling getting in the way, Buttondown is refreshingly simple.
MailerLite
Simple email marketing at great prices
MailerLite is email marketing without the bloat or the price tag. Founded in Lithuania by Ignas Rubezius, bootstrapped until acquired for $90M in 2022. 5x cheaper than competitors because remote team + Lithuanian base. Great for creators who want simple and affordable.
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